The Exclusive Show
The invited guests savored the procession of course meals, each dish, plate, utensil, and even the tablecloths, all flown in from France. They knew the exclusivity of this event, held only twice a year, and they scrutinized every detail, determined not to miss a thing.
“Do you take orders for the tableware too?”
“Of course. If you find something you like, just call one of our staff to place an order.”
Around the banquet hall, staff members were already busy explaining the finer points to the guests. These luxury items, chosen by Sunyang, were not available in department stores, making the invitation itself a symbol of being part of Korea’s elite.
As the long dinner concluded, the lights dimmed, and a young, handsome man took the stage. He was there to explain the unique features and rarity of the brands on display, and to introduce the integrated concept that brought them all together.
“An obsession with beauty holds significant meaning because it encapsulates Sunyang’s way of expressing a brand’s identity.”
A video of the S/S collection runway began to play on the screen.
“From the vintage-inspired wide lapel half-canvas heritage line to the classic fit and shoulder-emphasized Signoria line, we present a lineup of seven silhouettes using unique materials.”
The presentation, filled with abstract and lofty words, concluded, and the guests slowly rose to begin their shopping. They mingled, exchanged opinions, and engaged in subtle, competitive glances, each trying to outdo the other in a display of wealth.
This was blind shopping. The luxury items on display had no price tags. A blouse pointed out for reservation could cost millions of won, and a pair of beach slippers for the summer could easily exceed a million. Jewelry was out of reach unless one was truly confident.
Asking, “How much is this?” would draw disdainful stares, as if questioning why someone so poor was even there. It was a strategy devised by my aunt.
Among the two hundred items, 5% to 10% were surprisingly affordable. A wallet for a few tens of thousands of won, high heels for just over a hundred thousand. Sunyang’s collection wasn’t just about expensive items; it was about showcasing true luxury beyond price.
My aunt, observing the hall with sharp eyes, suddenly began to move. Her mere presence changed the atmosphere, and the pace of reservations quickened as if guests wanted to ensure their invitation for the F/W season.
With a nod, my aunt signaled me to leave the hall swiftly.
“This is enough. Staying longer would only devalue us. Let’s go.”
Was this some kind of mystique strategy? Ending it like this felt a bit abrupt. Surely, among the hundred or so guests, there were connections worth cultivating.
Sensing my thoughts, my aunt spoke.
“Save the greetings for later. We’ll have to make rounds to express our gratitude anyway. I’ll list the families worth your time. They’ll be helpful for the duty-free license.”
“You’re giving me plenty of opportunities to expand my network.”
“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not for you, it’s for me.”
“Is it because a nephew is more convenient than a brother?”
“No, you have more leeway than your uncles.”
“Leeway?”
“Yes, confidence, perhaps? If it were your uncles, they would have already sent me off to a provincial golf course, keeping me away from management.”
She smiled at me.
“But you let me stay, and even said it was fine for me to bide my time while you dealt with the competition. That’s my plan.”
“You think expanding my network will give me an edge against my uncles.”
“Of course. Be wary of your uncles. Connections grow with age. Your grandfather may be your shield now, but just wait.”
She looked at me intently, as if warning me.
“When your grandfather passes, the tax office and financial authorities will come after Miracle. They’ll use every connection to target even the U.S. headquarters.”
“So, I should start identifying people who can be my shield now?”
“Exactly. If you fall, I’ll be exiled too. So, this is for me.”
Hope is a good thing. Not because it benefits the hopeful, but because it makes them act in ways that benefit me. But plans are better than hope.
“Anyone spending less than a hundred million won shouldn’t receive an invitation next season.”
“Understood.”
My aunt decisively cut off those who spent less than a hundred million, implying they hadn’t even touched the jewelry.
The final touch of fashion is jewelry. If you’re wearing a ten-million-won dress, the jewelry should exceed a hundred million to match. Not buying jewelry signals a lack of funds from the start.
There’s no reason to treat them as VVIPs anymore, so they’re removed from the invitation list.
“Wait, let me see that list.”
The staff member, about to leave, hurriedly handed over the list. I carefully reviewed the list of those who spent less than a hundred million, noting their purchase history, their husbands’ occupations, and family backgrounds.
“Prepare according to this and schedule visits, then let me know.”
