"The acquisition of the Harris flagship store is complete."
I hold 60% of the shares, and Tennessee has 40%.
The proceeds from Red Bull and Capsulemon sales were enough to cover the acquisition cost.
Unlike with Gucci, this time, they said they wouldn't give me a single penny…
Today, an arrest warrant was issued, and Leona is now in custody for investigation.
Tennessee seemed embarrassed by the situation.
"It wasn't me."
Of course not.
It's probably the work of Duke Grosvenor.
Even if I were to give Tennessee the benefit of the doubt, it's not like crimes were fabricated out of thin air.
"If she embezzled company funds and hid them in secret accounts, she should be punished."
Even at my words, Tennessee still looked embarrassed!
Well, if the Duke is determined to uncover something, even Swiss accounts are no secret.
In other words, there are no secrets in front of Grosvenor's name.
Tennessee seemed uneasy about that fact.
"You can change that."
"Hmm?"
"When you fully inherit your father's authority. You can make that change."
But it seemed Tennessee thought differently.
"I'd probably end up the same."
"…?"
"There's a primal instinct embedded in our blood…"
"Does your father like games too?"
"What?"
"You like games, don't you? And comic books too."
"When did I ever—"
I didn't bother listening to Tennessee's words.
"You and your father are fundamentally different. Completely different entities. So why are you imposing limits on yourself first?"
At my words, Tennessee pouted.
He didn't completely agree, but his face showed some comfort.
Tennessee shifted the subject and asked.
"So, how are you planning to run the department store?"
"Not sure."
"Seems like you've got someone in mind, though?"
They might not be the most ideal candidate, but I've always got a reliable all-rounder up my sleeve.
***
"A department store manager?"
Jo So-deok looked genuinely surprised.
"I'm not exactly an expert for such a role…"
"There's something I've learned in business."
"…?"
"When in doubt, always turn to a professor."
"…!"
"That way, at the very least, you won't suffer losses."
"But sometimes the trusted axe…"
"Generally, the trusted axe works hard and brings in a lot of money, doesn't it?"
The department store primarily deals in clothing sales.
Being an art professor with experience in discovering talents like Faber, Tom Ford, and Luke Jacobs, you've built up significant expertise…
Surely, you'd do at least a hundred times better than Leona Harris.
Oh, but that doesn't mean I can pay you a hundred times more!
"I'll offer you the same salary Leona Harris received."
"Pardon?"
"It's not a small amount, right?"
"N-No, of course not. I'm just worried if I can live up to that paycheck…"
"You'll have to."
A shackle forged from money.
Jo So-deok hesitated, wondering if he should be happy or not, then spoke.
"Since you trust me with this, I'll make sure to deliver results…"
"You don't need to sell much."
"What?"
"The business model you said you wanted to try in Manchester."
A model where new brands come in every month and open stores as a promotional format.
Also known as a pop-up store!
"I'm thinking of applying it to our department store."
For now, sales figures aren't the priority.
The goal is to get people to visit and familiarize themselves with the concept of pop-up stores!
"We just need to draw people in."
"Like an amusement park?"
"Yes. Like an amusement park, a football stadium, or a theater."
With that, we headed to the department store.
Last time I came, it felt normal.
But now that I'm the owner, it feels completely different.
"There are fewer customers."
"Even considering it's a weekday, the number does seem low."
Maybe it was the thought of needing to attract more customers.
A sense of heavy responsibility bloomed on Jo So-deok's face.
"Take your time."
"Still… I'm being paid, so…"
"As expected, right?"
"What?"
Just kidding!
Heh.
The flagship store consists of two buildings.
One is a general department store, and the other is the luxury goods section.
Although the general department store is larger, the luxury goods section generates more revenue.
"The pop-ups will take place in the general building."
"Then… should we operate the luxury goods section as usual?"
"Let's stick with that for now."
No sooner had I answered than a group of staff from the luxury goods section, all dressed to the nines in suits, came streaming out of the building.
It must be lunchtime.
They headed to a nearby franchise restaurant.
Once there, they stood by the large glass windows at the standing bar and wolfed down their sandwiches almost desperately.
More staff entered the same place after them.
"Don't they have a staff cafeteria?"
Curious, we decided to follow them in.
The place was crowded with people wearing golden name tags bearing the department store's logo.
Judging by their appearance, they were clearly selected for their good looks; they were all strikingly handsome and beautiful.
As luxury goods staff, they were dressed in sophisticated clothes, likely provided by the company.
Yet, the reality was that they didn't even have time to sit down and were eating their meals standing up.
After finishing, they didn't even get to enjoy a coffee.
They rushed back to work immediately without even giving their food time to digest.
"Looks like their lunch break is too short."
This is England.
By labor laws, break times must be guaranteed.
However, if the workload is heavy and staff numbers are insufficient, they likely feel pressured to return early.
What's the point of a fancy luxury section?
"If the façade is glossy, what does it matter?"
When the staff can't even enjoy a proper meal.
Jo So-deok discreetly took out his notebook.
He quickly picked up on the fact that there would be instructions.
"First, set up a staff cafeteria where they can have three proper meals a day."
"Yes, understood."
"Also, hire enough staff so they can comfortably take a two-hour lunch break."
"Two hours for lunch?"
"They're in a customer-facing job. If they don't get at least two hours to relax, how can they greet customers with a smile?"
This department store constantly emphasizes that staff should always smile.
