Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan

Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 024

Life Extension

After a wild weekend, Monday morning arrived as expected.

As soon as I got to work, I was greeted by a stack of pending approval documents and an emergency meeting triggered by the news of Seo Eun ha’s romantic involvement.

In the meeting room, the leader of the PR team and the leader of the management team were heatedly discussing, and I was feeling the lack of immunity to Monday disease, despite having rested well.

“Do we really need to get involved in this?”

“It’s not going to work. Those people have been rolling around with Han Seung Tae all night trying to cut ties with him. We don’t matter at all.”

“They knew about this relationship and supported it when it was financially beneficial, but now that it’s causing trouble, they’re pretending they didn’t know? Their CEO even threatened to take Eun ha away! This whole romantic involvement rumor was clearly orchestrated by them! Is it right to just sit back because they’re busy?”

For your reference, the leader of the PR team was the one passionately expressing anger. The leader of the management team, who had been scolded for going to the Dawn clan gathering last week, cautiously observed my reactions, then spoke with a self-deprecating tone.

“What can we do? It’s not like we’re an S-tier hero clan. We’ve been in a similar situation before. Just as the PR team didn’t have the capacity to intervene when they came for us with a siege, we don’t have much influence either.”

“Yes? Well, that was a matter of competition in terms of merchandise…”

“Anyway, now that Eun ha’s innocence has been proven, we should focus on restoring her image. Is it appropriate to bring up the topic of apologies and lawsuits in the current situation? I’m not sure.”

Listening to the two department leaders’ inexplicable argument, I realized something belatedly. Their tactics had changed compared to a month ago. Being more active in offering opinions or pointing out the other side’s mistakes, this proactive attitude in meetings was nothing less than an internal power struggle.

‘A favorable turn, huh?’

It seemed like they were confident that the Harmony Clan would grow into a large corporation. It made sense that they wanted to secure points or constrain competitors before the clan expanded further. It all seemed like a part of the harsh realities of corporate life.

‘I don’t there are any great ideas, so let’s stop here.’

Let’s consider this as a signal for our employees who are thirsty for promotions to work harder instead of unnecessarily exhausting themselves in a fight.

A positive mindset is the foundation of stress management, right? Of course, it would have been better if more productive discussions had taken place, but… it’s not easy for these people to come up with a strategy that would impress me, they are the culprits, and I have charisma buffs running in my head.

“We should film terrestrial variety shows. The ones with good ratings.”

“What? Terrestrial TV?”

“Variety shows, you mean?”

The two team leaders, who were glaring at each other, expressed strong skepticism. The question “Why variety shows when we should be preparing for the upcoming showdown?” was about to explode like a volcano, but my clever brain concluded that a weekend variety show was the best choice to extend my remaining life by one more month.

Since the rumors about Seo Eun ha’s romantic involvement and the illegal operations of the club had surfaced, the public’s reaction towards us had cooled off. Engaging in variety show was a practical strategy to improve our corporate image. I proposed cooperation to boost efficiency.

Through an variety show, we aim to raise awareness of our members while simultaneously highlighting how ethically our clan is being run.

“Many offers have come in for appearances, haven’t they?”

“Yes, they have, but…”

“Schedule a weekend variety show as soon as possible. However, the condition is that we can write the script as we want. Both of you will handle this together. It’s also an opportunity to build relationships with the broadcasting companies.”

I suggested collaboration to boost efficiency. The department leaders, who were initially worried, soon understood that my directive was an opportunity to achieve results. My day as the CEO remained challenging.

Most of the afternoon was spent organizing unpaid expenses for the new Finance team leader and filling gaps that could be suspected of embezzlement. I had to burn my brain white.

While it could be delegated to the employees, sensitive matters like this were better handled by fewer people for a reason.

‘I need to look at this too.’

Taking a short break with a cup of coffee, I displayed a report that had arrived via messenger.

[Proposal for Integrated Fan Cafe]

Since I had suggested the planning intentions, I decided to avoid further discussion and moved on to the planning page for the website.

