CHAPTER 39……………………………..
Ilju Group Headquarters – Conference Room
Hana sat at the table with the team members, her expression tense. Across from her, the head of Ilju Group’s Overseas Business Team and several employees sat neatly arranged.
A quiet stillness hung in the room until the team leader spoke first.
“Then, let’s get started.”
He calmly opened the materials he had prepared.
“I will present the results of our review of Seoga Food’s Southeast Asia expansion plan.”
Hana unconsciously tensed her fingertips. The team members beside her, equally anxious, waited intently for his words.
“Let’s start with the positive aspects…”
The team leader flipped a page, keeping his eyes fixed on the documents.
“We believe Seoga Food’s product lineup has sufficient competitiveness in the Southeast Asian market.”
Hana felt a small weight lift off her shoulders. The team leader continued.
“Especially for the premium line, if you target the local middle and upper classes, it should receive a favorable response. We see particularly high potential in Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.”
Hana exhaled in relief.
“Thank you.”
She bowed briefly.
“Next, let’s talk about the distribution network.”
The team leader turned to the next page.
“Ilju Group already has its own distribution channels in three Southeast Asian countries. If Seoga Food utilizes our network, the market entry process can be significantly accelerated.”
Hana nodded.
“However…”
The team leader paused and looked at Hana.
“We recommend a joint venture rather than entering alone. This approach helps distribute initial risks and also improves understanding of the local market.”
He then got straight to the point.
“Here are the proposed conditions.”
Hana’s heart began to race. The team leader took a small breath and continued.
“If you use Ilju Group’s distribution network, we propose a 50-50 profit split.”
“…A 50-50 split?”
Hana’s eyes widened in surprise. This was far more favorable than she had expected.
“Yes. Also, the initial marketing costs will be shared equally between both companies.”
The team leader smiled gently. Hana, almost in disbelief, asked again.
“Really… you’re offering it that way?”
“Yes. This was a direct instruction from the president.”
The president… that meant Gunwoo. Hana’s heart fluttered strangely.
The team leader continued.
“The contract period will be five years, and during renegotiation, Seoga Food will be given the right of first negotiation.”
The air in the room shifted. The Seoga Food team members could not hide their astonishment. The team leader added one final point.
“Additionally, when establishing a local corporation, Ilju Group will provide support for necessary legal consultation and administrative procedures.”
“Thank you so much.”
Hana bowed deeply, her voice filled with sincerity.
“You’ll need time to review it, right?”
“No. With terms like this… I want to proceed immediately.”
Hana replied quickly, then added,
“However, I should still report to the chairman.”
The team leader nodded.
“Of course. Please provide a final answer by this Friday.”
“Yes, we will do that.”
When the meeting ended, Hana and her team rose from their seats.
As soon as they stepped out of the conference room, the tension lifted, and smiles spread across their faces. The marketing team leader could not hide his excitement.
“This is amazing!”
“A 50-50 split… way better than we expected.”
“And the marketing costs are split too…!”
The team members chatted excitedly, exchanging grins.
Hana still couldn’t quite believe it. She took a deep breath and said,
“Good work, everyone. Let’s have lunch and then head back to the office.”
“Yes, Executive Director!”
The employees smiled brightly as they walked down the corridor. Hana watched their backs for a moment before remaining alone.
‘He must have deliberately taken care of it.’
Certainly. A 50-50 profit split, shared marketing costs, legal support—this was not just a business proposal; it was clear consideration.
Though Hana had received such care before, today her heart felt unusually stirred. She slowly stood in front of the elevator. Pressing the button, the doors opened with a soft chime.
Come to think of it, Gunwoo had always been like that. Quietly attentive, there when needed, and offering his heart before words when things got tough.
Hana now realized that his thoughtfulness was not just out of duty but was infused with genuine affection.
Perhaps that was why even Gunwoo’s usual small gestures today stirred her so deeply, as if last night’s honest moment had slightly opened the door to feelings that had been there all along.
Hana exhaled deeply and headed toward the floor where the president’s office was located.
Outside the President’s Office
As if already briefed, his secretary smoothly guided Hana inside.
“Please come in.”
Hana nodded and stepped in. The spacious office was bathed in afternoon sunlight. Through the large glass windows that spanned one wall, she could see the heart of Seoul.
Hearing her enter, Gunwoo looked up.
“Finished?”
“Yes. Just finished.”
“Sit.”
He gestured toward the sofa. Hana nodded and quietly sat down. Gunwoo, still at his desk, glanced over a few more documents before looking at her.
“Was it okay?”
Hana smiled as she took a breath.
“Yes… much better than expected.”
Relief and surprise colored her voice.
“They offered a 50-50 profit split, shared marketing costs, and even legal support… I didn’t think we’d get terms like this.”
“Really?”
Though calm, a faint smile flickered across his face.
“…Thank you.”
Gunwoo raised his eyebrows slightly.
“For what?”
“For deliberately taking care of things.”
Her voice carried certainty. Gunwoo remained silent for a moment. Rolling a pen between his fingers, he quietly spoke.
“I’m not that powerful.”
“Pardon?”
Gunwoo smiled softly.
“It just means Seoga Food’s products had potential. They matched local market trends, and we needed a new lineup. The timing was right.”
He closed the documents and looked up.
“Of course, I pushed harder because of you.”
Hana pressed her lips together, sensing his sincerity.
“Not the whole story, though.”
“…Still, thank you for caring.”
“No need to thank me.”
He added with a playful grin.
“If I don’t care about my wife, who will?”
Hana’s face burned. Her heart raced. The words “my wife” echoed in her ears.
She quickly turned to look out the window, nervously touching her cheek so he wouldn’t notice. Gunwoo’s low chuckle reached her—it was clear he enjoyed her reaction.
“Let’s go.”
Gunwoo stood, picking up his coat.
“For lunch.”
Hana nodded slowly and stood. Though still flushed, she now had the courage to meet his gaze.
Gunwoo put on his coat, naturally matching his pace with hers.
They headed to a high-end traditional Korean restaurant near Ilju Group. Nestled among skyscrapers, the place was quiet, shielded from the city’s noise.
Entering the reserved private room, a neat garden appeared through the window. The gentle sound of water and the subtle scent of juniper blended harmoniously.
