Chapter 204: I Don't Like Forcing

[Chapter 204: I Don't Like Forcing]

It was late, and Ian Carr had returned to rest. Kim Hee-sun and others were not with him. They needed to undergo another round of persuasion.

Lee Kun-hee sat on the large sofa, his gaze icy as he looked at the starlets. He spoke in a low tone, "The President has entrusted me with this matter, and the entire reputation of Korea rests on your shoulders!"

The four girls glared at him in anger. What did he mean by Korea's reputation resting on them?

Ian Carr had already set his conditions: as long as the Korea Bank lent $3.2 billion at a 2% interest rate to Ian, he would acquire 10% of Samsung Group's shares.

It was their unwillingness to part with money that would rather sacrifice them!

For Lee Kun-hee, that was a difference of over a billion dollars; how could he easily relent? Even if the Korean government could compensate him, he wouldn't want to. The stars in Korea didn't make that much money; these four girls together wouldn't come close to being worth so much!

There were plenty of beautiful women; their fame didn't really matter. Lee Kun-hee had a reputation for being a womanizer, frequently hiring professional escorts because they were cheaper, offered better service, and provided higher value for money!

Later it even got exposed... which showed his demand was for quality and low cost, not necessarily for stars.

Big shots weren't all extravagant; they understood how hard it was to make money. As the youngest and brightest son, Lee Kun-hee was not one to waste!

Thus, he had no great need for starlets. In contrast, Ian Carr's rumored girlfriends were well-known stars, but that was because Ian didn't have to pay.

Lee Kun-hee stated coldly, "I can either help you or ruin you. Serve Ian Carr well, get him to accept our proposal, and that will be your contribution!"

One girl was worth $300 million, hoping Ian would accept this price, he stood up to leave. The girls watched his retreating figure, feelings of pessimism, despair, and helplessness rising within them.

...

The four girls were promptly urged towards Ian's room.

There was a knock at the door, and it was Secretary Ida who answered. Looking at the four beauties, she smiled and said, "Follow me."

She took them into the living room, where Ian held a glass of wine, gazing out at the distant view from the window. Secretary Ida stood behind Ian, stating, "They have arrived."

Ian gave a slight nod, and Ida exited, gently closing the door.

Song Hye-kyo watched Ian nervously. Ian didn't turn around but continued watching outside.

Next to her, Jun Ji-hyun looked equally anxious. Despite being known for her role in a wild girlfriend, in real life Jun Ji-hyun had no such privilege.

Or rather, every star had no privilege when facing these business tycoons. All they could do was endure; if it was unbearable, they could always take the extreme step!

Still, Yoo In-na quietly said, "Mr. Carr."

Ian raised his finger, "I don't speak Korean; whose English is better among you?"

The four exchanged looks. Did this need a language? Wasn't it a matter that could simply be resolved?

Finally, it was Kim Hee-sun who spoke up, "I can manage it."

Kim Hee-sun graduated from Korea University, making her the most educated among the four girls, but her English wasn't just because of her academic background; it was more from frequent international exchanges.

Ian slowly turned around, looking at Kim Hee-sun, "Do you hate Lee Kun-hee?"

Kim Hee-sun was stunned. What kind of question was that?

Seeing her shocked expression, Ian smiled. He walked over to the side sofa, covering his right eye as if having a headache.

The four girls looked at each other and approached him together.

Jun Ji-hyun massaged his temples, Yoo In-na rubbed his arm, Kim Hee-sun kneaded his neck, while Song Hye-kyo squatted down to massage his legs.

Ian softly said, "You don't need to force it; I don't like forcing people. While I can be a player, I'm not a rapist. I can tell you're all being pressured..."

Kim Hee-sun listened closely, trying to translate for the others. This made the girls' gazes towards Ian shift somewhat.

It was rare to meet a man like this...

Their favorable impression of Ian grew.

However, Kim Hee-sun still said, "If we leave your room, we..."

She didn't finish, but everyone understood the implication.

Ian chuckled softly, "Is Lee Kun-hee putting the pressure of the $1.3 billion gap on you? A sort of veiled threat? Seeing if I'm a soft-hearted man? Interesting!"

His words came out quickly, and Kim Hee-sun didn't catch it at first, taking a while to grasp the meaning.

She sadly leaned against Ian's back, thanking him for his understanding.

Ian had risen, stating, "You all sit down over there; I need to handle some work."

As he walked over to his desk and opened his laptop, the four girls sat confused on the central sofa.

