Chapter 5: Under Control

Ambiguity—perhaps the most exquisite poison in the world—intense and enduring.

Even when trying to divert his attention with work, Xia Xing could not completely shake off the lingering effect of that ambiguous atmosphere.

A faint smile involuntarily curled at the corner of his lips.

“That’s mine; no one else can take it away.”

The girl’s words echoed repeatedly in his mind, as if she wasn’t referring to the controller.

They always seemed to carry a double meaning.

After several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself, Xia Xing finally managed to muster some focus and turned his attention to the meeting scheduled to begin in half an hour.

Since it was the first negotiation meeting, the discussion would revolve around broader topics.

For example, Peninsula Foods’ plans for the new coconut juice product, their understanding of the product’s positioning, and their expectations for the spokesperson.

Choosing a spokesperson was a crucial matter for the company, so finer details like endorsement fees would be discussed later.

At least, they needed approval from Peninsula International first.

However, while reviewing the documents provided by Minister Jin Xun and his team, Xia Xing noticed something odd.

The marketing department’s budget plan for the new product’s promotion was quite contradictory.

Although the allocated signing fee for the spokesperson was not small by industry standards—enough for an artist of NMIXX’s caliber—the budget for marketing expenses was so large that the endorsement fee seemed stingy by comparison.

Put simply, the company’s plan was essentially to spend what would be money for advertising on national TV to heavily promote a third-rate artist who wasn’t very well-known.

Not that it was impossible—it was just unlikely to be very effective.

Since this part of the document was unrelated to today’s meeting, Xia Xing hadn’t paid much attention at the time, absorbed as he was in his work.

But now, looking back… this budget allocation left an inexplicable awkwardness.

“Are you… not an employee of JYPE?”

A cool voice from beside him pulled Xia Xing back from his thoughts.

The speaker’s face was quite distinctive—delicate oval features and almond-shaped eyes—and after a brief moment’s thought, Xia Xing recognized her.

Myung In-nam.

She wore a black V-neck knit top left open, underneath which was a white sports bra emblazoned with letters, paired with loose black wide-leg pants that accentuated her legs.

Her style was quite refined—a blend of ladylike elegance and sporty flair.

“Indeed, I’m not. I have an appointment with Director Jin Jae-ju this afternoon,” Xia Xing replied.

“May I ask what brings you here?”

Her voice was tinged with a hint of coldness.

Xia Xing had never been fond of socializing and lacked much experience in that area before meeting Xue Yun.

But through spending time with her—who was also somewhat introverted—he gradually came to appreciate the significance of social interaction.

At least… socializing with Xue Yun held great importance for him.

Thanks to his experiences with Xue Yun and working at the convenience store, he now had far more social experience than before.

Yet, faced with this person interrupting his train of thought, Xia Xing was not inclined to be friendly.

Myung In-nam, however, seemed unbothered. She pulled over a chair and sat down beside him.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just came to have a look.”

“Honestly, there’s no need to guard against me. I’ve already spoken with Youna about the endorsement.”

Her gaze briefly passed over Xia Xing, settling on the project documents he had just closed.

“Please forgive me for the professional habit.”

Xia Xing responded politely while pondering her possible motives.

Since she knew his identity and his purpose for coming to JYPE, yet still approached him knowingly, she must have another reason.

What could it be?

“I’m just curious. Representative Xia, you’re so young—how come you’re here negotiating business alone at JYPE?”

Seeing that the boy three years her junior still wore a guarded expression, Myung In-nam gently pressed her calf, rolling her chair slightly backward, then leaned forward, resting one arm on the conference table and tilting her head as she looked at Xia Xing.

He was surprised by her question and even more curious about why she asked it.

After all, even Xue Yun only considered him an ordinary person from a reasonably well-off family.

So far, only occasional office gossip hinted that Xia Xing’s background might be extraordinary.

How could this stranger, having never met him before, infer so much from just a few words from Shin Youna?

Moreover… even if she knew about his connection to Peninsula International, what advantage would that give Myung In-nam?

“I’m actually a second-generation wealthy heir, here at Peninsula Foods for on-the-job training. Is that reason satisfactory?”

“It’s not about satisfaction; I’m just curious about you,” she said, mimicking Xia Xing’s straightforward tone.

“For now, I can barely accept that explanation.”

“Is there a flaw in it? You don’t seem convinced.”

“Want to hear it?”

Seeing Xia Xing suddenly become serious, Myung In-nam’s tone turned mischievous.

“Peninsula Group has developed for many years; its business has long since expanded beyond just food.”

“It’s strange to bypass lucrative fields like finance and publishing to come to Peninsula Foods—a large but stagnant company with little future.”

How did this idol… know so much about Peninsula International?

“You seem quite knowledgeable about Peninsula International.”

Suddenly, Xia Xing felt like a novice just out of a beginner’s village encountering a top-level expert.

Especially one whose intentions were utterly inscrutable, teasing a child with cryptic remarks.

Perhaps the next thing he said would be bait for Myung In-nam to extract the information she desired.

“Don’t worry so much, kid.”

“I just used money I earned from debuting to buy some stocks, including shares in Peninsula International.”

“As one of many small shareholders, I keep an eye on the disclosed information.”

“I heard from Youna that Peninsula International has a very young Representative Xia who looks a lot like Takashi Kashiwabara, so I’m quite interested in you.”

“Now that I’ve said this, you shouldn’t have many concerns, right? Strictly speaking, we’re on the same side.”

“Alright, I’m done teasing you. See you later.”

So… she really came over just out of curiosity to tease Xia Xing?

Though reluctant, Xia Xing had to admit that even compared to peers, his work ability was outstanding, but this person before him…

Indeed, she was far beyond the level he should be dealing with right now.

Watching Myung In-nam leave the lounge with a carefree air, Xia Xing let out a frustrated sigh.

Since entering society, no one had ever handled him so deftly.

Within the company, leaders had been lenient and respectful toward him based on little gossip.

When dealing with clients, his Seoul National University degree and lifelong exposure to business helped him present himself well.

Had he been overly protected?

And… even though he had just seen Xue Yun at noon, why did thoughts of being close to her suddenly grow so strong at this very moment?