THICA 5

Chapter 5

The meeting was nearly over when a staff member approached and informed Ye-seo that Do-gyeom was waiting for her.

“It looks like we’re almost done here, so I’ll wrap things up. I have a guest waiting for me.”

Hearing that, Seo-yeon whispered to Ye-seo.

“Is that because your dear husband has arrived?”

“Don’t tease me.”

“I’ll take care of the rest. Go on, hurry up.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you. Good work, everyone.”

After saying goodbye, Ye-seo left the meeting room and headed to where Do-gyeom was waiting.

“Have you been waiting long? I couldn’t let you know sooner because I was in a meeting.”

“I was fine. I spent the time looking at the artworks.”

“My maternal grandfather’s works and those of the master artisans are quite interesting to look at.”

“I see that now. Shall we move somewhere else? I’ve reserved a nearby restaurant.”

The restaurant Do-gyeom had reserved was Hangaon, a Korean fusion restaurant nearby.

“I chose this place because I was looking for somewhere quiet to have a meal.”

“They say their goal is to create the feeling of dining in a private traditional Korean room.”

“You even know that much?”

“I heard about it when we signed the tableware supply contract.”

At Ye-seo’s words, Do-gyeom raised an eyebrow, showing his interest.

“Is this place one of your clients, too?”

“Yes. I secured this client myself. I fell in love with the atmosphere here, so I visited several times with sample tableware.”

“Then the Yunseak Ceramics Studio’s work will be introduced here soon.”

Do-gyeom grew curious about how the pieces would differ from the ones displayed earlier. This restaurant believed in modernizing Korean cuisine, and its atmosphere was similar to that of the hotel. That meant he could test in advance whether the two styles would go well together, something he had been curious about earlier.

“The pieces have a modern feel that matches the atmosphere here, with a touch of tradition.”

As Ye-seo spoke, the appetizer was served. Hanwoo beef tartare and crispy seaweed chips were presented on a small white plate decorated with a delicate cloud pattern.

“How would you like to connect our businesses?”

“For now, I’m thinking of the tableware used in the hotel restaurant.”

“I think tableware plays a relatively small role in a hotel. This place has benefited because the restaurant itself is its main attraction.”

Even as they ate, Ye-seo and Do-gyeom watched each other’s expressions. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss their respective terms before proceeding with the agreement. If they couldn’t reconcile their expectations, the deal would never happen.

“Then what do you think would work best, Ms. Ye-seo?”

“Recently, the Yunseak Ceramics Studio has attracted attention for the rarity of its pieces, especially after a charity auction.”

“Master Seo Ju-seon’s celadon was the center of attention.”

“What if we use that as the main selling point and target VIPs?”

Do-gyeom studied Ye-seo’s expression as she spoke. Then he brought up something she hadn’t considered.

“VIPs only make up a small portion of the customers, though.”

“We can encourage them to visit again. We could replace the ceramics in the gallery every week and hold an auction on the last day.”

“Then people interested in ceramics would return every week.”

“The fact that they might never get another chance to see a piece after the auction is another selling point.”

After all, the VIPs would likely be drawn to the idea of seeing rare items available only for a limited time. The fact that these pieces were offered exclusively to a select group, including themselves, would make them even more appealing. Ye-seo believed this would encourage repeat visits as well.

“Were you thinking about the repeat visit rate?”

“I was thinking about how to keep people coming back.”

At that moment, the main course arrived. Abalone risotto with soybean paste cream was served in a bowl engraved with a peony pattern. A subtle engraved design decorated its rim, and the surface had an elegant sheen.

“This bowl is a piece we worked hard to create to capture this restaurant’s image. I want to continue doing this kind of work even after marriage.”

“I understand. My goal is to secure my position as the successor, too. If we get married, your role will be important.”

“In what way?”

“We must appear perfect to the outside world. In particular, we must not reveal any emotional issues or conflicts that could put me at a disadvantage in the succession race.”

To Do-gyeom, marriage seemed less about love and more like a business arrangement in which they had to present a perfect image.

It was clear that he considered marriage another factor in the competition for the successor position.

Unexpectedly, Ye-seo felt that he was asking something of her emotionally, yet at the same time, their married life seemed likely to be even colder in other ways.

Still, she thought that if they honored their agreement, they could become more reliable partners than anyone else.

By the time they had nearly finished the truffle potato pancake served as a side dish, black sesame panna cotta arrived in a bowl engraved with a plum blossom pattern, styled after a traditional tea bowl.

It reminded Ye-seo of herself and Do-gyeom.

They seemed to be opposites, yet they ultimately pursued the same things and were willing to work hard to achieve their goals.

“Let’s have our respective teams handle the business plan from here.”

“Then let’s do that.”

The two of them reviewed the points they had discussed.

After drinking the beverages served at the end of the meal, they stood up.

Two weeks had passed since the partnership between the Yunseak Ceramics Studio and the hotel began.

“VIP repeat visits have increased significantly over the past two weeks.”

“What about the revenue related to the gallery?”

“We expect it to increase by at least ten percent.”

