God-Given Business Genius - Chapter 162

-I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just overheard you talking with Ahn Derek-hyung.

How could this be.

Nothing in this world goes according to my will. I never expected such a variable to pop up from an unexpected place.

More than anything, the problem was that I had agreed with the PD to coordinate our stories, saying "the cast didn't know anything."

In reality, I thought only Ahn Derek had noticed my injury, so I believed this level of white lie was acceptable.

Up to Ahn Derek, it wouldn't be strange if he had been informed in advance, given our friendship. But isn't it a bit odd that Do-kyung suddenly knew about it?

'Moreover, thinking about it now, I made it quite obvious.'

On the last day, he helped me to the point where I barely had to step up.

'At the time, I just thought it was some kind of chivalrous spirit.'

Now that I know the full story, it's clear how transparent it must have been to others.

I thought the antis were forcibly connecting Ahn Derek and Do-kyung, but there was a good reason for it.

'I was so firmly convinced they wouldn't know, it looked like nitpicking to me. But others saw right through it.'

It's a misstep brought on by my prejudice. It could have potentially led to the worst-case scenario.

'Even if the PD tries to cover up saying the cast didn't know... it might be dismissed as a lie.'

It's not just Ahn Derek, but Ahn Derek and Do-kyung who noticed my injury and took care of me. Who would believe us if we say "the cast didn't know anything" in this situation?

It's more likely to backfire.

'Ugh. There's no choice. We might face backlash if we lie unnecessarily. We'll have to say they didn't know at first, but the two of them noticed during filming and helped out.'

The thought of having to contact the PD again to coordinate our stories made my head throb.

-I'm sorry. I should have said something earlier. It felt like I had eavesdropped secretly, so I couldn't find the right timing.

"No, it's not your fault."

It's largely my fault for not being more careful. Even though it was late at night, there was clearly a possibility that someone could be listening.

"Is that why you contacted me?"

Did his conscience bother him? I thought he'd be hardened by the entertainment industry, but he seems more innocent than I expected.

-Ah, yeah. At the time, it seemed like you wanted to keep it a secret, so I couldn't say anything. Even after that, I wanted to check on you, but I didn't have your contact information...

Do-kyung hesitated for a moment before continuing.

-And I wanted to make sure you were okay.

"Huh?"

I let out a bewildered sound without realizing it.

-People were talking as they pleased. I saw the articles too, and they were all too much. O-of course, I know you're not the type to be shaken by this kind of thing. But still, sometimes people's words can hurt. I was worried about that, so I called.

"Ah......"

I chose my words carefully for a moment. I hadn't expected to receive such kindness at all.

After a brief awkward pause, I let out a small laugh.

"Ahaha. Thanks for looking out for me. Well, it would be a lie to say it doesn't bother me at all, but it's not unbearable."

-That's a relief.

I could hear a sigh of relief even through the phone.

Feeling his sincere consolation, I found myself smiling faintly without realizing it. It felt like looking at an endearing younger brother. Even though we're the same age.

-Do-kyung! We're about to start rehearsal~

-Oh no. I have to go now.

"Okay. Thanks for calling."

-It's nothing. Oh, can I contact you again later? There's something I want to ask.

"Something to ask?"

-Yeah. Among the filming offers I've received recently...

-Do-kyung! We have to go!

-Ugh. I really have to go now. I'll call you again later!

Click.

Even after putting down the phone that had been hastily hung up, I stared at the blank screen for a moment. A faint smile was reflected on it.

Well, well. It feels like it's been a while since I smiled. I had already prepared myself when reporting to the Fair Trade Commission. I was going to be busy in various ways while the FTC's investigation was ongoing.

I was expecting to struggle for a while until the investigation was over.

Chu Jong-wook seemed to want to back out subtly, but since we voluntarily reported it, it won't be as easy as he'd like.

'By the way, what could he want to ask me?'

I tilted my head. Whatever he wanted to ask me would probably be about cooking or business.

It's unlikely that Do-kyung, being an idol, is thinking of starting a food business as a side job. Did he receive a related filming offer?

'Well. I'll find out when he contacts me later.'

I shrugged and immediately started focusing on other matters. The first week's sales figures for <Salad Time>, the recently opened salad specialty store, had come in.

Skimming through the screen and checking the numbers, they were at an acceptable level.

'It's still at the test store level, and the color is different from the basic brands. I deliberately removed The Song's color a bit.'

Few people would know that <Salad Time> is The Song's franchise brand just by looking at its appearance. Unless they directly searched The Song's homepage.

'If we hadn't sourced the raw materials cheaply, it might have been in the red.'

Although I didn't have high expectations for sales since it was a brand started as an investment for the future.

'It would be fine to just maintain this level.'

I nodded while making that assessment.

After coordinating with the PD of <Survival Law of the Jungle>, all I had to do was wait for the current controversies to gradually subside.

'It's a battle against time.'

If it's about that, I was confident.

Patience is my specialty, after all.

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"Whew~"

Kim Hui-seong let out an exclamation after tasting a spoonful of the hot broth. The spicy and refreshing soup with its deep seasoning seemed perfect for mixing with rice.

