Chapter 607: VVIP Fashion Show (3)

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: January 31, 2021]

-11:00 p.m. [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin] Noh Hyun-Hee's abuse of power and assault at the scene of the second part of the L.M.L fashion show. (Emergency meeting: Discussing legal action.)

The L.M.L Black Label fashion show was divided into Part 1 and Part 2.

In Part 1, the models walked out in the prepared outfits to present them to the invited VVIPs. And in Part 2, the VVIPs took their time making purchases. But on the schedule for that very Part 2, it stated that Noh Hyun-Hee, the mistress of the HK Inc., would engage in power abuse.

Normally, doing something like that at a show would earn scornful glances from the other VVIPs. It wasn't because the VVIPs were particularly nice or polite, but because they viewed such behavior as lacking in class. However, it seemed Noh Hyun-Hee was trying to vent her grudge against Yoo-Jin because of her animosity toward me.

When I looked at Noh Hyun-Hee, she had her arms crossed and was glaring at Yoo-Jin as she walked between the chairs. It was obvious her malice toward me was now directed at Yoo-Jin. Attending a fashion show just for that purpose, I was genuinely amazed by her lowly thoughts.

First, I planned to meet with Kim Ae-Ryeon to come up with a countermeasure once Part 1 of the show ended.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin appeared in a dress and walked in front of the VVIPs' chairs. Displaying confident strides, Yoo-Jin gave off a noble aura like Princess Yu-Hwa from

Hwaranjeon

.

Thanks to that, the dress Yoo-Jin was wearing sparkled all the more. The pure white dress she wore was called Glory, and its English name was Gloria. It was a white dress adorned with small natural pearls in a crescent shape, which she had worn at a year-end awards ceremony.

Even though it was an ultra-luxury dress priced around the cost of a car, the VVIPs didn't care about the price and were making up their minds to purchase.

Since the design was suitable for engagement or wedding ceremonies, the eyes of the chaebol wives and daughters shimmered with desire. Meanwhile, the chaebol men were half-dazed, not by the dress but by Yoo-Jin's stunning beauty.

After flaunting her beauty and the dress to the fullest, Yoo-Jin spun once on the small stage and exited.

At that moment, Lee Ha-Yoon sitting next to me exclaimed. "Miss Yoo-Jin is... truly... beautiful."

Unlike when we first met, Lee Ha-Yoon now seemed a bit subdued. Even though Lee Ha-Yoon was considered one of the two greatest beauties in the business world, she was no match for Yoo-Jin. After all, there was a reason why celebrities were celebrities.

After that, the top-class models began showcasing new outfits created by Lee Yung-Ah of L.M.L Black Label. Though the clothes designed by Lee Yung-Ah were stunning and the models' walks were captivating, none could command presence like Yoo-Jin.

That marked the end of Part 1 of the L.M.L Black Label fashion show.

When the soft lighting suddenly brightened, Kim Ae-Ryeon picked up a microphone and spoke.

"We'll now take a 20-minute break before starting Part 2 of the show. Please take this time to consider which items caught your eye."

At that moment, staff wearing white gloves began handing out finger foods and drinks.

That's when Noh Hyun-Hee ignored the finger foods and began whispering with the high-society ladies who had come with her. It looked like she was planning the act that Everyday had warned me about.

I immediately turned to the side and said, "Wang Long, Lily. I'm going to see the Vice President for a moment."

Leaving Wang Long and Lily behind, I headed to the waiting room.

Then, Lee Ha-Yoon quickly followed me. "Mr. Jung, I'll go with you~"

It seemed Lee Ha-Yoon had decided to stick to me like glue today.

***

When we arrived at the space that combined the waiting room and dressing room, two bodyguards were standing at the entrance.

"This is Mr. Jung. Please open the door."

At Lee Ha-Yoon's words, the two bodyguards opened the door. Inside, the dressing room and waiting room were separated.

Through the open waiting room door, Kim Ae-Ryeon and Lee Yung-Ah were seen having a serious conversation.

"President Lee, what do you think about raising the price of Glory to 50 million won?"

"Wasn't it originally set to sell for 30 million won?"

