The whirlwind weeks following the court victory and the Hanul call blurred into a frenzy of preparation. Contracts were reviewed, presentations polished, market analyses dissected by Yuhan with laser focus. The looming trip to Seoul was no longer just a meeting; it felt like the launchpad for Luminous's next, audacious orbit. The day before departure crackled with nervous energy in Anze's penthouse, now thankfully devoid of takeout containers but stacked with neatly organized briefing folders. Anze stood by his desk, the Shanghai skyline a familiar backdrop, phone pressed to his ear.
"Mei Lin," he said, his voice efficient. "Final confirmation. The Gulfstream is booked for tomorrow, 9 AM from Pudong. Crew briefed?" He listened, nodding. "Good. And the visas? My sister, Li Anya's?" A pause, a slight smile touching his lips. "Excellent. Thank you, Mei Lin. You've been indispensable through all this." He ended the call, the smile lingering as he scrolled to Anya's contact. Yuhan and Jiaxi, poring over financial projections at the dining table, glanced up curiously.
He hit dial. Anya answered on the second ring, her voice bright and slightly breathless, probably mid-university chaos. "Big Bro! To what do I owe the honor? Calling to confess you secretly *did* commit fraud and need me to hide you?"
Anze chuckled. "Always the vote of confidence. Actually, I was calling with some potentially good news... but given that attitude..."
"NO! Sorry, sorry!" Anya's voice instantly shifted to wheedling sweetness. "Speak, speak! I'm all ears! Did you finally buy that island?"
"Close," Anze deadpanned. "Tomorrow, the team – me, Xia, Yuhan, Jiaxi – we're flying to Seoul. Big meeting with Hanul Group."
Anya's tone flattened slightly. "Oh. Right. Saw the group chat. Business trip. Cool, I guess. What's the *good* news part? Did you get me a souvenir already?"
"The good news," Anze said, drawing it out, savoring the moment, "is that you'll be joining us. Pack your bags. Your visa's sorted."
The silence on the other end was absolute for a heartbeat. Then, a shriek that made Anze hold the phone away from his ear. Yuhan and Jiaxi looked up, startled, then grinned at each other. "REALLY?! SEOUL?! WITH YOU?! BUSINESS CLASS?!" Anya's voice was pure, unfiltered euphoria.
"Private jet, actually," Anze corrected mildly, unable to suppress a wider grin. "And yes. Consider it... hazard pay for putting up with my alleged fraud empire. Driver will pick you up at 7:30 AM sharp tomorrow, bring you straight to the FBO. Don't be late."
"OK BROTHER I LOVE YOU YOU'RE THE BEST FRAUDSTER EVER!" Anya babbled, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Gotta pack! Bye!" The line went dead.
Anze shook his head, still smiling, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Yuhan and Jiaxi were openly laughing now. "Fraudster pay, huh?" Jiaxi snorted. "Creative accounting."
"Motivation," Anze retorted, walking over to them. "Keeps her in line. Mostly." He glanced around the living room, the absence noticeable. "Where's Xia anyway? Her section of the Hanul presentation needs a final look."
Jiaxi exchanged a knowing glance with Yuhan, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, she texted earlier," Jiaxi said, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "Said she had a... *prior engagement* tonight. Couldn't make the final prep session."
Yuhan adjusted his glasses, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Indeed. Mentioned something about... dinner plans."
Anze's expression didn't flicker, but a slight tension settled in his jaw. "A date," he stated flatly.
Jiaxi nodded, her grin widening. "Yep. Guess she's giving the Hall of Fame another shot before conquering Korea." Yuhan chuckled softly. Anze just grunted, turning back towards his study. "Fine. Tell her to review the slides remotely. And to be at the FBO by 8:15. Sharp." The unspoken 'and not hungover' hung in the air as he retreated.
***
The next morning dawned crisp and clear. Inside the sleek, hushed environment of the private aviation terminal, the Luminous group assembled. Yuhan looked impeccable, briefcase clutched like a shield. Jiaxi radiated vibrant energy in travel-chic athleisure, already snapping selfies. Anya buzzed around like an excited hummingbird, her suitcase plastered with K-pop stickers, peppering a bemused Yuhan with questions about Korean business etiquette. Anze stood near the window, watching the sleek Gulfstream being prepped, checking his watch.
Xia arrived precisely at 8:14. But 'arrived' was a generous term. She shuffled in, oversized sunglasses hiding most of her face, her usually sharp aura replaced by a palpable aura of misery. Her complexion was pale, her movements slow and deliberate. She wore comfortable clothes, but her hair was hastily pulled back, and she clutched a large takeout coffee cup like a lifeline.
"Morning," she mumbled, her voice gravelly.
Anya stared. "Whoa, Xia Jie. Rough night?"
Jiaxi sidled up, grinning wickedly. "Prior engagement go well? He must have been... memorable."
