All eyes, from the summit floor to TV screens nationwide, locked onto Xu Hua, Saehan Mobile's president, as he rose to speak. His voice was calm but pointed.
"This young man loves grandstanding and can be reckless, even rude. His triple play idea, for instance, is pure fantasy. The speaking opportunity should go to someone else."
Agreement rippled through the room. "He's right," one voice said.
"Xu's got a point," another chimed in. "A kid not even 20? What's he doing speaking at a summit that could shape Korea's future?"
"Put the mic down, kid. Don't embarrass yourself," a nearby boss jeered.
"Youngster, you're barely out of high school. Think triple play makes you a star? Go back to class!" another scoffed.
"Maybe he's just here for his dad, getting a peek at the big leagues," someone sneered.
Xu Hua's clout as a mobile industry titan fueled the pile-on. His subtle jab at Minho—hinting at a rivalry—unleashed a wave of mockery. The summit buzzed with ridicule, Minho once again the center of attention, but now as a punching bag.
Another front-row voice joined in—Liang Ho, Motorola's Asia chief, who'd stayed quiet until now. "I agree with Mr. Xu. This young man needs a few years' seasoning before he's ready for this stage."
"Exactly! Motorola's Liang is spot-on. A kid under 20? What does he know? Back to training, boy!" a voice shouted.
"Liang's right," others echoed, fawning over the global giant's rep.
With two heavyweights dismissing him, the staffer holding the microphone hesitated, freezing mid-hand-off. The room's mood shifted—Minho was on the brink of being sidelined.
The move was cunning. If Minho lost this chance, an unspoken rule would form: he'd be blackballed from speaking at future summits. Xu Hua and Liang weren't just blocking him now—they were cutting off his voice long-term, strangling Hansung's visibility. It wasn't about money, but it was just as vicious.
Minho took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had to counter, and fast. His voice rang out, clear and defiant. "In ancient times, Gan Luo was a state minister at eight. Knowledge, not age, qualifies a speaker. Youth brings fresh perspectives, as Liang Qichao said in *Young Korea*: 'Let the youth speak for the nation first.'
"Elders dwell on the past, on what's done, so they stick to routine. Youth look to the future, to what's undone, daring to break molds. For a summit aimed at Korea's growth, young voices matter. Liang Qichao noted youth see the world differently—maybe our ideas align better with Korea's needs.
"Using age to silence someone? It's no different from ancient factionalism. Mr. Xu of Saehan and Mr. Liang of Motorola are making me laugh."
"You!" Xu Hua's eyes blazed, his composure cracking. Minho's sharp retort flipped the script, painting Xu Hua's block as an old guard bullying the young. Smirks from nearby front-row bosses added to his unease.
"Ahem," a new voice cut through—CEO Ren of KorTech, the telecom veteran. "This young man, Park Minho, is right. If we're here to contribute to Korea, age shouldn't bar anyone. Youth perspectives are valuable references. They deserve a chance to speak."
"Ren's got it," a voice agreed. "Banning speech over age? That's factionalism nonsense."
"Boss Ren's on point," another echoed.
Ren's prestige carried weight. His words sparked a chorus of support, shifting the tide. Xu Hua and Liang clenched their fists, fuming at Ren's intervention. Damn KorTech's boss for challenging them.
The staffer, sensing the mood, unfroze and handed Minho the mic. "Thank you," Minho said, exhaling quietly. After a tense standoff, he'd won his moment.
Pausing, his voice took on a triumphant edge. "On transforming Korea from a major producer to a powerhouse, we've heard many views. But, frankly, they're too broad, too generic. To use a common phrase, they're hit-or-miss. Korea's already moving in those directions—your suggestions add little."
The room stirred. Minho wasn't just speaking—he was calling out the big shots' platitudes, setting the stage for a bold pitch. With the *Ultimate Imitation Emperor System* and his prep, he aimed to shock the summit and secure that final speech slot. Xu Hua's glare burned, but Minho was undeterred. This was his chance to make Hansung unforgettable.
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(end of this chapter)