TOIGC 70

Chapter 70…

The Mat of the Bubble (2)

“Jong-hoon?”

At Choi Ho’s words, Cha Bum-jin nodded.

“Sounds fine, doesn’t it? Jong-hoon’s been thinking about moving to Japan anyway, so this feels like a great opportunity to set up a solid connection with your boy.” “Hmm, Jong-hoon. What do you think?”

Seo Jong-hoon hesitated for a moment before speaking up, looking a bit uneasy.

“Do you really think I’m up for a responsibility that heavy, sir?” “Come on, you majored in Japanese language and double-majored in business administration in college. Plus, you picked up real-world experience working under Bum-jin here.” “That’s true, but it’s still a massive undertaking… Frankly, I’m worried about messing things up and causing losses for the boss’s son.”

Hearing Seo Jong-hoon fret, Cha Bum-jin delivered a sharp, echoing thwack straight to his back.

While the palm strike looked like it was about to generate a sonic boom, since the recipient happened to be carved out of solid muscle himself, there wasn’t even a peep of pain.

“Have some confidence, man! What, are you planning to cross over to Japan and live off your future wife’s family forever? You’ve got to build your own foundation if you want to stand tall anywhere. Do you have any idea how miserable a man who doesn’t earn his own keep feels? Don’t tell me you’re planning to be a kept man?”

“N-no, absolutely not!”

As Seo Jong-hoon frantically waved his hands in denial, Cha Bum-jin turned his gaze back toward Yoongi.

“This guy’s name is Seo Jong-hoon, and he’s thirty-one years old. Hard to believe, right?”

Given that Seo Jong-hoon possessed a face that screamed mid-forties, hearing he was only thirty-one made Yoongi break character for a second, his expression turning entirely dumbfounded.

“Th-thirty-one?”

The office instantly erupted into laughter, and even Cha Bum-jin had to wipe away a tear before continuing.

“They say some people are born-again believers, but if there’s such a thing as being ‘born-again old-faced,’ this guy is the poster child.”

“Wait… if he’s thirty-one, what was that about him being called a Bicycle King thirty years ago?”

Prompted by Yoongi’s logical question, Cha Bum-jin looked slightly apologetic.

“Well, truth is, it wasn’t actually this kid who was with us back then—it was his oldest brother. But after his brother passed away in an accident, this kid showed up looking for us, saying he wanted to take his big brother’s place. He was just an ordinary college student back then, but after getting put through our hardcore training regimen, he managed to catch up to his brother’s level.”

“Ah… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought up something so sensitive.”

Seo Jong-hoon shook his head with a gentle smile.

“Don’t sweat it. It’s been nine years already. Besides, thanks to this aged face of mine, I managed to blend right in with these guys without a hitch.”

“See? Sometimes looking ancient is a blessing in disguise!”

Seo Jong-hoon shot Cha Bum-jin a withering glare at that remark, earning a sheepish grin in return.

“Ahem! Alright, alright! Why don’t you explain the details to Yoongi yourself, Jong-hoon? I can’t sit here blabbing about your entire life story all day, can I?”

With a heavy, resigned sigh, Seo Jong-hoon stepped a little closer to Yoongi.

“Shall we step out to another room and talk just the two of us?” “I’d love that.”

Though Choi Ho and the others looked slightly disappointed, Yoongi and Seo Jong-hoon both preferred an atmosphere where they could talk business in peace, so they slipped away to a quiet, vacant office.

“Feel free to light up if you smoke.”

At Yoongi’s offer, Seo Jong-hoon shook his head.

“Can’t smoke. It causes muscle wastage.”

Watching Seo Jong-hoon decline with absolute conviction, Yoongi couldn’t help a silent internal chuckle.

Never thought I’d hear the phrase ‘muscle wastage’ in this decade. Reminds me out of nowhere of modern fitness culture.

Standing in the small office opposite Seo Jong-hoon’s massive frame, Yoongi suddenly felt like the room had shrunk to half its size.

If the rest of the guys had crammed in here too…

Imagining the space instantly overflowing with towering muscle men sent a mild shiver down his spine.

Still, this guy looks a bit less overwhelmingly built compared to the others. If the rest of them are like high-relief embossing, he’s more like low-relief? Well, I suppose the others spent over thirty years beating their bodies into shape, while he’s only been at it for about nine.

Seo Jong-hoon’s next words confirmed that exact thought.

