Riser
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29-49
🕑 Added 2025-06-28 22:07:52 +0000 UTCEpisode 49: Relief Pitcher, Lee Hyunseong
In the icy, frozen air of the meeting room, I walked to the podium without a hint of hesitation.
Surprised by my sudden action, Son Junhyuk tried to block my way for a moment, but I lightly pushed his shoulder aside and stood before the microphone.
In an instant, every eye in the room was on me.
The Japanese buyers’ eyes were filled with suspicion and disappointment.
Team Leader Kang Jooyoung’s gaze was a mixture of desperation and faint hope.
The other team members looked on with anxiety and curiosity.
Kang Jooyoung’s eyes flickered between desperation and hope.
Even Park Mina’s gaze was complicated and subtle.
All of it felt like spotlights pouring down on an actor on stage.
First, I bowed respectfully but confidently to the most senior, Director Tanaka.
“Director Tanaka, and all buyers-first, I sincerely apologize for any concern caused by our inadequate preparation.”
At my calm and fluent apology, the frozen atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to soften just a little.
“It’s true that there were some errors and shortcomings in the data presented by Deputy Son Junhyuk.”
I didn’t miss the chance and continued.
“However, I would like to say that this does not undermine the value of the key data we have identified. May I offer some supplementary explanation?”
As I finished, I looked Director Tanaka straight in the eye.
He regarded me for a moment, as if assessing me, then nodded faintly with interest.
“Very well. Let’s hear it.”
As soon as he agreed, I immediately linked my laptop and displayed the supplementary materials I had prepared.
Next to the data Son Junhyuk had presented, I showed the results of weeks of reanalysis and additional research.
“As you pointed out, Director, there was indeed an error in the sampling period of Deputy Son’s data. But if you look at this data analyzing the overall market trends…”
With enhanced logic and analytical skills, I acknowledged the errors while systematically explaining why our approach was still valid.
I visually reorganized complex data and clearly highlighted the subtle points of market psychology and consumer sentiment beyond the statistics.
My words flowed so smoothly that even I was surprised, and in my mind, the next explanation was already perfectly organized.
As my explanation continued, the stiff expressions of Director Tanaka and the buyers began to relax.
Their eyes shifted from suspicion to curiosity and focus.
“We are also fully aware of the cultural risks in the promotion strategy that Manager Sato raised.”
I moved on to the concerns of the young female buyer, Manager Sato.
“It seems Deputy Son’s explanation emphasized only the aggressive aspects, which may have caused misunderstanding.”
Rather than directly refuting Son Junhyuk’s plan, I spoke in a way that supplemented his shortcomings.
“The plan we actually prepared is not simply about directly promoting the product’s excellence.”
I presented a new promotion idea combining the codes of a particular subculture popular among young Japanese and a strategy for forming a sense of community.
It was a much more sophisticated and effective method, not just promoting a product but building a positive brand image and forming a fandom.
“Oh.”
A quiet exclamation escaped Manager Sato’s lips.
Her eyes sparkled with intellectual interest.
“You’re Deputy Lee Hyunseong, right? That’s a deep analysis and a fresh idea. This more than addresses the risks we were concerned about.”
“You flatter me.”
The atmosphere had completely turned around.
The once cold meeting room was now filled with heated discussion and positive anticipation.
The buyers no longer asked questions to Son Junhyuk.
All questions were directed at me, and I answered them smoothly, drawing them perfectly into my pace.
Glancing to the side, I saw Team Leader Kang Jooyoung staring at me almost in a daze.
Her eyes were filled with relief, amazement, and even a reverence I’d never seen before.
Son Junhyuk couldn’t even lift his head, his shoulders trembling with anger and humiliation.
Serves him right.
The meeting ran well past the scheduled time.
The result was a huge success.
“Wow, Deputy Lee! That was amazing. A brilliant presentation.”
Director Tanaka was the first to rise, approaching me with a satisfied smile and offering a handshake.
His eyes now held a level of trust and favor incomparable to before.
“I just added one last stepping stone to the path Deputy Son had paved.”
I made a point to give Son Junhyuk a little credit.
Of course, I didn’t mean it.
If anything, it was a subtle way to highlight his shortcomings.
I could feel Son Junhyuk’s shoulders shrink even more in the corner as I spoke.
Nothing makes a loser feel more miserable than a winner’s gracious compliment.
“Haha, Deputy Lee, you’re humble too.”
He laughed heartily at my modesty.
“I also know how hard Deputy Son worked. But I was truly impressed by the points you raised.”
He gripped my hand again, speaking earnestly.
“To be honest, I had some concerns about this project at first, but after hearing your explanation today, we can be confident as well.”
I smiled back at Director Tanaka.
“Thank you for saying so. I’ve tried to study Japanese market culture consistently, so I’m glad it was helpful.”
Of course, this was a lie, but my self-suggestion made it sound utterly convincing to Director Tanaka.
“Oh, is that so! No wonder your understanding was exceptional.”
His satisfaction grew even more.
“From now on, I’d like to discuss project matters mainly with you, Deputy Lee. Is that alright?”
