"Oh?"
Lee Boo-jin's eyes glinted. "The media says we're madly in love."
"In love? Banished to the U.S. soon after marriage, ignoring his partying and womanizing there.
Only meeting once under media pressure.
Knowing your husband tried suicide multiple times, yet only now letting him return… Boo-jin noona, that's not the love I know."
Speechless, she realized everyone saw through her marriage to the "security guard."
It wasn't marrying out—it was taking him in.
She wanted to challenge her brother for Samsung's heirship.
Why could only men inherit? Wasn't she her father's child?
Even if she couldn't beat him, she'd fight for her rightful share.
"Seoul's Central Prosecutor's Office is gathering evidence against Father. It's not looking good."
"You mean Uncle might go to prison?"
"Of course not. Even if convicted, it'll be probation. But public backlash is a factor…"
Samsung had a plan. If things got unavoidable, the Crown Prince would take over early.
As a figurehead, he'd stabilize the group, investors, and, most crucially, foreign stakeholders.
So, in a year, she'd need Lee Jin-woo's support.
"Little guy, work hard!"
Flicking her hair stylishly, she walked calmly to the exit.
"What a gem. Wasted on a security guard."
Her voluptuous silhouette, refined elegance, and cool, piercing eyes—conquering her would be thrilling.
[Ding, Path to Conquest.]
[When autumn comes on the eighth of September, my bloom outshines all others. To conquer the unyielding, elegant crown of flowers, only the strongest can succeed.]
"Crown of flowers, well-named!" Lee Jin-woo smirked, tapping the armrest, then strode into the sunlight.
This crown, he'd claim.
The boxy Land Rover sped along, stopping before an unassuming building.
Shutting off the engine, Lee Jin-woo looked up at his wholly owned property.
Son Yoon-joo, Yoon Sun-young, Lee Yeon-jung…
He didn't know much about the latter two, but Son Yoon-joo, the internet model legend, he knew well.
In his past life, he'd frequented her forums.
The admin's swimsuit perks soothed his lonely nights.
How could he imagine she'd be his artist one day?
Life was wild!
Entering, he saw Yoon Hye-na at reception.
With limited staff, the building was mostly empty.
No external business yet, so she was the temporary face of the company.
An unwritten rule: entertainment companies needed a pretty front desk.
A middle-aged woman at the door? Visitors would bolt.
The previous receptionist was now her deputy, filling in when needed.
"Jin-woo… President, you're here."
"Everyone gathered?"
"Yes, in the third-floor practice room."
"Come along."
Yoon Hye-na's expression was odd. He's not planning anything weird, is he?
A company of seven, six women.
Knowing him, she wondered about the company's true purpose.
With shameful hesitation, her finger hovered over the button.
"Front desk needs someone."
As she called a replacement, Lee Jin-woo reached the practice room.
"Unnie, what does the boss want? Ugh, I'm going crazy."
"How would I know? Shouldn't have signed."
Hearing the unnies complain, Son Yoon-joo turned up her earphones.
She'd heard it all before, no interest.
Besides, owning a building in Cheongdam-dong? Hardly ordinary.
Her only worry: was "entertainment" a front for shady deals?
If so, how would she escape?
Click~
The spring door swung, and the boss, Lee Jin-woo, appeared for the first time.
"Ladies, I'm Lee Jin-woo, president of Zy Entertainment. Let's work well together."
At 6'1", his legs were sexier than most women's.
Messy hair added roguish charm, sharp brows, starry eyes, and chiseled cheeks exuded depth.
His toned physique couldn't be hidden by clothes.
Just standing there, he radiated screen-idol vibes, crashing against their fragile hearts.
"So hot!" Yoon Sun-young, who'd been whining, turned fangirl.
Lee Yeon-jung nodded, shaking her arm. "Unnie, I knew this company had potential."
Son Yoon-joo, earphones off, scoffed silently. Weren't you just complaining?
"Hello, President." The manager reacted first, bowing and shooting the artists an "I told you so" look.
They'd said the boss outshone any "big trend."
Now they'd believe it.
Roh Yoo-ran and Sung Ok-ri, both over 30, well-maintained, decent aura.
But their looks were forgettable, lost in a crowd.
"Good work." Smiling, Lee Jin-woo eyed the still-seated trio.
Yoon Sun-young and Lee Yeon-jung, blushing under his gaze, giggled like fangirls.
Son Yoon-joo met his eyes, curiosity brimming.
"Today's our first meeting. I'll clarify your futures.
After, I'm treating everyone to Hanwoo as a first-meeting gift."
"Long live the President!" Yoon Sun-young cheered.
So hot, so young.
Wow, a president this young? His background must be huge!
"All aiming for modeling? No interest in acting?"
They exchanged glances, shaking their heads. "President, we just want to earn a bit, enough to get by. The entertainment world… it's too scary."
Their families were similar—Korean middle class.
Comfortable, not rich.
No material lack, friends with regular folks.
Unexposed to society's lavish, surreal side.
They held naive dreams, wanting fame without disrupting their lives.
Modeling beat office work—dress pretty, pose, done.
Meet friends, maybe go viral, shoot abroad, or settle overseas.
Korea's middle class had a warped worship of foreign countries.
When stationed troops hit bars or clubs, women flocked.
They bragged about "playing cards" with them, comparing who was whiter, stronger, longer.
No one dared cross a soldier's pick.
A student's girlfriend was harassed, he was hospitalized, and she willingly went to the hotel.
After a night of "poker," she dumped him.
He reported it, only to be told to drop it.
Otherwise, he'd be sued.
He just had a broken leg and mild concussion.
The soldier lost precious golden arm hair!
Thinking of it, Lee Jin-woo felt past-life web novels were too tame.
(End of Chapter)
(Note: I'm bolding and adding brackets on anything system related now to make it more visible and easier to read. Also please use power stones for this novel!!)