Chapter 19: Exporting Exploitation IV
After parting ways with Lee Wonjae from West Sea Food, Park Kisoo promptly called Jeon Seong-ryeol.
“Sir, negotiations went well. I’m not sure if you’ll be satisfied, though.”
“How did it go?”
“They agreed to take only fifteen percent and handle all aspects of distribution. They said they would manage everything from exporting, transportation, sales, to depositing funds once we open our storage doors for them.”
The commission dropped from thirty to fifteen percent. However, Jeon Seong-ryeol didn’t like the idea of sharing profits even when outsourcing distribution alone.
Are they trying to squeeze us dry?
He felt indignant but also reluctant to waste any more time haggling over terms.
“Sir, it’s almost time for the mushroom harvest season.”
That was true.
“Just think of this as outsourcing for a few months. Instead of signing a long-term contract, we can negotiate per shipment. Right now, you can expect auction prices between fifteen to twenty million won, but once Song Ilchul hits the market, things will get interesting. West Sea Food knows this and is playing hardball.”
“You’re right. We shouldn’t miss out on potential profits.”
“I played my trump card to convince a friend to secure this deal for us. Time is of the essence here.”
“I see. Thank you for your efforts, Kisoo.”
“Should I inform Vice President Ha?”
“No, I need to talk to him directly about matters like this.”
Park Kisoo felt slightly disappointed. If he could’ve spoken with Ha So-young himself, his chances would have been even greater.
Park Kisoo smiled contentedly as he hung up the phone.
‘The stage is set.’
With the condition of giving West Sea Food fifteen percent for immediate export to Japan, President Jeon Seong-ryeol would likely approach Ha So-young with another offer. This could sow seeds of doubt in his mind regarding their partnership.
‘I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like money. Ha So-young herself started this venture primarily to earn profits.’
Whistling cheerfully, Park Kisoo got into his car.
“West Sea Food?”
Ha So-young had heard about Jeon Seong-ryeol’s plans to proceed with exports through West Sea Food. He was under the impression that negotiations were still ongoing.
‘But why did they contact me? Could it be…’ With growing suspicion, he continued the conversation.
“It’s no problem to discuss things with you.”
-“Then would lunchtime tomorrow work for you?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
-“Thank you. The location is…”
After agreeing on the exact time and place, Vice President Lee Wonjae said goodbye and hung up the phone.
“Why did West Sea Food contact me directly? Is there an issue negotiating with their president?” Ha So-young briefly pondered this before starting his preparations to leave home.
Before stepping out, he didn’t forget to pay his respects at the Silver Tree Shrine.
“Father, your unworthy child embarks once more on a covert mission, blending among humans to observe their world. I remain steadfast in my pursuit of spiritual growth towards becoming the Franchise God.”
“-Bring out your empty container.”
“Yes, Father.” Ha So-young held up an empty barrel with both hands and respectfully bowed forward. A tree branch extended towards him, filling the barrel with elixir.
“-Only by transcending the limits of your human body can you proceed with proper education. Do not forget this, my son.”
“Yes, Father.” Ha So-young stored the barrel containing the elixir securely in a hidden safe within her living room before leaving home.
“I still need to consume a drop occasionally, right? If I don’t, Father might notice… Oh well, I really wanted a more relaxed life this time around. The previous one was just too dreadful.”
Ha So-young arrived at the downtown café as agreed upon with the landowner and real estate agent. They had already reached the venue earlier and were discussing matters among themselves.
“Ah, President Park, welcome!” The real estate agent greeted him warmly.
As Ha So-young took a seat, he discreetly glanced at the landowner.
She seems quite elderly.
Was she in her seventies or eighties? Despite her advanced age, the landowner appeared to be a sprightly grandmother, suggesting that she took good care of herself.
“Chairwoman, this is the person interested in purchasing your mountain,” introduced the real estate agent.
“Pleased to meet you.” The grandmother smiled and extended her hand. In a brief moment, Ha So-young mentally scanned the cost of the clothes the woman was wearing.
They must total several thousand dollars.
“You wish to cultivate crops on our mountain?”
“Yes, that’s why I needed this mountain.”
“But with such a large investment, is there any crop suitable for growing on a mountain? I don’t know much about farming, but it doesn’t seem feasible. It can’t be for an orchard, right?”
“I plan to cultivate mushrooms extensively.”
“Oh.”
The landowner was finally convinced, and the real estate agent quickly proceeded with the contract.
“Thank you. In my old age, I had returned to agriculture by buying this mountain, hoping to live surrounded by nature. However, due to some unfortunate circumstances, I wasn’t sure what to do. Thanks to you, everything has been resolved smoothly.”
“Unfortunate circumstances?”
”…? Haven’t you heard? That…”
“Chairwoman Ha, allow me to explain those details gradually later.”
“What’s the problem? Is there any hidden secret regarding ownership or land use that you haven’t disclosed?” As Ha So-young gave him a cold stare, the real estate agent flushed red, and the elderly landowner looked flustered, clearly unaware of the issue at hand.
The grandmother also glared at the agent. “Mr. Agent, didn’t I tell you it was crucial to explain this matter to the buyer?”
Ha So-young turned to her. “Is there some undisclosed legal issue?”
“No, not exactly. But I insisted on informing the buyer about my reason for returning to agriculture…”
“And what is that reason?”
“My neighbors can be quite difficult.”
“Is there perhaps a violent offender living nearby?”
“No, that isn’t it. Haven’t you heard recently about the locals being hostile towards returning agricultural residents? I didn’t expect this to happen to me.”
“Oh, is that all?” Finally, Ha So-young’s cold expression disappeared.
Well, she had already meticulously checked the land registry, title deeds, and other legal matters, so any legal issues at this point wouldn’t make sense. ‘Was I being too sensitive?’
“Don’t dismiss it as ‘just’ that. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re uncomfortable, even now, we can…”
“That issue doesn’t bother me much. However, I’m slightly annoyed that you withheld such crucial information until the last minute. As compensation, I’ll have to reduce my commission fee.”
“T-That’s…”
“Mr. President,” interrupted the Landowner with a stern voice. The real estate agent hesitated but eventually nodded.
“I understand. I’ll give you a discount, and…I apologize for not informing you earlier.”
Despite some initial hiccups, the transaction concluded smoothly.
“The vacation house is clean and ready to move in without any additional work needed. You can start living there today.”
“It must have been quite challenging for you.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” As the Landowner looked at her with concern, Ha So-young shrugged nonchalantly.
“I’ve endured enough hardships like this already. In fact, it brings back memories, which feels nice. I’m actually looking forward to it.”
”…?”
Landowner Grandmother initially seemed puzzled but soon smiled and stood up. “I’m glad to have such a bright and reliable young president. You’re almost making me wish for you as my son-in-law. Should our paths cross again later, let’s greet each other warmly.”
“You make it sound like today is our last meeting. We’ll see each other on the final payment day, won’t we?”
“No, this truly is our last encounter. I will send a representative at that time.”
“I see. Then, please allow me to bid my final farewell now.”
“Wishing you great success in your business.”
With the contract completed, Ha So-young exited the café.
“We’ve secured a mountain suitable for cultivating golden silk parasol mushrooms, and while I’m at it, maybe even sesongi… No, not yet. Sesongi mushrooms might attract thieves, so I need to grow them at home until the fencing is set up.”
Having challenged the gourmet market with sesongi mushrooms, it was now time to dominate the average household tables with golden silk parasol mushrooms.
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