This is huge!
Raising Chairman Park's trust by 10 points would bring him much closer to the main quest.
The other rewards were also massive, fueling his motivation.
"Uh, Director?"
Snapped out of his thoughts by Hwang's voice, Jaesung straightened.
"Oh, what did you say?"
"With so many luxury brands, which one are you thinking of collaborating with?"
The team looked at him curiously.
"Partnering with a lesser brand won't get the results we want. It should be one of the top three luxury brands at least."
"That would be ideal."
"I'm thinking of approaching Hermès, the French luxury brand."
The team's faces lit up with surprise.
Hermès, a synonym for European luxury.
It had long dominated the global fashion market, so their reaction was expected.
Known for its pride, Hermès rarely collaborated unless with renowned artists or designers.
"Is that even possible? Getting in touch with Hermès won't be easy," Hwang said.
Jaesung smiled meaningfully.
"I have a plan."
Whirr.
The printer spat out sheets of paper.
Jaesung gathered them, scanning from start to finish, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Alright. Let's do this."
Grabbing the folder, he left his office and headed downstairs.
"Where's Father right now?"
Stopping a passing staff member, he got an immediate answer.
"In the study."
"Thanks."
Jaesung gave a quick nod and turned toward the study.
It was just past the mansion's entrance, to the left, down a hallway.
Should I use the skill card from the draw?
He considered it but shook his head.
It had cost 15 coins—too precious to waste.
Besides, he was confident he could persuade Chairman Park without it.
Knocking on the thick walnut door, he entered, spotting Chairman Park at his desk.
Holding an economic journal, seated comfortably, Chairman Park looked at him with surprise.
"Well, this is rare. You, coming to the study on your own."
His tone carried a hint of mockery.
Jaesung felt a twinge of injustice, but the reaction was fair.
The study was where he'd been dragged by secretaries after getting caught drunk or skipping work.
Two months ago, I got busted throwing a secret party at the villa with friends.
It wasn't a big deal.
He'd just swiped some of Chairman Park's prized wine.
The memory of Chairman Park's crestfallen face, holding the empty wine bottles, still felt oddly satisfying.
Honestly, for a chaebol heir, that was pretty tame, but Chairman Park seemed more upset about the wine.
"So, what's this about?"
Jaesung snapped out of his thoughts at Chairman Park's voice.
"I have something to show you."
"Bring it here."
Chairman Park beckoned.
Jaesung placed the carefully prepared folder before Chairman Park, who adjusted his silver-rimmed reading glasses.
"What's this?"
"The proposal for the Blue series' next model."
Chairman Park's brow furrowed.
"Why are you bringing this?"
Anticipating the question, Jaesung answered calmly, "To spark consumer desire, marketing needs to be considered from the development stage. Especially for a product like the Blue series, which emphasizes sleek design and premium image, meeting consumer needs is critical."
Chairman Park stared at him, then asked in a heavy tone, "Are you trying to compete with your brothers?"
"Not right now."
"But you're not saying never."
"No one knows how things will turn out."
"You've changed a lot."
"It's about time I did."
In the silence, their gazes locked, conveying much.
Chairman Park nodded slightly and opened the folder.
"Better than wasting time aimlessly. But if you're serious about facing your brothers, you'd better be ready to stake everything."
"I know."
"Good."
Like a lion pushing its cubs off a cliff to raise only the survivor, Chairman Park, intent on passing the group to the most capable child, said no more.
Reviewing the proposal, he looked up with interest.
"A collaboration with Hermès to launch a phone?"
Even Chairman Park recognized Hermès's name.
"As phone features become standardized, over time, all companies' phones will be similar."
"That's inevitable with fierce competition."
"Exactly. But we can't just sit back."
Encouraged by Chairman Park's attentive listening, Jaesung spoke with more conviction.
"So, what will drive consumer purchases? I believe it's the product's image and brand. A Hermès collaboration will boost brand value and sales."
"A luxury phone to solidify the premium image."
"Precisely."
As expected of Jeil Group's leader, Chairman Park grasped his intent instantly.
"Not bad. It might even be the perfect direction for the Blue series. But there's one issue."
Leaning back, he continued, "How will you secure the collaboration? If they refuse, it's pointless."