“Yes, of course. Please feel free to contact me anytime.”
“Ha ha, that’s reassuring. I look forward to working with you.”
“And I look forward to working with you as well.”
I shook his hand with a relaxed smile.
Everything was falling into place even better than I’d planned.
Once the Japanese buyers left the meeting room with satisfied expressions, a brief, awkward silence fell over the space that had been so tense.
The team members seemed unsure what to make of what had happened, just glancing at each other.
Team Leader Kang Jooyoung was the first to break the silence.
“…Deputy Lee!”
She almost ran over to me.
Anyone watching would think she was about to hug me in excitement.
“That was really, really amazing. I don’t know what we would have done without you… It’s dizzying to think about.”
Her eyes sparkled like a child’s as she bombarded me with questions she hadn’t had a chance to ask.
“How did you come up with that? When did you analyze that data and develop that promotion idea…?”
“Please calm down for a moment, Team Leader.”
“Haa. Haa. Yes, yes. Sorry, I got too excited.”
Jooyoung caught her breath and fanned her face with her hand at my words.
I enjoyed the view of her ample cleavage peeking through her slightly open blouse.
“Anyway, you did really well, Deputy Lee.”
“You’re too kind. I just did what any team member should.”
I maintained a humble attitude.
“I was wrong. You should have been in charge of this project from the start. I’ll report this to upper management right away…”
“Team Leader, we can discuss that later.”
I cut her off at the right time.
There was no need to rush things.
Just then, the door behind us swung open with a chill.
Turning, I saw Son Junhyuk glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
He stared at me for a moment, as if cursing me, then stormed out of the meeting room.
From his retreating back, I could feel the deep humiliation and intense hostility directed at me.
The other remaining team members finally snapped out of it and began to approach me with praise.
“Wow, Deputy Lee! That was incredible! Your presentation was the best!”
“Right! The way you answered those tough questions without hesitation gave me chills!”
It was funny how those who had avoided or dismissed me now suddenly changed their tune, but I didn’t let it show and responded to their compliments appropriately.
Being admired by others was sweeter than I’d expected.
Park Mina watched the whole scene from a little distance, her eyes anxious.
I gave her a discreet signal, and she seemed to understand, her shoulders trembling.
She’d endured for a long time and done her part-soon, she’d get a fitting “reward.”
Back at the office, the atmosphere was completely different.
What had happened in the conference room had already spread throughout the whole office.
I heard people glancing at me and whispering everywhere.
“Deputy Lee carried the team, right? He convinced all the Japanese buyers by himself.”
“Really? What about Deputy Son Junhyuk?”
“He totally got wrecked, couldn’t say a word.”
“I didn’t know Deputy Lee was so capable. I thought he was just a quiet guy, but I see him differently now.”
“Honestly, I was sick of Son Junhyuk acting all high and mighty. This feels so satisfying.”
Just days ago, the looks of suspicion and criticism aimed at me had turned to admiration and awe.
Colleagues who wouldn’t even make eye contact before now came by with coffee or work questions.
Son Junhyuk was nowhere to be seen-maybe off somewhere to cool his anger.
With this, my reputation was restored and my place secured, but it wasn’t over yet.
This was just the middle stage of my plan.
My ultimate goal was always Kang Jooyoung.
As quitting time approached, Team Leader Kang Jooyoung stood and called the team together.
Her face now radiated satisfaction and pride in the team, replacing the morning’s anxiety.
“Everyone, may I have your attention!”
She spoke in a voice higher than usual.
“Today, our team pulled off a very important meeting! Of course, there are still challenges ahead, but we’ve overcome a huge hurdle.”
The team burst into applause and cheers.
“This was thanks to everyone doing their best in their roles, but there’s someone who made a particularly big contribution today.”
Her gaze naturally turned to me.
The team’s eyes followed hers.
“Deputy Lee Hyunseong. You really came through at a critical moment.”
A round of applause and light cheers erupted.
I stood and bowed slightly.
“And!”
Riding the excitement, Jooyoung announced some good news.
“Upper management heard about our success today and were so pleased with the results that they’re fully sponsoring a team dinner as encouragement!”
“Oooh!”
“Really? Awesome!”
The team’s eyes went wide at the unexpected news.
“Yes, so make sure you all keep next Friday night free. I’ve already made a reservation at a great place.”
A bright smile blossomed on Jooyoung’s lips.
That smile was so attractive, and knowing it was because of my achievement made it all the more thrilling.
“Wow! Team Leader, you’re the best!”
“Looking forward to the menu!”
Most of the team cheered excitedly.
Only Mina next to me forced a calm expression.
Son Junhyuk, who had returned at some point, clapped reluctantly with a forced smile.
As I watched them, my eyes met Jooyoung’s by chance.
In her gaze was a deep trust that hadn’t been there before, and a subtle heat only I could recognize.
I gave her a meaningful smile in return.
Next Friday night, I wondered what kind of moans that innocent, trusting smile would turn into before me.
The time to harvest the fruit was not far off.
