Chapter 186
Chapter 186
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 186
Chapter Title: Hwang Tae-in's Misjudgment
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hwang Tae-in scanned Song Woo-yeon from head to toe.
He'd seen his face on TV before, but it looked far more boyish than expected. This guy's a total rookie.
'This might go even smoother than I thought.' Hwang Tae-in masked his dark intentions with a sly grin. As his lips curled up, he resembled a rat even more.
"I've been waiting for you. I hope the trip here wasn't too inconvenient?"
His words were polite, but his attitude was anything but. He didn't even pretend to stand up from his seat. 'But what are you gonna do about it? I'm a director at Hyunmu.' Hwang Tae-in sneered inwardly. In fact, he considered it a huge honor for Song Woo-yeon just to be sitting across from him. And rightly so. For someone running a mere growing mid-sized company like Song Woo-yeon, how could he even arrange a one-on-one with a director from a massive conglomerate? 'Plus, the younger they are, the less experience they have. They don't even realize when they're being rude, or spot the poison pills in a contract.' It was especially true for a green kid like this. Looks could be deceiving, but Hwang Tae-in had decades of corporate battles under his belt—everything from the front lines to aerial dogfights. Roasting a fresh-out-of-college girl with baby-soft cheeks would be child's play. To build rapport first, Hwang Tae-in continued with a friendly smile.
"Have a seat here."
He gestured to the chair across from him. 'What do you think of this VIP room?' The key was to crush the opponent's spirit from the start. In that sense, this VIP room—with its glittering chandelier, massive marble round table, and leather chairs encircling it—was perfect. It was familiar to Hwang Tae-in, but alien to Song Woo-yeon. Even the faint scent of incense wafting through the room and the perfectly modulated classical piano music were all part of his calculations.
"Oh, before we get into things, care for a light drink?"
Hwang Tae-in summoned the sommelier before Song Woo-yeon could respond. It was a show of consideration that considered nothing at all.
"Yes, you called? Shall I bring the wine list?"
The sommelier carefully placed wine lists in front of Song Woo-yeon and Hwang Tae-in.
"Hmm. Do you have a favorite wine you usually enjoy?"
Of course he didn't. Most people couldn't even pronounce the names properly. Especially here, where the entire list was in English—a nightmare for any novice. Hwang Tae-in pretended to browse the list while gauging Song Woo-yeon's reaction.
"......?"
Song Woo-yeon hadn't even touched his. 'What's this? Frozen from nerves?' But his expression didn't quite match... How to put it. Hwang Tae-in furrowed his brow, wondering if that was the right word. Nothing else fit. 'He's looking at me like this is all ridiculous.' With that bolt-of-lightning realization, Song Woo-yeon finally spoke.
"I'll have the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti 1999, please."
"!"
Ordering without even glancing at the list? Hwang Tae-in hurriedly scanned it. 'There it is! It really exists!' How did he know? Hwang Tae-in struggled to hide his fluster. 'Has he been here before? No way. This place isn't for just anyone!' He quickly composed himself, muttering inwardly. 'Coincidence. Lucky guess. The name fits perfectly—pure, exquisite coincidence!' He must've overheard it somewhere. The sommelier praised Song Woo-yeon's choice.
"Excellent selection, sir. That vintage was made from particularly high-quality grapes."
Even the standard flattery grated on Hwang Tae-in's nerves. 'Hmph. Like he knew that when he ordered. Praising a random shot like it's brilliant.' But as if reading his grumbling thoughts, Song Woo-yeon smoothly replied.
"You're right. The 1999 vintage is especially special. It was a rainy year with high humidity."
The sommelier's eyes widened.
"That's why the grapes ripened slowly, developing even more complex and deep flavors. The tannins are tightly structured yet elegantly formed, so by now, that silky texture and red fruit notes should be in perfect harmony."
"You know your wines, sir. As you said, Romanée-Conti 1999 is at its peak right now. It's an honor to serve it to such a distinguished guest."
The sommelier beamed, unable to hide his satisfaction.
"No need to mention it. Thanks to Director Hwang, I get to try something so rare. Have you chosen yours, Director Hwang?"
"Ahem. Ahem!"
