Chapter 7: Off-season Mushrooms (4)
Ha So-young shrugged his shoulders. “Last time, I collected for a whole month to barely reach 50 kg. Would it really look good if I brought only 12 kg on our first meeting? Still, gathering 50 kg is necessary to meet expectations.”
“Oh, so you collected 12 kg in one week?”
“Yes, I should be able to secure that amount going forward as well.”
Jeon Sung-ryeol subtly used the term ‘collected’, but Ha So-young responded with ‘secure’ without acknowledging his hint.
‘I can’t tell if he’s pretending not to know or just answering innocently. his expression gives nothing away…’
No matter how he pondered it, these songi mushrooms couldn’t be counterfeit, but where did they come from? Jeon Sung-ryeol’s curiosity surged once more, but he decided not to probe further.
“So you can consistently provide 12 kg per week for the next seven weeks?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’m planning to make some bets based on your word, so is that okay with you? If you’re unsure, please let me know now.”
“Bets?”
“The hotel where I previously supplied your songi mushrooms had an overwhelmingly positive response. They expressed interest in using all future supplies as well, but I initially hesitated and told them I’d look into it.” Ha So-young listened attentively, intrigued.
“As you may already know, my primary clients include high-end hotels, restaurants, and department stores. I don’t typically deal with basic commodities like rice or potatoes.”
“I am aware of that. That’s why I initially approached you, sir.”
“In fact, this hotel deal is significant as it’s the first time we’ve managed to secure a contract with them. It’s the West Sea Hotel; you might have heard of it.”
Ha So-young recognized the well-known name immediately.
“Oh yes, very well known. It ranks among the top three hotels in our country and is affiliated with Korea’s number one conglomerate.”
“It’s easier discussing things with someone knowledgeable like yourself.”
“But it seems you weren’t their original supplier for the West Sea Hotel?”
“The West Sea Hotel has its established supply chain. A friend of mine has been supplying them for over ten years now. As you may know, the West Sea Hotel is incredibly popular in our country. With its high-end reputation comes immense pride.”
“Even if we supply to all their branches nationwide, the profit margin wouldn’t be that high. However, it’s about publicity. If we mention supplying West Sea Hotel, upscale restaurants in Kangnam and Jongno would trust us more and place orders. That’s where the real benefit lies.”
Ha So-young had a sense of what Jeon Sung-ryeol was trying to convey.
“You’ve been unsuccessful until now, but with my songi mushrooms, you finally managed to secure a deal.”
“Embarrassingly, yes. They were curious as to how I obtained fresh, non-frozen songi outside of its season, so they accepted our offer.”
“As expected from top-tier hotels, they can instantly recognize quality. Your songi mushrooms stood out immediately.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not a luxury hotel; everyone knows about them. Anyway, if you can consistently supply Songyi mushrooms, I’d like to leverage that and try to secure other supplies for that hotel.”
“That surely isn’t your only goal, right?” Ha So-young’s expression suggested disappointment if his ambitions were limited.
Jeon Sung-ryeol chuckled inwardly. As expected, he had a natural talent for business.
“When putting our hands in the pot, we should aim to take everything out, shouldn’t we?”
“What would you need me to commit to?”
“How consistently can you promise to supply these items?”
For Jeon Sung-ryeol, this was also a gamble. Guaranteeing a steady supply of products, especially those like songi mushrooms sourced entirely from nature, was ambitious—especially considering he was dealing with an individual supplier.
‘So what if I fail? This hotel isn’t part of my regular supply chain anyway. Besides, without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have another chance to try.’
Since there was little to lose even if he failed, Jeon Sung-ryeol could approach this negotiation with ease. However, he still wanted to gauge his chances of success beforehand.
“If you maintain the current price and adjust it fairly based on market trends, I can guarantee 50 kg per month for at least one year.”
“Does that mean there might be issues after a year?”
“Not at all. It’s just that life is unpredictable, so let’s see how things progress beyond that point. If everything goes smoothly, one year can turn into two, then five, ten, or even twenty years.”
“I really enjoy talking with you. By any chance, are you married?”
“No, I’m not. And I have no intention of getting married.”
“Wise choice. You should definitely stay single like me. Just date casually and enjoy your freedom.”
“It sounds like her mother is quite intrusive.”
“he’s tolerable, but he lives only ten minutes away. There hasn’t been a day since our marriage that our house has been free from his presence. he treats this place as if it’s his own home. Ha-ha.”
”…That must be challenging for you.”
“Haha, can someone as young as you truly understand the feelings of a man who’s been married for twenty-five years?”
“I may not have experienced marriage myself, but based on your expression, I empathize completely. Your advice is noted.”
“You guys really… Haah. Enough of this.” Jeon Sung-ryeol briefly reminisced but quickly returned to reality. “Tomorrow, I have a meeting with the head of the West Sea Hotel’s food management team. Just checking again—are you okay with that?”
“Of course. By any chance, can we schedule it for tomorrow?”
“My friend is extremely anxious right now. His phone must be smoking from all your calls asking when Songyi will arrive next. Look, another text just came in.”
“It seems many discerning guests at luxury hotels appreciate premium-quality Songyi mushrooms.”
“That appears to be the case. Thanks to you, life has been treating me well lately. Do you know how picky and arrogant employees at such high-end establishments tend to be?”
“I can imagine.”
“You wouldn’t believe how exhilarating it was when that guy half-bowed to me and asked for Songyi mushrooms. Ha ha! I’ve spent my entire life bowing down to people like him.”
“No, I understand perfectly well without having experienced it myself. Emotions don’t require personal experience to comprehend.”
“Oh, I truly appreciate your understanding.” Jeon Sung-ryeol laughed heartily.
“I will keep my promise, so don’t worry. And if anything changes, rest assured, I’ll inform you beforehand instead of leaving you hanging. It’s best to be prepared.”
“Heh heh, your thoughtful approach impresses me even more.”
Kim Hyosan was the head chef of the West Sea Hotel. Early this morning, he had been nagging the procurement department nonstop.
“What about Songyi mushrooms, Songyi? We’re currently out of stock. All we have left is what’s reserved for emergencies. Thanks to that, I can’t even accept reservations from VIPs!”
“My apologies. I’m talking with our suppliers right now, but unfortunately, it seems they’re not in season yet…”
“When were they ever ‘in season’? Just bring them quickly, frozen or fresh—it doesn’t matter.” Frustrated, Kim Hyosan pounded his chest before pulling out his phone and showing the messaging history. “Three days ago, President Park from Samil Electronics asked if he could reserve today, but I tearfully informed him it wasn’t possible due to lack of ingredients. You know very well that isn’t entirely true, don’t you?”
It wasn’t that they were out of stock; rather, their supply was running low. The situation had become so dire that even the president of Samil Electronics, a loyal customer and mid-sized company, couldn’t secure a reservation.
“It’s not just President Park, sir. We’ve already turned down over ten business owners citing unavailability. What will we do if they’re greatly disappointed? Our president won’t be pleased either.”
The foreman of the procurement team felt unfairly criticized. Besides, how could he possibly source Songyi mushrooms during this off-season? Even the supplier repeatedly asked for patience due to difficulties obtaining them.
“Executive Chef, I just heard Mr. Makemira has arrived.”
“What?! Got it. I need to greet him immediately.”
Kim Hyosan’s expression brightened as if his frustration never existed. He quickly straightened his chef’s hat and apron before rushing out.
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