K-Producer C42 Dong-hyul

As Min-ji stepped into the house, she could feel the tension in the air. Making her way to the dining room, she found her parents and, to her surprise, her elder brother waiting for her.

Her father's stern voice broke the silence. "Where have you been, Min-ji? We've been trying to reach you for hours."

Her mother chimed in, worry evident in her tone. "We were about to call the police, young lady."

Min-ji took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for worrying you. It was... business-related," she said, hoping they wouldn't press for details.

Then, turning to her brother, she couldn't hide her surprise. "Oppa? I didn't know you were back."

Her mother's expression softened slightly. "Your brother just returned from the USA. He's finished his studies and is here to take over the hypermarket division of your father's company."

Min-ji nodded, processing this information.

Her brother, Lee Dong-hyul, smiled warmly at her. "Still the same smart little sister, aren't you? Always thinking about business for the family."

There was a hint of pride in his voice, but also something else - curiosity, perhaps?

Min-ji forced a smile, feeling a mix of relief at her brother's presence and anxiety about explaining her evening. "Of course, oppa. Someone has to keep things running smoothly around here," she joked weakly.

Her father cleared his throat. "While we appreciate your dedication to business, Min-ji, you can't just disappear without notice. We expect better communication from you."

Min-ji nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I understand. It won't happen again."

As the family ate dinner, Min-ji's mother broke the silence. "So, what was this business-related matter that made you miss your brother's surprise return?"

Min-ji set down her chopsticks, taking a deep breath. "Actually, I wanted to discuss this with you, Mom. I've come across a group that I believe has real potential. I was thinking we could endorse them through your fashion company. Would that be alright?"

There was a pause as her parents and brother processed this information. Her mother's brow furrowed slightly. "Is that it?"

Min-ji nodded, suddenly feeling less confident about her explanation.

Her mother sighed, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Min-ji, if it's just a mere endorsement for a group, I don't think that's a worthy reason for being so late and worrying us."

Min-ji opened her mouth to defend herself, but her father interjected. "Now, now," he said, looking at his wife. "I'm sure Min-ji must have a good reason for considering this important."

Lee Dong-hyul, her elder brother, nodded in agreement. "That's right. Min-ji's always had a good eye for these things. Maybe we should hear her out?"

Min-ji felt a surge of gratitude towards her father and brother. She looked at her mother, hoping to see some softening in her expression.

"Well," her mother said, her tone still skeptical, "I suppose you can tell us more about this group and why you think they're worth endorsing."

Min-ji took a deep breath and began explaining. "The company is actually owned by a classmate of mine. He's very intelligent, and while the group is still small, I think offering an endorsement now, before they become really popular, could be advantageous for us."

Her mother still looked doubtful, and Min-ji could see her father was also skeptical, though he hid it better.

Dong-hyul leaned forward, intrigued. "This group must be quite impressive to have caught your eye, Min-ji. I'm curious to know more."

Her parents nodded in agreement with Dong-hyul's statement.

Her father then added, "If the company is owned by a young classmate of yours, he must come from a wealthy family. This could be a good opportunity to build connections."

Min-ji hesitated, feeling uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. "Well, actually... the classmate is Jeon Byul-ho."

The reaction was immediate. Her parents stopped eating, their chopsticks suspended in mid-air as they stared at Min-ji in surprise.

"Jeon Byul-ho? The orphan?" her mother asked, her voice a mix of shock and confusion.

Her father furrowed his brow. "But didn't we just acquire his shares in Starlight Entertainment? I thought that business was concluded."

Her mother nodded in agreement. "Yes, Min-ji, I don't understand. You've already completed the task we set for you. Why are you still interacting with him?"

Min-ji felt a knot forming in her stomach.

"It's not about the Starlight shares anymore," Min-ji began, trying to keep her voice steady. "This is a different opportunity. Byul-ho's new company and group show real promise. I think it could be beneficial for us to get involved early."

As she spoke, Min-ji could see the skepticism in her parents' eyes.

She realized that convincing them of Ascend's potential would be much harder than she had initially thought, especially given their preconceptions about Byul-ho.

As Min-ji struggled to find the right words, Dong-hyul observed his sister carefully. It had been years since he'd seen her lose her composure like this. The last time was when she was a child, before their parents' strict education had molded her into the composed young woman she was now.

Sensing Min-ji's distress, Dong-hyul decided to intervene. "You know," he said, his tone casual but deliberate, "Min-ji has always been intelligent and perceptive. If she sees potential in this Byul-ho's company, there must be a good reason. Why don't we give her a chance to prove her judgment?"

Their parents exchanged glances, considering Dong-hyul's words. After a moment of silent communication, their father nodded slowly.

"Very well," he said, turning back to Min-ji. "We'll leave this business matter in your hands. You can handle the endorsement negotiations with Byul-ho's company and group as you see fit."

Their mother added, though with a hint of reservation in her voice, "Just remember to keep us informed, Min-ji. And be careful not to let personal feelings cloud your business judgment."

Min-ji nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you."

As the conversation shifted to other topics, Min-ji caught her brother's eye and mouthed a silent 'thank you'. Dong-hyul gave her a subtle nod and a small smile.

For the rest of the dinner, Min-ji found herself only half-listening to the family discussion. Her mind was already racing with plans for the endorsement deal.

***

Early Saturday morning, Byul-ho was in the middle of his usual high-intensity workout. His body, now more toned and muscular from months of consistent exercise, moved through the routine with practiced ease.

After finishing his last set, he headed for the shower. As the hot water cascaded over him, he heard his butler, Seon-woo, calling from outside the bathroom.

"Young master, there's a phone call for you," Seon-woo announced.

Byul-ho, lathering shampoo into his hair, called back, "Who is it?"

There was a brief pause before Seon-woo replied, a hint of amusement in his voice, "It's from someone saved as 'Ice Min-ji Coffee', sir."

Byul-ho's eyes widened in surprise. He quickly rinsed off, almost slipping in his haste to get out of the shower. As he grabbed a towel, his mind raced. He hadn't really expected Min-ji to follow through on her offer from last night, assuming it might have been just alcohol-induced enthusiasm. But a call this early on a Saturday? Maybe there was something to it after all.

Wrapping the towel around his waist, Byul-ho emerged from the bathroom, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. He took the phone from Seon-woo, who raised an eyebrow at his young master's urgency but said nothing.

"Hello, Min-ji-ssi," Byul-ho said, trying to keep his voice casual despite his quickened heartbeat. "This is an unexpected pleasure on a Saturday morning."

As he listened to Min-ji's response, Byul-ho couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and caution. Whatever this call was about, he knew it could potentially be a significant moment for Ascend and his company. He just hoped he wasn't reading too much into it.