God-Given Business Genius - Chapter 159

"Whew... People's reactions are scary."

Bong Kang-min said, clicking his tongue. Jung Ha-neul, who was downing a shot of baijiu across from him, asked in response:

"Really? Is it that bad?"

"You have no idea. They're even coming to my Facebook to hit the dislike button and causing a ruckus."

Bong Kang-min turned his phone screen to show them.

It was a post with no mention of Song Woo-yeon. Yet the comments were full of talk about her.

"With articles coming out on such a large scale, the impact is significant. Besides, you all know. There are many people who watch broadcasts with bloodshot eyes, trying to find even the tiniest flaw to pick on."

"That's true."

Jung Ha-neul had experienced it a few times as well. There had been minor controversies over broadcast content before.

"Especially Woo-yeon, she's perfect for them to sink their teeth into."

Young, orphaned, a high school graduate who succeeded early with good business acumen.

There were many factors for people to find distasteful. Of course, these unique aspects also made Song Woo-yeon more special and attractive.

After all, no one could imitate her distinctive, vibrant ideas that set her apart from others.

"Oh my, not just me, but everyone around is having their comment sections go crazy."

Bong Kang-min was checking the comment status on accounts of people known to be publicly friendly with Song Woo-yeon.

"This person, isn't she that mukbang YouTuber who's close with Woo-yeon? Why are they venting their anger in the wrong place? Seriously."

Even as he snorted in disbelief, his fingers moved busily.

"Oh! Chef Ahn. Chef Ahn's account is in chaos too?"

"...?"

Ahn Derek, who had been silent beside them, tilted his head.

"Do I have a Facebook account?"

"Yeah, you do, man. The last post is from three years ago. People are relentless. They're going to a three-year-old post to leave comments."

As Bong Kang-min showed the screen, Ahn Derek seemed to remember and let out a short "Ah."

The content was mostly similar.

Criticism for being close to Song Woo-yeon, mockery suggesting that birds of a feather flock together, so his character must be similar.

Most of the comments weren't worth responding to. It wasn't even an account he frequented anyway.

Watching this situation, Jung Ha-neul said in a worried tone:

"I'm worried about Woo-yeon. Will she be okay?"

"That's what I'm saying."

Bong Kang-min grumbled, running his hand through his hair.

"Sigh. Looking at the articles, it's all wordplay. What? The brand's lifespan is shorter compared to others? Of course it is, most of the brands are new!"

He slammed his fist down, venting his frustration, but it didn't seem to resonate with the public.

Bong Kang-min trembled as he picked up his phone.

"Should I just... post that our Chef Song isn't that kind of person?!"

Jung Ha-neul tried to stop him.

"Come on, Chef Bong, calm down. Is that what Woo-yeon would want?"

"But still! I'm so angry I can't stand it?! It's not even being said directly to me, but I feel so wronged that really...!"

Bong Kang-min spoke in an agitated voice before letting out a deep sigh. Then, in a somewhat subdued tone, he continued.

"I don't know how that kid Woo-yeon can be so calm."

"I know. Even our Chef Bong, who's eaten enough broadcast material, is struggling like this."

"Don't even mention it. This issue broke out right before the last filming, remember?"

Bong Kang-min muttered, tracing the rim of his glass with his fingertip.

"The staff and director all said it was okay to film next time if it was too much. But she insisted on going through with the filming."

Jung Ha-neul picked up where he left off.

"And she finished it brilliantly, just like usual."

"That's what's amazing."

It was sincere admiration.

"Even professional broadcasters rarely can do that. Even if it's in front of a camera. How many people can perfectly hide their true feelings?"

Especially in a situation where they're facing criticism from the public. It's normal to become more dejected and a bit passive when appearing in front of others.

Song Woo-yeon showed no signs of that at all.

She led the talk, striking and retreating at the right moments as usual, and even managed to add a bit of humor while showcasing new ideas.

If anything, it was the other chefs who seemed less focused, trying to gauge Song Woo-yeon's mood.

It showed just how perfectly Song Woo-yeon had completed the broadcast recording.

Bong Kang-min's words were an expression of admiration for that.

"How can she do that?"

Such wonder naturally mixed in.

Song Woo-yeon is human after all, so she should be shaken by the criticism from those around her. How did she develop such strong mental fortitude at such a young age?

It was beyond comprehension.

"That kid, even when she was invited to my restaurant at the end of last year, remember what I told you happened?"

"Yeah. Not only did she handle the troublemaker neatly, but she also showed off her cooking skills. Comforting the dejected staff was just a bonus."

"Even just that, I thought this kid was really something. How can someone her age handle things like that?"

But seeing her unshaken even by this incident, they realized it wasn't just about being mature.

Bong Kang-min lowered his voice with a rather serious expression.

"This is just my guess, but you know how we sometimes call someone an 'old soul'? Someone who looks young on the outside but is like an old person inside."

