Entering Kindergarten
“What? How many?”
Kim Bokhyeon was aghast. The contract volume was far too massive for a child to blurt out so casually. An initial order of 500,000 units. Even roughly calculating at 200 won per unit, that came to nearly 100 million won.
“What's wrong? Isn't 500,000 enough for you, Mr. Factory Owner? Hmm, I wish I could offer more, but I don't know how much it'll sell...”
“No, that's not it—500,000 units is almost 100 million won, and you're saying you are going to sign for that?”
“Yes. Looks can be deceiving; I'm actually quite wealthy. And the money coming in from here on out will be even more.”
“Just who are you?”
His jaw wouldn't shut. As a stark example, Hwanggeum Noodle Factory's annual sales barely topped 50 million won. Yet the contract I was bringing in easily surpassed the factory's yearly revenue.
“Wait, hold on a second. You're too young for a contract like this to even be valid, aren't you?”
“Yes, but it'll be signed under Hansung Food. No issues with the contract itself.”
“Hah, Hansung Food and our factory...?”
Hansung Group was one of the nation's undisputed mega-conglomerates. Among its subsidiaries, Hansung Food was vying for the top spot in Korea's ramen industry alongside Sam-mi and Nongwon. Especially after the massive success of Hansung Jjapaghetti and its follow-up, Sichuan Hansung Jjapaghetti, which had won over countless people. Even soldiers on the front lines would charge through fire and water for Hansung Jjapaghetti, or so they said.
And now, the very company behind Hansung Jjapaghetti was extending a contract to Kim Bokhyeon. He swallowed hard. Just the initial order alone blew past Hwanggeum Noodle Factory's sales. Right now, he couldn't tell if the girl before him was bluffing or if she was the harbinger of a massive wave.
“S-so, someone from Hansung Food is coming here directly?”
“Huh? I'm right here.”
I nodded at his trembling voice.
“Mr. Factory Owner, age is just a number. What matters is whether I can pay you or not. Though I'll bring Dad along later, of course.”
His eyes went wide at the word “Dad.”
＊
Chilgyejang Bowl Ramen was built around the concept of “seven somethings”—seven ingredients, seven spices, or seven escalating levels of spicy heat. This upgraded take on bowl ramen was designed to be deeper and spicier than anything before. We'd amp up the chili oil, tweak the garlic and pepper ratios for an explosive first sip, while ensuring the flavor lingered rich and heavy. The toppings would be more generous too, so when you popped the lid, green onions, egg blocks, and meat flakes floating atop the fiery red broth would deliver visual satisfaction as well.
[Catch All Nutrition and Flavor in One Bowl of Ramen]
The perfect tagline for Chilgyejang Bowl Ramen, perhaps.
“So, as per your instructions, this Chilgyejang Bowl Ramen is to be made as cup ramen, not bagged?”
“Yes. Just like cup ramen—pour in hot water, wait three minutes! It has to be convenient anywhere. And the contents need to be generous, but lighter in weight than standard ramen.”
“Generous contents, but lightweight...”
“The beauty of Chilgyejang is that you can hold it in one hand for a full, balanced meal of flavor and nutrition. On a construction site, in a train, on the street—anywhere.”
“Heh, at that point, who needs restaurants?”
“Exactly. That's why it's such a scary product. Chilgyejang Bowl Ramen is going to shake up this country big time.”
It was fundamentally different from Hansung Jjapaghetti. Chilgyejang was created solely for that purpose. And it wasn't lacking in taste, either. In the future, countless cup ramens would hit the market, but it would spawn a die-hard fanbase that ignored all others, utterly captivated by Chilgyejang.
It had even sparked full-on forum wars in my past life's ramen communities. I personally loved cold Chilgyejang too. Amid all the summer foods, few hit the sweet spot of value and taste like it did.
The moment I returned to the mansion, word came that Grandpa wanted to see me. Woo Shijang bowed deeply.
“Young miss, the Chairman is calling for you.”
“Grandpa?”
“Yes. Shall we head straight to the study?”
“Sure.”
What could it be? Grandpa didn't summon me to the study for just anything.
“Is Seoyeon here?”
“Yes. You called for me, Grandpa?”
“Yes. Sit here.”
A new item caught my eye in the study: a child-sized chair, placed perfectly in the center of the desk, just for me. The adult chairs were too tall; he'd noticed me struggling to climb up.
A cute rabbit character adorned it.
“Hehe, Grandpa's the best!”
“What? Kruhahaha!”
Grandpa's mouth curved up at the praise from his family's sole granddaughter. Thankfully, his expression suggested it wasn't bad news.