I outsourced the work to an external web design company called ‘Apple Board’ and formulated the categories with straightforward wordings like announcements, fan art bulletin board, humor, events, and more.

Additionally, the expected website design was attached, which reminded me of a webtoon site that the CEO had bought a few months ago.

“Hmm…”

They said he bought a site that initially thrived with the call of the times but ended up failing. He spent billions and just blew it all away.

It had been exactly six months since the CEO enthusiastically proclaimed at a company dinner that the era of cultural content had arrived and that we should risk our lives to face the financial storm.

‘I have a bad feeling about this.’

This integrated fan cafe had that same vibe. Businessmen placed their trust and pushed forward, only to lose the money. Where it wasn’t just a few pennies, but this was somewhere in between, an ambiguous space, not quite a fan cafe nor a community.

‘The target is unclear.’

The concept of an integrated fan cafe was already unfamiliar, and especially considering the strong fandom of Seo Eun ha, it was likely to receive responses like, “Who are you to force this upon us?” or “We’re only interested in Eun ha,” from existing fans.

Even considering that, I believed that the long-term benefits of network effects would far outweigh the drawbacks. However, when I looked at the proposal, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it might not work out as planned.

“Ugh…”

There was no choice but to rewrite the report as per the instructions.

‘They say the place makes the person.’

I found myself doing what the CEO used to do during my time at the company. Laborers and users, each with their own high-rise.

This is what they call a high-rise…

Sigh… Sigh…

My daily labor quota had reached its limit. I leaned back, letting the cushioned backrest provide some comfort to my weary back.

Didn’t they say that having a pet is good for your mental health? Lately, I’ve been feeling that statement more than ever.

When my head hurt, I would hold this furry one close and seek comfort to calm my mind. I was still doing it now.

“Grrrr… Grrr…”

Whether it was due to my improved mood or not, this furry one was making content growling noises. It felt like a giant piece of melting bread on my lap when I looked down from above.

Slurp.

I pulled back the curtain.

The world was tinted in the hues of twilight. It was only then that I realized it was evening when I checked the time.

As I listened to the distant rumbling, I felt hungry. It had been a few days since I completed the renovation of the company cafeteria.

In this industry, there is a strange rumor that the clan’s cafeteria is the face of the clan.

It’s not unfounded, as the six major clans often compare the quality of their in-house cafeterias in marketing materials, including posts and videos.

So, we spent a good amount of money on it. With determination, we recruited a former hotel chef as our cook. I eagerly descended the stairs with the expectation of enjoying a delicious dinner.

“……!”

It was just that, but I seemed to make the woman who was wandering around on the 4th-floor lobby uncomfortable.

“Uh, hello….?”

The woman turned out to be Hero Seo Eun ha. She seemed to be embarrassed, as if she had been caught doing something embarrassing. But why was she here at this hour? The group training should have just ended according to the schedule.

“Why are you acting like this?”

“Oh, no. That’s… um, yes?”

“Do you have something to say to me?”

“Uh, that… yes?”

“Have you had dinner?”

“Dinner? Not yet.”

“Then let’s eat together and talk.”

“Yes? Okay…”

Eun ha looked more nervous than usual, as if she had been through a lot of emotional turmoil due to the dating rumors.

Underground 1st-floor cafeteria in the company building. Today’s menu allowed us to choose between Korean and Western cuisine. It was open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM and was free for both employees and clan members.

“Have you used this place before?”

“Yes! The food here is really good.”

“That’s good to hear.”

I chose Korean cuisine, while Eun ha went for Western. I had beef brisket soup, and she had an Indian-style curry with plenty of chicken. Since it was dinner time, the place was empty. Dinner was only provided to those working late, so not many people would choose to stay late and eat for free.

After a sip of the hot broth, I thought to myself, ‘I did well not to be stingy’. Eun ha had eaten a lot, and we both enjoyed our meals without saying much. I dipped the onion and chili in the ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), ensuring I got my vitamins. It was a satisfying and comforting meal.

In this state, it seems like the clan members won’t mind complaining about anything.

