Chapter 226
Chapter 226
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 226
Chapter Title: The Ninth Franchise Takes Its First Step
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Facing Yang Jia, who looked utterly dazed, I scratched my cheek.
Somehow, it feels embarrassing. In the future timeline, it had already proven successful, and later on, it became famous as a combo everyone in the know raved about. Our company had even drafted a franchising plan and finalized the recipes, but various circumstances piled up back then, and the project fell through in the end. Cash flow issues, the launch of other promising franchise brands, the fading spicy food trend—various factors intertwined, as I recall. It's always the same thought, but this was devised by pooling ideas with the new menu development team. It feels awkward taking all the credit.
"It's not that big a deal. I just thought cuttlefish pairs well with cheese, so I wondered if there was a way to offer a unique experience while making it delicious..."
"That's exactly what makes it amazing!"
Yang Jia seemed ready to gush with excitement again, so I waved her off.
"More importantly, Team Leader No. What do you think?"
I turned my gaze to No Se-hee.
"I'd like to entrust this project to you. It flows better when it comes from the heart, right?"
I sincerely hoped No Se-hee would take a liking to this franchise brand. It would be a win-win for both of us.
"What do you think? Does this menu have the competitive edge to hit the market?"
I tapped the table lightly as I spoke. No Se-hee dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief, meticulously wiping away the pizza grease from her fingertips. Returning to her composed self as if she hadn't just sampled it, she coolly scanned the table.
"It's a novel combo, so we'll need to think about how to make it approachable for consumers. We should post eating instructions all over the store."
She calmly recited specific execution plans in a steady voice.
"We could even film a video and loop it inside the store. Some people struggle with small print."
What could that mean? I grinned, and No Se-hee let out a reluctant chuckle.
"I'll do it, President."
Just as I expected. No Se-hee continued in a tone like she couldn't believe it.
"I have no idea where you keep pulling these brilliant ideas from."
Her eyes sparkled differently now, full of light.
"My fighting spirit is surging. If we polish it up right, this could be something to see."
And I trusted No Se-hee to turn this tricky, unfamiliar combo into something familiar, appealing, and resistance-free.
"I'm counting on you."
"I'll give it my all."
No Se-hee and I shook hands lightly. It was the moment The Song's ninth franchise brand took its first step.
Crash! The vase shattered with a deafening clang. Shards flew everywhere, glinting under the lights as they flaunted their sharp edges. The man standing in the center yanked roughly at his tie. His ribs heaved dramatically with each ragged breath, straining against his shirt. As the man exhaled sharply and lifted his head, his face came into sharp view under the light. It was Hyunmu's Hyun Taesung. He snapped at the man before him in an irritated tone.
"What the hell? You still haven't found a way?!"
Standing before him was a middle-aged man, head bowed, staring at the floor. A servile smile plastered his face, as if desperately hiding his crumpled pride. He looked just like a rat.
"W-Well, you see, as I mentioned, they're tight with JC, so we're hesitant to make a move..."
"That's why I told you, Director Hwang. Nicely~" Hyun Taesung stepped closer, planting himself in front of Director Hwang Tae-in. He pressed a finger firmly into Hwang's chest. Hwang strained to keep from toppling backward.
"I get that the president of that The Song or whatever is connected to JC. So figure out a way that doesn't piss them off."
Hyun Taesung tapped his own temple.
"Use this. Yeah? Use your head."
"......"
Even amid the insulting words, Hwang kept his smile steady, his lips twitching. He had to endure. The guy's Hyunmu's heir. The young master who's destined for the chairman's seat! It might be tough now, but the payoff would be huge. Someday, when Hyun Taesung reached the top of Hyunmu, Hwang Tae-in would be right there beside him. Of course, Chairman Hyun Jeong-hoo isn't stepping down anytime soon... but with only two kids, and the other one not even bothering with heir training, just gallivanting outside? The answer's obvious, right? On top of that, Chairman Hyun Jeong-hoo had even hinted to him subtly. —You know as well as anyone, Director Hwang, but my son Taesung has his shortcomings. I hope you'll support him well. What else could that mean? The successor's already decided! So he could put up with the young master's whims. Even if it meant indulging his unreasonable tantrums.
