Chapter 24: The CEO's Leadership

I rode the elevator and pushed the 9th-floor button. I stormed my way to the CEO's office.

There's no way I am accepting this without any explanation.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself down as I arrived on the building's 9th floor. I slowly approached the CEO's door right at the corner of the hallway and paused. I hesitated for a bit. Do I have the right to confront the CEO about this? How can I be so sure that it's because of him that Team Leader Bae backed out?

I sighed and closed my eyes. I was about to knock on the door when someone tapped my right shoulder. I turned my head, and I saw Secretary Pyo with his wide-eyed smile, nudging me to step aside if I wasn't going to come in. It's 11 in the morning, and I bet the CEO is busy with the things he does. I stepped aside and watched Secretary Pyo turn the doorknob, and he entered the room.

He turned to look at me, "Aren't you going to come in?"

I gave him a faint smile and entered the room. I sat down at the sofa's receiving area. CEO Seo was busy looking over some papers while Secretary Pyo gave him the documents that he needs to look over and sign with them. I realized that CEOs are so busy managing the company, and why does he care so much about me?

What are his motives for doing these types of things? I am just a temporary office worker on probation who's trying to find the reincarnated prince, break the curse, and achieve love and work-life balance. Sea witches don't do anything for free as there is no such thing as free lunch in this world. I am sure that there will always be something in exchange. Is it because his ancestor did me wrong by taking my life in exchange for a pair of legs? Or is it because as he claimed that he liked me ever since we were in college? He knows that I am here to find the reincarnated prince and break the curse. I am not sure, and I think I am not ready to surrender to him when my fated one is the reincarnated prince.

These thoughts came running into my mind as I stared at him. Our eyes met, and he gave me a wonderful smile. He signed all of the papers Secretary Pyo gave to him and exited the room. I walked and paced myself in front of his desk and gazed at the scenery behind him. It was such a breath-taking scenery that describes Seoul's city, busy streets, tall buildings, and many people.

His eyes flickered, and both of his eyes turned into violet as he saw me, "You always show the turquoise color of your eyes whenever you feel threatened. What brings you here to my humble office?"

"CEO Seo, I will always be grateful to you, but." I inhaled. "Did you give Team Leader Bae a word to give up and give the exhibition project to me?"

"Did you come here to ask me that," His expression hardened as he leaned over his arms on his table, "Miss Li?"

I froze. I didn't expect any reply. Did I get ahead of myself too much? Did I think too highly of myself that he has the time to do that for me? I felt ashamed of myself as I lowered my gaze to the ground.

"Y-yes,"

"Well, you are correct. I told the writing team's Team Leader to give the exhibition project to you." His eyes went back to their original state, and he gave me a half-smile. "I did it as the CEO of the company, and I didn't want to have any internal and unjust conflict within any team members and team leaders in the different departments."

I felt him observing my face as I avoided eye contact with him.

"Don't tell me," he went back to read the papers he was reviewing and glanced at me for a split second. "Did you think I did it because I like you?"

I kept myself silent and stared at the papers he was reviewing, uncomfortable with the scenario. I brought this upon myself, and I mentally scolded myself.

"Well, you are correct." His tone was notably serious, and he glanced at me as I finally looked at him in the eye. "I did it because I like you, but if I ever witness anyone having any unjust and internal conflict within the company, I'm not going to turn into a blind eye like any other people out there."

"I see," I exhaled. "Thank you so much for explaining your side, sir. I apologize for the sudden confrontation."

"It's okay," He replied as the corner of his mouth quirked up. "You have the right to inquire as it involves you as a person. I am a fair and hard-working CEO, and people need to be heard to do their jobs better. Contentment and stabilization are important when it comes to working. I value everyone as a person, not only as an employee."

"That makes you such a great CEO, sir."

"Thank you," CEO Seo laughed, "No worries, I only have the extreme foresight and know what business plans will prosper and what will not. It's a plus that I am a good person with good leadership."

His remark got me crack a smile, "I am worried about the rumors going on, though. They were saying I got into the company because I am closely acquainted with you."

"Don't worry about rumors." He raised his left eyebrow as he gazed at me. "You don't owe them any money, and you are certainly not responsible for whatever they think of you."

He's correct.

That was CEO Seo Jinwoo, proving himself experienced and worthy enough of his position as the appointed CEO to manage the company. It made me realize a lot, I still have many things to know, and I am still too young to learn about life. Life doesn't always revolve around you, nor everyone cares too much about what you do. Life is unpredictable, and nothing is constant in this world.