Capítulo 15: Chapter 15: Diverging Paths and New Allies
The Roots of Resentment
Albeirt paced in his dimly lit office, frustration etched deeply on his face. The coffee on his desk had gone cold, untouched for hours. Despite his efforts, Wang Soo's project remained a mystery. His attempts to collaborate with Yura and Han Ko had proved fruitless; their ideas were limited, and their suspicion of Ja Hid had yielded no actionable results.
"We're running out of time," Albeirt muttered, staring at a pinboard filled with photos and notes about Wang Soo and his associates. He needed a new strategy. Yura and Han Ko couldn't carry out the level of sabotage he envisioned—they lacked the tenacity and cunning. No, he had to find others who shared his disdain for Wang Soo.
Albeirt opened his contact list, scrolling past names until he landed on a few he knew had clashed with Wang Soo in the past. The faintest of smirks crossed his lips as he dialed a number.
"Hello, it's Albeirt. I believe we have a common interest in seeing someone fail."
The voice on the other end hesitated before responding, "What are you proposing?"
"A partnership. Let's talk."
Wang Soo had always been a polarizing figure in his industry. His intellect and determination often placed him ahead of his peers, but his blunt manner and unyielding honesty alienated many. Where others navigated workplace dynamics with careful diplomacy, Wang Soo barreled through with the confidence of someone who knew he was right. To his detractors, his behavior felt like an affront.
In the earlier days of his career, Wang Soo had been invited to collaborate on projects with seasoned professionals. But his insights, though often correct, were delivered with an air of superiority that grated on his colleagues. Senior team members who had spent years honing their craft found themselves undermined by his seemingly effortless brilliance.
"You think you know better than us, don't you?" Mr. Jang, a senior marketing strategist, had snapped during a heated discussion. Wang Soo's response—a meticulous explanation of why their approach was flawed—had only made matters worse.
Ms. Oh, a veteran designer, had once told him, "Your ideas might work in theory, but they're not practical. Stop acting like you're the only one who knows anything."
Even Director Choi, a high-ranking executive, had taken issue with Wang Soo's straightforward critiques in team meetings. "There's a way to present feedback without making others feel incompetent," he had said, clearly exasperated.
By the time Wang Soo realized how deeply his words had offended others, it was too late. The seeds of resentment had been sown. Over time, many in his field began to view him not as a prodigy but as an arrogant upstart who disrespected his elders.
Even when Wang Soo offered genuine help, his peers perceived it as condescension. Kim Eun-soo, an older consultant, had once rejected his advice, saying, "You think I need your charity?" Park Min-jun, a senior project manager, often muttered under his breath about Wang Soo's rapid promotions, resenting what he saw as undeserved success.
Meanwhile, Wang Soo sat in the modest office space of his temporary operations hub, poring over a list of potential recruits to fill Ja Hid's role. The challenge wasn't just finding skilled individuals; it was finding people he could trust.
Nan Dok, seated across from him, looked up from his laptop. "Boss, any progress?"
Wang Soo shook his head. "Not yet. Most of the people I trust are already tied up with their own commitments. And the ones available..." He trailed off, his expression grim.
"They don't trust you," Nan Dok finished for him.
Wang Soo sighed. "I don't blame them. I wasn't exactly easy to work with back in the day."
Nan Dok hesitated before speaking. "They might not see it now, but you've changed. Anyone who gets to know you now would see that."
"I appreciate that, Dok," Wang Soo said with a faint smile. "But convincing others is another story."
As they brainstormed potential candidates, Wang Soo's phone buzzed. It was Lee, asking him to meet her in the bakery's kitchen. He excused himself, leaving Nan Dok to continue the search.
Lee stood at the counter, kneading dough with practiced ease. She didn't look up as Wang Soo entered. "You're pushing yourself too hard," she said.
"I don't have a choice," Wang Soo replied, leaning against the counter. "We're running out of time, and I can't afford to fail."
Lee stopped kneading and turned to face him. "I get that. But don't forget you're not doing this alone. And don't think for a second that I'm going to stand by and watch you burn yourself out."
Wang Soo smiled faintly. "Thanks, Lee. I'll be careful."
Her expression softened. "You better be. And remember, you don't have to carry all of this on your own. Lean on the people who care about you. That's what we're here for."
He nodded, her words sinking in. "I'll try."
Albeirt met with his new contacts in a secluded bar late that evening. The group consisted of disgruntled professionals from Wang Soo's past—individuals who had clashed with him during his meteoric rise.
"Wang Soo always thought he was better than us," Mr. Jang sneered, nursing his drink. "It's about time he got what's coming to him."
Ms. Oh nodded in agreement. "He never respected us. Always pointing out our flaws like he was some kind of genius."
Albeirt leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Then you'll be happy to hear I have a plan. But I'll need your cooperation."
"What kind of plan?" Director Choi asked, skeptical.
"A way to ensure his project fails. Permanently."
As Albeirt laid out his scheme, the group listened intently, their shared resentment fueling their willingness to join forces. For Albeirt, the pieces of his plan were finally falling into place.
Late that night, Wang Soo sat alone in the small garden behind Lee's family home. The cool air and the soft rustle of leaves provided a brief respite from his worries. He thought about the challenges ahead and the people who had stood by him despite everything.
Lee joined him, bringing two cups of tea. She handed him one and sat beside him. "What's on your mind?"
"Everything," he admitted. "Finding people I can trust, finishing the project, proving to myself—and everyone else—that I'm not a failure."
Lee reached over, placing a hand on his. "You've already proven that to me. And you'll prove it to everyone else too. Just take it one step at a time."
He squeezed her hand, a small but genuine smile forming. "Thanks, Lee. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As they sat together, Wang Soo felt a flicker of hope. The road ahead was daunting, but with the support of those who believed in him, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
End of Chapter 15.
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