Korean Beef Diplomacy

A day had passed since Jihoon's tense encounter with Mikyeong, but his resolve remained unshaken.

He refused to let a moment of friction derail the meticulous path he had laid out.

His company, JH Corporation, was finally taking shape—staff fully recruited, operations running smoothly, and projects steadily advancing.

The visual effects division, though still in its infancy, faced hurdles due to limited expertise and resources.

To accelerate progress, Jihoon secured a strategic partnership with Framestore, a renowned British VFX company.

In exchange for a stake in future projects, his team gained access to cutting-edge technology and industry techniques.

This collaboration not only fast-tracked their development but also positioned them alongside seasoned industry veterans, granting them a competitive edge they couldn't have achieved alone.

Meanwhile, the food delivery app presented an entirely different challenge. From a technical standpoint, development was relatively straightforward—as long as Jihoon had a team of skilled coders maintaining and optimizing the application, its core functionality would remain intact.

However, the real battle lay in market penetration.

Building an efficient app wasn't enough; the real challenge was convincing food vendors to register and enticing customers to use the platform exclusively.

This was a war of incentives—aggressive promotions, discounts, and subsidies would be essential in establishing a loyal user base.

Jihoon understood that this venture would burn through massive amounts of capital before turning a profit, but he was ready. As long as the app could secure dominance in the food delivery market, he was willing to let it bleed money for as long as necessary.

The game development team, still in its early stages, grappled with the complexities of crafting their first title. Unlike the visual effects division or the food delivery app, where established industry standards provided clearer roadmaps, game development was far more unpredictable.

While the team was only beginning to shape their ideas, Jihoon had already provided key inspiration—introducing them to legendary games from his past life, such as PUBG and League of Legends.

These successful titles served as reference points, guiding the team as they worked to refine their concept and lay the foundation for what could be their breakthrough project.

Despite the promising developments across his ventures, Jihoon knew that the capital from selling his Samseong shares was finite.

Securing a huge finances was crucial, and the impending 2008 financial crisis presented an unparalleled opportunity. By late 2007, his analysts had confirmed his suspicions—the U.S. housing market was on the verge of collapse.

With this validation, Jihoon wasted no time. He swiftly directed his trading team to formulate strategic investment plans aimed at capitalizing on the downturn.

Once executed, these calculated financial moves would safeguard his ventures and position him to reap massive profits as the crisis unfolded.

Amidst these developments, Yoon Jongbin had fulfilled his promise.

He had officially joined JH Entertainment as its film director, taking charge of the company's creative. With Jongbin at the helm, Jihoon was able to shift his focus toward something equally demanding—the relentless film promotion schedule Mikyeong had imposed.

Every radio interview, every television appearance, every press conference was meticulously arranged to build anticipation for his film.

Mikyeong had left no room for error, ensuring that his presence in the public eye remained constant. The Palme d'Or win had already sparked curiosity, and she was determined to capitalize on it.

Yet, beyond the conventional marketing strategies, Mikyeong had devised something more intricate, more calculated—a move designed to stir intrigue.

Among the many discussions surrounding the film, one particular detail had captured the public's eye.

According to the strategy, Jihoon had deliberately emphasized the film's OST, drawing attention to it while keeping one crucial element veiled in secrecy—the identity of the singer.

The public wasn't just curious about the singer behind the film's OST—the song's sheer brilliance had captivated them, quickly earning a reputation as a masterpiece. As speculation spread like wildfire across the internet, discussions erupted in every corner of online forums and social media.

"Woah! This song is incredible!"

"No kidding! If the OST is this good, I can't imagine how amazing the film must be!"

"Exactly! And since it's an award-winning film, there's a high chance it's a masterpiece. I can't wait for it to hit theaters!"

Despite the media and fans tirelessly dissecting every clue, the only confirmed detail was that the artist was affiliated with SM Entertainment—nothing more.

This air of mystery surrounding the singer had taken on a life of its own, amplifying public anticipation and ensuring that the grand reveal would be just as impactful as the film itself.

Though his immediate obligations kept him occupied, his mind was always working, piecing together the larger puzzle.

Every move he had made was deliberate, every decision part of a greater strategy. For now, he played the game, carefully maneuvering his pieces.

Because when the moment was right—when everything aligned—he wouldn't just be a participant.

As time passed, Jihoon finally wrapped up his pre-launch promotions for the film. The relentless schedule had taken its toll, but now, with everything done, he could finally rest— or so he thought.

Just as he was about to relax, something suddenly dawned on him.

"Damn it… I forgot to contact Taeyeon after coming back to Korea."

Realizing his mistake, Jihoon quickly grabbed his phone to check if she had reached out first. But to his surprise, there was nothing—no missed calls, no messages.

"So she didn't contact me either, huh?"

It didn't take long for him to put the pieces together. That she must be angry and giving him the cold treatment.

With a sigh, Jihoon ran a hand through his hair. He knew Taeyeon well enough to not let this drag on. As a man, it was only right that he made the first move.

Without hesitation, he dialed her number.

The call rang.

And rang.

And rang.

But she never picked up.

Jihoon frowned, staring at his phone in disbelief.

"Sigh. Her temper is just like her height—way too short!"

Shaking his head, he decided to send her a message instead:

"Hey, Singer Kim. Busy? I bought you a present from Paris. Do you want it?"