The staff member hesitated, glancing at my aunt, but I asserted firmly.
“Consider my instructions as if they were from the Vice President if you want to keep your job. Don’t you have that much sense?”
“Oh, yes. I’m sorry.”
As the staff member bowed and left, my aunt stopped him with a raised hand, then turned to me with curiosity.
“Are you starting to discipline the staff? It’s about time. But what did you hand over? What’s this memo?”
“I marked those who should continue receiving invitations. Their roles are more important than their spending.”
“So, what’s the memo?”
“It’s a list of gifts to deliver when I visit them.”
My aunt reviewed the memo, adding notes or crossing things out.
“Prepare according to these revisions. And make sure the schedule is fixed so Director Jin doesn’t make unnecessary trips.”
“Understood, Vice President.”
As the staff member left, my aunt whistled softly.
“Our Do-jun learns quickly. The gift list is quite appropriate.”
“It’s not difficult. Necklaces for women’s clothes, watches for men’s. Just giving what’s needed. What did you change?”
“Just the brands of the necklaces and watches, to match the clothes they bought.”
Was she trying to show she had better taste, or was it an excuse to switch to something cheaper?
“Why are you taking care of those people? They’re not particularly influential.”
“They’re government officials. As long as they don’t make major mistakes, they only have room to rise. Thinking five or ten years ahead, they’re a good long-term investment.”
Receiving an invitation means they’re not just high-ranking officials; they have the financial backing to enjoy blind shopping.
Officials with background and ability at least reach the top.
“Even without this investment, officials are like cats that listen well to Sunyang. It’s unnecessary spending. The additional gifts today alone cost three hundred million.”
“I’ll cover that cost. We can’t afford any financial gaps in the company.”
“It’s fine. This much is—”
“You said it yourself, we never know when the tax office or financial authorities might strike. It could be Sunyang Distribution they’re targeting. We must be cautious.”
“Preparing in advance…?”
“Yes. If the current high-ranking officials are close to my uncles, in five years, they should be close to us.”
My aunt’s expression hardened.
She hadn’t considered that her brothers might attack her.
“Aunt, my uncles have closer ties than I do, so think carefully. All distribution-related affiliates with the Sunyang name are gone. Do you think they’ll just let it go because of inheritance distribution?”
Her expression grew even more serious.
“They’ll work to take it back. If we’re not careful and vigilant, we’ll be caught off guard. Think about why you handed over distribution to me. It was because of a few billion you missed.”
“Hey! Enough. It’s painful.”
She laughed, but the laughter was short-lived.
“We can’t afford to feel that pain twice. We need to prepare defenses to protect us.”
The next F/W season’s invitations will likely be sent in two waves: to traditional customers and to those who will act as our shields.
“Yes, ma’am. I apologize for not introducing myself properly that day.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. With all those people at the party, it’s impossible to greet everyone. No need to fret.”
The woman, who seemed quite amiable, welcomed me with a smile. She clearly already knew who I was.
Her father had become a millionaire overnight through land speculation, and she was married to a man who had risen to the influential position of Director of Policy, making him a very useful ally.
The staff carefully placed several boxes in the living room and handed over an elegant envelope.
“Please check if everything matches your order.”
The woman’s eyes widened slightly as she quickly scanned the invoice. It was clear she hadn’t realized just how much she’d spent until now, and it was far more than she’d planned.
Despite having a father who was as wealthy as any tycoon, she was still just a small bird trying to be a crane. It must have stung a bit.
Watching her expression, I offered her two small boxes.
“And these are…?”
“You purchased a suit for your husband, correct? These are watches that would complement it nicely. Just a small token, so please don’t refuse.”
Everyone loves a free gift, especially when it’s worth twice as much as the clothes they bought. That kind of surprise can make anyone’s day.
“Oh my, you really didn’t have to…!”
She already knew the value of the watches. Her previously furrowed brow smoothed out, and a wide smile spread across her face.
“Since your husband is in public service, there are always eyes watching. I thought he might enjoy these for a change of pace now and then.”
Inside the box were the price tag, a certificate of authenticity, and a receipt. She understood the significance of the receipt—it meant the watches were a purchase, not a bribe, so she could rest easy.
Her satisfied smile was as good as a signed contract agreeing to my request.
I spent my days busy making such agreements with dozens of people.