Hwang Tae-in's eyes darted back to the list. He felt pressured to order something better. But with only hearsay knowledge, he couldn't pull off any grape-year trivia. In the end, he dodged with a different tactic.
"I'll have the same."
"Very good, sir. Please wait just a moment, and we'll bring your wine."
Something felt off—like things were going south. 'Why do I feel like I'm dancing to that kid's tune? Am I imagining it?' By now, Song Woo-yeon should have been intimidated, glancing nervously. Instead, he looked utterly at ease, like he owned the place.
"Oh, right—this place is famous for its cigar collection. I'm not a smoker, so it's fine by me, but if you'd like, Director Hwang, feel free to light one up."
"......Pardon?"
"Their Dominican cigars are a work of art. Care to indulge?"
Hwang Tae-in was a total cigar novice. But admitting that in front of Song Woo-yeon bruised his ego.
"Sure. I enjoy them from time to time."
He barked the order at the departing sommelier.
"Bring some Dominican cigars too."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, the wine and cigars arrived. As Hwang Tae-in stared at his cigar, unsure what to do, Song Woo-yeon casually picked it up.
"You must always have someone else handle them for you, so you're not used to it."
Song Woo-yeon prepped the cigar with expert hands. That little comment spared Hwang Tae-in's face, but it was clear who'd seized control. 'Oh no. My plan's completely derailing!' Hwang Tae-in took the cigar, struggling to mask his unease. 'How is he so damn smooth? This isn't some place anyone can waltz into—it's the VIP room! Even I only get to use it by borrowing the young master's name...' A startup CEO from an orphanage background had no business pretending to know this world. So Song Woo-yeon's poise must be genuine. '...Does he have hidden backing? A powerful patron? Is the "orphan" story just smoke to hide it?' Hwang Tae-in paled. 'Did I pick the wrong mark?' He bit his lip, staring at Song Woo-yeon. Who was calmly swirling his wine glass, savoring the aroma—like any polished elite heir.
"Shall we get down to business?"
Song Woo-yeon took the lead.
"The sudden proposal caught me off guard, but now I'm curious about the details. If you brought a proposal document, mind if I take a look?"
"Yes. Here it is."
Hwang Tae-in pulled the papers from his bag. It was the prepared merger-and-acquisition proposal.
"Hmm."
Song Woo-yeon read it slowly. The longer the silence stretched, the more anxious Hwang Tae-in grew. The terms were generous even for The Song—no poison pills on paper. He'd planned to slip in a few verbally later, but... 'Atmosphere's all wrong for that. Guess I'll have to settle for the written offer? Damn it.' As Hwang Tae-in cursed inwardly— Thud. Song Woo-yeon set the proposal down on the table.
"I see. I went through your proposal..."
Song Woo-yeon's gaze sharpened piercingly. Hwang Tae-in flinched, feeling like a mouse before a hawk.
"To be honest, it's a bit outdated."
"Pardon?"
Hwang Tae-in sputtered in disbelief.
"Outdated? Our terms are above industry average. It's a great deal for The Song."
"Of course."
Song Woo-yeon smiled faintly. "But compared to the proposals I've discussed with other partners lately, it falls short in several areas. For instance, JC Group—one of the global F&B leaders—offered some very attractive joint investment terms for our company."
JC Group? Those hyenas eyeing The Song? Hwang Tae-in frowned slightly. JC Group was one of Hyunmu's fierce global rivals.
"What terms did JC Group propose?"
"Can't say—it's confidential for now. But they valued The Song higher than your company did. They see more future potential than the acquisition price suggests and proposed a joint venture."
Ridiculous! Hwang Tae-in wanted to shout it. That arrogant firm proposing a "joint investment" to a mid-sized player? Future potential? What nonsense. 'No reason for it! Even if there's some potential, what crazy group passes on a discounted buy to "teach" you your true worth?' It defied logic. Yet Song Woo-yeon stared straight at him, eyes wide open, spouting this drivel without a hint of irony. '...Hold on.' Hwang Tae-in pieced together the puzzle. Song Woo-yeon's uncanny familiarity with the VIP room. The "orphan" backstory. JC Group's friendly overtures. 'No way.' Hwang Tae-in's eyes bulged. '...Is he JC Group's illegitimate son?'