"Hyun Yeowon, still getting in my way to the end."
Hyun Taesung muttered with eyes blazing.
"Why'd Grandpa have to say that... Ugh, fuck!" Thwack! Hyun Taesung kicked a shard in frustration, cursing. It ricocheted and grazed Hwang Tae-in's cheek.
"Find a way, no matter what. By any means necessary, get Hyun Yeowon back to Hyunmu!"
Only then would Hyun Taesung's own position solidify. His pride stung by the thought, Hyun Taesung raised his voice even more.
"Y-Yes, yes. I-I'll make it happen somehow!"
Hwang bowed deeply, tossing out an empty promise he couldn't guarantee. He'd grasped that what Hyun Taesung needed wasn't a concrete plan—just a silent punching bag to take his whining.
"I'll... negotiate with JC one more time...!"
That was the moment.
"Hoo."
A sound of intrigue—or perhaps ridicule—slipped out.
"!"
Hyun Taesung whipped around to face the source. There stood Je Yun-jae, impeccably dressed from head to toe. His blue-tinged eyes curved softly.
"Go on. This is getting interesting. No clue why our company's name is coming up in Hyunmu's boardroom."
Trouble. As Hwang gaped and stammered, Hyun Taesung clicked his tongue inwardly.
"Director Hwang."
"Y-Yes?"
"Get out."
At Hyun Taesung's dismissal, Hwang hesitated briefly before scurrying out of the room. Je Yun-jae straightened from the wall and stepped inside. Click. He locked the door, crunching over the vase shards as he advanced. Hyun Taesung ruffled his hair and spoke.
"You should've been more careful. You know there are ears everywhere, but you pull this every time."
"......"
"Ah, don't be so stiff. We saw each other as kids, holding our parents' hands. You won't make a big deal out of this, right?"
"Mr. Hyun Taesung."
Je Yun-jae cut him off coldly.
"We'd both do well to avoid actions or words that could embarrass each other's families from now on."
Drawing a clean line, Hyun Taesung raised both hands in surrender and backed up a couple steps.
"Yeah, yeah. Of course not."
"You seem a bit drunk. I'll call someone to escort you home."
Hyun Taesung's eyebrows twitched upward. Je Yun-jae's pretentious tone grated on him. That side of him always unsettled Hyun Taesung. Ha. That arrogant gaze. It makes my teeth grind. That attitude, like surveying the world from on high. It rubbed Hyun Taesung the wrong way. As a kid, he couldn't hold back his temper and would pick fights on purpose. Each time, Je Yun-jae would glance over indifferently, like spotting a bug on the street. It made Hyun Taesung feel like worthless vermin. He ground his teeth harder, trying to provoke Je Yun-jae. It always failed, though. Those eyes. Those damn eyes are the problem. Meeting Je Yun-jae's blue irises made Hyun Taesung feel exposed in his most pathetic light. The flashy shell of Hyun Taesung hid something pathetic and hollow—his inner self.
"Please wait a moment; someone will guide you out soon. If you'll excuse me..."
"Yun-jae hyung."
It was half impulsive. The alcohol made him bolder. As Je Yun-jae turned at the familiar address, Hyun Taesung hurled his provocation.
"You're working hard to act like nothing's wrong."
"Mr. Hyun Taesung, you're quite drunk."
"Hyung zipping around overseas branches, then rushing back home and throwing this party like it's a show. Think I don't know why?"
"......"
Je Yun-jae's silence thrilled Hyun Taesung. The great Je Yun-jae, speechless.
"Everyone knows. Word's spreading like wildfire. Apparently... JC has a bastard child?" Puhahaha! Hyun Taesung couldn't hold back his laughter. The lofty guy scrambling because some random rock might steal his spot.
"I hear the guy's pretty capable too. What'll you do? Better step it up, hyung~. Wouldn't want to lose that successor seat."
He smirked and patted Je Yun-jae's shoulder. This should be enough to provoke even the great Je Yun-jae. Turning to see him trembling in rage— "......"
Hyun Taesung froze at the unexpected sight. Because Je Yun-jae— The Je Yun-jae in absolute crisis— Was smiling serenely.