My Girlfriend Is a Fan of Me

It was probably a happy day that could be called my first date with Uju. When I returned home, everything felt like a dream, and I lay on my bed in a daze for a long time.

I recalled Uju’s face, flushed as he looked at me in my swimsuit, unable to do anything. I couldn’t help but smile. He was so cute.

However, on one hand, my fists clenched at the thought of such a pure and kind kid having suffered a sad youth due to the machinations of those immature bullies when he was younger.

“…Secretary Kim? It’s me. Are you available to talk now?”

– Yes, Director. What brings you to call?

As I forced back my anger and called Secretary Kim, his voice came through within three seconds. It was something I hadn’t mentioned to him yet, but since I had already gotten permission from Father, I was ready to take action.

The reason I had been holding back all along, even though I could crush them, was that Uju’s feelings were the most important thing to me.

Even if they were trash, I would respect Uju’s wishes. If Uju decided to let everything go and forgive them, I would follow that intention because I truly believed it was for Uju’s benefit.

But now, that wasn’t necessary.

Uju had said that, as a person, he also wanted to repay what he had received back then.

So, all I had to do was respond to that desire as much as I could.

“Have you heard of a company called Semi Electronics?”

– Semi Electronics…? The company that recently started supplying to Changseong Group?

“Yes, that’s right. They’ve grown quite a bit in a short time, right?”

– Yes, indeed. Just a few years ago, it was a small venture company, but it seems that the technology they developed gained quite a response, leading to significant growth.

That’s what I understood too. The technology they developed was child’s play, but it was enough to grow a small venture company’s reputation.

Afterward, whether due to the owner’s skill or something else, it seems they managed to secure significant capital and achieved the current growth.

“I’m planning to visit that company next week, not as the owner of Changseong Corporation but as the youngest daughter of the Changseong Group, as a visitor.”

– You’re talking about that tiny company? There shouldn’t be a need for you to go personally; there are plenty of people who can go…

Secretary Kim responded with confusion, seemingly unable to understand my notification.

It was understandable. From my position, there was really no need to step into such a small shop that was practically a hole-in-the-wall. Of course, if it was something essential for work, that would be a different story, but at least for this matter, it wasn’t.

I just wanted to visit not for work but for something personal that I had to do.

“I’m fine with it, so just know that, and please investigate about the owner and family over there.”

– …It seems there might be more than just a visitation reason behind this.

Kim’s voice became heavy as he quickly grasped my inner thoughts, but I replied in a nonchalant tone.

“It turned out that way. I’m sorry for always making unreasonable requests.”

– Not at all, that’s my job. But may I ask what the reason is?

Kim asking this was probably not to change his course of action based on my answer. He was just genuinely curious; he wouldn’t have a reason to interject against my words, as he was like a sword that follows only its master’s commands.

“It’s simple. Uju was bullied as a child, and the ringleader was the son of that company’s owner. What’s more, it seems the owner even tried to silence it with money back then.”

– ….

There was no response from Secretary Kim.

It seemed he felt the severity of the situation to the point that it was remarkable for him to keep his composure even at this moment.

“I’ve already talked to Father. He said he would give me full authority concerning this situation. He also agreed to handle matters related to associated companies.”

– If the chairman has approved it, there’s nothing for me to say. However, if you don’t mind me asking, how far do you intend to go with this?

“Of course, to the very end.”

– …That was a foolish question. Then I will finish the investigation as quickly as possible and contact you immediately if there are any results.

Feeling it was something that had to be prioritized, Kim finished his response with a heavy tone and offered his greetings.

I ended the call with an apology for the late hour and gazed out at the night view visible from the balcony.

Soon, the flickering lights of a certain building disappeared entirely.

I turned away from it, thinking it was very much like the scene I desired.

*

Yoo Seung-jae, the owner of Semi Electronics, had recently been grinning from ear to ear.

Deals with surrounding companies were going smoothly, and most importantly, they had recently started supplying products to Changseong Group, fully putting them on track for success.

Signing a contract with Changseong. Just that single phrase in this industry brings about an impact beyond imagination. Just looking at the fact that the stock price of Semi Electronics, which had only recently transitioned into a corporation, started soaring immediately is proof enough.

‘If today goes well, it’s smooth sailing from here on.’

Despite knowing that the inspection team from Changseong Group was scheduled to visit today, he wasn’t particularly nervous. No, he thought this was an opportunity instead.

