Chapter 732: Butterfly (3)

Click, clack.

Vice Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon of Daechon Inc. arrived at the conference venue, accompanied by her daughter Lee Ha-Yoon and a team of secretaries.

Murmur, murmur.

As people recognized Kim Ae-Ryeon, the room began to buzz.

-Why is Vice Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon here?

-Yeah, wasn't Executive Director Choi supposed to come today from Daechon?

-Wait, isn't that Lee Ha-Yoon behind her? The Vice Chairman's daughter.

-What's going on? She just showed up unannounced?

Ugh

, if we'd known, we would've brought our Director too.

-Hey, call the Vice President, now.

Since Daechon Inc. had grown into a distribution powerhouse centered around department stores, it was a company luxury brand insiders needed to stay on good terms with. As a result, the moment Kim Ae-Ryeon stepped into the conference hall, all the brand representatives shot to their feet to greet her.

Just then, Jin Ah-Ram seated beside me whispered in a low voice, "Was Mrs. Kim Ae-Ryeon the secret weapon you mentioned, Mr. Jung?"

"Yes."

"Then you should've told me sooner."

"I wasn't sure she'd actually come."

Now that Kim Ae-Ryeon had arrived in person, the game was essentially over. Moments later, Kim Ae-Ryeon reached the Louis' Batton table. We all stood up in unison to greet her.

"Welcome, Mrs. Kim," Ryan Kim greeted her politely.

"Ryan. It's been a while."

"Yes. I apologize for not visiting more often."

"Come on. There's no need to say that.

Oh

, and next week your new brand is launching at Jinseong Hotel's Samsung branch, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

After scanning the room, Kim Ae-Ryeon looked at Jang So-Yeon. "Judging from the full Louis' Batton outfit, is she the main model?"

"

Ah

, nothing's been finalized yet."

"Not finalized? Why not, when the model looks this good?"

Ryan Kim hesitated, then answered carefully. "Well... We're still considering other candidates too."

Kim Ae-Ryeon's gaze slid over to Yoo Kang-Seok and Min Gyu-Ri. "So that actress President Yoo brought in must be one of the candidates then, huh?"

"Yes, ma'am. That's right."

At that, Kim Ae-Ryeon let out a faint chuckle. "Ryan. Let's not make this complicated."

"I'm sorry?"

"I'll move the Louis' Batton boutique at Daechon Department Store's Samsung branch to the prime spot. And I'll commit to a pre-purchase of twenty billion won in new brand products. How does that sound?"

The best location at Korea's top-rated Daechon Department Store's Samsung branch was currently occupied by Channy. Yet she was offering to hand that over to Louis' Batton, and on top of that, guarantee a large pre-purchase of next week's new products.

Kim Ae-Ryeon continued, "

Oh

, and my pre-purchase is in addition to what Chief Jung proposed. You don't need me to say it, but I'm backing Chief Jung here."

Ryan Kim looked astonished. "Are you... serious?"

"I told you, didn't I?"

My own offer of sixteen billion won combined with Kim Ae-Ryeon's twenty billion won made for a total of thirty-six billion won in pre-purchase orders. That was double the eighteen billion won proposal from Yoo Kang-Seok's side.

With the promise of the most coveted space at Daechon's Samsung branch on top of it, Ryan Kim made his decision without delay. "I-If you're willing to guarantee that much, then there's no need to hesitate. As long as the head office approves, let's sign right after Part 1 of the conference wraps up."

"Good. I'll be counting on you."

"Yes, Mrs. Kim."

Ryan Kim looked at me with a different glint in his eyes. "I used to think it was just a rumor that you were behind the growth of L.M.L, the brand President Lee Yung-Ah launched. But clearly, I was mistaken. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Jung."

I shook his hand and replied. "Likewise. I'm counting on you."

Just then, Kim Ae-Ryeon gestured to Lee Ha-Yoon beside her. "By the way, Ha-Yoon will be in charge of this campaign, so keep that in mind."

