I rejected Howard's request outright.
Howard's expression stiffened slightly.
"May I ask the reason?"
"I believe the current supply price of Luktic's products is already more than reasonable, even by domestic standards," I replied calmly.
"And we cannot export our products at a lower price than what we charge in Korea.Doing so would be a betrayal of the domestic consumers who trusted and supported Luktic from the very beginning."
"…"
"Haha… interesting."
Howard fell silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.
There was no denying that Target approaching us first to discuss exports to the United States was a major opportunity.
But there was absolutely no reason for us to enter negotiations from a weakened position, let alone accept a 10% price cut.
Just as Howard himself had said, I knew better than anyone that Luktic's products were of world-class quality.
They were created using scientific knowledge from a civilization so far beyond modern human technology that no competing product could possibly catch up.
Moreover, rumors about Luktic's products were already spreading throughout the United States.
Given enough time, it wouldn't be surprising if distributors with even greater influence than Target—such as Amazon, Walmart, or Costco—eventually reached out to us.
That was precisely why I had no intention of lowering the supply price by even 1%.
After a brief silence, Howard smiled faintly and spoke again.
"I apologize, CEO Hyun. It seems I made a rather rude request right from the start.To be honest, there were only two things I wanted to confirm today."
"First—whether Luktic is willing to supply products to Target.Second—whether Luktic's production capacity can handle the level of demand that would arise in the U.S. market.May I hear your answers?"
I nodded.
"Yes. While I cannot agree to any price reduction, we are willing to supply products to Target at the same price as in Korea.And once the large factory currently under construction next door is completed, we will be more than capable of meeting the expected demand."
"As I thought. In that case, CEO Hyun, may I make one more request?"
"What kind of request?"
"As I mentioned earlier, I still need to persuade my colleagues and superiors.Would it be possible for you to provide a small quantity of Luktic product samples?I'm confident that once they experience the products firsthand, they'll strongly support the contract."
I agreed to his request and decided to provide him with a generous supply of samples.
"I apologize once again, CEO Hyun.My initial demand may have been a bit impolite.In truth, I wanted to understand what kind of person you are—someone we may be doing business with for a long time.That's why I deliberately made a strong opening demand."
It felt a little strange.
No matter how I looked at it, this wasn't a situation where Target had the leverage to pressure us on pricing.
Curious, I asked him,
"I see. Then may I ask—what kind of impression did you form of me?"
Howard grinned.
"I think I understand how you managed to grow a company like this in such a short time.You have more nerve than you let on. Hahaha."
It was likely his way of acknowledging that I had firmly rejected the demands of a massive U.S. distribution giant without hesitation.
Then he added,
"You possess many traits that Americans tend to admire.If Luktic's products are distributed widely in the United States and gain popularity,I believe you yourself may also draw considerable attention from the American public."
With those words, Howard gathered the sample products I had provided, left the office with the interpreter, and departed the factory grounds by taxi.
"Having seen both you and Luktic's production facilities with my own eyes, I believe the purpose of this trip has been fulfilled.Now it's my turn to convince my colleagues and superiors."
As the taxi disappeared, I wondered whether a contract with a massive U.S. distributor like Target would truly come to fruition.
Still, if anyone actually used Luktic's products, it was hard to imagine them giving anything but a positive evaluation.
***
"Interesting… Hyun Si-woo.A very interesting man."
Howard muttered those words while waiting to board his return flight at Incheon International Airport.
To be honest, he knew his opening proposal had been overly aggressive.
He already understood that Luktic sold its products at prices far below what their quality justified.
Still, he had been curious how this young CEO would respond, which was why he had intentionally made such a strong demand.
Hyun Si-woo's response had been far more decisive and direct than expected.
"Perhaps that's the resolve of someone who continued his research under harsh conditions to save his critically ill father…"
Howard recalled the information he had found online about Hyun Si-woo and Luktic.
The more he learned, the more he found the young CEO oddly likable.
He thought about the sample products packed in his checked luggage.
Once his colleagues at headquarters experienced Luktic's products firsthand, they would almost certainly support the deal.
With a satisfied smile, Howard boarded the plane.
*
After returning to Target's headquarters in Minnesota, Howard distributed the Luktic samples to his colleagues and superiors.