If this inspection went well, there would surely be an extension of their contract with Changseong, and the moment the contract was stamped, it was obvious that even more favorable attention would come pouring in.

For someone like him, who had done everything possible to create this company, this didn’t feel like a crisis at all. It was merely a stepping stone toward greater heights.

“Director! They say the inspection team from Changseong has arrived!”

“Hmm?”

Knowing the inspector would arrive soon, he was about to leave his office when a staff member dashed in, making him frown.

He had already instructed the staff on-site, so there shouldn’t be any major problems even with the arrival of the inspector, so why the fuss?

“B-but the person who has arrived is the daughter of the head of Changseong Group…!”

“What…!?”

But upon hearing the following staff member’s words, he realized this was no ordinary situation and opened his eyes wide.

Why on earth would the daughter of the head of the Changseong Group, second to none in South Korea, come here? There would be countless staff members suitable to send as inspectors.

“I understand. I’ll go out right away.”

Realizing it was not the time to hesitate, he quickly moved toward the large site building next to the office.

In the distance, he spotted a large group passing through the entrance. There was no way he wouldn’t know it was the entourage led by the daughter of the head of Changseong Group.

‘She’s brought quite the entourage with her.’

Unlike ordinary inspectors who would typically come with just three to five staff members, there stood a young lady surrounded by a crowd. He approached her, while mentally tasting his own nervousness.

“Greetings. Are you the inspection team from Changseong? I apologize for the delay in my introduction.”

Squatting low toward someone half his age was not a particularly pleasant sight for a third party to witness.

“Ah, are you the owner of Semi Electronics?”

“Yes. T-that’s correct.”

As if to drive the dagger in deeper, the woman, eyeing him with a cold gaze, opened her mouth with a tone that was almost insulting, making his forehead veins stand out.

‘What an ill-mannered girl. You wouldn’t know she’s the daughter of the head of the group.’

Considering her privileged upbringing, even in a meritocratic society like South Korea, her tone could not have been more off.

He promised himself that he’d throw a pinch of salt her way one day while maintaining a smile on his face.

“Could you show us around the site? We have other places to visit.”

“Ah, of course. This way, please.”

Despite wanting to retort against her cold demeanor, he dutifully led them around.

After inspecting the site a few times and checking the incoming products thoroughly, a brief evaluation soon flowed from her lips.

“Hm… This seems quite satisfactory. Among the companies I’ve seen so far, this one appears to be the most well-managed.”

“Thank you. Since we’re supplying to no less than Changseong, we must be thorough.”

With the news of the inspection scheduled today, he had pressed his staff hard to make sure everything was spotless, and it paid off.

The frustration he felt moments ago quickly vanished. With her praise, he grinned ear to ear internally, celebrating his success.

With such high praise, it was safe to consider the contract extension a done deal.

Seeing multiple checkmarks on the checklist, he clenched his fist, standing with a huge smile in front of the final conveyor belt.

“Alright, this looks like it wraps up our review. Great job, everyone.”

“Ah, the real effort was on the director’s part. What could we have done?”

Once everything was checked, he bowed deeply toward her as she nodded in satisfaction.

He couldn’t help but feel a certain expectation, licking his lips and rubbing his hands together.

Typically, inspectors of such high authority would hint at contract extensions and future advancements on the day of inspection.

‘How much will the supply quantity increase next year? I’m already salivating.’

Twofold? No, threefold?

As it was well known in this industry that the supply amounts of subcontractors dealing with Changseong were soaring, he was indulging in anticipatory thoughts.

“And before you leave, I should mention the considerations for our future contracts. I almost forgot that part.”

“Haha, of course! You’re so busy; how could that not be the case?”

While internally grumbling ‘how could one forget something so crucial,’ he smiled while waiting for her reply.

The executives of Semi Electronics listening to this conversation were also pretending not to be eager, filling their eyes with anticipation for her words.

“Starting next year, Changseong will no longer be receiving supplies from Semi Electronics. You just need to keep working diligently until this year ends.”

“……………What?”

With her red lips parting to deliver that thunderbolt, the air in the room froze instantly.

Yoo Seung-jae couldn’t comprehend what he had just heard, blinking blankly as if trying to regain focus.

His grand dreams that he had envisioned in his mind had come crashing down in an instant.

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