The representative from the Arnault family visited the Vice Chairman's office.
The moment I saw her face, I realized she wasn't an ordinary representative.
"Welcome. I didn't expect Delphine Arnault to come in person."
"You know who I am?"
"How could I not recognize the eldest daughter of the Arnault family?"
"I'm not as famous as Vice Chairman Kim Min-jae, so it's an honor to be recognized."
The representative's identity was the eldest daughter of the Arnault family.
Not just the eldest daughter, but also the heiress set to inherit the Arnault family legacy.
The inheritance she would receive amounted to 3 trillion won, and she was destined to be called the queen of the luxury industry in the future.
"I was quite surprised by your sudden visit. I couldn't even provide proper hospitality."
"I had a meeting in China. That's why I was able to fly to Korea this morning."
Delphine Arnault was in her mid-20s.
However, she exuded a maturity beyond her years and was already an experienced entrepreneur involved in several businesses.
In some ways, she was similar to me.
A successor to a conglomerate.
Perhaps that's why our first meeting didn't feel awkward at all — rather, I even felt a sense of camaraderie.
"I won't take up too much of your time, given your busy schedule. I requested this meeting because I'd like to discuss a potential collaboration with the Arnault family's brand."
"Aren't you already collaborating with Apple?"
"We're planning to launch a line of luxury home appliances. The products we're developing with Apple are already being sold at higher prices than standard products, but we'd like to create an even more premium line in partnership with the Arnault family."
Delphine Arnault crossed her slender legs, lost in thought.
Twisting a strand of her blonde hair, she remained silent for quite some time before finally speaking.
"It doesn't sound like a bad idea. I've heard that Taewoo Electronics' appliances are always in high demand. Your brand image seems to align well with our company's as well."
"Thank you for your positive consideration. I'm confident this proposal will be beneficial for both Taewoo Group and the Arnault family."
"But do we really need to collaborate on home appliances? No matter how luxurious they are, appliances are still just appliances."
It was a bold statement.
Her words reflected a certain disdain for household appliances.
Perfume, handbags, wallets, watches —
These kinds of high-end luxury goods were items only the wealthy could afford, while home appliances, in her mind, were products anyone could buy.
"I believe luxury products can command high prices because they evoke desire and envy. The premium line we're developing at Taewoo Electronics aims to achieve the same effect."
"That's a very good concept. However, I don't want our brand's exclusivity to be consumed so easily. Why should we collaborate with Taewoo Electronics?"
I had anticipated this question.
At the moment, collaborations between luxury brands and other industries were virtually nonexistent.
However, in just a few years, partnerships across various sectors — home appliances, automobiles, furniture, and more — would become commonplace.
Such collaborations would benefit both luxury brands and appliance companies alike.
But since it hadn't happened yet, this reasoning alone wouldn't be enough to convince her.
I decided to persuade her in a different way.
"I'd like to show you why the Arnault family should collaborate with Taewoo Group. Would you be able to spare some time?"
"I don't have any other appointments today. I'm all yours."
"In that case, allow me to escort you to our technology research lab."
I guided her to the technology research lab, where various products were under development — including the premium product line.
Seeing is believing.
A hundred words couldn't convey what one glance at the products could.
"This is Taewoo Group's technology research lab. Even company executives can't enter without permission."
"I see. But you didn't bring me all the way here just to show off your impressive security system, did you?"
Luxury, in a way, belonged to the realm of art.
Artists constantly challenge themselves to create what others cannot.
Delphine Arnault was no different — both an entrepreneur and an artist.
I was confident I could show her a whole new world.
"I'll show you the new world that Taewoo Group is creating."
"You're quite the smooth talker. I don't particularly like people who talk too much."
With a composed demeanour, Delphine Arnault stepped into the lab.
How long would she be able to maintain that composed expression?
The lab was designed like a model house, showcasing a variety of new products.
"Feel free to take your time and look around. All of these products are fully operational."
"I haven't seen products like these before."
Click, clack!
Her heels echoed through the room as she approached a refrigerator.
The moment she touched the upper panel, the previously gray surface turned transparent, revealing its contents at a glance.
"Hmm, that's quite impressive."
"That's not all. It's equipped with artificial intelligence. Hey, Pixie — we have a guest from France. Any recommended recipes?"
["I recommend Coq au Vin. I will provide the ingredients and recipe."]
The upper panel now displayed the entire recipe — from the necessary ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions.
AI-powered appliances.
It was still a foreign concept, and Delphine couldn't hide her surprise.
"Technology has advanced this much already?"
"This is just the beginning."
The AI wasn't limited to the refrigerator.
I activated the TV and air conditioner through voice commands.
Even the lights and curtains responded to voice recognition.
"This feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie."
"These are technologies ahead of their time. Now imagine them combined with the Arnault family's brand — don't you think it would elevate your brand's value rather than diminish it?"