"Victor, you've been suffering from rhinitis, right? Try drinking this.Jane, didn't you say your acid reflux was severe? You should try this too."
"Michelle, use this Luktic Cream—even just for a day.It's on a completely different level from other brands."
In a society like the United States—where personal preferences are diverse and strongly respected—forcefully recommending a specific product could easily be seen as rude.
Yet Howard pushed forward anyway, hoping his team would experience Luktic's products with their own bodies.
He was certain that once they felt the effects, their reactions would change completely.
And he was right.
A few days later, the department's response was entirely different.
"How can something like this even exist…?My acid reflux has completely settled down.Every night my chest used to feel hot and tight no matter what medication I took,but after drinking this, it's unbelievably calm…!"
"My lifelong rhinitis is gone!Both nostrils are completely clear!Is this effect permanent?"
"Unfortunately, no. It only lasts about a week."
"Even that is incredible!I've slept with a blocked nose my entire life—last night was the first time I slept comfortably.It feels like the world has changed!"
"Howard, this Luktic Cream is insane.How can skin change this noticeably after just a few days of use?!"
Howard smiled in quiet triumph.
When he had first proposed importing and distributing products made by a Korean startup,the reaction had been lukewarm at best.
Now, everyone was convinced.
"With this performance at this price, it's unbelievable.Howard, how did you discover a company like this so early?If officially imported, it'll cause a sensation."
"I heard about it from my daughter by chance.Apparently it's already a huge topic among young people.On social media like Instagram, word of mouth is spreading fast."
"Incredible.Truly great ideas really do come from everyday life.Howard, it looks like you're about to pull off something big."
"I'll push hard to finalize the contract with Luktic."
"Absolutely! At this point, we're the ones who'll need to beg them to supply us.Make it happen!"
*
The moment Howard felt most rewarded from this business trip came when he returned home.
When his daughter ran to greet him, he pulled Luktic Cream from his bag.
She stared at it in disbelief.
"D-Dad…!Is that really Luktic Cream?!"
"Of course.Your dad went all the way to Korea to get it just for you."
"Wow! You're the best, Dad!!"
As his daughter hugged him tightly in excitement,Howard smiled warmly.
***
Meanwhile, I was having a serious discussion with CTO Kang Joo-taeinside the nearly completed interior of our new headquarters building.
"CEO, I reviewed the hair-loss treatment you mentioned earlier.You said the manufacturing process involves adding keratin and vitamin B12 to the skin regeneration agent, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then it should be fully possible to apply for approval as a modified new drug.I have some contacts within the industry and the MFDS,so I'll do everything I can to support the approval process."
"Thank you, Director Kang.And about the request I made earlier—that I'd like you to lead Luktic's research team…"
"Yes, CEO."
"Could you focus on researching whether the technologies and principles behind the drugs I've developedcan be applied or adapted in other directions as well?Once the research organization is officially formed,I'll provide full support for any equipment or materials you need."
Director Kang bowed his head slightly.
"It would be an honor.Being able to freely study and analyze what may be the most advanced medicines humanity has ever developedis a lifelong dream for me."
"To be honest, I'm closer to an inventor than a scientist.I can't claim to fully understand every underlying principle of the technologies I create.That's why I believe the importance of the research organization you'll leadwill only continue to grow."
"I understand perfectly.Scientists and inventors have different roles.I'll take full responsibility for leading the research, analyzing your technologies, and systematizing them into theory.It feels like I've finally grasped the dream I've pursued my entire life.Thank you sincerely."
Just then, I received a call from the Vice Minister of the MFDS.
By presidential directive, if Phase 2 trials confirmed anti-cancer effects,both the skin regeneration agent and Elixir would receive immediate approval.
If that happened,the hair-loss treatment—built on the skin regeneration agent—could also be approved for sale through the modified new drug pathway.
Frankly, considering the power of the technologies recorded in the Akashic Records,the likelihood of confirming anti-cancer effects in Phase 2 was extremely high.
Soon, the raw forms of the skin regeneration agent and Elixir would begin circulating throughout the medical industry as approved pharmaceuticals.
The hair-loss treatment would follow shortly after.
And when that happened—
The entire world would truly begin to focus its attention on Luktic.