"No, judging by the reaction on-site, that price is no problem. Anyway, those people don't even look at the price tags when they buy. If we want to firmly position L.M.L Black Label as the highest-end brand, we need to mark up the price."

Even if they raised the price to 50 million won, it was still less than half the price of the world's most expensive haute couture dresses. That was why Kim Ae-Ryeon advised that to establish L.M.L Black Label as a luxury brand, they needed to start with raising the price.

After some hesitation, Lee Yung-Ah nodded. "Alright. Since you have more experience in that area, I'll leave it to you."

"Good. You need to push more confidently. Honestly, if a foreign luxury designer had made Glory, it would've gone for a hundred million won, right? L.M.L isn't branded to that level yet, so 50 million won is reasonable."

Kim Ae-Ryeon seemed confident in L.M.L Black Label's designs.

Since the conversation was wrapping up, I cleared my throat to announce my presence. "

Ahem.

Mrs. Kim."

Kim Ae-Ryeon turned around. "Oh, Chief Jung. Miss Yoo-Jin is changing in the next dressing room. Should I call her?"

"No. That's not it. I came because I'm concerned about Mrs. Noh Hyun-Hee."

"I heard from Ha-Yoon. She caused a commotion in the basement, huh? Don't worry. To prevent any more trouble, I'll personally hold the mic during Part 2."

I immediately checked my phone.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: January 31, 2021]

-11:00 p.m. [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin] Noh Hyun-Hee's abuse of power and assault at the scene of the second part of the L.M.L fashion show. (Emergency meeting: Discussing legal action.)

There was no change to the schedule entry. In other words, this meant Noh Hyun-Hee intended to ignore Kim Ae-Ryeon and cause a scene. So retreating wasn't an option.

"Mrs. Kim. Whether or not you're present, Mrs. Noh Hyun-Hee is going to pull something. She wants revenge on me for sending her two sons to prison and will likely take it out on Yoo-Jin. I think the show is going to be ruined."

𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Kim Ae-Ryeon's face suddenly twisted in frustration. After defeating her older sister and securing management control of the Daechon Inc. thanks to my judgment, she tended to trust my words quite a bit.

"Do you really think Mrs. Noh's rage is that serious?"

"Yes."

At that, Lee Ha-Yoon standing nearby tilted her head in disbelief. "Mr. Jung, isn't it a bit of a stretch to say Mrs. Noh would ignore the future head of the Daechon Inc.?"

"She lost both her sons to prison because of me. A mother filled with hatred isn't going to act rationally."

"Still... no matter what, she wouldn't do something disgraceful in front of VVIPs. Mrs. Noh is a very proud person."

Lee Ha-Yoon was still young and didn't yet understand a parent's heart, so she judged Noh Hyun-Hee based only on the image she had shown in front of her. But the Noh Hyun-Hee I had seen before the regression was more tenacious and vicious than Lee Ha-Yoon could imagine.

Fortunately, Kim Ae-Ryeo chose to follow my judgment since she knew Noh Hyun-Hee well.

"Alright. If, by any chance, Noh Hyun-Hee tries something with Miss Yoo-Jin, I'll stop the show immediately. Will that be okay?"

Then Lee Ha-Yoon asked with a concerned expression. "

Hmm

Mom, that sounds good, but if you clash with Mrs. Noh, you could lose ties with not just ten VVIPs but even more. Department store sales will plummet. What will you do then?"

I shared Lee Ha-Yoon's concern. The easiest solution would be to stop the show, but we couldn't let Noh Hyun-Hee cause us to suffer losses. This show involved not only Yoo-Jin's reputation but also the future of Lee Yung-Ah, who had greatly supported me.

"Mrs. Kim, there is a way to keep the show running while keeping Mrs. Noh Hyun-Hee in check."

Kim Ae-Ryeon tilted her head. "How?"

"Let's call the Honorary Chairman."

Kim Bu-Ho was 76 years old and the founder of the Daechon Inc.. Founders of conglomerates were highly respected even by members of rival groups. And with Kim Bu-Ho's age, he was treated as a great elder in the business world. If he showed up at the event, even Noh Hyun-Hee wouldn't be able to act out.

