The next morning, at Park Ji-hoon's house.
I was on a call with Yang Eok-gwan.
With Queensman drawing significant attention, it was time to prepare for the next step.
(There are a total of three brands available for acquisition at low prices.)
Unfortunately, all three were names I was hearing for the first time.
The fact that they were on the verge of acquisition meant they were on shaky ground.
If they ended up collapsing because they couldn't hold on…
"It's no wonder their names are unfamiliar," I thought.
After lightly spinning the pen in my hand, I asked,
"What if we spend a bit of money?"
Yang Eok-gwan was also aware of the upcoming collaboration between 'Capsulemon' and 'Dragon Quest.'
Adding the assumption that we'd pour in private resources as well, big names quickly came up in conversation.
Spain's Loewe, France's Celine, and Italy's Gucci.
In terms of brand value, Gucci was clearly the best.
As expected, Yang Eok-gwan added further explanation.
(It's the curse of family-run businesses, I suppose. There's been criticism that management has become excessively lax. Because of that, talented people haven't been able to join, leading to a vicious cycle of rehashing existing designs.)
"Sales have definitely declined."
(And it's not even from selling products. Most of their revenue came from licensing and royalties. At this rate, it'll be hard for them to last ten years.)
Of course, within ten years, a hero would emerge to revive Gucci, transforming the brand entirely.
And I remembered exactly who that hero was.
In other words, I had a plan to acquire Gucci at a low price and restore it to success.
But then again…
"Simply swallowing it up with money would be meaningless."
(…Excuse me?)
The moment Chinese capital acquires a luxury brand, its luxury image disappears.
It becomes nothing more than a company that sold out in financial distress.
However, there is a way to acquire the brand much cheaper than its value, while still preserving its luxury image.
Could he sense the confidence hidden in my silence?
(It seems you have something in mind?)
Smirk.
"Set up a meeting for me. The sooner, the better."
(If it's Gucci, it can be arranged immediately.)
Immediately, huh.
(They're in such an urgent situation that they'll meet anyone who even hints at money.)
"Where is their headquarters located?"
(Italy, Florence.)
Florence—it's not too far.
"Please coordinate the schedule."
It took about ten minutes before I received a reply from Yang Eok-gwan.
(He's eager and wants to meet immediately.)
"And the flight?"
(First class is always wide open.)
Alright.
"I'll head out now."
Just as I put down the receiver and was about to change clothes,
Ring! Ring!
The phone started ringing again.
Could something have gone wrong already?
(Boss.)
At that moment, an unexpected voice came through.
"Faber?"
We're not exactly on terms where we contact each other privately.
Perhaps that's why a huge question mark formed in my mind.
(Could you spare a moment?)
"Right now?"
(Yes. I'd like to meet and discuss something.)
His voice sounded unusual.
Normally, I'd prioritize taking care of my own people, but I was set to leave for Florence immediately.
Sensing my hesitation, Faber spoke first.
(It's not an emergency. Just let me know when you're available. I'll be waiting for your call.)
***
That night, in the hotel lobby.
Faber slowly examined the man sitting across from him.
A custom navy suit made from Zegna fabric.
The white dress shirt was perfectly pressed, without a single crease, and the silk tie was neatly in place.
The man handed over his business card first.
'Gilbert McGill.'
It also identified him as a senior attorney at Clifford Brookhouse.
"I don't have a business card."
"A business card is only necessary for people like me without a face."
Gilbert offered a friendly smile.
He seemed quite skilled at subtly boosting others.
"Why did you want to meet?"
"Just as outlined in the proposal."
"...."
"We are in desperate need of unique talent."
As Faber didn't respond, Gilbert spoke again, his face turning serious.
"I'm sure you're uncomfortable. How could you not be? After all, it was Chairman Park Ji-hoon who discovered you and gave you this opportunity. Just meeting with me might make you feel guilty. I understand."
Gilbert continued, his tone somber.
"But please, don't feel too burdened. We are prepared to show our sincerity to ensure there's no hard feelings."
"Sincerity?"
"Call it a transfer fee if you like, or compensation. We'll pay an amount that's among the highest in the industry. Chairman Park Ji-hoon will benefit from significant profit, and you'll receive ample reward, easing any sense of obligation."
Perhaps it was his background as a lawyer.
He seemed highly accustomed to these types of discussions.
"It feels like you're overestimating me…"
"Not at all. All the major media outlets are highlighting your designs, and even top publications are competing to release feature articles on you."
Indeed, even if people hadn't seen Faber's clothes, almost everyone had come across news about him.
He'd become famous overnight.
"However, despite the spotlight, you've barely received any financial reward, have you? I heard you only produced about 200 pieces. That doesn't exactly make money."
Unlike before, Gilbert's face turned resolute as he continued.
"But we're different. If the Harris department store chain distributes clothes in Europe, a minimum of 30,000 pieces is expected. With your fame, even 100,000 wouldn't be an issue. Do you know how much incentive you'd earn from that?"
Even without calculating, Faber could roughly guess how enormous the amount was.