...

Watching Ian busy at his computer and ignoring them, Jun Ji-hyun was the bravest.

She moved closer to see what Ian was doing.

Upon seeing the content on the computer, she gasped, "Oh my God!"

The shocked expressions were contagious, and the other three came over.

They then saw Ian's screen showing Lee Kun-hee and several officials from the Blue House, all in their respective hotel rooms, indulging with the girls they had seen before in the waiting room...

How could this be?

Ian chuckled lowly at the screen.

The display was divided into segments, each showing the embarrassing appearance of those big shots.

He lit a cigar and casually remarked, "You like this?"

The four girls stared at Ian in confusion.

Ian shrugged, "You know what I do; this is my specialty."

Then he gently shook his head, "Lee Kun-hee's issues aren't worth much, but the officials' affairs are quite valuable. To exchange a few beautiful girls for such a huge benefit... they must be out of their minds! I would rather bargain with this!"

...

$1.3 billion!

In 2001, he had spent an entire year to accumulate nearly that amount in assets.

How could he easily relent because of a few starlets?

Ian didn't expect to truly acquire 10% of Samsung's shares for $3.2 billion, but at least other conditions should be negotiated.

His English became slightly rapid, and the four girls momentarily didn't catch it.

Ian pushed the laptop aside, saying, "Don't worry; with this evidence, they can't do anything to you."

Kim Hee-sun understood this part, her face changing, "No! He will kill us!"

"Not with me around," Ian replied nonchalantly.

He stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, cigar smoke curling around him.

Ian stated, "I like you girls; you're all good women. I want you, but I don't wish for you to be forced into it. I'm offering you a chance; if you follow me, I assure you that you won't face any issues and I'll take care of you. I can even help you deal with those who are pressuring you."

He spoke slowly, trying to ensure Kim Hee-sun could understand and translate for the others.

Then he added, "But this is just a suggestion. You can choose not to come with me, and I will still ensure your safety, but other favors might not be available."

As he spoke, he smiled at the four girls, his eyes filled with warmth.

I, Ian Carr!

The goal cherished by all girls!

I wouldn't force!

Even these girls who were pressured, I could help them change their mindset.

All right, I confess I was putting on a show.

However, if you accepted my proposal, I would certainly feel more accomplished!

...

In this moment, Ian softly and gently reassured the group. Song Hye-kyo looked vacantly at Ian, listening to his soothing words.

This man, the owner of Carr Media Group, known for his ruthless nature and hefty prices, had been monitoring Lee Kun-hee and those government officials the night before entering the hotel?

The most famous and legendary journalist in history: powerful, handsome, ruthless, wise, while also possessing a gentle side.

Looking back at Ian, his eyes sparkled with confidence and overflowed with warmth.

There was desire for the girls, yet it carried a hint of respect.

In that moment, Song Hye-kyo felt her heart waver.

The embodiment of the perfect domineering CEO!

Wasn't this exactly the kind of man she had always dreamed of?

Not just her; Yoo In-na, Jun Ji-hyun, and Kim Hee-sun all stared blankly at Ian Carr.

From being forced into this situation to their impressions transforming over a brief interaction, it wasn't a long time, but it was quite effective.

...

Watching the girls' bewildered expressions and their inner excitement, Ian felt satisfied.

However, he knew that having them stay like this wouldn't be so easy.

No worries; a bit of hypnotic assistance wouldn't hurt.

It was just a matter of breaking down the last of their emotional defenses.

Ian deceitfully comforted himself; his non-coercive approach was merely a different form of persuasion, but it surely made the situation easier to bear.

Sudden gentleness from a strong figure towards the weaker side usually yielded remarkable results.

It was like being in a dire situation when your opponent suddenly claims, "I treat prisoners well," making you long for reprieve...

That was how Ian operated.

He could have easily gained control, but he chose a more solid approach, a gentle touch that spoke to the heart.

In that moment, he wrapped his arms around the girls' delicate waists, gazing at their stunning faces, smiling, "I will treat you well."

His eyes felt a bit strained...

Well, it was the cumulative effect of the four girls; it was normal. Overall, their will to resist wasn't strong, so it showed he still relied on personal charm!

Ian was skilled at self-comforting and then leaned in to kiss Song Hye-kyo's lips.

This kiss utterly broke the last of her defenses.

Without hesitation, Song Hye-kyo embraced Ian, returning his passionate kiss with fervor.

*****

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