Dinner, spent mostly watching others eat, ended quickly. Jiang Hai stood, nodded to Li Xihuai, and returned to his suite with the two companions. Kim Taeyeon and Lin Yun'er, still mid-bite, froze, suddenly realizing their purpose.
"You two, come with me," Li Xihuai said coldly, gesturing to them. He led them to the elevator and found a secluded spot.
"I'm sure your superiors have already explained why you're here tonight," Li Xihuai began sternly, his eyes sharp.
"Yes, when we arrived, our representative dined with a guest," Jin Taeyeon replied, her face set. Li Xihuai's expression darkened further.
"Dine? Do you think you're here just for dinner? You're here to… serve him. Don't pretend you don't understand," Li Xihuai growled, cutting her off.
"We… we don't want to do this," Jin Taeyeon stammered, glancing nervously at him.
"It's not a question of want—it's a question of duty. This is a mission assigned by the South Korean higher-ups. Do you know who this man is? Jiang Hai. His plane was seized recently, and the beef onboard is worth $100 million. Do you understand what that means? That fresh beef will last only seven days. Today is already the third day. You have three days to deliver this beef to him, or we forfeit $100 million! Do you get it?" Li Xihuai's voice rose to near hysteria.
"$100 million… US dollars?" Jin Taeyeon and Lin Yun'er exchanged a stunned glance. They hadn't realized how powerful Jiang Hai truly was.
"I'm telling you, this is a blessing. That man owns a manor; his annual cattle revenue alone exceeds $2 billion, and he makes about the same from fish. With his grass business, his income easily tops $6 billion annually. Forbes can't estimate his net worth, but insiders say he ranks among the world's top ten richest as long as his manor survives. Serving him is an opportunity. While he knows you, you should also consider your future." Li Xihuai tugged at his tie, expertly mixing threat and promise.
"But we…" The girls exchanged a glance, still reluctant despite the staggering wealth revealed.
"Enough excuses! Tomorrow, I must see him at the negotiating table. This is political. Fail, and you and your families are finished in South Korea. Do you understand?" Li Xihuai roared, grabbing their hair to punctuate his words.
The two trembled but knew this was no empty threat. Li Xihuai could—and would—follow through.
"Watch them. If they disobey, deal with it," he barked to the men standing nearby, then released the girls' hair.
Kim Taeyeon and Lin Yun'er realized their situation was hopeless. Even the top agencies couldn't protect them here. From trainees to global idols, they had once been untouchable. Now, they were at the mercy of politics and powerful men.
"Ouni, I'm scared," Lin Yun'er whispered, gripping Kim Taeyeon's hand. Usually carefree, she looked panicked. Kim Taeyeon herself, usually composed, appeared even paler, almost bloodless.
Step by step, they made their way to Jiang Hai's suite, the journey taking almost fifteen minutes despite the short distance, every step heavy with dread.
Finally, they reached the door. With trembling hands, they knocked.
After a moment, the foreign woman from before opened the door, frowned at them, then relaxed as she understood their purpose.
"Camang!" she called, stepping inside first. The two women followed, glancing back nervously before the door closed behind them. They stood timidly, fear evident on their faces.
Jiang Hai, wrapped in a bathrobe after a shower, emerged from his bedroom. He paused, stunned by the sight of the two girls.
"Well… we uh…" They stammered, confused, unsure how to explain.
"This is a gift from that Li-something. You can't miss it, can you?" Cheryl Lee appeared behind Jiang Hai, also in a bathrobe, a hint of sarcasm in her gaze as she sized up Kim Taeyeon and Lin Yun'er.
"I can see it, but I'm not sure why they're here. It's clear—they don't want to be," Jiang Hai said, sinking onto the living room sofa. "Not everyone is rich like you. Some things can't simply be refused, right?" Cheryl Lee smiled, sat on his lap, and playfully claimed her territory.
"Our Lord Li said he hopes you can join the negotiations tomorrow…" The girls' voices trembled. Tears threatened. Their mission was clear: serve Jiang Hai. But even they couldn't hide the pity and fear in their eyes.
"I'm not negotiating tomorrow. My planeload of beef—thirty tons—sells wholesale for around $20 million, with profits over $40 million. Even if it spoils, I can still get $100 million in compensation. Even if not, I can make at least $80 million, deducting legal fees and expenses, leaving $30 million. Tell me, why would I give up that money?" Jiang Hai said calmly.
The girls' expressions darkened further.
To be continued.