Kim Ae-Ryeon clicked her tongue. "The only one who would dare use my father like that is probably you, Chief Jung."

"Will you call him?"

"I'll do it now. But I can't guarantee he'll agree."

"Understood. If he doesn't come, then we'll stop the show."

"Alright."

After I finished speaking, I left the waiting room. On the way back, I checked my phone.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: January 31, 2021]

-11:00 p.m.

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin] Noh Hyun-Hee's abuse of power and assault at the scene of the second part of the L.M.L fashion show. (Emergency meeting: Discussing legal action.))

'

So he's coming.

'

Just then, Lee Ha-Yoon followed me and began staring at me intently. It almost made me feel uncomfortable.

"Mr. Jung, do you really think my grandfather will come?"

It was said that Kim Bu-Ho, having retired from the frontlines, rarely showed up at related business events.

But since the Everyday schedule had been deleted, I replied with confidence. "I think he will."

Lee Ha-Yoon gave a disbelieving look. "I highly doubt he's coming..."

Knowing that she was quite competitive by nature, I couldn't help but tease her.

"Then shall we make a bet?"

After a moment of hesitation, Lee Ha-Yoon nodded. "Yes! Let's bet."

She eagerly took the bait.

I asked, "But what's the reward for winning the bet?"

Lee Ha-Yoon confidently answered, "The winner gets one wish. Within reason, of course. How about that?"

'

A bet against someone who has returned to the past and holds the Everyday, huh? Ms. Lee Ha-Yoon, You just made a big mistake.

'

I let out a small chuckle and quickened my pace as I walked away. "Let's do it."

***

'

Who is this man, really?

'

Puzzled, Lee Ha-Yoon stared at Jung Yoon-Ho's broad back ahead of her.

She had heard he was a celebrity talent agent. Yet both her grandfather and mother had personally issued him a VVIP invitation as if he were a chaebol heir. VVIP invitations were only given to direct descendants of conglomerates or veteran politicians.

On top of that, her grandfather and mother had even encouraged her to meet this man. They even had her, someone who had never worked a part-time job, wear department store staff attire and escort him.

Although she had been offended by their command, she had no choice but to do as ordered since they had threatened to take away her credit card and card. But when she met him, she couldn't help but smile faintly at his good looks.

Surprisingly, he showed no interest in her. It slightly infuriated her because even if she was dressed like a staff member, she was still a third-generation member of the Daechon Inc. He annoyed her even more when he had gone straight to her mother, ignoring the fact that she told him that she had already told her mother about Noh Hyun-Hee.

Her mother, who never listened to anyone, accepted everything Jung Yoon-Ho said without hesitation. Moreover, the man wasn't even afraid to ask her grandfather, the founder of Daechon Inc., to show up. Even chaebol heirs trembled just at the sight of her grandfather.

Still, she made the bet as she was confident he wouldn't come.

However, Jung Yoon-Ho smiled so innocently and confidently. It felt like she had been tricked somehow. And yet, she didn't dislike the feeling.

In the meantime, the distance between her and Jung Yoon-Ho had grown due to his long legs.

"Wait for me, Mr. Jung~ Why are you walking so fast?"

Her voice had a slight plaintive tone to it. Jung Yoon-Ho didn't look back, but his quick pace slowed down.

She had thought he was indifferent, but he seemed to be more considerate than she expected.

Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all.

***

The second part of the L.M.L Black Label fashion show began.

Unlike Part 1, in Part 2, groups of five stood in front of the VVIPs wearing outfits, bags, and accessories. The VVIPs would then signal to the staff standing beside them to indicate which item they wanted.

It was etiquette for VVIPs not to ask about prices during purchases. They simply checked the total amount for the outfits, bags, and accessories they chose at the end before deciding whether to buy.

If they didn't like it, they could say no. But then they would never be invited to a VVIP fashion show again. For this reason, most of them chose yes.

At that moment, Kim Ae-Ryeon took the mic and began to host. "We'll now begin Part 2. If you wish to make a purchase, just signal the staff beside you."

Fifty VVIPs had fifty staff members beside them, each holding a tablet.

"Alright, let's begin with Dresses 1 through 5."

