NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: The Rookie.
"If you can turn a failing company into a profitable one, isn't that a real accomplishment?"
Cho Rin stared at him, stunned. Such vision. Such confidence. Where she only saw red ink, he saw triumph. Clearly, she was still too narrow-minded, still clinging to small calculations. If she couldn't keep up with Mr. Kim's pace, she might lose her place as his assistant.
She clenched her fists. I'll work harder. I have to.
The Rookie
Elsewhere in the Steel Cup T-Shirt Factory, Jin Wu massaged his temples. "Did you memorize everything I told you?"
Cho Rin had informed him that morning that the company had hired a new salesman and assigned him as a mentor. He'd expected a sharp young shark. Instead, standing before him was Wu Yu—a fresh graduate with zero sales experience.
Jin Wu wasn't opposed to rookies. But right now, the company desperately needed orders. Orders meant revenue. And revenue meant survival. How could a rookie with no connections deliver?
"Yes, Manager Wu," Wu Yu said quickly, nodding like an eager puppy.
Jin Wu sighed, resigned. "Fine. Tag along for a few days and watch how I work."
He had finally been given some breathing room by Mr. Kim, a chance to focus on real clients—and now, he had to babysit.
Still, Wu Yu's sincerity softened him. The kid poured him a glass of water with both hands. "Manager Wu, you must be tired. Have some water."
Jin Wu accepted it, blinking. Polite, considerate, eager… maybe there was potential here after all. "Alright. I've got a client meeting today. You'll come with me."
Wu Yu's eyes lit up. "Yes!"
They stepped out together—and nearly collided with Suho in the hall.
"Heading out?" Suho asked casually, eyes narrowing ever so slightly at Jin Wu. Was this guy stirring up more trouble again?
"Oh, just taking Xiao Wu to meet a client," Jin Wu explained.
Suho's gaze shifted to Wu Yu. He recognized the kid—one of the resumes he had personally approved. No experience, no contacts, just raw eagerness. Exactly the kind of person who wouldn't bring in orders anytime soon.
Perfect.
But he couldn't just say that. So instead, he donned the mask of the wise CEO. "It's fine to shadow him, but remember—true growth only comes from struggling yourself. Let him face challenges directly."
Jin Wu froze, then his eyes widened. Of course! A greenhouse flower can't survive storms. Mr. Kim was hinting at him: train Wu Yu today, then toss him into the fire tomorrow. Yes, yes, that was the way!
"Understood, Mr. Kim," Jin Wu said solemnly.
Suho tilted his head, baffled. What did he understand? He hadn't meant anything that deep.
Horny Princess Interactive HQ
Meanwhile, at the Horny Princess offices, Jung Hongyoon burst into Maeng Rae's room, barely able to contain himself.
"President Meng! There's news from the trading platform. Someone wants to acquire us!"
Maeng Rae shot upright. "What? Who? What did they say?"
"They called just now. Said they'd come tomorrow to negotiate."
"What about the price? Did they mention numbers?"
"Uh… no. I was too excited and forgot to ask."
Maeng Rae groaned, dragging a hand down his face. Amateurs. The listing said 1.5 million, but any sane buyer would haggle them down after seeing the books. The company was hemorrhaging players and revenue alike.
Still, even a lowball offer was better than nothing. Bankruptcy was breathing down their necks. And he wasn't just thinking of himself. Dozens of employees relied on Horny Princess for their livelihood.
If no one saved them, all those jobs would vanish.
He let out a long, tired sigh. "Fine. We'll talk tomorrow. For now, let's just hope they're serious."
Older employees with families… Maeng Rae's heart twisted just thinking about them. Youngsters could bounce back, but the veterans? Mortgage payments, children's tuition, medical bills—if they lost their jobs now, how would they survive? Severance pay was a band-aid at best, not a cure.
The Next Morning—Innovation Building
At 10 a.m., Yang Dahai pulled the sedan smoothly into the lot. He hopped out and opened the back door. "Mr. Kim, we're here."
Suho stepped out, straightening his blazer. "Mm."
Not far away, Choi Yeji approached, parking her compact car. Her brows arched ever so slightly. Yesterday at the café, she hadn't noticed it—but today it was undeniable. A private driver. A polished assistant. For a man who only a month ago owned a tiny T-shirt factory, Suho was playing the part of a tycoon frighteningly well.
He really leans into the chaebol act, Yeji thought. Prodigal… but he knows how to enjoy life.
Suho tilted his head up at the gleaming sign. "This is it?"
Yeji nodded. "Yes. Horny Princess Interactives, 11th floor. Let's go."
Inside Horny Princess Interactives
On the eleventh floor, the staff scurried like ants. Desks had been scrubbed spotless, trash bins emptied, and cables straightened. Employees sat upright at their stations, clicking away like they were competing for medals.
"Mr. Meng, everything's spotless," one worker whispered, almost out of breath.
Maeng Rae swept his gaze across the gleaming office. For once, the place looked halfway respectable. He nodded. "Good. Keep everyone sharp today."
Vice President Jung Hongyoon leaned closer. "Will it matter? A fresh coat of paint won't hide our bleeding accounts."
Maeng Rae sighed. "Maybe not. But appearances buy goodwill. If we can show discipline, maybe they'll go easier on us."
He checked his watch. "It's time. Let's greet them properly."
First Impressions
The elevator chimed. Out stepped Yeji, Suho, and Cho Rin. Standing at the doors was Maeng Rae himself.
Yeji glanced at her notes, then asked, "Mr. Maeng Rae?"
"That's me. And you must be Mr. Kim?" His eyes darted over the trio. The young man looked barely out of college, flanked by a polite woman and a lawyer who seemed too young to have a courtroom win under her belt.
"Yes," Yeji said smoothly. "This is Mr. Kim, owner of Steel Cup T-Shirt Factory. This is his assistant, Cho Rin, and I'm his legal counsel, Choi Yeji."