On the wooden porch of the detached building.
I sat with a table between me and the guests.
“I am Jang Hak-su, the manager of the Shinhwa Department Store buying team.”
“And I am Hwang Young-sik, the assistant manager of the buying team.”
Two business cards were held out toward me in succession.
“I don’t have a business card,” I said.
“Ah, that is fine. What is so important about a business card anyway?”
…What should I call this?
I did not know if it was because I already had negative feelings toward the name ‘Shinhwa’.
‘Why does he seem to be looking down on me so strangely?’
Specifically, this Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik. He had been getting on my nerves for a while now. The manager had stayed quiet since the initial greeting, yet the assistant manager kept stepping forward, trying to lead the conversation.
“The reason for our visit today is none other than our desire to do business with your farm.”
“With Shinhwa Department Store?”
“Yes!”
Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik answered, straightening his back. It was as if I should consider this proposal an honor.
‘This is really strange.’
Setting everything else aside, a manager had come all this way, so why was the assistant manager acting so big? In a normal situation, it would be difficult to even raise one’s voice in front of a superior.
“This is the proposal we are offering your farm.”
the assistant manager handed over a luxurious envelope containing a contract. Of course, only the outer shell was impressive.
“…”
I silently and carefully read through the contents of the contract.
Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this contract is to determine the general matters regarding the supply of agricultural products between Shinhwa Department Store (hereinafter “First Party”) and Ice Valley Farm (hereinafter “Second Party”).
Look at this.
There is a way to say things nicely, but from this trivial, minor clause, there was not a speck of consideration. If they wanted to make the other party feel good, would it have killed them to make the farm the First Party? In fact, in the Segyeong Department Store contract, our Ice Valley Farm was the First Party.
— Large corporations have a habit of always placing themselves in the position of the First Party, but I don’t really like that. It doesn’t make any difference in terms of legal effect anyway.
That was what CEO Han Yu-jin had said to me directly.
‘Next.’
I immediately read the following clauses.
Article 2 (Items and Volume)
Contracted items: All items produced by the Second Party.
Contracted volume: A minimum of 20 tons or more annually. However, this volume is subject to change according to the demand of the First Party, and the Second Party must comply with any changes.
As expected, this clause also showed not even a mouse-dropping worth of consideration.
Article 3 (Timing and Location of Delivery)
Delivery timing: Supply must be provided immediately at the time designated by the First Party.
Delivery location: Logistics center designated by the First Party. All transportation costs shall be borne by the Second Party.
By the time I reached this part, I barely held back the urge to curse.
Article 4 (Price and Payment Terms)
Unit price: To be negotiated later according to items (including VAT).
*This unit price shall be negotiated with reference to the average market price.
Payment: To be paid 90 days after the delivery date.
All costs associated with promotions, events, and sales activities shall be borne by the Second Party.
‘Let’s see how far this goes.’
Shifting not only transportation costs but also various promotional expenses onto the farm. For reference, this kind of tyranny by large corporations was surprisingly common. In fact, such practices were classified as ‘unfair trade’, and the Fair Trade Commission had even stepped in to sanction large supermarkets before.
‘But what about reality?’
From the perspective of a powerless farm, they often followed these rules with tears in their eyes.
‘Next.’
Article 5 (Quality Control and Inspection)
The First Party may conduct quality inspections arbitrarily when necessary, and the First Party shall judge the existence of defects solely at its own discretion.
All quantities judged to be defective shall be returned, and related costs shall be borne by the Second Party.
Article 6 (Down Payment and Security Deposit)
No down payment or security deposit shall be paid for this contract.
Additionally, the Second Party must submit data regarding the production site, cultivation facilities, and land to guarantee the performance of the contract and must accept site visits upon the request of the First Party.
Article 7 (Penalty and Termination)
The First Party may terminate the contract immediately if the Second Party causes delays in delivery, quality defects, or volume shortages.
In this case, the Second Party must bear the full amount of the penalty calculated by the First Party.
However, in calculating the penalty, the First Party shall reasonably decide by sufficiently reflecting the opinion of the Second Party.
Article 8 (Contract Period)
The contract period shall be one year, but renewal is entirely at the discretion of the First Party.
