K-Producer C69 Karma

Two days after handing over CEO responsibilities to Han Lee, Byul-ho found himself in a surprisingly relaxed state.

When Seul-gi invited him to her birthday gathering, he was actually able to accept without worrying about a mountain of work waiting for him.

At the party, Byul-ho mingled comfortably, enjoying the casual atmosphere. He spotted a familiar face - Hong Jae-hoon, the young man from Samsung who had been pursuing Min-ji.

As Min-ji and Seul-gi were engrossed in conversation, Jae-hoon approached Byul-ho.

"Byul-ho-ssi," Jae-hoon greeted, his tone friendly but with an underlying current of curiosity. "Can I ask you something? You've been friends with Min-ji for a while now. What do you think she's been interested in these days?"

Byul-ho considered the question thoughtfully. "Honestly, from what I've seen, Min-ji seems quite interested in K-pop lately. She's been very curious about my group, Ascend, and even helped with an endorsement deal."

Jae-hoon nodded slowly, processing this information. "K-pop, huh?" he mused, a hint of surprise in his voice.

What Byul-ho didn't realize was that Min-ji had been showing subtle signs of interest in him, not just his company or K-pop in general.

Her frequent questions about Ascend and willingness to help with endorsements were as much about spending time with Byul-ho as they were about the industry.

"I see," Jae-hoon said, his expression thoughtful. "That's... unexpected. I wouldn't have pegged Min-ji as a K-pop fan."

Byul-ho shrugged, still oblivious to Min-ji's true feelings. "People can surprise you. Min-ji's always been interested in business, and K-pop is a significant industry in Korea now."

Jae-hoon nodded thoughtfully. "You're right..."

Byul-ho smiled slightly, seeing an opportunity to further his company's interests. "You know, maybe you could develop an interest in K-pop too. It might help you get closer to Min-ji."

Jae-hoon's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. What do you think I should do? Should I also get involved in K-pop endorsements like she did?"

Byul-ho's smile widened, sensing the perfect moment to plant his idea. "Well, endorsements are one way, but if you really want to impress Min-ji, why not consider a more substantial involvement? For instance, Samsung has been looking to diversify its entertainment portfolio, right?"

Jae-hoon nodded, intrigued.

"What if," Byul-ho continued, his tone casual but his words carefully chosen, "you suggested a partnership between Samsung and a rising K-pop company? It could be a win-win situation. Samsung gets to tap into the growing K-pop market, and you get to show Min-ji your interest and business acumen."

Jae-hoon's eyes widened with interest. "That's... actually a brilliant idea. But which company would be suitable for such a partnership?"

Byul-ho shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, Golden-Star Entertainment is always open to innovative collaborations. We're small enough to be flexible but growing rapidly. It could be an exciting opportunity for both sides."

Jae-hoon raised an eyebrow as he looked at Byul-ho. "Oh, Golden-Star? I've heard that name from Min-ji... That's your company?"

Byul-ho chuckled, realizing Jae-hoon had forgotten their previous conversation about his company. He nodded, not bothering to remind him.

Jae-hoon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... Well, I see that Min-ji is smart, so her investing in your company must mean that you're doing something right."

Byul-ho chuckled modestly. "I hope so."

A smile spread across Jae-hoon's face. "Maybe I'll have a conversation with my mother about it. I'll see if it's possible for me to develop some connections in K-pop."

Byul-ho couldn't resist a playful jab. "Don't forget about me when you're making those connections."

Jae-hoon smiled, the competitive edge in his eyes softening slightly. "I won't. After all, you've given me a good idea. It's only fair to keep you in mind."

As their conversation continued, Byul-ho felt a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. He had successfully planted the seed of a potentially valuable connection with Samsung, all while maintaining a friendly rapport with Jae-hoon.

Meanwhile, across the room, Min-ji glanced over at the two men, a curious expression on her face. She couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing so intently. Seul-gi, noticing her friend's distraction, nudged her playfully.

"Worried about what those two are cooking up?" Seul-gi teased.

Min-ji shook her head, trying to appear nonchalant. "No, just... surprised to see them getting along so well."

Seul-gi chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Surprised to see them getting along so well? What did you expect them to be?"

Min-ji tried to hide her true feelings as she began, "Well, I expected them to..."

Before she could finish, Seul-gi playfully interjected, "To fight?"

Min-ji looked embarrassed before nodding slightly.

Seul-gi laughed softly. "Come on, why would they do that?" She then looked at Min-ji with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Unless... you expected Byul-ho to not like Jae-hoon because of you?"

Min-ji's cheeks flushed slightly as she quickly responded, "What? Why would I expect that?"

Seul-gi's teasing grin widened. "Maybe because you expected Byul-ho to do that because you're... secretly liking him?"

Min-ji's blush deepened, and she stammered, "That's... that's not it at all! I just thought they might have different business interests, that's all."

Seul-gi raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh."

***

As the party wound down and guests began to leave, Min-ji nodded a brief goodbye to Jae-hoon, watching as he drove away. Then, seeing Byul-ho about to enter his car, she called out, "Wait!"

Byul-ho turned, his hand on the car door. "What is it, Min-ji?"

Min-ji hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Did... did Jae-hoon make you uncomfortable because of me?"

Byul-ho paused, then chuckled. "Uncomfortable because of you?"

Min-ji nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"No, not at all," Byul-ho replied with a smile. "In fact, because of you, my company's interests might benefit."

Min-ji frowned. "Your company benefiting? Why is that?"

Byul-ho explained, "Jae-hoon seems very interested in you. I mentioned your interest in K-pop, and now he's considering investing in my company to get closer to you."

Min-ji's expression hardened. "You used me to benefit your company?"

Byul-ho looked surprised. "What? Of course not. I'm just giving him ideas, but... it's not you I'm using, it's Jae-hoon. Besides, you two are in a relationship, right?" he added, oblivious to Min-ji's true feelings.

Min-ji didn't reply. Instead, she stomped her foot and walked away without a word.

Byul-ho called after her, but she was already gone. He scratched the back of his head, confused. "She should understand my move, right?" he muttered to himself.

***

Meanwhile, Min-ji was fuming as she went home. She felt uncomfortable in a way she hadn't before. In the past, being used in business wouldn't have affected her this much. But now, the idea that Byul-ho saw her as just another business connection hurt more than she expected.

As she walked, Min-ji's anger slowly gave way to a mix of disappointment and sadness. She had hoped that Byul-ho saw her as more than just a business opportunity. His obliviousness to her feelings and his casual manipulation of Jae-hoon's interest in her left her feeling confused and hurt.

Min-ji realized that her feelings for Byul-ho were stronger than she had admitted to herself, making his actions all the more painful.