Jeon Seongryeol received an unfamiliar call.
– “Hello. Is this President Jeon Seongryeol?”a
“Yes, it is. Who am I speaking to?”
– “I’m Kim Hyosan, the head chef at West Sea Hotel.”
Upon hearing this, Jeon Seongryeol put down the documents he was holding and sat in his chair, his expression changing immediately.
The employees, who had been working in a chaotic atmosphere, quickly quieted down upon seeing his stern expression.
“Ah, so you’re the head chef. But how did you get my number…?”
– “I have something important to discuss.”
A supplier of food ingredients and the head chef of a luxury hotel—professionally connected, but not in a way that would justify direct communication.
Jeon Seong-ryeol wasn’t even an officially contracted supplier for West Sea Hotel.
Even when he delivered matsutake mushrooms, he received payment via bank transfer and issued a tax invoice on the spot.
It wasn’t a monthly settlement system, meaning his company was dispensable, one that West Sea Hotel could drop at any time without it being unusual.
– “It’s about the shortage of matsutake mushrooms your company supplies. Do you know when they might be delivered?”
“Ah, you called me because of that.”
Jeon Seongryeol leaned back, placing his legs on the desk.
“I’m sorry, but we currently have no stock. It might take some time until the next delivery.”
– “We are in urgent need right now. We need those mushrooms by the end of this week. The hotel VIPs are all asking for them.”
“Haha, our mushrooms are quite top-notch, aren’t they?”
– “They are indeed of excellent quality. It’s amazing how you managed to get such top-grade mushrooms out of season. Are they frozen by any chance?”
“They’re not frozen. You can’t achieve that texture if you freeze and then thaw them.”
– “I thought they might be frozen since they’re out of season, but just as I expected, they’re not.”
“I understand your predicament, Head Chef. Although we’re not an official supplier for West Sea Hotel, I’ll do my best to deliver the mushrooms as soon as they become available.”
Kim Hyosan was silent for a moment, seemingly recognizing the emphasis Jeon Seongryeol placed on “not an official supplier.”
– “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, there’s nothing a head chef should worry about with a small distribution company like ours. Don’t worry, and if the mushrooms become available, I’ll contact you at this number.”
This time, the emphasis was on ” if the mushrooms become available.”
Kim Hyosan also sensed the unease.
– “Would you like to have a cup of coffee if you’re free? My treat.”
“Oh, it would be an honor. Where should I go?”
– “Which area is convenient for you? I’m at the hotel right now.”
Though he asked what was convenient, it was clear he meant for Jeon to come to him.
Despite the urgency for the mushrooms, he was steering things to his advantage in these minor details.
Of course, Jeon Seongryeol didn’t mind at all.
Naturally, it was right for him to go there.
If things went well, he’d be visiting West Sea Hotel frequently, so going for a cup of coffee was no big deal.
“I’ll come to the hotel. What time should I be there? I can leave right now, and it will take about an hour.”
– “Let’s meet in an hour.”
* * *
Ha Suyoung straightened his back and looked around his vegetable garden with satisfaction.
Seeing the matsutake mushrooms growing vigorously made him feel as if he owned the world.
“I feel like I’ve already become a building owner in Cheongdam-dong. Oh, you cute little things.”
With the supply of elixirs increasing tenfold, the expected production also rose to 500kg per month.
This meant his monthly income would now increase to 225 million won.
“That’s 2.7 billion won a year… Great, I’m one step closer to owning a building in Cheongdam-dong.”[1]
Feeling proud, Ha Suyoung suddenly sighed.
“My father, really, if only he would give a hundred drops—no, a thousand drops a day, how great would that be? How can I become a building owner in Cheongdam-dong with just 2.7 billion won a year?”
He set aside his earlier excitement about being one step closer.
“With 2.7 billion won, assuming no VAT, and roughly 1.9 billion won for production and labor costs, plus an additional 100 million won for extra deductions, wouldn’t the taxable income be about 700 million won? Assuming 350 million won for pension insurance and 280 million won for income tax, I’d end up with about 2.3 billion won.”
Ha Suyoung quietly muttered to himself.
“An annual net profit of 2.3 billion won… It’s big, but still far from becoming a building owner in Cheongdam-dong. Plus, there’s living expenses, car fuel, and house maintenance costs…”
Lost in thought, Ha Suyoung clenched his fist.
“At this rate, it would take at least 15 years. And during that time, building values will rise, and currency values will fall. This won’t do. I need to find a way to grow the money further.”
For now, Ha Suyoung neatly stacked 125kg of harvested matsutake mushrooms in a makeshift storage outside his house.
Then he immediately contacted Jeon Seongryeol.
“President, it’s me.”
– “Oh, President Ha.”
Jeon Seongryeol’s voice was unusually bright.
Did something good happen?
“The mushrooms are ready, but there’s too much for me to transport alone. Could you bring your staff to pick them up?”
– “Is there that much?”
“Yes, 125kg. The weight isn’t the issue, but you know, mushrooms take up quite a bit of space.”
– “…! 125kg? Did you harvest that much in a week?”
“I think I can consistently supply 500kg per month from now on.”
– “…Haha.”
That was a laugh of disbelief mixed with joy.
Jeon Seongryeol didn’t ask for details.
The sudden increase to 500kg of out-of-season mushrooms was suspicious to anyone, but Jeon refrained from questioning.
Ha Suyoung appreciated that, as he preferred only necessary questions.
– “You can consistently supply 500kg per month, right?”
“Yes, of course. If there’s any disruption in the plan, I’ll give at least four months’ notice.”
– “This changes everything from when it was just 50kg. 500kg… 500kg…”
It’s clear how Jeon Seongryeol planned to use this new joker card he has acquired.
– “Actually, I had a meeting with the head chef of West Sea Hotel today.”
“With the head chef?”
– “There seems to be some communication issues with the purchasing team. He was complaining to me. He said he’s going crazy because he can’t get the matsutake mushrooms he urgently needs.”
“For the head chef to contact a supplier directly, things must be quite chaotic over there.”
– “The purchasing team leader has been at West Sea Hotel for a long time and has received quite a bit from the suppliers. That’s why he doesn’t want to change suppliers.”
“You didn’t know about this, President?”
– “I had a hunch. I’ve been doing business like that too.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
– “With a little push, I think I can take over the entire supply line, but that little push is quite difficult. For now, I’ve agreed to supply the mushrooms they urgently need, out of respect for the head chef.”
“Don’t trust that person too much. But I’m sure you’ll handle it well.”
– “Don’t worry. The head chef won’t side with me over the purchasing team leader. As long as he gets the mushrooms, he’s fine.”
“What are you going to do now?”
– “Now that the mushroom supply has increased tenfold, it’s time to play the cards I couldn’t use before.”
The laughter disappeared from Jeon Seongryeol’s voice.
– “Is West Sea Hotel the only luxury hotel? It’s time to seriously approach other places too.”
[1] 2.7 billion won is about $1.8 million
