In the conference room where employees from both Haegang and Shinyu sat facing each other, Yuri’s clear voice continued.
“After reviewing from various angles, we found it impossible to implement a store with differentiation from other branches using the existing design. Moreover, it doesn’t align with our newly renewed Shinyu brand identity.”
“So what you’re saying now, Director Han…”
“Yes. I’m requesting a complete design change.”
The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly turned cold, as if cold water had been poured. A rather perplexed-looking division head from Haegang adjusted his glasses and responded.
“I’m not sure what level of changes you’re thinking of, but major alterations will be difficult. It seems you’re not aware of the previous situation since you haven’t been in charge long, but regarding the overall design, agreements have already been finalized…”
“It wasn’t an agreement but a unilateral notification from Haegang. You also threatened that if we didn’t agree to this design, you would negotiate with TW instead of Shinyu.”
“Threatened? Director Han, your words are a bit excessive.”
The division head reacted sensitively and refuted Yuri’s words with their peculiar nuance. Yuri continued in a calm voice, as if she had expected this reaction.
“I heard it was what you personally said while receiving entertainment from our side last fall. Don’t you remember?”
“M-me?”
“Yes, you. I heard our staff put in quite a lot of effort because you have particular tastes…”
“Director Han…!”
The division head quickly interrupted Yuri.
Tap.
Dokyung, who had been casually skimming through the materials, put down his tablet. The suddenly startled division head unnecessarily cleared his throat with a “Ahem!”
Yuri’s gaze shifted to Dokyung sitting directly across from her. His deep voice resonated through the space as it parted his full lips.
“Whether it was an agreement or a threat, it’s a design that proceeded with Shinyu’s consent. Such a sudden reversal could become an issue of trust between us. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand well.”
“Then can I consider what Director Han Yuri is saying right now as Shinyu’s official position?”
Though his tone was respectful, the content was very rude. It meant, can you take full responsibility for what happens next?
Yuri nodded.
“Of course.”
No matter how she looked at it, it was a design she absolutely couldn’t agree with. If it proceeded as planned, it would be better to give up on entering the mall altogether.
“I acknowledge that, as you said, it was a design we agreed to. That’s why Shinyu will bear the financial responsibility for the design changes. This doesn’t seem like an unreasonable request…”
“It is an unreasonable request. Because some construction has already begun.”
The low voice that cut off Yuri’s words was cold. She didn’t hesitate at all and probed the main point.
“So is it your position, CEO, that design changes are completely impossible?”
There was a sense of déjà vu in the man’s gaze, which subtly transformed as if he had expected this.
Could it be deliberate?
Yuri’s brow, which had been maintaining a good poker face, gradually narrowed.
Lee Dokyung’s tactic of deliberately provoking her, as if he knew her well, was unparalleled in its viciousness.
“I wonder.”
The locked gazes in midair were sharp. As if only the two of them remained in this vast space, their watchful eyes became inextricably entwined.
Amid the tense atmosphere, with everyone holding their breath, Dokyung opened his mouth again.
“Let me ask one thing. Is there any reason why we should go to such lengths to maintain our contract with Shinyu?”
Once again, a familiar question was posed. Most unfairly, Lee Dokyung remained extremely elegant despite his explicit language asking what hand she held.
Yuri calmly responded, barely suppressing her rising defiance.
“I understand Haegang Construction’s brand direction is focused on luxury and premium strategy. It won’t be easy for you to think of another company that fits that direction besides our luxury department store, Shinyu. Isn’t that why Haegang approached us with a bid offer first?”
The man’s lips curled up smoothly as he listened quietly.
Is he mocking me?
Yuri unconsciously bit her lip, unable to easily interpret the meaning of that smile. Though she pretended otherwise, she felt nervous inside. She had a vague idea of how Lee Dokyung might twist her mood with his next words.
“Alright. Let’s change it.”
However, a completely unexpected answer came.
Yuri’s pupils dilated slightly. As she stared at him questioningly, he continued leisurely.
“Division Head, please prepare the modified design plan reflecting Shinyu’s requests and submit it to me as soon as it’s ready.”