Xia just groaned softly, lowering herself gingerly into a plush terminal chair. "Don't. Just... don't. Words are loud." She took a long, desperate gulp of coffee.
Anze walked over, looking down at her. His expression was unreadable. "Presentation reviewed?" His voice was neutral.
Xia nodded weakly from behind her sunglasses. "Emailed you... last night. Before the... engagement." She winced slightly. "It's solid."
"Good," Anze said simply. "Boarding in five. Try not to... decorate the jet." He turned and walked towards the boarding door. Xia just buried her face in her hands for a second, eliciting a sympathetic pat from Jiaxi and a stifled giggle from Anya.
The flight to Seoul was a study in contrasts. The Gulfstream's luxurious cabin offered serene comfort. Yuhan immediately buried himself in Hanul financial reports. Jiaxi plugged in her headphones and scrolled through Seoul travel blogs. Anze worked steadily on his laptop, radiating focused calm.
Anya, however, vibrated with excitement. Once airborne and assured Xia wasn't going to be sick, she bounced between seats. "Tell me Seoul stories! What's it really like? Is the food amazing? Did you guys ever go when you were younger? Come on, spill! High school stories! Anything!"
The plea, combined with Xia's fragile state and the general relief of being airborne, loosened tongues. Jiaxi, always the storyteller, took the lead. "Okay, so picture this... senior year spring trip. We convinced Principal Wang it was a 'cultural exchange'..."
What followed was a hilarious, slightly embellished recounting of their high school escapades: Anze getting hopelessly lost trying to find a specific noodle shop and refusing to ask for directions ("He just stood there glaring at the map like it offended him!"); Yuhan accidentally ordering the spiciest dish known to mankind and trying to maintain his composure while tears streamed down his face ("He just kept saying 'Quite flavorful!' between gulps of water!"); Xia getting challenged to a dance-off by a local crew in Hongdae and surprising everyone (including herself) by winning; Jiaxi trying to haggle in a market using only K-drama phrases with disastrously funny results. Even Xia, nursing her coffee and headache, managed weak smiles and the occasional groan of "I'd forgotten about that!" or "It was spicier than *that*!". Anze remained mostly silent, but a faint smile softened his features as he listened, occasionally adding a dry, corrective detail to Jiaxi's more outrageous claims. The shared laughter, the nostalgic warmth, was a soothing balm, weaving the familiar threads of their long friendship through the anticipation of the new challenge ahead.
The descent into Incheon International Airport was smooth. As they taxied, the vibrant energy of Seoul seemed to pulse even from the tarmac. Clearing customs was swift, thanks to pre-arranged facilitation. Stepping out of the arrivals hall, the buzz of a different city enveloped them – the rhythm of the language, the sights, the distinct atmosphere. A sleek, black Hanul Group Mercedes van was waiting precisely as arranged. A smartly dressed driver bowed slightly, greeting them in polite English before efficiently loading their luggage.
"Welcome to Seoul," Anze said, as they settled into the plush interior of the van. The cityscape began to unfold outside the windows – a dynamic mix of towering glass skyscrapers, bustling streets, and glimpses of traditional architecture. The fatigue of the journey, Xia's hangover, the lingering nostalgia, all mingled with a fresh wave of adrenaline. They were here. The next chapter for Luminous Tech was about to be written in the heart of South Korea. The van merged into the flow of traffic, carrying them towards the gleaming skyline and the high-stakes meeting that awaited.
The sleek Hanul Group Mercedes glided through the vibrant heart of Seoul, finally pulling up beneath the gleaming canopy of the **Shilla Hotel**. Uniformed staff materialized instantly, whisking away luggage with practiced efficiency as the weary but excited group stepped into the cool, luxurious marble lobby, fragrant with subtle floral notes. The grandeur was undeniable – soaring ceilings, elegant minimalist design, and hushed tones of discreet wealth. Check-in was swift, each member of the Luminous team (plus Anya) handed keycards to their individual suites on high floors.
As they moved towards the elevators, Anze paused, his gaze locking onto Yuhan. "Fifteen minutes," he stated, his voice low but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "Meet me back down here. We need to leave." Yuhan, ever the picture of composed readiness despite the journey, simply nodded once, a flicker of understanding in his eyes, and disappeared into his assigned elevator.
Jiaxi, however, instantly pounced. "Leave? Where are you two sneaking off to without us?" She planted her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed playfully but with genuine curiosity. Xia, leaning against a polished column looking distinctly green around the edges, merely groaned softly, her oversized sunglasses still firmly in place. Anya bounced on her heels, sensing intrigue.
Anze turned, his expression unreadable but focused. "A business meeting. Preliminary. Just Yuhan and I. We'll fill you in later." He pulled out his phone, tapped rapidly, and looked at Anya. "I've sent a location pin to your WeChat. You three," he gestured towards Jiaxi, Xia, and Anya, "head there. Enjoy. We'll meet you when we're done." Before Jiaxi could protest further, Anze produced a sleek, matte black metal card, devoid of any markings save for a subtle geometric pattern. He pressed it into Anya's hand. "This will let you in," he said cryptically. "Don't lose it." With a final nod, he stepped into the next elevator, the doors sliding shut on Jiaxi's open-mouthed protest and Anya's wide-eyed fascination.