Wearing a pale yellow dress, Lee Ha-Yoon smiled and greeted both Ryan Kim and me. "I look forward to working with you."

At that moment, I checked Everyday.

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 13, 2021]

-10:00 p.m.

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Jang So-Yeon] Louis' Batton Accessory Brand [LVS.ACC] Campaign Model: Confirmed as Min Gyu-Ri of TNT Entertainment. (Other: Jang So-Yeon selected as a backup model in case of emergency.))

At last, the schedule entry disappeared. At that moment, the stress of the past two days seemed to melt away.

Across the table, I spotted the face of Yoo Kang-Seok. Having lost the Louis' Batton ad model right before his eyes, he looked on the verge of tears. Min Gyu-Ri seated beside him didn't look much better.

'

You shouldn't be scowling like that, President Yoo. We're just getting started.

'

I gave them both a soft smile. The moment they saw my expression, their faces twisted even more.

***

After Part 1 of the conference ended, it was time for lunch. Entertainment and economy reporters rushed to our table and began snapping photos.

Right then and there, Ryan Kim announced that Jang So-Yeon had been selected as the model for LVS.ACC, Louis' Batton's new accessory brand set to be revealed next week. From that point on, Jang So-Yeon had to hide the pain in her feet as if it didn't exist and posed in front of the reporters for quite some time, adorned in the full BUTTERFLY set.

Afterward, we all headed to the VIP lounge on the twelfth floor. Inside one of the private rooms we signed the pre-purchase contract over lunch. Thanks to that thirty-six billion won deal, Jang So-Yeon was able to sign a modeling contract worth a whopping one billion won per year. For someone who hadn't even appeared in a single production and wasn't a professional model, the treatment was unbelievable.

Kim Ae-Ryeon and Ryan Kim stood up first, along with Lee Ha-Yoon, to discuss the relocation of the department store display.

Kim Ae-Ryeon looked at me with a satisfied smile. "Well then, we'll be heading out. Good work, everyone."

"Thank you for everything today, Mrs. Kim."

"There's no need for thanks. It's not like I'm losing anything here. Anyway, I'll see you again soon."

"Yes, ma'am."

Kim Ae-Ryeon, Ryan Kim, and Lee Ha-Yoon stepped into the elevator and went down.

At that moment, Jang So-Yeon grabbed my arm. Her forehead was damp with cold sweat and her arm trembled.

I said, "So-Yeon. This won't do. Let me carry you."

"N-No. What if people see us in the hallway? Just help me until we get to the suite."

"Alright."

In the end, I supported Jang So-Yeon from the right while Jin Ah-Ram took the left, and we led her toward the suite.

Limp, limp.

Jang So-Yeon's face contorted with pain as she struggled to take each step.

Click.

We opened the door to the suite and went inside. Jang So-Yeon collapsed to the side as if folding in on herself. I caught her in my arms just in time.

Lee Mi-Ri and Yang So-Ri, who were waiting in the room, cried out in shock.

"Mr. Jung! What happened?"

"So-Yeon!"

Still holding Jang So-Yeon, I shouted. "Take off the dress first!"

The dress sponsored by Louis' Batton was tight around the body, making it hard to breathe. When Lee Mi-Ri hurried over and began to undress her, a thin black inner slip was revealed underneath. Jang So-Yeon finally started to breathe a little easier. I gently lifted Jang So-Yeon's half-conscious body and carried her to the sofa.

Thump.

Once I laid her down, I took off her shoes first. Then I gave out quick instructions. "Ms. Yang, bring scissors! And Mrs. Lee, get a towel soaked in lukewarm water."

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

Yang So-Ri dashed into the room, while Lee Mi-Ri ran into the bathroom. Moments later, Lee Mi-Ri returned and placed the wet towel on Jang So-Yeon's forehead. Meanwhile, Yang So-Ri began cutting away at Jang So-Yeon's stockings with the scissors.

Rip!

As the stockings came off, silicone foot protectors were revealed. I carefully cut along the protectors.

Snip, snip.