Article 9 (Miscellaneous)
The Second Party may not enter into similar contracts with a third party without the prior approval of the First Party.
In the event of a dispute, the court having jurisdiction over the location of the First Party’s head office shall be the court of first instance.
‘Let’s summarize.’
No down payment.
All costs shifted to the farm when problems occur.
Delay in payment (90 days).
Disadvantageous penalty clauses.
Unreasonable conditions, including the location of the jurisdictional court.
‘I wouldn’t even treat a subcontractor like this.’
Did my inner thoughts show on my face?
“I can say with certainty that you will be able to earn at least two times the profit of general business partners, Representative,” the manager said politely for the first time.
Of course, none of that mattered anymore.
‘Normally, I would have taken this contract just to create a connection.’
But there was no need for that now. I already had a new connection in my hands.
“I see,” I said with a smile after a moment of silence.
“Can I think about it and get back to you? My parents also need to review it, and it doesn’t seem like something I can decide immediately.”
“Of course. However, we cannot wait long. There are many other farms that want to supply our department store.”
Oh, really? So this is how you usually scam innocent farmers.
“Yes. I will contact you soon.”
“I will be waiting.”
Go ahead and wait all you want. See if I ever call you.
—
After sending the uninvited guests away, I returned to the newly reclaimed land.
‘It really is wide.’
*Todododong!*
The Snowflakes were still running around and playing there. Thanks to them, the advanced Gelisol soil had taken on an even deeper dark blue color. On that cold and warm earth, which was frozen hard on the outside but melted moistly at the touch of a fingertip.
‘What should I plant as the first crop?’
I pondered for a long time.
‘…In cases like this, I should refer to real examples.’
After a moment, I nodded slowly. I couldn’t be certain of the exact effectiveness of this soil yet because I hadn’t grown any crops myself.
‘Usually, this is considered land where farming is impossible. A frozen wasteland.’
However, in certain regions like Alaska and Northern Canada, various forms of life actually grow. They stretch their roots explosively during the short summer and instantly absorb the organic matter accumulated in the cold ground. People called it the ‘Mystery of the North’.
‘The crops from that area that come to mind are…’
It was while my long deliberation continued.
“What are you guys actually doing?!”
A sharp, high-pitched voice came from inside the house.
‘Are they fighting?’
I quickly ran in that direction.
“Do you think you can stand on stage with this level of skill?”
“…”
“You guys are debuting soon! You have to show Representative Bang Ki-chul that you’ve succeeded. What is this?”
Her usual relaxed appearance was nowhere to be found. Min Ha-ru was raising her voice with her hands on her hips.
“Again!”
The Revive members’ choreography began once more.
“Hmm…”
Before long, a low groan escaped my lips. Even as someone who knew nothing about dancing, I could tell something was wrong. They were fumbling, unable to even match the beat of the music flowing from the phone.
“Ack!”
“Ugh, I’m sorry, Hye-seong. You almost fell because of me.”
“N-no, hyung. I missed the beat.”
It would be a relief if it were just one person’s problem. It felt like the entire group was out of sync.
“Even the formations are a mess. Why are you acting like this?”
“That is…”
In an instant, the members’ eyes turned toward one side.
“!”
Standing a step behind, I did not miss that fleeting reaction.
‘It’s because of Jae-jun.’
It seemed he still hadn’t completely shaken off his psychological anxiety. The actual pressure that his skills might hold the other members back. That unstable psychology of one person had eventually spread to the entire team. Everyone was walking on eggshells around Jae-jun. And in that moment, the harmony of the whole collapsed.
‘If the stress passes the critical point, it’ll become dangerous again.’
My gaze naturally turned serious. He looked okay for now, but life was noticeably draining from Jae-jun’s face.
‘I’d like it to be a crop that helps them too.’
This wasn’t a field I made alone. Since that was the case, I wanted everyone to be happy. If so…
*Swoosh.*
I returned and grabbed a handful of dirt from the reclaimed land. Earth where the cool chill of the Ice Valley harmonized with the frost flower-like minerals left by the Snowflakes. Warmth inside a cold shell. In this, I felt that something that could calm the mind, rather than a simple fruit, would grow.