‘Shall I hear them out?’

I had a rough idea of what she might be thinking. With all the rumors about her dating scandal and the clan not seeming to work properly, she probably felt that it was resolved randomly, and she had some complaints about it.

“Speak up. Stop looking so hesitant.”

“Ah…”

Eun ha, who was clinking her spoon, hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked in a soft voice.

“Han Seung Tae… Did the Clan Leader… do it?”

“Hmm?”

I couldn’t understand. How could she ask such a question? The operation went perfectly.

I hadn’t shared any information about this operation with anyone in the clan, not even with Secretary Hwang.

“What are you talking about?”

“Um, nothing.”

“Just out of the blue. What did I do?”

”

Han Seung Tae is being prosecuted. Wasn’t it done by the Clan Leader?”

“……”

I felt dizzy.

I never thought a question like this would come up.

This indicates that she’s asking me with confidence if I manipulated Han Seung Tae. Where could there be a gap? I even concealed my identity from the the head of secret agency.

‘Could there be a loophole?’

I’ve run simulations multiple times with my smart head to maintain secrecy before executing the operation, so how could this have a hole in it?

It’s strange. Let’s deny it.

“Did I seem that idle to you?”

“Uh… I’m sorry. I must have been mistaken.”

“Making such strange mistakes. Just finish your meal.”

“Yes.”

The atmosphere grew awkward. Even if I tried to figure out how she came up with such an imagination, it would only reveal my uneasiness.

Ding~.

A message arrived. The sender was Management Team Leader 1.

– Reporting.

–

– Confirmed appearance on MBS ‘The World They Live In’.

–

– The shooting schedule is this week…

–

“Not bad.”

The variety show is scheduled to air in two weeks. To create some buzz, I informed Eun ha about the news. A bright smile appeared on her face, which had been lost in deep thought.

“Really?!”

“Yes.”

“Wow! Can I brag about this to the fans… Is that okay?”

Eun ha hesitated after asking, her voice slowly fading.

She’s not entirely thoughtless, so she must have learned a lot from this opportunity. It should be okay to allow this much.

She’s been managing herself quite well.

“Yes. But from now on, whenever you post important stuff on SNS, you must consult with us.”

“Okay… I’ll definitely consult before posting from now on!”

“And that question earlier, don’t go around blurting it out wherever you go. It’ll only cause unnecessary commotion.”

“Uh, okay… I won’t.”

Eun ha’s monitoring session concluded. My sensitive mind was still pondering how Eun ha could make such predictions.

I thought deeply about it, but when I felt a headache coming on, I shook my head to clear my worries.

‘I should be on guard for a while.’

Eun ha probably won’t make things difficult for me, but I can’t be too careful. Greedy early birds could approach at any time.

I organized my thoughts and stepped on the accelerator with excitement. My mind was filled with thoughts of playing the sequel to today’s popular console game.

====

***

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Locked in the chaos of the city’s brightness, hero Seo Eun ha walked through a wet alley with empty steps.

‘Why?’

On the way back to her lodgings after informing the fans about the weekend variety show shooting, she couldn’t help but think of Leader Isaac.

She remembered the night when she shed a few tears, feeling unjustly accused. Frustrated, she went to the leader’s office, but no one was there.

It was purely coincidental that she found a whiteboard with pictures and text that were chaotically written. The texts and photos contained plans to dismantle Hero Han Seung Tae and reverse public opinion…

‘Why are they hiding this? And why are they doing it… for me to such an extent?’

There were many questions. Moreover, the reality of someone secretly protecting her was extremely unfamiliar. And it was her own superiors, the Heroes who were too busy exploiting her. Why did he suddenly…?

While passing through the dark alley, a street lamp turned on just above her head. Suddenly, she remembered what Leader Isaac had said.

‘Remember one thing. We are a management team. We are here to support everything necessary for the hero’s activities.’

Somehow, it felt like tears were about to flow from her frozen and hardened heart. In that cold heart, a warm spring breeze seemed to blow.

Translator Note: Will this become a ship???