"That's not all," Gilbert added.
He mentioned forming a team centered around Faber, allowing for a stable system to maintain a consistent quality level.
This meant Faber wouldn't need to churn out new items every week, nor worry about whether his next work would be ignored.
"You'd work for about a month each quarter, and the rest of the time, you'd live in your second house in Hawaii. Imagine what three years of that would bring you."
Gilbert emphasized the "three years" as he spoke.
"You'd acquire wealth that could support not only your immediate family but your entire extended family. Thanks to you, everyone would achieve financial freedom."
In fact, Faber had lived with his maternal family for a long time.
When his parents' business struggled, he spent his adolescence under the care of his grandmother and aunt.
His grandmother, worried he'd feel demoralized, walked him to school every day, handing him pocket money.
His aunt did the same, buying expensive paints with what little money she had for her nephew who loved art.
Noticing the wavering look in Faber's eyes, Gilbert spoke again, gently.
"Three years, five million dollars guaranteed. That's just the minimum; based on performance, it could double or triple."
"It's an unimaginable amount."
"With your signature, imagination becomes reality."
Gilbert then pulled out a contract.
While Faber couldn't review it all, he assumed it concerned his agreement to switch jobs.
"You'd become the lead designer representing the Harris Group. Soon, your name would be known across Europe. Entering the U.S. would be only a matter of time."
"..."
"All this just requires your signature on the contract."
His voice was firm, a confident persuasion.
Faber slowly raised his head at the self-assured offer.
"Your name was Gilbert, right?"
"Yes. Gilbert McGill."
"Mr. Gilbert, you seem to have a very optimistic view of my future."
"Of course. You've been chosen by the Harris Group."
At this, Faber's eyes narrowed slightly.
"It seems you attach Harris to every statement you make."
"…Pardon?"
"To anyone listening, it'd sound like I couldn't make a cent without Harris."
"Oh, that's not what I meant…"
"All I hear is money, money, money."
"...!"
"Isn't there anything else you can talk about besides money?"
"Well, um…"
"Is there absolutely nothing you can offer me besides that wretched money?"
What else could there possibly be besides money?
"If you're only gonna talk about mansion or land…"
"Let's end this conversation."
The response was so unexpected that even the seasoned Gilbert was momentarily speechless.
***
A few hours earlier.
"Could you spare a moment?"
(Now?)
"Yes. I'd like to meet and discuss something."
But unfortunately, the meeting didn't happen.
The Park Ji Hoon's voice sounded extremely busy, as if he had other commitments.
After hanging up, Faber quietly looked down at the note in his hand.
'Could we meet in the hotel lobby today?'
It was a message from Harris's attorney.
Even if he declined, they would undoubtedly show up at his room.
"Hm."
Either way, he'd have to meet with them at least once.
But he wanted to talk with Park Ji-hoon first.
Just as Faber sighed once more,
Ring! Ring!
The phone suddenly rang.
As he picked up, a welcome voice came through.
(This is Park Ji-hoon.)
"Boss, what brings you to call so suddenly…?"
(Your voice has been on my mind. I was thinking of stopping by—would that be okay?)
On his way to the airport.
Thanks to Park Ji-hoon's thoughtfulness, the two could talk, even if only in the car.
Faber was truly grateful for that.
"Actually, I received a proposal."
He handed over the documents from the Harris Group, still in their envelope.
If he truly intended to switch jobs, he could have quietly left.
Yet giving the proposal to Park Ji-hoon essentially meant he had no intention of leaving.
As if reading his intentions, Park Ji-hoon gave a subtle smile.
"I wanted to meet out of curiosity."
"About what?"
"You'll see, but the proposal is all about money. Money is important, I know. But I can make as much of it as I want. It doesn't have to be with Harris."
There was just one thing Faber wanted to know.
Not money, which he could always earn.
What could Park Ji-hoon offer him?
He wasn't expecting to gain something specific, nor did he come demanding anything.
Park Ji-hoon was a special person, and Faber was simply curious about his thoughts.
Naturally, the Ji-hoon understood immediately.
"When you makes clothes, I'm the one who sells the value within them."
Value?
Faber let the word sink in, slowly savoring its meaning.
"To some, it might look like an ordinary piece of clothing. But to me, it's different. Inside, it contains your's spirit of resistance."
"When I create clothes, you communicate the philosophy within the design to the consumers?"
"Exactly."
"And how do you communicate it?"
"Through storytelling."
Ah.
So that's why he goes through the trouble and expense of publishing a magazine every week.
It's all part of building that story.
"We're not in the business of just selling clothes."
"…Then what are we selling?"
"Ultimately, we need to sell Faber's lifestyle."
"...!"
"The moment everyone begins to admire your life, even a single Ultimate logo printed in a newspaper will sell out in an instant. That's the goal I'm working toward."
Newspaper? Logo? Sold out?
Could such a day really come?
His mind insisted it was impossible.
Yet, incredibly,
A shiver ran down his spine, and the hairs on his body stood on end.