“Curious why this old man called his granddaughter here?”
“Yes.”
“You'll be five this year, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then it's about time for kindergarten, don't you think?”
“!”
My mind went blank. Kindergarten. Adding my past life, I'd had decades of social experience—back to kindergarten?! I blinked, feigning calm.
“G-Grandpa, I like spending time with you more than going to kindergarten.”
“Hohoho, how could this old man not know his granddaughter's heart? But while time with me matters, kindergarten is just as important.”
He was right. I was five now, the Han family's only granddaughter. No matter how many products I developed or contracts I secured, outwardly I needed to be the kid with a cute backpack, playing with friends.
Grandpa continued slowly. “You met Chairman Jeong Munju's granddaughter last time, right? She goes to this kindergarten.”
“Oh...”
“Hohoho, my granddaughter wants to stick to this old man all day, eh? Kkakak~”
Of course. With my past life's memories, spending time with toddlers—especially for a full year? No thanks.
＊
Sigh, my heart had been in turmoil lately. Studying with kids my age, mere blobs of flesh?
“Young miss, look at this! It's a bright yellow chick outfit!”
The kindergarten I'd attend was Saetbyeol Kindergarten, located in trendy Gangnam, Seoul. Just a few years ago, it had been nothing but fields. Now it was the new hub for chaebol heirs, lined with apartment complexes and luxury sedans. A budding affluent district, worlds apart from Gangbuk's vibe.
“Hiiing...”
The outfit the nanny brought was adorable, but what could I say? Instead of childlike excitement, I felt like a general marching to war. Gazing at the cute chick uniform, I let out a small sigh.
I'd have to wear that, mingle with peers, giggling away—me, currently reviewing near-hundred-million-won contracts! Pondering paper crafts and naptime scratched at my pride in a weird way.
“Sigh...”
“Do you really hate going to kindergarten that much, young miss?”
“Not hate, exactly. But not thrilled either.”
“You're too mature for your age, young miss—it's troubling. You should be playing with dolls like other kids...”
The nanny spoke worriedly.
“Sometimes... you seem more adult than even President Han. It's scary.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Remember reading Japanese your first year?”
I flinched. Th-that was an unavoidable slip because I wanted to read the book so badly!
“Hehe, you still remember, Nanny.”
“Of course. If I'd had a camera, I'd have snapped photos.”
“...”
Fair enough—a toddler not even walking properly, sprawled on the floor reading a Japanese corporate report. She'd nearly fainted from shock, she'd hinted once.
“Nanny.”
“Yes?”
She lifted me carefully with both hands, hugging me tight. A comforting scent like Mom's filled my nose.
“You'll always stay by my side, right?”
“Of course. Who else would be there for you?”
“Hehe~”
I buried my face in her warm embrace, in no hurry to let go.
The day came sooner than expected. Saetbyeol Kindergarten. They usually took the shuttle, but as the Han family's only granddaughter, Mom dropped me off.
“My baby girl! Be careful, have fun with friends!”
“Yees~”
Mom slipped some pocket money into my hand. But the amount was no joke.
Good lord, 20,000 won for a day's allowance...
In this era, that was 600,000 won a month—more than a regular salaryman's pay.
“Use it where you need it. Got it?”
“Yes!”
My mood lifted instantly. Chaebol style—generous even with allowance. Big pocket money makes the day sparkle. Sure, Grandpa had given me 2 billion in royalties, but parental cash felt different.
Saetbyeol Kindergarten lived up to its name with a sparkling sign. The pastel two-story building and fence featured cute suns and clouds.
This is my new school, Saetbyeol Kindergarten.
Kids in matching uniforms streamed in like ants from the entrance. And standout among them...
“Han Seooyeeeeon!”
The Hyundai Group granddaughter—who'd enrolled first and declared herself my rival—came out to greet me. Chin high, she stood like she owned the place.
“Hmph! From today, call me sunbae! Say 'sunbae-nim~'!”
“...?”
Sorry, her name escaped me. Who was it... Ah!
“Jeong Haewon-unnie?”
“Not Jeong Haewon—Jeong!Haewon! Kyaaak!”
A cute dragon lived at Saetbyeol Kindergarten, it seemed.
“Not Jeong Haewon—Jeong!Haewon! How many times do I have to say it?!”
Kids gathered at the commotion, some giggling.
“Anyway, Han Seoyeon. You ready?”
“...For what?”
Jeong Haewon planted her hands on her hips.
“Hmph! My revenge as the granddaughter of the great Hyundai hasn't ended yet!”
Ah, this must be it. A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years... Looked like Jeong Haewon needed another lesson.