The projected growth had exceeded expectations in just two weeks.

It seemed that the rarity of the Yunseak Ceramics Studio’s pieces had become an advantage, just as Ye-seo had said.

“What feedback have we received from the VIPs?”

“Many of them have been asking about the upcoming ceramics and when the auctions will take place.”

The results were better than Do-gyeom had expected. Ye-seo had been right.

“I should meet with Ms. Ye-seo at the hotel restaurant today. Prepare a table.”

“Yes. I’ll arrange for a private room.”

Through his secretary, Kang Ji-hyeok, Do-gyeom arranged the restaurant and sent Ye-seo a message requesting a meeting.

He thought that Ye-seo’s abilities would be helpful in their married life as well.

After finishing work, Ye-seo visited Le Château, the hotel restaurant, on her way home.

It wasn’t long after she had been shown to her table when Do-gyeom arrived.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“Not really.”

“I’m sorry I’m late. I had to finish preparing the contract. Let’s proceed with the contract marriage.”

The documents Do-gyeom handed her were a marriage contract.

They listed each person’s goals and stipulated that they must appear to be a perfect couple in public.

At the end was a clause stating that the contract could be terminated by mutual consent.

“The final clause was included as a formality. I hope we never have to put it into effect.”

“Then can we discuss the remaining details now?”

“If we both agree, we can add any necessary clauses and finalize it.”

Ye-seo couldn’t think of any particular clauses that needed to be added.

Do-gyeom seemed to have listened carefully when they had discussed their expectations earlier.

Everything they each wanted had been laid out without leaving anything out.

“The contract is more thoroughly organized than I expected. I can’t think of anything else to add.”

“Then let’s proceed by adding a clause stating that we can make further additions later.”

Do-gyeom added the clause to the contract, signed it, and handed it to Ye-seo.

Ye-seo followed the same procedure.

“Then the contract is officially in effect now, correct?”

“That’s right. Let’s do our best from here on.”

Do-gyeom extended his hand to Ye-seo, and the two shook hands.

“I’ll drive you home.”

“If my family asks, is it all right to tell them we’ve decided to get married?”

“Of course. I intend to tell my family as well.”

They got into the car and headed toward Ye-seo’s house. The car was quiet as Do-gyeom drove in silence.

Soon, they arrived outside her home. As Ye-seo stepped out with Do-gyeom escorting her, she noticed the car that Ye-jin usually drove parked behind his.

However, she quickly stopped paying attention to it.

“I’ll wait until I see you go inside before I leave.”

Do-gyeom remained courteous to the very end. His demeanor reminded Ye-seo of a tall, upright tree.

“It was nice meeting you today. I’ll contact you about our next meeting.”

“Then I’ll wait to hear from you.”

They spoke like a couple who had already agreed to marry. But as soon as Ye-seo entered the house, she was confronted by a sharp voice.

“Why did that man come to our house? What exactly is your relationship with him?”

Ye-jin confronted Ye-seo so aggressively that she even forgot to call her older sister, as she usually did.

Ye-jin had always felt insecure about entering high society later than others, and she was constantly anxious about her connections and social standing.

She had barely managed to ignore the fact that Ye-seo had spoken with Do-gyeom at the charity party. But now he had gone so far as to drive Ye-seo home.

For Ye-jin, who could only be satisfied when she had something better than Ye-seo, this was a devastating blow.

“You can’t even bring yourself to call me your older sister anymore?”

“That was… a mistake. So, what happened?”

“Today was simply our next meeting after the one we discussed at the party.”

Just then, their father came out of his study and frowned at the sight of the two sisters arguing.

“What is going on between you two?”

“I think Ye-jin was surprised to see Do-gyeom driving me home today.”

“So your next meeting was today. Did the two of you have a good discussion?”

“We’ve decided to continue seeing each other with marriage in mind.”

The two reactions were polar opposites. Ye-jin looked as though she had been struck by a shock, while their father lit up with delight.

“To think you’ve managed to form a connection with the Jeongseong Group! You’re finally acting like a proper daughter.”

For a moment, Ye-seo’s fingertips went cold.

Finally acting like a proper daughter?

Was she, as Ye-jin had once suggested, nothing more than a tool?

“I was your daughter even before this happened, Father.”

Even after hearing those words, her father simply nodded without showing much emotion.

Ye-seo gave a bitter smile.

“Now I should discuss things with him properly and secure an investment. This could be a great opportunity.”

Her father had no interest in what kind of person Do-gyeom was or whether Ye-seo could be happy in their marriage.

He was only calculating whether the arrangement would benefit his company.

Ye-jin looked utterly disbelieving.

This makes no sense. Ye-seo is getting a better marriage than me? There’s no way she’d be happy even if she did.

Thinking this, Ye-jin tried to console herself. At the same time, she began wondering what she could do to hurt Ye-seo.

Watching the two of them, Ye-seo thought that things must have been exactly the same during her previous marriage.

Her sense of obligation toward her family was gradually fading.

And the more it faded, the more determined she became to protect the ceramics studio that held the memories of her mother.

I won’t sacrifice myself for people like them anymore.