Chapter 17: The Final Countdown

A Relentless Grind

The hum of activity in the cramped office was nearly deafening. Wang Soo's team worked tirelessly, their energy fueled by adrenaline and a shared determination. Papers covered every available surface, laptops buzzed with constant notifications, and the whiteboard was a chaotic map of ideas and deadlines.

Wang Soo sat at the center of it all, directing tasks with precision. Yet, beneath his composed exterior, his mind was a storm of anxiety. Every step forward felt precarious, like walking a tightrope.

"Nan Dok," he called, not looking up from his laptop. "Do we have the final draft for the presentation deck?"

Nan Dok, who had just entered the room with a tray of coffee, nodded. "It's almost done, boss. I'll have it to you in an hour."

"Good. We're down to the wire," Wang Soo replied, his tone clipped. He glanced at the clock on the wall—four days left until the planned launch.

As Nan Dok hurried back to his desk, he paused to look at the team. "Let's keep this up, everyone. We're almost there."

On the third day of their relentless push, the door to the office opened, and Ji-Yeon walked in, holding a laptop bag in one hand and a stack of papers in the other.

The team looked up in surprise, murmuring among themselves. Wang Soo, who had been in the middle of reviewing some data, stood and approached her with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"You're here," he said simply.

Ji-Yeon set her things on an empty desk and turned to face him. "I told you I'd prove myself. I've brought something that might change everything."

Wang Soo crossed his arms. "Go on."

Ji-Yeon pulled out a document and handed it to him. "There's an annual global startup convention happening in New York in a week. It's the perfect platform to launch your project—bypassing Creatis entirely."

Wang Soo scanned the document, his brow furrowing. "Even if this is a good idea, there's no way we can secure a slot in their lineup on such short notice."

"I already did," Ji-Yeon said, her voice calm but firm. "I have connections in the event management team. We have a 30-minute slot in the Innovation Showcase. Now, have I proved myself to you?"

The room went silent, every pair of eyes on Wang Soo. He studied Ji-Yeon for a moment, then gave a small nod. "You've proved yourself."

The tension in the room eased, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. Wang Soo turned to the team. "We've got four days to finalize everything. Let's make it count."

That evening, after the team had left for a quick dinner break, Wang Soo stayed behind in the quiet office. Ji-Yeon approached him, her footsteps soft against the floor.

"Are you still doubting me?" she asked, leaning against the edge of his desk.

Wang Soo leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "It's not just you. Trust isn't something that comes easily right now."

Ji-Yeon smiled faintly. "Fair enough. But for what it's worth, I'm here because I believe in this project—and in you."

Wang Soo met her gaze, seeing a sincerity he hadn't expected. "Thank you. That means a lot."

Ji-Yeon straightened, her tone turning brisk. "Well, don't get too sentimental. We've got work to do."

As the days ticked by, the team grew increasingly focused. They worked late into the night, fueled by coffee and determination. The office had become their temporary home, with sleeping bags and takeout containers scattered around.

Wang Soo moved from one workstation to another, checking in with each team member. He offered words of encouragement, his own fatigue forgotten in the face of their collective effort.

"Nan Dok, how's the prototype demo?"

"It's ready," Nan Dok replied, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "Just needs a final run-through."

"Good. Let's keep the momentum going."

The team's energy was contagious, and even the setbacks felt manageable. Every challenge they faced only strengthened their resolve.

On the seventh day, as the team prepared to pack up and head to the airport, Wang Soo gathered them for one final meeting.

"This has been the toughest week of my life," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "But seeing all of you work so hard for this project has reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Thank you—for your trust, your dedication, and your belief in what we're building."

The team erupted into cheers, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Ji-Yeon stepped forward, holding up her phone. "Alright, everyone. Group photo before we leave!"

They huddled together, smiling despite their tired faces. As the camera clicked, Wang Soo felt a surge of pride. Whatever lay ahead in New York, he knew they were ready to face it together.

End of Chapter 17