Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 15)

Chapter 12:

Mina sat at the head of the table, her team around her, as they sifted through the proposals. The meeting had been long and though they had narrowed down the list, twelve companies still stood out and the decision wasn't clear. They debated the potential of each but no one could come to a consensus.

Finally, Mina leaned forward, "We'll host a competition," She said, her eyes scanning the room. "We'll invite and challenge these local businesses to submit their new product and marketing ideas that align with our brand. The winner will be offered collaboration opportunities as the prize."

Her team nodded in agreement. It was a bold move but Mina knew it would push the companies to showcase their worth and creativity. Emails were immediately sent and the team efficiently organized the competition. The event would be an exclusive, invitation-only networking opportunity with the remaining twelve businesses carefully selected. Each company would participate in one-on-one pitch sessions presenting their collaboration ideas directly to a panel.

The local businesses had two weeks to prepare, leaving Mina with little to do but wait for the competition. During this time, she occasionally called Tzuyu for updates on the headquarters' operations. Tzuyu's steady management kept things running smoothly, allowing Mina to focus on filling her empty hours.

With nothing urgent to handle regarding the partnership, Mina told Aeri to accept any invitations that came in, even interviews. She couldn't afford to have free time, her thoughts kept wandering to someone she had been trying to forget. If she let her guard down, she feared she might impulsively visit the Son Group. But Mina couldn't allow that to happen, she wouldn't let herself.

Oddly, Aeri rejected every interview invitation, which puzzled Mina. When Mina reassured her it was fine to accept them, Aeri instead filled her schedule with seemingly random activities such as an appearance in a hand lotion advertisement. It was unusual but Aeri's insistence left Mina no room and no energy to argue.

Finally, a more relevant event made its way onto Mina's schedule. Aeri informed her about a startup pitch event, this time focused on the fashion industry. With little else to occupy her, Mina decided to attend and observe.

"It's mostly very new businesses presenting," Aeri explained. "Your presence there could be a huge opportunity for them. There might also be something that interests you."

Mina nodded as she skimmed through the event details. The pitch event was designed for small businesses seeking investors to help expand their business. While she hadn't planned to delve into investments, the idea of supporting emerging talent intrigued her. It wasn't about commitment, just curiosity.

As the day approached, Mina found herself anticipating the event more than she expected. What she and Aeri didn't realize was how much this seemingly casual visit would shift everything.

Chapter 13:

Chaeyoung sighed as she watched Yuqi dash to the bathroom once again, with Miyeon trailing nervously behind her. Jimin, ever the perfectionist, was busy fixing her makeup for the nth time, while Minjeong remained hidden under the desk, playing games on her phone and blocking out the world with her headphones. Chaeyoung was the only one who seemed composed. It was clear none of her teammates had ever been to an event like this before and they were all visibly shaken.

The startup event was in full swing, filled with bustling crowds and businesses eager to promote their products. Chaeyoung stood behind her booth, presenting her collection of shoes, occasionally catching the eye of investors. But each time they read her business plan, they glanced up at her with skepticism, shook their heads, and walked away. Chaeyoung knew exactly why.