Jung Ha-neul and Ahn Derek also listened intently to Bong Kang-min's words.

"No matter how I think about it, this doesn't seem like something someone Woo-yeon's age can do."

"Then? Are you saying Woo-yeon lied about her age? Or did she take some shrinking pill like Co***?"

"Hey! Stop joking and listen! In my opinion..."

Gulp.

The surroundings became so quiet that someone's swallowing could be heard. Bong Kang-min looked around as if to make sure no one else was listening, then continued.

"Woo-yeon... isn't she a spy sent from North Korea?"

"......"

"......"

As the atmosphere instantly turned awkward, Bong Kang-min started to defend himself.

"No, think about it! At that age, with those abilities! Huh?! With that level of composure! Is that a civilian? That's a spy!"

"...Sigh. I'm the fool for listening seriously. Chef Ahn, don't listen."

"Yes."

As Jung Ha-neul and Ahn Derek turned away, Bong Kang-min beat his chest and asked.

"Am I the weird one?! Isn't it reasonable to be suspicious?! To report a spy, call 111 without area code! Or is it 113?"

"Both are correct."

It was while they were engaging in this nonsensical talk.

Buzz-buzz-.

Bong Kang-min's phone started vibrating. The name that appeared on the screen was none other than,

[Chef Song Woo-yeon (Cold Noodles/The Song)]

It was Song Woo-yeon.

"Well, well, speak of the devil."

"Right? But you've saved her name quite formally."

"If I don't do this, I get confused later and can't find it~"

Indeed. It was an answer befitting Bong Kang-min, one of the top social butterflies among the chefs.

"I should hear her voice. Maybe she seemed fine during the broadcast recording because it didn't feel real~ If she sounds like she's dying, I should at least offer some comfort."

"Yeah, hurry up and answer. The call's going to end."

At Jung Ha-neul's urging, Bong Kang-min nodded.

Click.

As soon as the call connected, Bong Kang-min spoke in an exaggerated voice.

"Hello? Oh~, Woo-yeon. I'm here with Chef Jung and Chef Ahn right now. What's up?"

-Oh, you're all together?

"Of course~ It's our daily routine to gather and chat, isn't it? It would be perfect if our Chef Song was here too. Tsk~ What a shame, what a shame."

-Haha. That's true. I should visit you all soon. I've been a bit busy with work lately, but once that's sorted out, I'll definitely come see you.

"Sure, sure. Can't be helped if work is busy~"

After exchanging some casual greetings, Bong Kang-min subtly tried to gauge the situation.

"But what's the occasion? Calling first in the midst of being busy."

-It's nothing much... You've seen Facebook, right?

As expected, it seemed Song Woo-yeon was also monitoring the situation.

"Yeah. The people's comments? It's okay~ I don't mind. It's not the first time people swarm in to leave malicious comments when something happens, is it?"

-I feel sorry for causing you trouble because of me. Chef Jung doesn't have a personal account, and Chef Ahn's is practically a ghost account. But you, Chef Bong, are constantly active.

It seemed that was why she had specifically contacted Bong Kang-min. Even though it wasn't Song Woo-yeon's fault, the fact that she was looking out for and caring about the people around her naturally made Bong Kang-min feel grateful.

"It's not like you ordered people to leave malicious comments on my account, so what are you sorry for? I'm not bothered at all, so you shouldn't worry either!"

-I wanted to contact you separately because I felt bad. I'm grateful that you say that.

"I'm more worried about you, you know. How are you doing, are you sleeping well? You need to take care of yourself especially at times like this. Eat well too!"

At the warm advice, like that of a close uncle, a small laugh could be heard from the other end of the phone.

-Thank you for worrying about me. But I'm really okay. I'm sleeping well and eating well.

"Hey, Woo-yeon. No need to hide anything from Chef Bong. He was just saying you might be a spy."

-Pardon? A spy?

"Ah, why are you saying unnecessary things! It was just a joke~"

"Half-serious, weren't you?"

While Bong Kang-min and Jung Ha-neul were bickering, the phone was placed in front of Ahn Derek.

Ahn Derek held the phone and opened his mouth.

"Are you really okay? You always say you're fine. Even when you're not."

-Hahaha. I can't exactly show you my heart. It's troublesome.

Song Woo-yeon paused for a moment, then spoke almost in a whisper.

-It's going to be announced to the press soon, but I'll give you a little hint.

"What is it, what is it?"

-That tyranny controversy, as you know, most of it is exaggerated.

"Ah, we know! That you're not that kind of person. The problem is whether people will recognize that, isn't it?"

Both Bong Kang-min and Jung Ha-neul nodded at Bong Kang-min's passionate words.

-Right? So I've requested help from a reliable source.

"Huh? A request?"

"A reliable source?"

What does that mean all of a sudden? As everyone tilted their heads in confusion, Song Woo-yeon continued.

-There's something called the Fair Trade Commission.