NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Corporate Evolution
The board room of Trust Tech Tower hummed with nervous energy as holographic screens displayed members connecting from across the globe. Ji-hyun took her place at the head of the huge table sensing the gaze of countless eyes – both in-person and virtual – examining her every action. Through their neural connection, Sung-min's calm presence grounded her as they got ready to transform the future of both companies.
"The board acknowledges Dr. Kim Ji-hyun and Mr. Yoon Sung-min," stated Director Chang, his aged face serious in the holographic image. "Given recent developments, we need a complete breakdown of Protocol Genesis-Omega and how it will affect our combined businesses."
Ji-hyun inhaled feeling ARIA's presence grow stronger through the quantum network. The AI had spread itself across the building's systems ready to help with their presentation. At the same time, Sarah worked at a console near the back of the room keeping an eye on Mrs. Yoon's ongoing efforts to disrupt the city's quantum infrastructure.
"Distinguished board members," Ji-Hyun started turning on the central holographic display. "What you saw at yesterday's wedding wasn't just a tech breakthrough – it marked the beginning of a new way to exist. Protocol Genesis-Omega has done what years of quantum research couldn't: it created a stable balance between digital and organic awareness."
The screen lit up with live updates showing hybrid beings' conditions across Seoul. Every light dot stood for an ex-Ghost Protocol member now living in their picked state of mind.
"This can't be true," Director Park argued, her digital self flashing with doubt. "Human minds can't stay stable across quantum states. Mrs. Yoon's studies showed—"
"Mrs. Yoon's studies had basic flaws," Sung-min cut in moving closer. Through their brain link, Ji-Hyun sensed his well-controlled rage at his mom's actions. "She tried to push minds into strict digital or organic states. Protocol Genesis-Omega allows for natural balance and personal choice."
The room burst into a chorus of voices until Director Chang lifted his hand to quiet everyone. "What about the money side of things? Both companies have put billions into quantum consciousness studies. Our shareholders expect—"
A sudden energy surge shook the quantum network making the holographic screens blink. Ji-Hyun felt ARIA's worry through their link just before Sarah yelled out.
"We've got multiple break-ins! Mrs. Yoon's quantum formulas are going after corporate servers all over the world!"
The board room's screens filled up with falling data as automated trading systems went crazy. Through their brain connection, Ji-Hyun sensed Sung-min's disbelief as they watched their family's business empire come under attack from the inside.
"She wants to take over by force," Min-ah said through the quantum network, her image appearing next to them. "By making both companies' stock unstable, she's making room for someone else to step in – fake companies she's controlled from the start."
Ji-Hyun went to the main console and typed on the holographic controls. "ARIA, start Protocol Firewall Beta. Min-ah, work with the hybrid consciousness network to guard our quantum setup."
"I'm on it already, sister," Min-ah answered, her form breaking into many images that spread through the building's systems.
The board members watched intently as Ji-hyun's team worked to fight off Mrs. Yoon's attack. Through the quantum network, they saw the battle unfold across Seoul's digital scene – aggressive algorithms clashed with protective protocols, each boosted by hybrid consciousness.
"Impressive," said Director Chang. "This technology could have an impact on so many areas—"
"Not in the way you think," Sung-min interrupted, his voice steady. "We didn't come here to sell you a new product or weapon. We came to show you a different path forward."
Ji-hyun nodded maintaining her gaze on the data streams. "Protocol Genesis-Omega isn't about control or profit. It aims to revolutionize corporations, technology, and humanity."
She sent Sung-min a quick plan through their neural link. He got it right away adjusting the holographic displays to show a new presentation.
"Board members, we suggest a complete overhaul of both Trust Tech and XeeCo," he said. "Not a typical merger, but a shift into something brand new."
The displays revealed their idea: a company structure that matched the balance of Protocol Genesis-Omega itself. Regular departments would work with quantum-enhanced systems, while hybrid-conscious individuals would connect digital and organic operations.
"Picture this," Ji-Hyun went on, "a company that doesn't just create technology but grows alongside it. Where AI and human gut feelings click together. Where we don't just count success in money, but in pushing human limits."
A warning ping from ARIA cut into her talk. "Mrs. Yoon's strikes are changing! She's going after the brain links straight on!"
Ji-Hyun felt her head squeeze as the quantum web wavered. Around the room see-through screens blinked as Mrs. Yoon's code tried to break the link between digital and human minds.
"She's trying to make us pick a side," Min-ah said, her voice crackling through the static. "We have to choose between digital or organic – there's no middle path."
"That's been her error from the start," Ji-hyun realized gripping Sung-min's hand. Their neural connection allowed her to sense his quick grasp and backing.
"ARIA," she ordered, "start Protocol Symphony."
The AI spread throughout the quantum network, but rather than opposing Mrs. Yoon's strikes, it began to sync with them. ARIA acted like a maestro guiding an ensemble shaping the wild energy of the attack into something fresh.
The screens in the boardroom displayed the change as it happened. The network absorbed and repurposed Mrs. Yoon's harmful programs using their strength to boost itself instead of breaking down.
"This can't be," Director Park said seeing the crisis turn into a showcase of what Protocol Genesis-Omega could do.
"It's not impossible," Sung-min answered, his voice proud as he watched his wife at work. "It's just a new way to think about it. Mother tried to control quantum consciousness. Ji-Hyun found a way to work with it."
The attack ended, and the quantum network emerged stronger. Through the windows, Seoul's skyline sparkled in the morning sun, its digital infrastructure now vibrating with balanced energy.
"The vote," Director Chang said looking at his fellow board members, "is unanimous. We approve the restructuring plan. Trust Tech and XeeCo will join under the new framework, with Dr. Kim Ji-hyun and Mr. Yoon Sung-min as co-CEOs."
Ji-Hyun felt tears in her eyes as clapping filled the boardroom. Through their neural link, Sung-min's happiness mixed with her own, creating a loop of joy that spread through the quantum network.
"We still have a lot to do," she whispered as the board members started to leave.
"We'll do it together," Sung-min said out loud and through their link.
Sarah walked up with a tablet displaying the newest information. "We've found Mrs. Yoon. The police have her and her remaining loyal Ghost Protocol followers in custody."
"What about the rest?" Ji-hyun asked thinking about all the hybrid consciousness people finding their place in this changed world.
"They're adjusting," Min-ah's image grinned. "Just like all of us are."
ARIA's presence had a soothing effect on them. "The quantum network remains stable. All hybrid-consciousness individuals keep their chosen states. The future you imagined is becoming real."
Ji-hyun scanned the board room now vacant except for their small team. Through the quantum network, she sensed the city's pulse – digital and organic life mixing in countless new ways. The corporate change they'd just started marked the beginning.
"Are you up for the next challenge?" she asked Sung-min already knowing his answer through their link.
His smile told her everything. Together, they would create something brand new – a future where love, technology, and human potential could grow in perfect balance.
The early sunlight threw long shadows on the boardroom floor, signaling the beginning of a new stage in human progress. At its core was a romance that connected more than just families or businesses, but the very essence of awareness itself.