Jaesung responded calmly to the expected point, "Chairman Arno of Hermès is visiting Korea soon for the new Incheon Airport duty-free store."
Since Jeil Department Store had won part of the duty-free operating rights, Chairman Park knew this.
A realization hit him, and he muttered, "No way."
"If you approve the proposal, I plan to meet Chairman Arno and negotiate directly."
"It won't be easy to persuade him."
"But if I succeed, the rewards will be sweet."
"Hmm."
Stroking his chin in thought, Chairman Park spoke in a low tone.
"Are you confident you can pull it off?"
"I wouldn't have brought the proposal if I wasn't."
"So, I just need to greenlight it?"
Jaesung seized the moment.
"There's one thing I'd like your help with."
"Speak."
"Please arrange for me to join the meeting with Chairman Arno at Jeil Department Store."
"You know how important it is to secure a Hermès store for the new Incheon Airport duty-free, right?"
"I won't interfere."
Chairman Park tapped the proposal folder with his fingertips.
Finally, with a softened expression, he said, "Alright, I'll side with you this time. I'll talk to Jaekyung."
"…!"
Jaesung's face lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Father."
"You only call me Father when you want something."
Chairman Park's crooked smirk bore a surprising resemblance to Jaesung's.
"Why not keep calling me an old fogey like usual?"
Jaesung inwardly winced, guilty of past antics.
"Well… I'm older now, so I won't say stuff like that anymore."
Calling the mighty Chairman Park an old fogey, even drunk?
What kind of reckless life had he led?
No wonder his siblings saw him as a screw-up.
"Yeah, right," Chairman Park scoffed, reopening his journal.
A few days later, at Gimpo Airport.
Jaesung, now on better terms with Kwon Hyuk-jae after their initial friction, entered the VIP lounge.
The space, built long ago, wasn't as large as expected.
But, used by VIPs like congressmen, it was decorated as luxuriously as a hotel lobby.
Upon entering, his eyes met Park Jaekyung's, who was looking his way.
With a bluish cocktail glass before her, perfectly styled hair, and chic attire, Jaekyung stood out even among the lounge's elite.
Spotting him, she scowled.
"Uh, Director. Someone's been glaring at us…" Kwon said, clinging closer, startled.
"Do you know them?"
"My sister."
"What?"
Kwon let out a strangled yelp.
"You mean… the chairman's daughter?"
"Why so shocked? I'm the chairman's youngest son, you know."
"Oh…"
Ignoring Kwon's awed stare, Jaesung strode toward Jaekyung.
"What's this?" Jaekyung snapped from her seat, clearly annoyed.
"Hey, sis. Long time no see."
Despite his casual greeting, she grimaced, sticking out her tongue.
"What's with the goody-two-shoes act? You've never been like this."
"I'm trying to live right from now on."
Her reaction was expected.
When he parried playfully, she stared, dumbfounded, then pointed to the seat opposite.
"Don't loom over me. Sit."
She beckoned Kwon, who stood awkwardly at a distance.
"You, the plus-one."
"M-Me?" Kwon flinched, now aware of her identity.
"Yeah, you're the tagalong, so plus-one."
Waving her bright orange nails, she said, "Arno's private jet hasn't arrived yet. Don't be a nuisance and sit."
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
Kwon, rigid with nerves, sat bolt upright beside Jaesung, like a vassal before a queen.
Jaekyung's dazzling presence was indeed celebrity-like.
The lounge was filled with high-profile guests, but none commanded attention like her, exuding an unapproachable aura.
Crossing her legs regally, she glared at Jaesung.
"Why do you keep staring? Because your brother's too handsome?"
"Did you plate your face with steel? How are you so shameless?"
He shrugged, unfazed.
"Stop glaring. You're not the Ice Princess, but it feels like snow's about to fall."
"Hey! Park Jaesung!"
Her voice rose, but he remained calm.
"I know it's awkward with me here, but I won't be a burden, so don't worry."
"Easy for you to say. Do you know how much I've poured into this?"
"Perfect."
"What?"
Her eyes widened at the unexpected reply.
"I'm betting everything too. With two people like us teaming up, what can't we do?"
Can You Really Pull It Off?