“Truth be told, I didn’t always have a physique like this.” “Is that right?” “Yeah. I was right in the middle of college when my older brother passed away in a traffic accident. He paid my tuition, he looked after me—he was everything. When I realized he was suddenly gone from this world, I honestly felt like I was losing my mind. But then I saw the boss and the other guys crying their eyes out at the funeral, and when I talked to them afterwards, I realized what genuinely good people they were.”

“They certainly seem lively and share an unbreakable bond of loyalty.”

“Spot on. Anyway, once the funeral was over, I tracked them down. I asked them if there was any way I could step in and take my brother’s place.” “And naturally, they said yes?” “At first, they told me it was too brutal and I couldn’t handle it, but I begged and pleaded. The workouts nearly made me throw up blood at first, but now I can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them without looking out of place at all. I guess my old face really did come in handy…” “Even so, there’s a world of difference between saying you’ll do something and actually backing it up with actions.”

Nailing the exact sentiment, Seo Jong-hoon slapped his knee in approval.

“Hit the nail right on the head.” “So, what’s this story about you thinking of moving to Japan?” “Ah, that?”

Seo Jong-hoon started scratching the back of his head.

“Well, a few years ago on a holiday, I ran into a Japanese woman on the street who was lost and asked me for directions. Since my major was Japanese language, we hit it off and conversed easily, and she offered to treat me to a cup of coffee to say thanks. One thing led to another, and I ended up acting as her tour guide for the day.” “So, is this about…”

Seo Jong-hoon nodded with a faint smile.

“Yep. We’re getting married in Japan about six months from now, and the wedding venue’s already booked. But with my parents gone and my siblings all out on their own, there wasn’t really any compelling reason for me to stay rooted in Korea. So, I figured making the move to Japan made sense.” “You’re quite the romantic.” “That’s a mighty flattering way to put it! Honestly, I’m just following my wife over because I don’t have much tying me down here.”

Yoongi shook his head.

“Come on. Your entire life foundation is here in Korea, so moving to Japan essentially makes you a matrilocal son-in-law. Have you locked down a job over there yet?”

Seo Jong-hoon shook his head just as Yoongi had.

“Unfortunately, not through my own independent job hunt. But I’m not too worried—since my Japanese is basically native-level and I studied business administration, my father-in-law told me I could just come work under him.” “What kind of business does your father-in-law run?” “He operates a modest real estate agency down in Kanagawa Prefecture, right near Tokyo.” “So you’ll be working as a licensed real estate agent in Japan, then.” “Probably! But your business comes first. If we’re setting up a Japanese corporate entity, who do you have in mind to act as the legal representative? Were you planning to run it yourself?”

Yoongi shook his head.

“Not me. I already have someone picked out.” “Who?” “You, mister.”

Shock flickered instantly across Seo Jong-hoon’s face.

“Is that strange? After hearing stories about the others earlier, I figured you might have seen this kind of trajectory coming.”

Seo Jong-hoon offered an awkward, lopsided smile at Yoongi’s words.

“Well, to be honest, I thought I’d just be handling some minor support role behind the scenes. Finding out you want to put me in the top seat as the representative comes as quite a surprise…”

“After talking with you, I realized my dad’s trust in you isn’t misplaced at all. It feels like a win-win for both of us—unless, of course, you’re against it?” “I’m certainly not complaining. Do you have any idea how much your old man brags about you?” “Is that so?”

Seo Jong-hoon nodded enthusiastically.

“Oh yeah. He didn’t share the exact details because it’s confidential, but I keep hearing nonstop about how you’re a genius at studying, a beast at athletics, and a certified wizard at business. Hearing all that on a loop, I honestly feel like I just hit the lottery.” “Well, you are holding a winning ticket.”

It sounded remarkably bold coming from a kid, but Seo Jong-hoon could clearly hear the absolute sincerity backing up the words.

“So, what do you need me to do?”

With Seo Jong-hoon’s eyes practically sparkling with eagerness, Yoongi laid out a remarkably straightforward set of instructions.

“It’s simple. Step one: establish a corporate entity in Japan. It’ll likely be registered under publishing, but honestly, as long as it’s a field where the corporate license doesn’t get automatically revoked even if we aren’t actively running daily operations right away, any category works.” “And step two?” “Just keep that corporation alive and running in the background. I’ll make sure you’re paid a very comfortable salary. If you just sit tight and let it coast for a few years, I’ll hand over the real work.” “You’re going to pay me a full salary just to sit around and goof off for a few years?” “Yep. Beyond that, I’d love to meet up with your future father-in-law to iron out some details. Would you be open to that?” “My father-in-law? I don’t see why not, but…”

Though Seo Jong-hoon looked a bit perplexed by the sudden pivot, their joint expedition to Japan was officially locked in.