After hitting send, he leaned back against his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Let's see how long you can stay mad at me."

Jihoon stared at his phone, waiting. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Still no response.

"Is she really ignoring me?"

He debated whether to send another message, but just as he was about to put his phone down and focus on getting some rest, his screen lit up with an incoming text.

"WHAT PRESENT!!?"

Jihoon couldn't help but chuckle. Just from that message alone, he could tell she was mad.

He could already imagine it—a certain short girl with her arms crossed, eyebrows raised, and cheeks puffed out like an annoyed hamster.

"Sigh.. you're too easy to read."

Still amused, he quickly typed back a reply:

"Oh? Now you're interested? I thought you were too busy ignoring me."

A few seconds later, her response came in almost instantly.

"Ignoring you!? ME!? HAH! As if I have time for that!"

Jihoon smirked, completely unbothered by her little outburst. He decided to tease her even more.

"Ohhh, so you weren't ignoring me? Then why didn't you pick up my call?"

A pause. Then another message popped up.

"...I was busy!"

Jihoon shook his head. She's so predictable.

"Busy, huh? Too busy to pick up my call but not too busy to demand presents?"

"YA! Just tell me what it is already!!"

He laughed to himself, enjoying how easy it was to mess with her.

"Hmm… not sure if you deserve it anymore. Maybe I should give it to someone else?"

He could almost hear her frustrated scream through the phone.

"LEE JIHOON!! I SWEAR—!!"

Jihoon chuckled before finally deciding to show some mercy.

"Relax. It's something I knew you'd like. Do you have time to have dinner tonight? Oppa will treat you korean beef!"

"YA! I'm older than you! Im your noona!"

"Pfft. Noona? You? But you're so tiny, though?"

A pause. Then—

"LEE JIHOON!! DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH?!"

Jihoon burst out laughing. He could almost imagine her face turning red with frustration. Ah, teasing Taeyeon never gets old.

"Fine, fine. My mistake, Taeyeon-noona~"

"Tsk. At least you know."

"So, dinner? Yes or no?"

"Hmph. Since you're treating me to Korean beef… I guess I can make time."

"Wow, what an honor. Should I roll out a red carpet for you too?"

"Tch. Just send me the time and place, brat."

Jihoon shook his head, still smiling as he typed out the details.

"7 PM. The usual place. Don't be late, Noona~"

"I'M NOT LATE, YOU'RE JUST EARLY!"

Jihoon arrived at the restaurant first, no surprise there. He leaned back in his seat, casually scrolling through his phone while waiting.

A few minutes later, the entrance swung open with a bit too much force. Jihoon didn't even need to look up—he already knew who it was.

Taeyeon stomped toward the table, arms crossed, her expression a mix of irritation and mock authority.

"Tsk. What kind of person invites someone to dinner and then makes them feel late?"

Jihoon smirked, lazily glancing at his watch. "I didn't make you late. You just have a complicated relationship with punctuality."

Taeyeon pulled out a chair and plopped down. "Hmph. I was perfectly on time."

Jihoon tilted his head. "Yeah? Then why do you look so guilty?"

She scoffed, grabbing the menu as if it were a weapon. "Shut up! I came here for beef, not your nonsense."

Jihoon grinned. "Well, lucky for you, I serve both."

She shot him a glare before flipping through the menu. "HMPH! You are paying, right?"

Jihoon feigned offense. "Do I look like someone who would invite you out and make you pay?"

Taeyeon didn't even hesitate. "Yes."

Jihoon laughed. "Wow. The audacity. How can a mouth at 37°C be spitting out words at 0°C?"

Taeyeon smirked. "I just know you too well." She tapped the menu. "Alright, I want the premium hanwoo set. And maybe some extra Wagyu."

Jihoon didn't even blink. "You sure that's enough? Should I order more?"

Taeyeon narrowed her eyes. "Are you challenging me?"

Jihoon grinned. "I wouldn't dare, Noona. I'm just making sure your tiny self doesn't overestimate your stomach."

She exhaled sharply, placing the menu down with a thud. "Lee Jihoon, I swear, if you call me short one more time!"

He simply grinned, leaning back as the waiter placed the sizzling beef on the grill. "Eat first. Threaten me later."

Taeyeon squinted at him, chewing her beef with the intensity of someone plotting revenge. Jihoon just grinned, thoroughly enjoying himself.

After a moment, she sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair. "Fine. I'll let you live for now. But that present better be worth it!"

Jihoon smirked, reaching into his bag before sliding a small, elegantly wrapped box across the table. "Go on, open it. Let's see if I survive the night."

Taeyeon eyed him suspiciously before carefully unwrapping the gift. The moment she lifted the lid, her eyes widened. Inside was a delicate silver color music box, adorned with a tiny treble clef charm.

For a rare moment, she was silent. Jihoon chuckled. "What? No screaming? No threats?"

She blinked, then quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her food. "…It's alright, I guess."

Jihoon smirked. "Oh? Just alright? Should I return it then—"

Taeyeon instantly clutched the box to her chest. "DON'T YOU DARE!"

Jihoon laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Noona."

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "HMPH! You're still a brat."

Jihoon raised his glass. "And you're still short."

She clinked her glass against his—just before kicking him under the table.

[Author's Note: Heartfelt thanks to Wandererlithe for bestowing the power stone!]