Was she hearing what I was saying?
She was completely absorbed in operating the new products.
An oversized TV filling one side of the wall, a touch-operated refrigerator —
She meticulously examined each product, letting out occasional sounds of admiration.
"The technology is impressive, but I can see you've put a great deal of effort into the product design as well."
"For our premium product line, most items are handcrafted. Each product is custom-made to match the customer's preferences. We also use the same high-end panels found in luxury automobiles."
"I like it very much. But there's still plenty of room for improvement. If our family's designers were involved, they could elevate the product's value even further with superior designs."
Delphine Arnault's heart was beginning to waver.
Her expression was entirely different from when she first entered the lab.
However, she still hadn't completely made up her mind.
"Is there still something holding you back?"
"I can see that Taewoo Electronics' products are excellent. They've won me over. But it's not enough to convince the elders of my family."
In the end, wasn't it always about money?
Collaborations were decided by how much profit they could bring to the company.
"You mentioned you returned from a business trip to China, correct? I can offer you some assistance with your dealings there."
"You have connections with high-ranking officials in China?"
"I can do more than you're imagining."
I held some of the strongest connections in China — from Taewoo Motors to game licensing permits and even Apple's factories in China.
Every one of these ventures had been a success, and I'd shared the fruits of that success with those in power.
As long as those benefits remained, the Chinese elite couldn't refuse my requests.
"Hmm... I don't know if I should be saying this, but we've already been trying to enter the Chinese market for a few years. Several other brands are also planning to enter soon."
"You must be facing difficulties in the process."
"The political interests involved are making things complicated."
"I'll resolve that issue for you — within this week."
"That quickly?"
I answered with a confident smile.
For the first time, she looked at me and offered a bright smile in return.
After the meeting with Delphine Arnault, I contacted David.
"You haven't left for India yet, right?"
[I'm packing my bags now, just about to head out.]
"Good. Stop by China before you leave."
[Are you asking me to take care of the Arnault family's issue in China?]
"That's right. Can you handle it?"
[Honestly, there's no need for me to go to China myself. One phone call would take care of everything. Considering how much money SAVE Investment Company and Taewoo Group have funneled into the Chinese high-ranking officials.]
"We've siphoned off just as much in return."
We had built guanxi by spending money.
And in return, we had reaped enormous profits.
Still, the fact remained that we'd handed over a hefty sum to China's top officials.
[It's been a while since I've had drinks with the brothers.]
"But the chairman has changed recently. Are you sure it'll still work?"
[The chairman may have changed, but the influence of our VVIP line remains the same. If anything, it's stronger than the chairman's authority.]
Our ties with China would be secure for at least another ten years.
Even beyond that, I'd already made preparations.
"Then wrap it up quickly and head to India."
[Once this job is done, can I take about a month off? I need to retreat somewhere quiet and give my liver a break.]
"Go ahead. I'll make sure you're well-funded for your vacation."
[Then I'll take care of everything without a hitch!]
David's voice brimmed with confidence — confidence built on the countless guanxi connections we had established.
*
A few days later.
Delphine Arnault had returned to France, summoned by the elders of her family.
"Is it true that Taewoo Group promised to resolve the issue in China?"
"Yes, sir. They assured us they would do everything in their power to make this collaboration happen."
Delphine's heart pounded.
Had something gone wrong?
Taewoo Group was a conglomerate, but in the grand scheme of things, it was still a small company from Korea.
How could they possibly resolve something that even they had failed to handle?
"Haha, they are a company that keeps their promises."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
"The issue with China has been completely resolved. Those stubborn bureaucrats are now bending over backwards to please us."
"Is that... true?"
It wasn't just bravado?
She had never imagined the issue would be resolved this quickly.
Taewoo Group's growing reputation was undeniable — but no mere reputation could untangle the web of political interests in China.
"Taewoo Group must have powerful connections with the highest circles in China."
"Vice Chairman Kim Minjae did seem quite confident."
"You said Kim Minjae is the heir to Taewoo Group?"
"Yes. The current chairman is his grandfather, and he's the sole blood relative."
"I looked into it myself — Taewoo Group's growth is remarkable. They're not lacking in comparison to our own family business. And the man driving that growth is Kim Minjae."
Delphine's father was never one to lavish praise.
Yet here he was, heaping compliments on Taewoo Group and Kim Minjae — the whole situation felt surreal to her.
"He even delivered a joint keynote speech with Steve at the Apple product showcase."
"I saw that as well. Despite being in his mid-20s, he carried himself with the composure of someone much older."
"There's no doubt he's an exceptional man."
"You think so too? If our bond were to deepen, we would not oppose it."
"What do you mean by that...?"
"He would make a suitable match for you."
Delphine's face flushed red.
She had never entertained such a thought before — and the mere suggestion left her utterly flustered.