Chapter 98. I Give You The Moon (1)

Translator: Aura

The dawn light filtered obliquely through the tall pines. A few birds flew away with a chirp. As they walked through Songbaekjae’s garden, Lee-Seob said,

“That outfit suits you well.”

Minkyung had made this outfit from the clothes he sent her.

“The clothes themselves are excellent.”

She responded and nodded mechanically. In her mind, she was running simulations of what Chairman Tae Si-Hwan might say at today’s briefing.

“Senior Manager Kang, I think you would make a fantastic model. You could be an ambassador for TK Fashion.”

At Lee-Seob’s unexpected remark, Minkyung stopped and stared at him.

“Don’t you agree?”

“It would be better if you were the one to do it, Director. The publicity effect would be enormous.”

“What?”

Lee-Seob replied as if he really didn’t understand. She was clearer,

“Why don’t you become a promotional model for TK Fashion?”

“What are you saying?”

“I think the effect would be equivalent to a trillion won in sales.”

Lee-Seob laughed out loud.

“Thank you, but we have already spread the word in the media that I am the new director of TK Fashion. Despite all the publicity that was made with my photos, what impact did it have on sales? A billion won at most? The stock price rose a little only because its value was unlikely to fall further. I mean, who would buy clothes based on my photos?”

“Director, those were identification photos.”

Lee-Seob tilted his head slightly to the right. His eyes widened in anticipation.

“Are you suggesting I shoot a commercial for TK Fashion?”

“No. A commercial would be too blatant.”

“What then?”

“Just a photo shoot with TK Fashion clothes on.”

Lee-Seob looked at Minkyung in disbelief, then leaned his head back and exhaled. A moment later, he said with a smile of clear bewilderment and discomfort,

“Our clothes should be worn by models who highlight them best.”

Minkyung took a step closer to Lee-Seob. The sunlight cast long shadows of the two on the garden grass.

“You’re more than a model. I can attest to that.”

Lee-Seob was surprised by Minkyung’s words, frowned and bit his lower lip. His cheeks blushed.

“Are you blinded by love?”

Minkyung checked the time on her watch and left,

“The Chairman is waiting for us.”

Lee-Seob seemed to want to confirm something, but for now he simply followed her.

***

The atmosphere in Songbaekjae’s study was heavier than usual. It was more a place for concerns and reproaches than for briefings. However, neither Lee-Seob nor Minkyung were taken aback since they already came with that in mind.

“That’s right, Chairman. The Durell Outdoor brand is for sale.”

“Durell is TK Fashion’s flagship brand. Do you want to sell it despite what it stands for?”

The Chairman’s voice was full of anger.

“What do you plan to acquire? A children’s clothing brand?”

The Chairman’s gaze shifted to Minkyung.

“Spring Breeze is not only a popular clothing brand among women in their 20s, but has also seen remarkable growth in the cosmetics industry. It managed to position itself in the Chinese market. While its scale and brand recognition are still minimal, we expect an 800 percent growth rate in the next three years if it is incorporated into TK Fashion.”

“Are those simple clothes and cosmetics more important than Durell?”

The Chairman asked Lee-Seob.

“I don’t doubt its importance, Chairman. Since Durell is one of TK Fashion’s core brands, its market value is high.”

“So? By putting it up for sale you only get it labeled as a brand in decline. Now it will be ridiculed by the media. Who will buy a brand in decline?”

“We can protect brand value if we focus…”

The chairman clicked his tongue.

“Director Tae Lee-Seob, TK Fashion’s image is deeply damaged. If you can’t turn it around, your efforts are useless. Once a negative image takes root in people’s minds, it is not easy to change it. Do you think you will achieve it this way?”

Lee-Seob’s lips tightened. His face turned pale and the knuckles of his clenched fists stood out. This was an unusual reaction from Tae Lee-Seob. He could hardly bear the shameful position to which he had been cornered. Minkyung held her breath nervously.