Understanding their goals, Lee Jin-woo outlined his vision for the company.
An influencer incubator. In this tech-talent-filled nation, he'd be the first-generation influencer godfather.
His business would center on "Internet+."
That should let many sleep easy.
Their wives would be thrilled too!
"For now, TV shopping is the trend. Send them to model products."
Before mobile internet, build their fame and experience.
There, they'd listen, observe, learn how TV hosts drive sales.
From quality control to product selection to market trend judgment.
That was their focus.
With such assets, why sell swimsuit photos or dabble in sketchy side gigs?
Son Yoon-joo's "marrying rich" was just hype.
If true, she wouldn't need photo sales in China.
Unless the rich guy had odd fetishes.
Regardless, she was his now. Those things wouldn't happen.
He'd make her Korea's top live-commerce star.
Son Yoon-joo didn't know she'd been tagged as "private property."
Hearing his plan, her pretty head was full of question marks.
What was he saying? Mobile internet?
What was that, and how did it relate to their work?
Yet something in his words sparked a light in her mind.
If he was right, related stocks would soar, right?
"President."
"Yoon-joo-ssi, any questions?" The manager spoke for him.
"Yes, are there domestic companies tied to this… industry?" Her question made his eyes light up.
Oh~
Such sharp instincts. So her interest wasn't modeling but money?
"People's Hero." He said just three words.
If her money sense was that keen, she'd seize this chance.
But that company was under tight big-corp surveillance.
Getting a slice wouldn't be easy.
Plus, it was far from going public.
After addressing questions and seeing no more, he sent Yoon Hye-na to book a restaurant.
"While we have time, show me your performances."
Sitting on a chair the manager brought, he awaited their showcase.
Runway walks, movements, expressions, poses, talents, specialties—all required.
Outfit changes were key: cute, sexy, mature, sultry, professional, playful, gentle, innocent…
Something odd slipped in, but whatever—enjoy first, think later.
"Yoon-joo… workplace, sexy style."
"Sun-young… fresh, innocent daily vibe."
"Yeon-jung… hm~ sultry, revealing gala style to highlight your figure."
Physically, Lee Yeon-jung was the most striking.
Son Yoon-joo's strength was proportion, Yoon Sun-young had a pure, girl-next-door face.
With the right makeup, she'd be a national darling.
Lee Yeon-jung could chase idol vibes, tapping fan traffic.
Wear what's trending, sell it—no issue.
Her rep might take a hit, but fan-driven sales would make bank.
"Awesome, really?" Lee Yeon-jung, getting top praise, stomped excitedly.
She thought Yoon-joo was the favorite, but she got the spotlight.
And a personal plan from him. Yes~
"Of course."
He nodded firmly, smiling. "You'll all make big money. I, Lee Jin-woo, guarantee it."
Seeing Lee Yeon-jung cozy up, kneeling and swaying, her hips "accidentally" brushing his arm, Son Yoon-joo sighed.
So blatant. Was she that desperate?
Sure, he was hot, but was she an unwanted hag?
Ugh… shameless woman.
"Time's up, let's go!" Lee Jin-woo clapped, leading the way.
Cheongdam-dong, Dosan-daero 100-ro 13.
In a curtained private room, the manager asked curiously, "President, not 678 Baekjeong?"
Not for their meat, but it was cheap, and artists went for Kang Dong-ho's clout, hoping to network with seniors.
"Eating should be about eating. Constantly bowing—what's that? No fame, no one remembers your bows. With fame, others will come to you, even juniors can speak loudly."
"Yes, you're right."
Seeing them standing, he said casually, "Sit. It's our first team-building. Relax."
"Yes." The managers exchanged glances, arranging seats.
Yoon Hye-na and Lee Yeon-jung flanked him, with Son Yoon-joo and Yoon Sun-young next.
The others sat across, then he said, "Yoon-joo, sit here."
Lee Yeon-jung's bright smile turned awkward.
She forced a strained grin, scooting to make room.
"Yoon-joo, the president has something to say. Hurry!"
They swapped, Son Yoon-joo's eyes gleaming with pride, while Lee Yeon-jung, head down, gritted her teeth.
Her gut was right—he favored her more.
Lee Jin-woo placed fresh tenderloin on the grill with tongs.
White smoke rose, the meat sizzling. "Open the soju. What're you waiting for, me to do it?"
"Oh, sorry, President, I'll pour."
"President, let me grill!" Son Yoon-joo took the tongs dutifully.
Grilling, she glanced at Lee Yeon-jung, her smug smile saying it all.
Lee Yeon-jung, teeth grinding earlier, flashed a radiant smile, eyes crescent, hiding her gaze.
She feared her "murderous" glare would be caught by the fake-smiling woman.
Tabletop rivalries were normal.
The company was new, everyone at the starting line.
Whoever won the president's favor got more resources.
One step ahead, the gap would widen. No one wanted to be left behind, watching peers shine.
Soju's taste was hard to describe.
But drink fast, chug a few, and it's just liquid—no good or bad.
Alcohol-numbed taste buds made everything like water.
But these women's tolerance was abysmal.
Three cups, and they were swaying.
Hey, Lee Yeon-jung.
Aish, don't crawl under the table!
(End of Chapter)