“Okay.”
I made my decision.
“The blue fruit.”
The blessing of the North, famous for its antioxidants and psychological stability. With a sweetness that could calm the heart with just a single handful. In this place, with the added effect of the Snowflakes, a more special miracle would unfold. Therefore,
“We’re planting blueberries.”
As soon as I spoke.
*Flash!*
As if that were the correct answer, the Snowflakes collectively shimmered with blue light and flew into the air.
—
Meanwhile.
“Manager.”
Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik spoke as they left the Ice Valley Farm.
“Since this was a business you pushed for strongly, I didn’t say anything earlier, but wouldn’t it have been better to set the conditions a bit more in our favor? Especially for a private farm, 20 tons a year seems too low.”
“…”
“To be honest, I don’t understand. Generally, to do direct business with our department store, a farm needs to provide at least 50 tons a year to be recognized as a stable supplier, right?”
Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik looked back and spoke in a tone that suggested he was baffled.
‘Sigh.’
Finally letting out an internal sigh, Manager Jang Hak-su spoke.
“I know a member of the National Assembly in the Busan area.”
“So suddenly?”
“That person asked me. We’re just acquaintances who don’t usually contact each other, but one day he called. He said the seasoned cucumbers made from ones obtained from this Ice Valley Farm were so delicious, and he asked if Shinhwa Department Store had any plans to stock them.”
“Hmm.”
“For the record, those cucumbers were bought at Segyeong Department Store. His desire to repurchase was so strong that he even left a Q&A on their website. But since Segyeong didn’t give a clear answer about restocking, he contacted us.”
By that point, Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik looked somewhat convinced.
“It means we can turn the name ‘Ice Valley’ itself into a brand. If that happens, it’s not simply about the volume. From then on, it becomes a battle of quality. Do you understand what I mean?”
“This is the first I’m hearing of this. I understand what you’re saying. However, I still don’t think there’s a reason for us to act like the Second Party. Everyone else is dying to get into our department store. I don’t see why we have to bow down like this to just a farmer.”
Manager Jang Hak-su pressed his temples. The purpose of a company is to create the best profit. Why didn’t he know that? Of course, he didn’t bother saying that thought out loud.
‘Well, since he’s a young master who grew up without wanting for anything, I suppose this way of thinking is natural.’
Regular employees didn’t know yet, but several people in the know did. They knew that Assistant Manager Hwang was part of the royal family. However, right then…
“You’ve been spouting annoying nonsense in front of someone else’s house for a while now.”
“!”
“If you don’t like it, just don’t buy it. Isn’t that right?”
Baek Seo-jun’s father had just returned, holding his granddaughter’s hand affectionately.
“Oh, sir. This is a misunderstanding.”
As a flustered Manager Jang Hak-su tried to explain immediately.
“What misunderstanding? I heard it all. Hey, honey…”
Baek Seo-jun’s father paused as he was about to say something.
“…Ah. Did she say she had more business at the market?”
Then, he looked down at his granddaughter with a kind expression.
“Seol-ah.”
“Yes!”
“Should we play with rice… no, play with salt with Grandpa?”
“!”
Seol-ah’s eyes sparkled instantly.
“I like it!”
“Let’s see…”
*Crinkle.*
He pulled something out of the black plastic bag in his other hand. It was salt.
“Here.”
*Rip!*
Baek Seo-jun’s father tore it open immediately and put a handful of salt into Seol-ah’s hand.
“When those misters over there leave, you can throw this. Got it?”
“!”
It was the classic ‘The unpleasant guests are leaving, throw the salt’ ritual. However…
*Splash!*
Our uncontrollable Princess Seol-ah had no patience.
“Woo-hyahyhyhyha!”
“…”
Assistant Manager Hwang Young-sik, who took a direct hit of salt to the face, stood there with his mouth hanging open.
“Wh-what is this…!”
“Hah…”
It was a sight that momentarily flustered even Baek Seo-jun’s father.
“…Well, I forgot to tell her to throw it at the door, not at the guests.”
Well, perhaps the effect would be better this way.