By tracing the seams, I managed to remove them without injuring Jang So-Yeon. But once the protectors came off, I couldn't hide my shock. Jang So-Yeon's feet were swollen, and the bandages wrapped around them were soaked through with blood, now bright red. She had worn heels for hours, and the poorly healed wounds had torn open again.

Yang So-Ri and Lee Mi-Ri both had tears welling up in their eyes at the sight.

"So-Yeon..."

"What do we do, Mr. Jung?"

I felt the lump in my throat, but I turned to Jin Ah-Ram and asked, "Ms. Jin. Can you arrange a hospital transfer using the VIP protocol?"

A high-end hotel like Jinseong had discreet methods for transporting VIP patients. This was because for them, even a hint of poor health could send stock prices plummeting. It meant there was a way to get her to the hospital without any other guests noticing.

Jin Ah-Ram nodded. "I'll take care of it right away."

"Thank you."

Jin Ah-Ram immediately gave the order to Choi Hee-Seon to prepare the transfer. That was when Jang So-Yeon slowly opened her eyes.

"So-Yeon. Are you okay?"

Jang So-Yeon clutched my hand tightly and asked in a weak voice, "Oppa... I didn't mess anything up today, did I?"

A sigh escaped me without realizing it. Today, she held herself together until her bandages were soaked in blood, never once saying she was in pain. Yet because no one had ever praised her nor acknowledged her, she still wasn't sure she had done well even with a one-billion-won contract signed in her name.

Now I understood just how much Jang Bok-Gil and her mother had crushed Jang So-Yeon's self-worth.

"You were amazing today, So-Yeon."

At last, Jang So-Yeon let out a trembling breath. "Thank goodness."

"Yeah. So just rest now. We're taking you to the hospital soon."

"Okay. Then... I'll sleep just a little longer..."

With that, Jang So-Yeon lost consciousness again. Her eyelids fluttered shut and her body went limp. However, her hand stayed wrapped around mine like she was clinging to her last lifeline. She must have been desperate to succeed so that she could bring her siblings back.

I held her hand tightly and said, "So-Yeon. From now on, I'll be the one to hold you up. You don't need to worry anymore."

Before the regression, I never even tried to see what she was going through. All I did was feel disappointed by her alcohol dependency and get angry when she missed her schedules. But this time, I would try to understand her pain and carry it with her. And maybe that resolve reached her, because her grip slowly began to loosen.

'

Yes, So-Yeon. From now on, you can rely on me. You gave it your all today, so now it's my turn to make you a star.

'

***

[Louis' Batton. For their new accessory brand launching next week, they've selected rookie Jang So-Yeon from Hoop Entertainment as their model.]

[From unknown to star. The Cinderella who became the face of a global brand overnight—Jang So-Yeon.]

[Executive Director Ryan Kim: "I was captivated by Jang So-Yeon's alluring charm. She will become the new muse of Louis' Batton."]

[The accessory set Jang So-Yeon is wearing is the one-billion-won BUTTERFLY collection.]

The moment we brought Jang So-Yeon into the VIP ward at Seoul Seven Star Hospital's annex, articles started flooding out. This was because we had used the company's promotion department to distribute material to the press. It was especially fortunate that we were able to publish photos of her wearing the accessories directly in the articles with Ryan Kim's permission.

As a result, the comment sections were blowing up.

(Comments)

-Wow~ This model's eyes are so captivating. I feel like I'm getting pulled in.

-She really looks cold and elegant.

-Is she really Korean? That charisma is insane.

-Louis' Batton found a great model for their new brand.

-Where the heck does Hoop Entertainment keep finding people like this?

With a reaction like this, it seemed likely that Jang So-Yeon would be able to bring her siblings over even sooner.

Just then, Yoo-Jin and Ju Yung-In, who had come from the conference hall with us, glanced over the articles and chimed in.

"Oppa, don't you think the reporters have been kind of nice to you lately?"

Now that Yoo-Jin mentioned it, it did feel that way.

I nodded. "Huh, you're right."

