The meeting between Kim Min-Joon and Han Ji-A was held not in the sterile high-rise of K.M. Holdings, but in a quiet, sunlit conference room at the Jae-Hyun Cultural Restoration Institute. Min-Joon had insisted on coming to her—a rare, surprising gesture that immediately disarmed Ji-A, though his presence was no less intimidating.
Min-Joon's suit was immaculate, but the subtle stiffness in his shoulders betrayed his discomfort. He was out of his element.
Hae-Rin sat quietly beside Min-Joon, dressed simply but radiating a soft, constant anchor of calm. Her role was simple: to ensure the Chairman did not revert to his old, controlling ways.
Ji-A, though nervous, stood firm. She had prepared a detailed proposal, outlining the cultural and historical significance of the Royal Garment Collection restoration, ready to defend her institute's mission.
Min-Joon began, cutting directly to the core, avoiding pleasantries—a habit he could not shed. "Ms. Han, let us be efficient. I have reviewed your situation. I am not here for charity. I am here to offer a high-risk, personal underwriting of the 500 million won insurance bond and the necessary operational funds. It is not a donation; it is a conditional investment. Do you understand the scope of the guarantee?"
Ji-A met his intense gaze, her determination shining through her initial apprehension. "Chairman Kim, I understand the scope, and I appreciate the immediate interest. But I must be upfront. My work is not for profit. It is for preservation. The Institute is a non-profit foundation. If your condition is a share of future revenue from the restored artifacts, or if you demand control over my curatorial decisions, I cannot, in good faith, accept."
Min-Joon, sensing the absolute firmness of her ethical boundaries—a trait he had never encountered in his previous strategic relationships, where everyone had a price—felt an unfamiliar surge of respect, quickly followed by confusion. "You reject capital on the basis of maintaining... purity?"
"I reject the transactional relationship that often accompanies such capital," Ji-A corrected politely. "The historical integrity is not for sale, Chairman."
Author's Dialogue: Min-Joon instantly realized this was not the greedy manipulation of Seo-Yun. This was the unwavering commitment of a true professional whose bottom line was measured in cultural value, not Korean won. He found himself utterly fascinated.
Min-Joon: "Interesting. Most people value liquidity above all else. Your priorities are… unusual."
Ji-A: "My priorities are the fabrics I spend my life restoring, Chairman. They hold the history of this country. That value is absolute. If you want a transactional outcome, there are failing tech companies that would be easier targets."
Hae-Rin subtly pressed her foot firmly against Min-Joon's ankle beneath the table. The small, non-verbal command instantly reminded him of her earlier warning: shared risk and shared reward, not pity or control.
Min-Joon took a steadying breath, adjusting his proposal, the words now feeling carefully chosen, collaborative. "Very well, Ms. Han. My intent is to leverage my resources to ensure your project's maximum success and visibility. My conditions are non-financial, but they are binding."
"I am listening," Ji-A said, leaning forward slightly, her tension easing a fraction.
"First," Min-Joon continued, ticking the points off on his fingers, "I require quarterly quality assessments by a reputable, third-party historical conservation expert. This expert will be chosen by K.M. Holdings, but their mandate is strictly technical quality assurance, not management oversight. We need to protect the principal investment and your work's integrity."
"That is acceptable. Accountability is necessary," Ji-A agreed readily.
"Second: a mandatory public engagement component. The Royal Garments should not be restored only to be locked away. I require a minimum of two public exhibitions per year, fully funded by my office, to promote the institute's work and the restored collection. We will handle all marketing and logistics."
Ji-A frowned slightly, considering the unusual request. "Why the public component? It will add complexity to the conservation schedule."
"To ensure the preservation serves its ultimate purpose: public education, cultural continuity, and, frankly, to establish the Jae-Hyun Institute as the industry leader," Min-Joon replied smoothly, though the real reason was Hae-Rin's divine mandate to connect Ji-A's passion with Min-Joon's public image, subtly weaving their threads together. "An excellent product is useless if no one is aware of its excellence."
Author's Dialogue: This point caused a slight internal friction. Min-Joon was asking for exposure, which felt uncomfortably close to self-promotion, yet it directly benefited Ji-A's mission. Ji-A needed reassurance that this wasn't about exploitation.
Ji-A: "And these exhibitions… they must focus solely on the history and the conservation process, not the underwriter?"
Min-Joon: "Naturally. I have no interest in standing next to a Joseon Dynasty silk robe. The focus will be the artifact and your Institute's mastery. However, K.M. Holdings will be credited solely as the Guarantor, ensuring our mutual commitment to the arts."
"And the final condition," Min-Joon stated, leaning forward, making the demand personal. "I require weekly progress meetings with you. Not with your staff. I need a direct, personal accountability for my investment. I will be tracking the qualitative milestones."
Ji-A hesitated. Weekly meetings with the legendary Chairman Kim was an enormous time commitment, a massive distraction from the delicate work. But the terms—technical quality, public success, and personal accountability—were focused entirely on the excellence of her work, not his profit margin. He was demanding her best, not her obedience.
"The time commitment is difficult," Ji-A admitted, looking at Min-Joon, then briefly at Hae-Rin, sensing an inexplicable reassurance from her calm expression. "But the terms are fair, Chairman. They demand professional excellence, which I can deliver."
"Do you accept the personal accountability?" Min-Joon pressed.
"I accept your terms, Chairman," Ji-A finally agreed, pushing the printed agreement across the table and offering him a firm, professional handshake. "I will not let your trust, or your reputation, be misplaced."
Min-Joon felt the genuine warmth and strength of her hand and, for the first time, a sense of partnership that felt profoundly earned, not bought. The contract of respect was sealed.