Chapter 42: Dinner With Ma Kyung Rok (2)
Chapter 42: Dinner With Ma Kyung Rok (2)
Chapter 42: Dinner With Ma Kyung Rok (2)
An Sang-cheol, engrossed in a conversation at the front desk, made his way towards Ryu Min.
Are you Ryu Min?
Oh, yes! Hello
Ryu Min feigned surprise, and even An Sang-cheol, with his stoic demeanor, displayed a hint of astonishment.
It was expected.
Weve met before, havent we? At Gallerya Forest.
Oh Yes. I think I caught a glimpse of you while moving upstairs. Werent you standing next to the actress, Seo Arin?
An Sang-cheol recollected the situation from Ryu Mins description.
Thats right. Are you, by any chance, the major shareholder of Cheonma Consulting?
Yes.
As soon as Ryu Min confirmed, An Sang-cheol bowed respectfully, bending at a 90-degree angle.
I apologize for the previous misunderstanding.
Although he appeared apologetic on the surface, his true sentiments were different.
-How can this youngster, who doesnt even look twenty, be the one to invest 280 billion won? It doesnt make sense.
Despite maintaining a composed exterior, doubt lingered within him.
Even his eyes betrayed a faint trace of wariness.
Well, isnt this a natural reaction? Its unlikely for someone my age to possess such wealth.
However, Ryu Min had no obligation to convince An Sang-cheol at this moment.
After all, the person he needed to converse with was Ma Kyung-rok.
Naturally, Ryu Min knew the expected reaction.
Oh, its alright. You didnt know, so its understandable. I, too, wasnt aware that the CEO of Cheonma Consulting resided upstairs
Oh! Please dont misunderstand. Im not the CEO.
Oh?
I apologize for the delayed introduction. Im Manager An Sang-cheol. I arrived early as the CEO will join us shortly.
I see
He purposely feigned ignorance of Ma Kyung-roks presence.
This response was fitting for someone claiming not to recognize him.
Please wait inside until the CEO arrives.
Oh, yes.
Following An Sang-cheols lead, Ryu Min entered the hotels restaurant.
As expected of a top-tier corporation, the restaurants interior exuded magnificence.
Wow.
Ryu Min, like a country bumpkin visiting Seoul, couldnt help but gaze wide-eyed at the restaurants grandeur.
An Sang-cheol discreetly glanced at him.
-What an innocent look.
Not only his gaze, but his thoughts were also evident.
Well, it was intentional.
Lets sit here and wait comfortably. The CEO will be here soon.
Yes, sure.
While waiting, they took their seats in the reserved room, and Ryu Min observed An Sang-cheol fidgeting with his phone near the door.
He must be informing the Ma Kyung-rok.
Ryu Min immediately used the Rune of Inner Thoughts.
-Ive just met the investor Hes young He looks out of his place Perhaps the investor sent him instead. Be cautious, as someone may be pulling the strings behind the scenes.
The message from the text translated directly into his thoughts.
He could even understand his unspoken ideas.
-As expected. An undercover mission, sending An Sang-cheol ahead.
It was just as he anticipated.
Given Ma Kyung-roks meticulous self-management, it was highly unlikely for him to be late for such a crucial appointment.
A moment later
Swoosh-
Greetings.
A man with a commanding presence and a tall stature made his entrance.
It was none other than Ma Kyung-rok.
While Ryu Min, due to his short stature, appeared somewhat awkward in his suit, Ma Kyung-rok looked immaculate, his suit enhancing his charismatic aura.
Im Ma Kyung-rok, the CEO of Cheonma Consulting.
Ah Im Ryu Min.
Quickly rising to his feet, Ryu Min shook the hand Ma Kyung-rok extended.
Please, have a seat.
Yes
Manager An, please join me on my side.
Yes.
Without seeking permission, he urged An Sang-cheol to sit beside him.
-Hes subtly taking the lead.
Sensing Ryu Mins gaze, Ma Kyung-rok smiled as if to say he understood.
Manager An is a staff member I trust more than anyone else. Its alright if we sit together and have a conversation, right?
Oh, yes. Thats fine.
Thank you. But before we discuss business matters, lets have a meal. Weve prepared a set menu, but Im not sure if it suits your taste.
As long as its something offered in a high-end hotel like this, it should be delicious no matter what I eat.
Shortly after, dishes arrived according to Ma Kyung-roks instructions.
Soup, cold dishes, grilled fish, Korean beef, braised ribs, stone pot rice, bibimbap, and more.
From the plating to the course meal itself, everything was presented with meticulous detail.
They focused solely on eating, with minimal conversation.
Its truly delicious.
Im glad it suits your taste.
Their exchange consisted mostly of occasional comments.
However, for Ryu Min, who could read their inner thoughts, it was not a time devoid of meaning.
His thoughts seem complicated when I read them.
Even without uttering a word, Ryu Min could grasp their thoughts.
Hes grappling with the idea that he received someone elses guidance.
And that was exactly it.
-Manager An is right. Its hard to believe that he invested 280 billion won himself. He looks too young. However, considering his age, he must be a player, he has survived until the end of the third round despite his youthful appearance, and he must possess skills. Well, luck might have played a part too.
Ma Kyung-rok didnt underestimate Ryu Min despite his young age.
Ryu Min inwardly admired his attitude.
Indeed, its Ma Kyung-rok. Quite the talented survivor, making it to the 15th round.
Unlike An Sang-cheol, he neither dismisses nor underestimates his opponent. With a piercing gaze, he remains vigilant, carefully assessing the true extent of their capabilities. Yet, Ma Kyung-roks poker face remains flawless, concealing any trace of his inner thoughts.
So, Mr. Ryu Min, you said youre only 20 years old? Well, Im 29. Pleasure to meet you, as a fellow twenty. Haha.
Yes Pleasure to meet you too.
Ma Kyung-Rok then wonders aloud, How did you amass such substantial wealth at such a young age? Are you perhaps a scion of a chaebol family?
Ma Kyung-roks directness is quite evident.
Dismissing the notion with a nonchalant wave, Ryu Min responds, Chaebol? No, not at all. Theres no one behind me, as you may suspect. Until recently, I was nothing more than an ordinary student.
Until recently?
Ryu Min senses the need to shift to the main topic and continues, Have you come across any news articles lately?
Perplexed, Ma Kyung-rok asked, What?
The article about an overnight millionaire winning the lottery jackpot five times in a row.
Oh, yes. Ive seen it.
Ryu Mins lips curl into a slight smile as he said, Thats precisely it.
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