Damn it, they should create an environment where people can actually smile before demanding it.
These people act like everything works just because they say so.
"Sir, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"…?"
"Money… you said it's okay to earn slowly, but… we need to hire staff and provide free meals. How will we cover the expenses for all that…"
"Well, the professional manager will figure that out, I'm sure."
"A professional manager… could it be the person I'm thinking of?"
At Jo So-deok's question, I nodded happily.
In the car on the way home, I stared out the window, lost in thought.
I had just increased staff welfare by expanding personnel and rest time.
'If Grandpa knew, he'd probably scold me.'
I don't think I could argue that my way is the right way.
But that's how it is in service jobs.
The better the company treats its employees, the more loyalty they'll feel.
Naturally, the quality of service improves, and then the customers will gladly open their wallets.
I know it's an idealistic story. I know.
'For someone living a second life… I should have the guts to dream of an ideal company!'
While I was thinking about all sorts of things,
"Boss, once you go to school tomorrow, the first semester will be over, right?"
Jo So-deok, holding the steering wheel, asked.
"Has it already been that long?"
"Oh my, you even forgot about the vacation…"
I had been so focused on business.
"Are you planning to go to Korea this time?"
"Maybe I'll take a break before going."
"Actually, I was planning to ask you that."
"…?"
"What do you do when you take a break?"
It was a simple question.
But I couldn't think of an answer right away.
Now that I had taken over the Oxford Street opening and the department store acquisition, I'd more or less completed my immediate tasks.
It was time to really rest, but nothing came to mind.
"I… I think I'll catch up on some games I've missed."
I quickly made up an excuse and turned my head to look out the window.
***
The next day.
There was nothing special about the semester-ending ceremony.
The homeroom teacher just came in and gave a brief warning not to slack off too much.
Ah!
Since our homeroom teacher majored in economics, there was something interesting that happened.
"I've got the results of the investments you made over the semester. The top earner is Julian Burnett."
He's the second son of Standard Bank, who loves showing off.
He stood up with a puffed chest, as if he was about to say something, but the teacher told him to sit back down.
Then the teacher turned to me.
"Ji-hoon didn't submit anything, though."
"Oh, yes. Sorry. I got distracted, using being busy as an excuse."
"How did your investments turn out?"
"The amount you sent is still in my account."
"Guess you didn't pay much attention to it?"
I was about to apologize again when the teacher spoke.
"It's fine. Everyone, including me, knows exactly what you've been up to this semester."
"…"
"Thanks to you, I even received the Minister's commendation. I felt a little embarrassed since I didn't actually teach much. But it was an opportunity for me, so I accepted it. Is that alright?"
I bowed my head, thanking the teacher who had been considerate throughout the semester.
Once the short ceremony ended,
"Waa- Ah! Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap!"
Cheers and applause erupted.
"Freedom!"
"Goodbye, terrible school, at least for a while!"
Hmm.
I didn't want to sound like an old fart, but… kids, do you know that being a student is the happiest time of your life… ugh.
I asked Peter, who was sitting next to me.
"What are you going to do during the break?"
"I'm going to make a game!"
I had given Peter the Super Family development kit I got last time.
Maybe that's why.
He was burning with determination, saying he would make something real this time.
"What kind of game?"
"The one I told you about last time… The Great Car Thief."
Wow—oh!
"When it's finished, bring it to me. I'll definitely give it a try."
"I haven't even started yet…"
"I'll guarantee an initial shipment of 100,000 copies!"
"If 100,000 copies sell, how much would I make from my share?"
Peter, who's particularly sensitive about money, immediately looked confused when I gave him a rough estimate.
"G-Gotta go!"
"Why?"
"I don't have time to waste… I need to get to work right away."
Heh.
Peter quickly packed his bag and rushed out of the classroom.
Next up, Jack!
"What are you going to do during the break?"
"I'm going to join the Marine Corps camp."
"For how long?"
"One month."
One month is basically boot camp!
If minors could enlist, he'd probably rush to the recruitment office right now.
I turned to look at Tennessee.
"What about you?"
"I'm busy with Red Bull."
Ah, he said he'd handle everything from acquisition to branding.
Now he's really going to give it a go!
"What about you, then?"
"I don't have any plans right now."
"…?"
"For now, I'm just going to go home and beat 'Super Mario World.'"
"What?"
"It's the launch title for Super Family, but I didn't get to properly play it."
Tennessee's eyes were trembling lightly.
He clearly wanted to say something but couldn't bring himself to do it!
Fine, I'll help.
"Have you ever been to my house?"
"No."
"Want to go with me, then?"
"W-Why would I?"
"Because I'll get bored playing alone."
"That's a two-player game, isn't it?"
"We can take turns."
"…"
"You're a shareholder in a gaming company, right? When Shigeru's new game comes out, you have to finish it, don't you think?"
Instead of answering, he packed his bag.
Heh.
"Do you need a car?"
"It's really close. We can walk."
"What about food?"
"I'll grab a burger on the way."
We left the classroom side by side.
But then, what was this?
Second-year students wearing volunteer sashes were mopping the hallway.
"Spray more cleaner. Get it nice and clean."
"It's not coming off."
"What do you mean it's not working? Let me do it. If I apply more pressure, it'll clean up."
Then Ralph, who made eye contact with me.
He gave me an awkward smile, as if he felt uncomfortable.