“Did you memorize everything?”

At Yoongi’s question, Cho Chung-woo nodded weakly.

“Yeah… thought I was a goner…”

The complexion of Cho Chung-woo waiting at the airport could only be described as completely hollowed out.

“Thanks for all your hard work. This is Seo Jong-hoon. He used to be one of my dad’s personal bodyguards, but from here on out, he’s going to be the representative of our new corporate branch in Japan.” “Ah… pleased to meet you. I’m Cho Chung-woo.”

Exhaustion practically radiating from his bones, Cho Chung-woo operated purely on autopilot as he mechanically extended a hand to greet Seo Jong-hoon.

“Nice to meet you. The name’s Seo Jong-hoon.”

Catching Cho Chung-woo’s hand in a firm grip, Seo Jong-hoon let out a low ‘Hmm’ before speaking up.

“You’re severely lacking in muscle mass, my friend. That’s precisely why you get fatigued so easily. How about it? Care to start a workout routine with me once we touch down in Japan?” “Pardon? Ah, no thanks. I’m currently running on zero energy…” “That’s exactly why working out will wash all that exhaustion right away.” “Uuuugh…”

While watching Cho Chung-woo look like he was staring into the abyss was thoroughly entertaining, Yoongi decided to step in and spare him.

“Mister, boarding time is coming up soon, so save the fitness talk for the plane.” “Shall we?” “Drop the formal speech until we’ve actually set up the corporation.” “Nonsense. Better to get used to it right away. Besides, it’s not just me here.”

Seo Jong-hoon’s gaze shifted toward another muscular young man standing close to Yoongi.

“Ah, right. This is Cha Pil-gyu. He’s my dad’s chief secretary’s son.”

Sporting a crisp 15mm buzz cut, sun-kissed skin, and sharply upturned eyes, Cha Pil-gyu politely extended his hand toward Cho Chung-woo.

“Hello. I’m Cha Pil-gyu. Looking forward to working with you.” “Ah, I’m Cho Chung-woo.” “Please, speak comfortably. I’m only twenty-three.” “Eh? Y-you sure that’s alright…” “Of course! It makes things much easier for me, too.”

Cha Pil-gyu flashed a warm smile at Cho Chung-woo, his eyes crinkling in a way that lent him an unexpectedly cozy, approachable aura.

[My boy’s been having a tough time landing a job because of his resting face—mind taking him along as one of your bodyguards?]

Recalling the request Cha Bum-jin had made just as he was leaving his father’s office, Yoongi had quickly realized upon meeting Cha Pil-gyu in person that beneath his intimidating blank expression beat a heart of pure gold, sealing his decision to bring him along.

[Thank you! I’ll protect you with my life!]

Even though there was a ten-year age gap, Cha Pil-gyu had instinctively used polite language with Yoongi from day one, and was already treating Cho Chung-woo with utmost respect.

Except, naturally.

“Like my uncle said, you really ought to consider putting on some muscle…” “Gyaaaaaah!”

The frantic, exhausted shriek of Cho Chung-woo echoed loudly across Gimpo Airport.

“Hello, my name is Nakamura, and I serve as a section manager here at Hermès Japan.”

Speaking quite decent Korean, Nakamura was a Japanese salaryman in his forties with an exceptionally prominent nose covered in a constellation of dark blackheads.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Choi Yoongi. Foreign friends usually just call me ‘Yoon,’ so feel free to use whatever feels most comfortable.” “Understood, Yoon-san. Did you happen to secure accommodations in advance?” “No. I figured we’d head straight to Hermès first.” “In that case, allow us to escort you.”

Courtesy of Nakamura and the attendants he had brought along, Yoongi’s group easily checked into a rather respectable hotel before heading straight over to Hermès Japan’s headquarters.

Escorted into a reasonably spacious conference room, Yoongi and his entourage waited only a brief moment before Nakamura returned, accompanied by a man in his early fifties characterized by a full head of lush hair and a strikingly ruddy, flushed face.

“Hello. I’m Yamada, head of public relations for Hermès Japan.”

Unlike Nakamura, Yamada addressed Yoongi in quite fluent English.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Choi Yoongi. Foreign friends call me Yoon, so please feel free to use that.” “I shall do so, Yoon-san.”

A brief round of polite small talk followed, touching on topics like the local weather and whether they had enjoyed a smooth flight. After all, building a comfortable rapport was essential before diving into heavy business.

And once the atmosphere had warmed up just enough, Yamada cleared his throat, wearing a visibly troubled expression as he finally broached the real reason for the meeting.

“Actually… there is something important we need to discuss with you.”