***
Fifteen minutes later, precisely, Anze emerged back into the lobby, now changed into a fresh, impeccably tailored navy suit. Yuhan joined him moments after, looking equally sharp. Without a word, they strode back out to the waiting Mercedes. The driver navigated the dense Seoul traffic with calm expertise, heading away from the glittering downtown core towards the affluent, tree-lined streets of Gangnam. They pulled up not to another corporate tower, but to a discreet, traditional *hanok*-style building nestled incongruously amongst modern structures. A single, weathered wooden plaque by the heavy door bore elegant calligraphy Anze couldn't read, but the atmosphere whispered of exclusivity and tradition. A man in a dark suit bowed deeply and ushered them inside.
The interior was a serene oasis. Polished dark wood floors, sliding paper screens (*hanji*), and the gentle scent of sandalwood and pine. They were led through quiet corridors to a private room where Park Min-jae awaited. The Hanul CEO stood near a low table, dressed not in a business suit but in comfortable, high-quality indigo-dyed *hanbok* trousers and a simple white tunic. He greeted them with a warm, respectful bow. "Mr. Li, Mr. Ding. Welcome. I thought something less... corporate... for our first conversation." His English was flawless, his demeanor relaxed yet radiating authority.
Dinner was an exquisite, multi-course Korean royal cuisine (*surasang*), served silently by attentive staff. Conversation flowed easily initially – Park expressing admiration for their resilience in the face of the Shanghai scandal, Anze outlining Luminous's vision beyond Japan, Yuhan providing concise, insightful commentary on market synergies. Park proved to be a shrewd but engaging host, his questions probing but respectful. As delicate porcelain cups of fragrant *omija* tea were served after the final course, Park leaned back slightly, his gaze settling intently on Anze.
"Your Serenity line," Park began, swirling the pale pink tea in his cup. "It's impressive. Truly. Tanaka was right about its potential, and your team's integrity. Hanul sees significant value in bringing it to the Korean consumer." He paused, setting his cup down. "We propose not just distribution, Mr. Li, but a flagship Luminous Tech experience. A physical store, here in Seoul, in the heart of Gangnam. A showcase not just for your products, but for the seamless, intelligent living they represent. Hanul would provide the prime location, the local infrastructure, the marketing muscle."
Anze felt a surge of triumph. A flagship store in Gangnam, backed by Hanul, was beyond their initial hopes. "That aligns perfectly with our vision for global brand presence, Mr. Park," he responded, keeping his voice level. "We're very interested in exploring this."
Park smiled, but it was a smile that held a challenge. "Good. However..." He steepled his fingers. "Hanul partnerships are built on more than just paper and profit. They are built on understanding, on respect... and sometimes, on testing mettle." His eyes, sharp and intelligent, locked onto Anze's. "I understand you possess... significant skill, Mr. Li. Beyond the boardroom. Tanaka mentioned something about martial arts?"
Anze met his gaze evenly. "I have trained, yes."
Park nodded slowly. "I find physical discipline reveals character in ways contracts cannot. Hanul's foundation, like Korea's spirit, respects strength, strategy, and resilience." He gestured towards a sliding screen at the side of the room. An attendant silently opened it, revealing a small, impeccably maintained private dojo. Tatami mats covered the floor, the air clean and still. "I propose a friendly exchange. A single match. Not to the detriment, of course. Simply... a demonstration of spirit. If you agree, and show the heart Hanul values, the Gangnam flagship store proposal moves to the top of our agenda. Immediately."
The air in the room shifted. Yuhan remained statue-still beside Anze, his expression unreadable but his posture tense. This was unexpected, unorthodox, and carried significant weight. Refusal could be seen as weakness, or disrespect for Korean tradition. Acceptance meant stepping onto an unfamiliar mat with the future of Luminous's Korean launch potentially hanging in the balance. Anze looked from the serene dojo back to Park Min-jae's expectant, challenging gaze. He saw no malice, only a deep-seated cultural test. A test of his resolve, his adaptability, his very character. He thought of Xia's algorithm, Yuhan's spreadsheets, Jiaxi's relentless energy, the factory in Suzhou, the employees in Shanghai, the luminous future they were building. He couldn't afford to fail this, not when the prize was so close.
A slow, determined smile touched Anze's lips. He stood, removing his suit jacket and handing it to Yuhan without a word. He loosened his tie and collar, then stepped towards the open screen, his movements fluid and assured. "A single match, Mr. Park," Anze said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of steel. "I accept." He bowed slightly towards the dojo, then turned his full attention to the Hanul CEO, ready for the unexpected battle that would pave the way for Luminous's next conquest.