Chapter 44: Chapter 44
Joon lay amidst a flurry of medical activity, surrounded by a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who refused to relent in their efforts to revive him. The room was filled with the steady beep of monitors and the soft rustle of medical equipment. IV bags dripped steadily, infusing life-giving fluids into his weakened body, while blood bags hung like silent sentinels, ready to replenish what had been lost.
Hours stretched into what felt like an eternity, the medical staff tirelessly working to keep Joon alive. Their faces bore the marks of exhaustion, yet they persisted, fueled by the sheer determination to save their patient. As dawn broke, casting a pale light through the hospital windows, a collective sigh of relief echoed through the room — Joon had defied the odds and emerged from the brink of death.
The news of Joon's miraculous survival spread like wildfire among the waiting members of Team 2, their worn bodies testament to the ordeal they had endured. Bandages and arm slings adorned their figures, serving as visible reminders of the battle they had fought alongside their fallen comrade.
Among them stood Jiyeh, her expression a mask of restrained relief. Though a smile threatened to break through, she suppressed it, unwilling to indulge in celebration while the gravity of the situation still lingered. With a nod of acknowledgment, she silently acknowledged Joon's resilience before turning away, her mind already drifting to the next course of action.
Finding solace in the anonymity of a bustling corridor, Jiyeh settled into a row of empty seats, her thoughts a whirlwind of introspection. The constant threats and dangers that loomed over her life, all because of her affiliation with the company, weighed heavily on her mind. Despite the rewards she had reaped from her dedication to SW Corporation, the toll it exacted on her safety and well-being was undeniable.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, a steely resolve emerged within her. With a determined exhale, she pushed aside the doubts and fears that threatened to engulf her. It was too late to turn back now, too late to undo the choices that had brought her to this point. All she could do was forge ahead, armed with the knowledge and experiences she had gained along the way.
With newfound determination, Jiyeh resolved to fortify her team, ensuring they were better equipped and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. It was a promise to herself and to those who depended on her leadership — a vow to navigate the treacherous waters of corporate intrigue with strength and resilience.
After the intense moments she had just experienced, Jiyeh sought solace in the familiar glow of her smartphone. With practiced precision, she navigated through the digital landscape, her fingertips dancing across the screen in search of a distraction. As she delved deeper into the virtual realm, her focus narrowed on a video that had caught her eye — a recording of the tumultuous events that had unfolded in the past 24 hours, capturing her and Joon outside the tunnel.
Engrossed in the footage, Jiyeh watched intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and introspection. The camera angle, carefully chosen to highlight her tears, elicited a wry smirk from her lips. "If this were a drama," she mused, "it would be a blockbuster hit. The cinematography alone adds a layer of poignancy to the scene."
Despite the cinematic quality of the video, Jiyeh couldn't shake the discomfort of having her vulnerabilities laid bare for the world to see. Her tears, captured in high definition, threatened to expose a side of her she preferred to keep hidden. After a few moments of contemplation, she made a decision — she wouldn't simply stand by and allow her personal moments to be exploited for public consumption.
With determination in her gaze, Jiyeh dialed a familiar number, her phone pressed against her ear as she awaited a response. With each ring, anticipation mounted, her legs crossed in a posture of quiet resolve. Though it might take some time to get through to the right person, she remained steadfast in her determination to take control of the situation.
"Hello, Director. I heard you've been attacked by someone. Are you alright?" The concern in the caller's voice was palpable, reflecting genuine worry for his boss's well-being.
"I'm fine, just a minor scratch, nothing too serious," Jiyeh replied, her smile audible in her voice as she reassured her subordinate of her safety. His audible sigh of relief conveyed the weight that had been lifted off his shoulders.
As the conversation shifted, Jiyeh broached a topic that caught her subordinate off guard. "Have you seen it, my video on the internet?" Her question hung in the air, laden with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Caught off guard by the unexpected inquiry, the person on the other end of the line hesitated, grappling with the decision to disclose the truth or feign ignorance. Jiyeh's keen intuition sensed his hesitation, prompting her to confirm her suspicions. "No need to tell me, I already know," she asserted, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Feeling as though he was being watched, the director glanced nervously around the room, half-expecting to find someone lurking in the shadows. His internal turmoil was interrupted by Jiyeh's next directive, delivered with unwavering determination. "I need you to do something. That video. I don't want to see it on any social network. I'll give you full permission to use all of our resources to make it happen."
Before he could agree, Jiyeh interjected once more, her tone taking on a more ominous edge. "If I still see that video, you'll be replaced." The threat hung in the air, sending a shiver down the director's spine as he grappled with the implications of his boss's ultimatum.
"Yes, Director! I'll ensure that video disappears from the internet within a few days," he exclaimed, his voice betraying a hint of desperation. The fear of being replaced spurred him into action, motivating him to fulfill Jiyeh's directive at all costs.
As he hung up the phone, a sense of unease settled over him, knowing that failure was not an option if he wished to retain his position within the company. The specter of unemployment loomed large, a stark reminder of the consequences of crossing paths with Jiyeh's unwavering resolve.
The person quickly tossed the phone onto his desk, the device landing with a thud that echoed through the room. With a sudden surge of urgency, he rose from his chair, his movements sharp and purposeful. Each step he took was heavy with determination, leaving a trail of confusion in his wake as he hurried past his bewildered colleagues.
As he passed by, whispers erupted among the employees, their curiosity piqued by his unusual behavior. They exchanged puzzled glances, trying to decipher the cause of his distress. Speculations swirled through the air, but none could pinpoint the source of his agitation.
Ignoring the murmurs that followed him, the person swiftly made his way to the meeting room, his mind racing with thoughts of the task ahead. Behind closed doors, he found solace in the familiar surroundings, the sterile environment offering a sense of clarity amidst the chaos.
Gathering his trusted team members, he wasted no time in addressing them, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. With a sense of purpose, he laid out the agenda for the meeting, each word carrying the weight of the responsibility that rested on their shoulders.
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