Chapter 232
Chapter 232
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 232
Chapter Title: Lunch with the Heir
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Having the franchise owners' trust embodied in a proxy who was personally close to me was a massive advantage in itself.
As bad as this might sound, it meant I could steer that proxy in my direction if needed.
As I said, business is business and personal is personal. If it came down to it, I wouldn't hesitate to use any means necessary.
"It's a good choice not just for me, but for the franchise owners too."
He was close to me, so he had a rough idea of headquarters' situation, and through his friends among the owners, he had a grasp on their sentiments.
"Aside from being a bit too soft."
The way he was knocking back shots one after another, apologizing nonstop, was a perfect example.
This was probably something only time and experience could fix.
"I'll do my absolute best as the franchise headquarters' representative in the meeting room. So you do the same, Uncle."
I picked up my glass and said.
"Let's give it our all so neither of us has regrets."
"......You're really..."
Kim Jong-chun seemed to swallow his words, then wiped away the tears welling in his eyes and spoke.
"I have no face to show you. Here I am, an adult, getting lectured by you every time." Spiritually speaking, we're not that far apart in age. "They said at least you're someone they can reason with." "Ah, the other franchise owner reps?" "Yeah. Mr. No was ready to burst into song. He said we need to vote quick to lock in the impression and lighten the load on the owners even a little, then bolted without even sticking around for drinks." So that's how he ended up here, tilting glasses. I nodded and asked. "How do you think it'll go? The vote." "I'm not certain, but I suspect it'll lean toward the plan you proposed, Woo-yeon." "Really?" "Mr. No was thrilled. That guy's got connections everywhere, so if he shapes the opinion that way, most will follow." Meaning No Sung-min was the key player to secure for any opinion campaign. This was the kind of insight hard to get straight from headquarters. Just a few words from Kim Jong-chun were hugely valuable hints. "Whew. This position's way above my pay grade. Felt like I was dying of discomfort." "If you were gonna grumble that much, why'd you step up?" Han Mi-ae finally asked, unable to stand it. Kim Jong-chun waved his hand. "I didn't say yes! But that Mr. No came personally to persuade me, we had a drink together, and the next day, boom—my signature was right there." He got played. Totally played. "Ugh. Even thinking back...!" Kim Jong-chun shuddered as he muttered. Looked like No Sung-min had pulled strings all over. "If things hadn't gone well at today's negotiation table, he might've faced some real trouble." They could've even gone as far as collective action. The guy had that kind of drive. I'd have to keep a close eye from now on. "In the meantime, Uncle might serve as my eyes and ears." On the flip side, No Sung-min might use Kim Jong-chun to track my moves. "Anyway, glad it's heading in the direction I want." If No Sung-min threw his weight behind it, headquarters and the owners could both walk away satisfied. It was right then, with my mind finally at ease. Bzzz-. My phone vibrated. I pulled it out, wondering what the contact was. I'd just wrapped up the big stuff, and there were no urgent items today? The screen showed a familiar name. Message from Hwang Tae-in Hello, CEO Song. I hope you've been well. Sorry to contact you so late.
The higher-up I serve wishes to meet you in person.
It'd be great to greet you after so long. Hope we can meet soon.
Please let us know a convenient time, and we'll adjust our schedule accordingly. Thank you. How'd he get my personal number?
"Oh, right. We exchanged business cards last time."
I hadn't saved it, so his full name popped up raw. No contact since then, so I'd figured he'd tucked tail and run...
"A higher-up, huh. Which side? Hyun Tae-seong? Or Hyun Jeong-hu?"
Hwang Tae-in the executive was basically Hyun Jeong-hu's line, but lately he'd been close to Hyun Tae-seong. Hard to gauge whose idea it was.
"Especially with all the JC rumors floating around."
Hyun Jeong-hu was still fixated on JC. Maybe he'd switched recruitment targets from Je Dong-yoon to me.
"If he sees me as tightly linked to JC, he could use me as a pawn."
Confirming it was baseless would be a win in itself.
"On the other hand, if it's Hyun Tae-seong... I can't quite figure why he'd want to meet me."
Threats in person? Demand I boot Hyun Ye-won from The Song? Was he the type to go that far?
He'd always kept up a pretty clean facade, though.
"Go or no?"
I tapped the screen with my fingertip.
No read receipt yet, buying me time to mull. But I couldn't ghost him for hours.
I ran the calculations in my head for a bit, then picked up the phone and typed a reply. Reply to Hwang Tae-in Hello, Executive Director Hwang Tae-in. Thank you for reaching out. It's been a while since our last discussion.
I'm honored that a Hyunmu higher-up wishes to meet me directly. Thank you for proposing this amid your busy schedule. I'm considering it positively.
If this Friday works, I'd love to meet then. If not, please suggest a time convenient for you, and I'll make it work.
Wishing you health, and looking forward to seeing you soon. The words flowed out in perfectly polite tones. No need to pick them anymore.
Decades of experience had half-automated it at my fingertips.
"Whatever the intent, I have to face it head-on."
Dodging would just corner me.
"Hyunmu won't bare its teeth at me yet anyway."
Too soon. Only after The Song bulked up more.
So, calm down.
The old miserable defeat overlapped in my mind, making sweat bead unnecessarily.
Bzzz-.
It vibrated again. Reply from Hwang Tae-in Thank you for the quick reply. How about lunch at noon that day? We'll reserve the place. The day of reckoning was set. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The meeting spot was a high-end restaurant I'd visited once for a business lunch.
No proper sign, no prices on the menu. The patrons here didn't care how many zeros trailed the numbers.
The marble lobby echoed with sharp heel clicks at every step. Subtle classical music played.
A massive fountain dominated the center, overwhelming just to look at.
"Tastes haven't changed."
Dragging opponents to such opulent spots to crush their spirits—must be a Hyunmu tradition.
Unfortunately, it didn't faze me. Might've worked on pre-regression me, but now? Useless.
I took the elevator to the top floor.
Doors slid open smoothly, revealing floor-to-ceiling windows first. Sunlight poured in with a panoramic Seoul view.
Endless skyscrapers to the vast Han River.
"This way, please."
The server naturally led me to a private room.
"They really went all out. What could they want to discuss that demands this setup? Seriously proposing I spy on JC for them?"
Even stepping on the thick carpet, that's all I could think.
Slide.
The server opened the door and stepped aside, revealing the guest already seated.
"Ah."
My eyes widened a bit. My guess on entry was slightly off.
A face like Hyun Ye-won but not. Sharper eyes, lips curled in just the right inviting smile.
A world away from Hyun Ye-won's twisted grins.
"You're here."
Hyunmu's illegitimate son, Hyun Jeong-hu's backed heir apparent. Hyun Tae-seong sat there.
"You beat me here. First time meeting. Song Woo-yeon of The Song."
Pushing aside the why?, I greeted first.
"No need for formalities. Hyun Tae-seong. Call me Tae-seong casually."
Sure, no real title yet, so name's fine. But his oddly friendly vibe just fueled my doubts.
"Why Hyun Tae-seong? What's his angle? Really here to talk about Hyun Ye-won?"
I sat across as he suggested, scanning the menu while stealing glances at him.
Our eyes met, and
He grinned, flashing teeth.
"......?"
No clue, just annoyed.