"Delicious, right?"

"Yes. This place is really good."

Kim Hui-seong nodded vigorously at his senior PD's words. He split the chicken he had put on his plate with his chopsticks, revealing the white flesh.

'They said to eat this with the broth, right?'

Recalling the "How to Eat Dakbokkeumtang Deliciously" instructions posted on the restaurant wall, Kim Hui-seong picked up his spoon. He took a bite of the white chicken flesh drenched in the rich sauce, and it was truly heavenly.

"Mmm~"

"Hehehe. I bring you along just to see this reaction."

"I always went to that soup restaurant in front, but I should come here from now on. I was getting a bit tired of eating there too much anyway."

"You mean that Hapjaegukbap place? That's delicious too."

The senior PD muttered while busily using his chopsticks.

"Until a few years ago, there weren't such good restaurants here. Song Woo-yeon really benefited a lot."

"Ah, I heard that the entertainment department is going crazy trying to get Song Woo-yeon as a guest these days. They say she's a guaranteed hit."

"Yeah. There's talk that she'll be leaving <Cold Noodles> soon."

"<Cold Noodles>?"

"A lot of the original members have left already. Plus, the ratings have been shaky lately."

Kim Hui-seong silently agreed with those words. At some point, it had turned into celebrities showing off expensive ingredients.

At first, there were spoiled ingredients and many real moments of single life. But as that flavor faded, viewers started turning away.

"Plus, <Survival Law of the Jungle> is ending soon too. That PD is leaving to film another program. Another junior PD might take over, but if so, they'll have to form a whole new team, so there's a gap until the next season."

"Ah, I see."

"So the competition is about who will get Song Woo-yeon next."

She was a desirable talent in many ways. She has high topicality, a good reputation, and she's good at variety shows too.

"And that tyranny controversy has died down, even leading to a resurgence. Haven't you seen that PD Survival Law of the Jungle grinning? He says the rerun ratings are better than the original broadcast."

"Wow. I'm envious."

"I know, right? Ah, I wish I could hit a jackpot like that once."

The senior PD muttered while taking another bite of the dakbokkeumtang.

"Well. I guess we're already indebted to Song Woo-yeon just by eating this."

"?"

Kim Hui-seong swallowed what was in his mouth and asked back.

"Song Woo-yeon? Is this Song Woo-yeon's franchise? I didn't know she had launched a dakbokkeumtang brand too."

"Ah, it's not Song Woo-yeon's brand. But do you see that over there~?"

The senior PD pointed to one side of the wall. Squinting his eyes, Kim Hui-seong saw what looked like a framed picture hanging there.

It looked like some kind of celebrity autograph, and Kim Hui-seong slowly read the sentences.

"Song Woo-yeon certified dakbokkeumtang restaurant...? Ah!"

Kim Hui-seong's eyes widened.

"What? Is this place run by Song Woo-yeon's relative?"

The answer came from an unexpected place.

"Hahaha. It's not like that."

"Oh!"

Turning around, they saw the restaurant owner standing behind them. He seemed to have come to bring the additional rice they had ordered.

Kim Hui-seong was slightly surprised by the owner's appearance, which looked younger than expected, but he didn't show it and just smiled awkwardly.

The owner's nametag read 'Ahn Dong-woo'.

"Oh my. We didn't realize you were here."

"It's okay. Many people are curious, but I'm not related to her at all. We have absolutely no connection. We're just neighbors in terms of our stores."

So was it just written as a service? Kim Hui-seong was thinking that way.

Ahn Dong-woo continued.

"We're just using the recipe that CEO Song gave us."

"Pardon?"

Recipe?

Both Kim Hui-seong and his senior PD looked shocked. Only Ahn Dong-woo answered as if it was familiar.

"It's something to be grateful for. I suddenly inherited the store from my parents and had many shortcomings. But somehow, the owner who was close to my mother contacted CEO Song and asked her to look after me a bit."

"Wow~ You had no prior acquaintance, but she just came and helped? Even giving you the recipe?"

"She's my lifesaver."

She came personally and even passed on the recipe when they had no relationship at all? That's completely pro bono work.

"Isn't a recipe usually a shop's trade secret?"

"That's right, haha. But since she gave us such a golden recipe, she's also very strict about its management. She says she'll take down that frame if the taste changes even a little. She's the type to really do it, so I'm working hard every day."

Ahn Dong-woo's face was full of pride as he said this.

Well, well. Is that possible? Kim Hui-seong was dumbfounded and kept his mouth shut.

"It's not just me. I don't think there's a single owner in this alley who hasn't received help from CEO Song."

"T-to that extent?"

"Yes. As long as you're not stubborn, she's basically willing to help."

That was quite a magnanimous gesture.

'Restaurants in alleys like this are often small-scale businesses. If Song Woo-yeon steps in like this and passes on recipes, it creates a special competitiveness just by itself.'

Kim Hui-seong pondered deeply once more.

'Hm? Wait a minute, this might be...'

Kim Hui-seong's eyes sparkled.

It was the look of a predator that had found its prey.

'This could be a good broadcast item?'