Yoo-Jin and four other models appeared. Number 1 was Glory, worn by Yoo-Jin, while numbers 2 through 5 were worn by the other models. All of them had bags and accessories in addition to dresses.

Suddenly, VVIPs started requesting purchases from the staff beside them.

"Give me everything Jung Yoo-Jin is wearing, carrying, and accessorizing."

"I just want Jung Yoo-Jin's bag."

"I'll take all the dresses from 1 to 5. Oh, and make sure to pack Jung Yoo-Jin's bag separately."

No one even asked the price, and they all centered their purchases around what Yoo-Jin wore.

At that moment, Noh Hyun-Hee finally raised her hand. "Over here!"

But her eyes weren't on the staff. Instead, they were locked onto Kim Ae-Ryeon.

Kim Ae-Ryeon said, "Mrs. Noh, please signal the staff beside you for product purchases."

"No, not that."

Despite the large age gap, Noh Hyun-Hee spoke casually with Kim Ae-Ryeon. This was likely because they were already acquainted.

"Then what is it?"

With a smirk, Noh Hyun-Hee said, "No matter what dress it is, it only looks good if it's worn by someone classy. How can I make a proper judgment when it's on some nobody model? I feel like spending a lot today, so why not have Jung Yoo-Jin wear everything and show them all again?"

It took at least five minutes just to change into a dress, carry a bag, and wear the accessories. There were 30 prepared outfits, so just changing into each would take 150 minutes. And if she took time admiring each one, no one could guess when the show would end.

It was clear Noh Hyun-Hee was targeting Yoo-Jin to make her suffer. I gave a signal to Kim Ae-Ryeon, who stepped forward to stop her.

"Mrs. Noh. Asking Miss Yoo-Jin to wear and present every outfit today is a bit excessive, isn't it?"

Kim Ae-Ryeon's tone was polite, but her words were sharp.

Noh Hyun-Hee insisted, "I'm not asking to see it for free—I'm paying for it. Is this how VVIPs get treated at Daechon Department Store? Is it because the vice president changed?"

VVIPs were usually treated like royalty, no matter how unreasonable their requests. What they hate most is being told 'No.' Sure enough, the other VVIPs started to murmur as soon as the words 'can't do that' came out of Kim Ae-Ryeon's mouth.

And when the name of the imprisoned first daughter, former Vice President Kim Ae-Ja, was mentioned, the murmuring grew louder.

At that point, the people who came with Noh Hyun-Hee began to stir things up.

"I heard Jung Yoo-Jin gets a cut from the sales today, so what's the harm?"

"I came expecting special treatment as a VVIP, but I'm disappointed."

The VVIPs began making a fuss, expecting special treatment.

Just then, the sound of a cane echoed across the floor at the far end of the top-floor stage.

Tap, tap, tap.

"Even in old age, I see that Mrs. Noh's voice is still powerful."

Kim Bu-Ho, the founder of the Daechon Inc., had appeared.

I looked at Lee Ha-Yoon seated beside me. "I won the bet, didn't I?"

Lee Ha-Yoon's eyes widened as she nodded. "Yes... I lost."

She admitted defeat so calmly. Her attitude was different from what I remembered, but this wasn't the time to dwell on that. I turned my gaze back to Noh Hyun-Hee.

Noh Hyun-Hee frowned and looked at Kim Bu-Ho. "M-Mr. Chairman, what brings you here?"

"

Oh~

I happened to be nearby and heard someone was rudely disrupting an event that wasn't even theirs, so I thought I'd stop by."

Noh Hyun-Hee's face flushed slightly. "Are you... talking about me?"

Kim Bu-Ho played innocent, though he clearly knew. "

Hahaha

, of course not. Why wouldn't I know how dignified you are, Mrs. Noh? From what I saw just now, that rumor clearly wasn't true."

Even though it was obvious he was criticizing her, Noh Hyun-Hee couldn't deny it. "O-of course not."

"But you know, just now, it seemed the model wasn't to your liking... What if we did this instead?"

Kim Bu-Ho gave a sly smile and made a suggestion.

And that suggestion would completely destroy Noh Hyun-Hee's plan.