Hae-Rin's influence quickly became an anomaly within the rigid structure of K.M. Holdings. Min-Joon, feeling better, sleeping soundly for the first time in years (the residual trauma still manifesting in nightmares), started relying heavily on his "Special Projects Liaison." He didn't understand how she worked, but her results were undeniable: better sleep, reduced stress, and two surprisingly effective corporate decisions (the tea and the Skyline investment).
However, Min-Joon's core programming—the desire for strategic control—had not been fully erased. The memory of the betrayal made him crave a reliable, predictable partner more than ever.
A week after hiring Hae-Rin, Min-Joon, following the dictates of his original timeline, attended the crucial strategic investment meeting with the Hanwha Group Chairman. This meeting, in the nightmare reality, had been the moment he was introduced to Kang Seo-Yun.
Min-Joon was hyper-vigilant. He was prepared for the smooth, sophisticated introduction. But this time, Seo-Yun was nowhere in sight. The timeline alteration had worked.
However, the meeting introduced a new variable: Ms. Choi Min-Joo, the daughter of the Hanwha Chairman. Unlike Seo-Yun, Choi Min-Joo was a brilliant, Harvard-educated financial prodigy, known for her sharp mind and powerful corporate connections.
The Hanwha Chairman, sensing the connection, was direct: "Chairman Kim, Min-Joo is my heir. She needs a partner who understands the scale of her ambition. Strategically, a union between K.M. Holdings and Hanwha would create an unstoppable entity in Asia."
Min-Joon's strategic mind flared instantly. Min-Joo was perfect. She represented power, intellect, and corporate synergy. This was a rational, logical choice—the ultimate strategic marriage, far superior to the disaster that was Seo-Yun.
He looked across the table at Choi Min-Joo, who met his gaze with cool, confident appraisal. He saw no emotional threat, only perfect symmetry. He was about to agree.
The next morning, Min-Joon entered his office, feeling the old, familiar rush of strategic ambition. "Hae-Rin," he announced. "I have made a decision. I will pursue a strategic partnership with Choi Min-Joo of the Hanwha Group. It is the most logical step to fortify K.M. Holdings against future..." (he paused, unable to say 'betrayal').
Hae-Rin, sensing the immediate, dangerous turn back to the flawed path, placed a simple, hand-drawn sketch on his desk—a portrait of a woman laughing under a shower of falling snow.
"Chairman Kim," Hae-Rin's voice was urgent yet gentle. "You are looking at this woman through the lens of a balance sheet. You are seeking a shield, not a partner. If you marry her, you will gain power, but you will lose your last chance to learn to trust. Your thread will be secure, but it will be barren."
Min-Joon scoffed. "And what does this drawing have to do with anything? Who is that?"
"That," Hae-Rin said, pointing to the drawing, "is the woman who is fated to teach you true Pyar. She is the thread that must be woven with yours to complete your destiny. She is a woman of simple grace, passionate drive, and utter sincerity."
She looked directly at Min-Joon, her eyes compelling him to listen. "Choi Min-Joo is a powerful woman, but she is not your true destiny. She will repeat the mistakes of your past, albeit more efficiently. You must let go of the need for strategy, Chairman. You must follow the snow."
Min-Joon was confused and frustrated. He was about to secure his empire, and his eccentric, calming assistant was telling him to chase a drawing and 'follow the snow.' But the lingering terror of his nightmare was too strong to dismiss her warning entirely.
"The snow," Min-Joon repeated, his tone skeptical but interested. "Tell me exactly where I must go to find this... fated partner."
Hae-Rin smiled, the mission now fully engaged. "She is in Seoul, Chairman. She is working hard, driven by passion, not money. She is currently facing a difficult challenge that requires a touch of magic. You will not find her by searching for 'strategic partnership.' You will find her by searching for genuine heart."
Min-Joon nodded, his eyes fixed on the drawing. He still believed he was controlling the situation, but in reality, he was fully submitting to the guidance of the Love Goddess. He had traded a strategic marriage for a strategic search for his soulmate.
"Find her," Min-Joon commanded, already calling his driver. "We start the search for the woman under the snow. Now." The strategic CEO was now engaged in a divine scavenger hunt, driven by a fear of betrayal and the irresistible calm of his new assistant.