Time flew. Under the leadership of Badai Sastrawan, the great Bharat Company became increasingly successful. This was because Badai was a leader who possessed charisma and always prioritized the interests of the company and its employees. So, it was no wonder all employees felt proud to have a leader like Badai.
Strong cooperation and a sense of belonging among the employees made the Bharat Company grow even larger. Branch offices opened everywhere.
The Old CEO, Hartawan, felt proud to have chosen Badai as his successor. In his old age, he was no longer directly involved in company affairs. He decided to step down and serve only as an advisor to all the employees.
All members of the board of directors were present in the large meeting room. At the head of the table sat the Old CEO, Hartawan, with the usual smile he wore when leading a meeting.
Hartawan stood before the board of directors. "In accordance with the decision we have agreed upon, today I officially resign as CEO," Mr. Hartawan said, looking at all the board members who glanced at one another.
"And I will hand over full leadership to our new CEO, Badai Sastrawan." Mr. Hartawan looked over, his right hand patting the shoulder of Badai, who sat beside him.
All board members stood and applauded.
Hartawan continued his speech, "I believe that Badai is the right leader to bring this company into a brighter future. I will remain an advisor to all employees."
Badai stood up. "Thank you for the trust you have given me, Sir. I will do my best to continue the legacy you have built," he said to Mr. Hartawan, then looked toward the board members who were still standing.
"Please, ladies and gentlemen, sit back down," Mr. Hartawan invited them to sit.
"Excuse me, sir. After your resignation, what do you think you will do?" asked Mrs. Marini, who sat in the middle seat.
Mr. Hartawan smiled broadly. "I will spend my old age enjoying the beautiful panorama of the hills and the sunset," said Mr. Hartawan.
"I have given this company to Badai; he is my heir." Mr. Hartawan's voice paused for a moment. Suddenly, two clear drops of water wet his eyes.
Badai approached Mr. Hartawan and handed him his handkerchief.
"Ladies and gentlemen whom I deeply respect, as a person gets older, they will always long to gather with family. To spend the twilight of their age."
"But it is different for me. Perhaps I will enjoy the sunset alone, without family," Mr. Hartawan's tone sounded so sad.
The board members in the room bowed their heads. They knew the journey of the Old CEO's life. Because the board members were considered family by Mr. Hartawan, they knew his life story well.
And to them, Mr. Hartawan was not just a leader, but a parent, a sibling, and a friend. Mr. Hartawan had helped them a lot.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I think today's meeting is finished, and let us congratulate our Young CEO."
"One more thing, I entrust Badai to you, my brothers and sisters. Reprimand him if he takes a wrong step. Just as parents reprimand their child," Mr. Hartawan advised the board of directors.
"We will remember that, Sir," said Mr. Bagas.
"Thank you very much to my elders."
"No human in this world is perfect. If I am wrong, then please reprimand me," Badai said humbly.
"Be a leader like your father, Mr. Hartawan," said Mrs. Marini.
The entire board of directors applauded and congratulated Badai.
From that day on, Badai Sastrawan officially held full control of the entire company, replacing his adoptive father's position.
After all the board members left the room, only Mr. Hartawan and Badai remained, sitting side by side.
"After this, I will leave for Puncak, to my vacation villa," said Mr. Hartawan to Badai.
"If you have time, come visit, son," continued Mr. Hartawan.
"God willing, Sir," answered Badai.
"I will always visit you," Badai said, then took Mr. Hartawan's right hand and kissed it.
Mr. Hartawan stroked Badai's hair with great affection. Badai Sastrawan, who was initially a stranger to him, had now become his adopted son and inherited his entire company.
This boy possessed a unique charisma, character, and the soul of a leader, just as Mr. Hartawan had hoped. For years he had searched for someone to replace him and continue the company he had built from scratch. Until the figure of Badai appeared, a genius student. And the moment he saw that young man, Mr. Hartawan immediately felt a vibration a feeling that this young man was the end of his search all this time.
Mr. Hartawan had investigated Badai's true identity, even traveling great distances just to know who Badai really was. The young man's family background and where he came from.
His heart became even more certain after he learned the young man's full identity. A young man who came from a poor family yet was not tempted by wealth. He preferred a simple life.