Ju Yung-In let out a short laugh like it was obvious. "They're scared of you now, because if they write anything weird, you'll come after them."

I didn't fully agree, but it wasn't exactly wrong either.

That was when Jang So-Yeon started to stir. "

Ugh

... Where... am I?"

Jang So-Yeon tried to sit up, but I gently pushed her back down. "You're still being treated. Stay lying down. You're at Seven Star Hospital."

She had an IV in one arm, and her feet had been disinfected and re-bandaged.

"What? A hospital?"

"Yeah. And you'll need to stay admitted until the day before the fashion show. In the meantime, practice your walk using the tablet. Got it?"

"Okay."

"And here."

I handed Jang So-Yeon a phone. It was a lavender-colored Galactica Z Flip 2.

"Why are you giving me this?" Jang So-Yeon asked.

Jang So-Yeon's old phone had been a cracked-up Galactica 7. I had always meant to replace it for her.

"You earned it. And now that you're a model for Louis' Batton, you've got to carry yourself with some class, right?"

Jang So-Yeon's voice trembled. "Is it really okay for me to accept something like this?"

"Of course it is."

"I've never used a phone this expensive before."

Her stepfather, Jang Bok-Gil, had been a corrupt cop with plenty of money, but he never spent a cent on his family. Even though he was in prison now, just hearing his name still made my hands ball into fists.

"Then start getting used to it. Because your life's about to change completely."

"Thank you, oppa. And..."

I raised a hand to cut her off. "You don't need to say it. I know you want to bring your siblings over as soon as possible. So for now, call your brother."

"

Oh

, okay."

After swapping the SIM card, I told Jang So-Yeon to make the call. Jang So-Yeon made a video call to Jang Jun-Hyun. His phone's camera had been broken before, but it had just been fixed so video calls finally worked. Honestly, I wanted to buy Jang Jun-Hyun a phone too, but there was too much risk of their mom finding out.

-Noona? Whoa, your phone can do video calls now?

"Yeah, Mr. Jung bought me a new one. Anyway, how've you been?"

-Come on, it's only been a few days. Don't worry, we're fine.

"What about Mom? What's she been doing?"

-She freaked out a little when she heard the stepdad got arrested, but she's okay now. Still drinking, though.

"Is she saying anything to you guys?"

-She told us to let her know if you call, but I said we hadn't heard from you. And I won't tell her, so don't worry.

Jang So-Yeon teared up, looking guilty. Then she asked about their youngest sibling.

"And Yeon-Joo?"

-Hold on a sec. Yeon-Joo~~

Just then, the sound of little footsteps pattered in the background, and Jang Yeon-Joo's face appeared on the screen.

-Huh? It's unnie! Unni! Are you coming to get me now?

"Not yet. But I'll come get you really, really soon, okay?"

Jang Yeon-Joo answered with a pout.

-Okay, unnie. I'm scared of Mom. So come quick, okay? Okie?

Jang So-Yeon trembled.

"Okay. I'll come as fast as I can, alright?"

-Okay! I love you, unnie~~

mwah!

Jang Yeon-Joo blew a flurry of kisses through the screen.

-

Oh!

Noona, I gotta hang up. Sorry.

Click.

The call ended abruptly, likely because their mother was approaching. Jang So-Yeon froze, visibly shaken.

I stepped in quickly to reassure her. "Don't worry. I've already assigned a private investigator to keep watch. If anything happens, we'll know right away."

Knowing Jang So-Yeon's mother better than anyone, I had made sure someone was already watching.

Jang So-Yeon grasped my hand tightly and lowered her head. "Thank you, oppa."

I gently tapped the back of Jang So-Yeon's hand, trying to calm her.

Just then, Ju Yung-In quietly tapped Yoo-Jin on the shoulder and spoke in a hushed voice behind me.

"Yoo-Jin. Can we talk outside for a sec?"

"Now?"

"Yeah. Now."

With a serious look, Ju Yung-In stepped out of the room. Without a word, Yoo-Jin followed after her.

'

What's Ju Yung-In going to say this time

...?'