“CEO?”
The division head showed a quite perplexed expression. He too had apparently expected his CEO to flatly reject Shinyu’s request. Dokyung’s expression was firm as he added one more remark toward them.
“You seem to have received a lot, so you should deliver value for what you received. It’s a matter of trust between us, isn’t it?”
“C-CEO. There seems to be some misunderstanding…”
Lee Dokyung mercilessly ignored the division head, who had turned pale, and stood up. Yuri’s gaze rose with him.
“Then I’ll excuse myself first as I have another appointment.”
The man, who substituted a brief nod for a farewell, leisurely left the conference room while receiving greetings from employees who had hurriedly risen to their feet with him.
In the eyes of Yuri, who remained behind, a strange curiosity was spreading along with puzzlement.
***
“It’s fortunate that the discussion went well.”
As the elevator doors closed, a TF team employee spoke in a cautious voice. Yuri greeted the employees standing behind her.
“Good work, everyone.”
“No, what did we do? You’re the one who worked hard, Director.”
“If you hadn’t been there, it could have been really serious. Who would have thought Lee Dokyung would come in person.”
It seemed everyone had been tense, though they hadn’t shown it.
“Honestly, I thought it would never work. He’s known for being so difficult.”
Yuri thought the same.
She wondered why such a calculating man had nodded so easily this time. She kept thinking about that expressionless face whose intentions she couldn’t read at all, wondering if there might be some other hidden agenda.
“Exactly. The atmosphere was definitely different. How should I say, in person he’s more…”
Suddenly, one employee standing beside her looked up and let his words trail off. Yuri’s gaze followed him.
Lee Dokyung’s face was displayed on the monitor attached to the corner of the elevator. It was economic news from a few days ago about Haegang Construction consecutively winning large national projects from Arab countries.
The man’s face with distinct features was in close-up. Almond-shaped long eyes below a clear T-zone, a vertically straight nose bridge, pale skin, and a sharp jawline. Even on second viewing, his impression was cold and frosty. Somehow even causing viewers to feel a sense of discomfort.
The brief thought was interrupted by the ding of the elevator chime.
Yuri stepped out through the opened doors.
Suddenly, her footsteps slowed as she crossed the spacious lobby. It was because she spotted Lee Dokyung’s back walking toward the transparent revolving door.
The tall man stood out particularly among people. He was heading toward a parked sedan while receiving greetings from security personnel.
His briefly visible gaze was relentlessly cold. His indifferent and heartless expression too.
Yuri promptly withdrew her gaze from the man. She didn’t get to see him suddenly turning his head.
***
Dokyung’s eyes were fixed on the tablet screen as he sat on the sofa in the empty office.
After confirming that the documents on the screen were Arko Mall design change materials, Kang Jinwoo casually spoke up.
“You seem to be running into Han Yuri-ssi quite often these days?”
Indeed.
He hadn’t expected to encounter the woman, whom he considered a strictly private individual, again in a conference room.
“To secure management control is my purpose.”
Judging by how she demanded design changes as soon as she took charge of the Arko Mall entry project, it seemed she wasn’t just greedy without ability. Plus, she had the nerve to risk terminating the contract.
For Dokyung, who had only seen subordinates who said nothing but “yes,” it was quite a refreshing sight. Why was she always so bold despite having nothing?
She was a woman with a talent for attracting unnecessary attention.
“Are you interested?”
At Jinwoo’s sudden question, Dokyung raised his head. His cool eyes clearly revealed his intention to ask what Jinwoo meant.
“In Han Yuri-ssi. She seems more charming the more you see her. With that straightforward personality. Outstanding ability. And that beauty on top…”
“Are you interested?”
“What? Who, me?”
“I didn’t know you had such tastes.”
There was a strange edge at the end of his indifferently inquiring voice. A sharp, questioning gaze followed. Having attempted a needless leading question and not even getting his investment back, Jinwoo finally kept his mouth shut.
Just then, a phone rang. After checking the caller’s name, Dokyung immediately brought the phone to his ear.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
