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Chapter 19
Even in the darkness, it was clear that Juyoung’s face was flushed. Though it wasn’t her fault, she curled up into a ball as if she were guilty. Yena felt inwardly embarrassed by Nadaero’s blunt words but remained composed, scanning the room before asking:
“What do the rest of you think?”
No one spoke. Everyone kept their eyes down, afraid that a careless word might offend Vice President Nadaero or Executive Director Choi Yena.
When no one opened their mouth, Yena turned her gaze to Hyunseung, who was sitting next to her.
“Manager Cha, what do you think?”
Curious eyes turned toward Hyunseung simultaneously.
After a brief pause, as if organizing his thoughts, Hyunseung spoke:
“Personally, I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”
Nadaero, reclining in his swivel chair with a cocky tilt, visibly stiffened.
“As Vice President Nadaero said, our company has never held an event in a club before. So there are some legitimate concerns. However, if we leverage the recognition of <Zenith> Club, which is popular among celebrities, I think it could appeal well to our target customers for ‘J.U.N.’”
The eyes of the executives in the conference room darted around. Though they were internally irritated by the presence of Secretary General Hyunseung at such an official meeting, they couldn’t ignore his impressive track record.
Yena quickly added:
“Yes, I agree. Let’s hear the rest of the presentation first.”
“Wait a minute. Are you saying you’ll go ahead and ignore my words as vice president? Since the CEO couldn’t attend today, I assume I’m the highest-ranking person here… am I not?”
“……!”
“And while we’re at it, I’m curious… what exactly is <Zenith> Club like? Executive Director Choi, you must know, since you go to clubs with celebrities often. We don’t, so please explain in a way we can understand.”
Silence fell over the conference room.
Jinsang’s triumphant gaze turned to Yena. Flustered, she rubbed her neck, her jaw tight with tension.
Nadaero’s words had clearly thrown her off. She just opened her mouth slightly, unable to speak.
“That little brat thinks she’s an executive?!” Jinsang had to force himself to hold back laughter, lowering his head and biting his lip.
“Uh, Vice President… may I explain it?”
Juyoung, who had been watching the scene nervously, asked cautiously.
“No. Since when did I ask Minjuyoung for anything?”
“Ah… s-sorry.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Now let’s go in. There’s nothing more to hear.”
“Y-yes…”
Juyoung, who had stayed up all night preparing the presentation and couldn’t even finish it, returned to her seat looking defeated. Yena sat silently, her eyes burning as they fixed on the floor. Hyunseung looked at Yena’s tightly clenched fists, feeling a pang of sympathy.
The next presenter, Seungmin Jeong, was fortunate enough to finish his presentation without interruption, but Nadaero remained visibly unimpressed, sipping his coffee throughout.
“Well, it’s all the usual talk. Let’s take a short break.”
As Nadaero suddenly stood up, the rest of the executives also rose.
Ten minutes later, the meeting resumed.
Jinsang, slightly tense, stood in front of the large screen, preparing for his presentation.
“Wait, this assistant manager… why are you up? You should go last. By age and experience, isn’t that how it should be?”
“Oh… is that so?”
“Yes! Assistant Manager Shin Da-hyun should go first.”
“Yes, then I’ll present first.”
Trying not to upset Nadaero, Dahyun willingly stepped forward. Despite the heavy atmosphere in the conference room, she began her presentation calmly.
“Hello, I’m Assistant Manager Shin Da-hyun from the Planning Team. I’d like to propose a new type of launch event that hasn’t been attempted before—a field fashion show on the Han River.”
“A field fashion show?”
Nadaero asked in a disapproving tone.
“Yes, that’s correct. The weather has been great lately, and many people go out to enjoy the Han River. So I thought of this idea: a floating platform shaped like an artificial island on the river, where we could hold a ‘J.U.N’ brand fashion show. On busy days, like Friday through Sunday, we could have two shows per day, one in the afternoon and one at night.”
“Ha! Assistant Manager Shin, your imagination is impressive. But we’re not selling cheap clothes to the neighborhood—what’s the point of showing it to the masses?”
“Yes, Vice President, I understand your point. The ‘J.U.N’ brand is high-end, so events for the general public might not be meaningful. However, a floating fashion show on the Han River has never been done before. Even the attempt itself would draw attention from the media and potential customers.”
As Dahyun calmly continued her explanation, Nadaero’s eyes narrowed.
“Hmm. Assistant Manager Shin, is this even feasible? Can it really be done? Floating an artificial island on the Han River? Even if possible, wouldn’t the budget be enormous?”
“Yes, from my research…”
“Let’s stop. Seems you watched too many cartoons since having kids. This is a cartoonish idea. We don’t need to discuss impossible things. Next presentation.”
Nadaero cut her off abruptly, as if dismissing any answer beforehand.
The room grew cold again. Dahyun added, slightly flustered:
“Vice President, this isn’t a cartoon or fantasy. If you review the materials I provided, you’ll see detailed execution plans. Similar events have been held on the Thames River in the UK.”
Nadaero flipped through the carefully prepared materials impatiently and slammed them shut, as if he didn’t need to see any more.
“Vice President, even if you don’t like it, please consider the effort of the employees who prepared it and let them finish their presentation.”
Breaking the long silence, Yena spoke firmly. Her provocative gaze pierced Nadaero directly. Flinching, Nadaero quickly checked the other executives’ reactions and reluctantly agreed, turning his chair toward Dahyun.
“Hmm! Fine. Let’s hear it then.”
As if waiting, Dahyun began:
“Continuing, various water-based events have been held on the Thames River and received explosive attention. I believe we can leverage the Han River in Seoul, a unique resource, to gain major attention. The artificial island I envision would be mobile, so we could hold events in multiple locations. Additionally, by installing a large screen on the riverbank, more potential customers can experience the ‘J.U.N’ brand vividly.”
Dahyun’s presentation was calm and logical throughout. Initially skeptical executives began nodding and showing agreement as the explanation progressed.
Watching Dahyun from the side, Jinsang grew increasingly anxious, shaking one leg violently.
Damn it, I thought she’d just give a half-hearted attempt after my explanation yesterday… but she went all out. Wants that manager title, huh? Fine, let’s see who wins.
Finally, it was Jinsang’s turn.
Unlike usual, he stood in front of the large screen with a clearly nervous expression.
“…Yes. Ah, hello. I, ahem! I am Planning Team Assistant Manager Lee Jinsang. I… will start my presentation.”
His voice trembled slightly, and his hands shook. He clasped them tightly to hide the noticeable trembling. Meeting Yena’s sharp gaze only tightened his nerves.
“Phew… I’m so nervous… Sorry. My proposed launch event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, inviting prominent domestic celebrities. It’s a luxury event targeting a select few, including influential entertainers, athletes, and influencers. Since our brand is high-end, only a limited number of people will wear it anyway. The Han River event proposed by Shin Dahyun may be costly with little effect. Honestly, can visitors to the Han River on weekends afford our ‘J.U.N’ golf wear?”
“Exactly. That’s what I’m saying.”
Nadaero chimed in, nodding in agreement.
“Such an event would lower the prestige of the ‘J.U.N’ brand. A private event at a top hotel targeting only influential VIPs would be far more effective, in my opinion.”
“I 100% agree,” Nadaero leaned forward, smiling in satisfaction. The other executives nodded in agreement.
“Isn’t this type of launch event a bit too predictable now?”
Hyunseung’s sudden comment cast a chill over the previously warm atmosphere.
