The land had been abandoned for a long time.
The reclaimed land had finally taken shape. The scenery here was no longer as desolate as it once was.
“It looks wonderful.”
First, there was the greenhouse of an overwhelming scale. Its curves, shimmering in the sunlight, were like a transparent fortress wall, as if protecting the numerous residents that would grow within. No, blue fruits were already growing explosively inside.
“It’s not just the greenhouse.”
What about the open field next to it? Blueberry seedlings stood in straight rows, fluttering like green flags.
*Rustle, rustle.*
It was as if they were whispering a greeting. The sound of leaves brushing against each other was a bonus. Just watching the undulating waves of green made one feel as if their heart were opening up.
“This is why people get into farming.”
There was a certain sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this was how a certain businessman felt when he transformed a barren desert into a lush forest.
“Uncle!”
Right on cue, Seol-i came running toward me at full speed.
“Little Otter!”
*Splash!*
At the same time, the sound of something falling into the water rang out. It came from the direction of the rubber swimming pool I had set up separately next to the greenhouse.
*Squeeeak!*
When I went to look, a pair of otters was happily swimming there.
“Seol-i, watch the little otters for a moment.”
“Okay!”
I quickly ran to the kitchen. I had just released some live loaches into the sink, intending to make loach soup for dinner.
*Plop, plop!*
I grabbed a few of them and released them into the swimming pool.
*Squeeeak!*
*Nom, nom, nom!*
The otter couple immediately hunted the loaches and began to share the food harmoniously.
*Squeak! Squeak!*
However, after finishing one loach, the female otter approached us. Then, she slowly headed toward the greenhouse where the pups were. She kept looking back at us as she went, as if telling us to follow her.
“Huh? Is this what I think it is…?”
I picked up Seol-i and carefully entered the greenhouse.
*Snap!*
As expected, the female otter picked up one of the pups in her mouth. Then, she approached us and carefully set the little one down in front of us.
“Ah…”
A lump formed in my throat. This was a token of trust. It meant she trusted us that much.
*Squeak!*
Immediately after, the mother otter dashed back to the pool.
“I’m not even married yet, but I’ve suddenly ended up childcare duty.”
“Uncle is Daddy! Seol-i is Mommy!”
Of course, our Princess Seol-i was absolutely thrilled.
*Wriggle.*
The baby otters huddled together, their tiny bodies pressed against each other. Their bellies moved up and down, and they hadn’t even opened their eyes yet.
‘Life truly is different every day here.’
Back then, I was afraid of “tomorrow.” Resentment and curses were my default state, and my mental health deteriorated with each passing day. But it was different here. Trust, protection, faith, and salvation.
‘I’m not oppressing or killing a life; rather, I’m doing work that saves it.’
Yes. It was possible here. With the miraculous effects of the Snowflakes, it wasn’t even that difficult.
“So, what should I grow for the next crop?”
Of course, I didn’t intend to completely ignore the “profit” aspect. I already knew from experience that when it came to money, the more, the better. In modern society, a solid source of funds would be a sturdy shield to protect myself and those around me.
‘Can just anyone be a supporter?’
I couldn’t keep using the expensive Seok-gu for free just because we were friends. I had also spent a lot of money on the initial facility costs for the greenhouse. Even for my parents’ stable and happy retirement, a return on investment was essential.
‘It would be nice to have a few more special items that represent our Ice Valley Farm, like the wild yams.’
I had already seen how VIPs went wild over the single effect of it being good for stamina. In fact, Sekyung Department Store had even hinted that they wanted me to produce wild yams in large quantities.
‘I think it would be good to stimulate people’s primal desires, like stamina.’
In that case?
‘I don’t necessarily have to grow things that are only for eating, right?’
Gelisol and Snowflakes. The cold and cool temperature of the Ice Valley even in summer. Frozen ground. When I put all of this together…
‘…Edelweiss?’
A certain flower suddenly came to mind. It was a legendary flower that grew in only a few parts of the world, such as the Swiss Alps and the high altitudes of France. A few natural habitats existed in Korea, such as parts of Seorak Mountain, but the leontopodium growing there wasn’t the commercial type I wanted. I didn’t recall any cases of commercial production of Edelweiss by domestic farms in the first place. It was because it was so rare and difficult to cultivate.
‘But it’s possible here.’
The constant cold and cool air. A miraculous land filled with nutrients even within the ice. Its value was also exceptional.
‘Edelweiss extract is already treated like gold in the European cosmetic industry.’
Brands like Lancôme, L’Oréal, and Chanel. Global brands were actually scrambling to buy Edelweiss extract. Naturally, the better the quality, the higher the price rose exponentially. I heard that top-grade dried Edelweiss extract powder had a market price of well over 10 million won per 1 kg. There were even rumors that more than half the cost of a high-end bottle of cosmetics was the price of the raw materials.
“Plus, the title of being the ‘only’ cultivation site in the country.”
How could I pass this up?
‘The problem is how to get the seeds.’
It would be difficult to get the desired effects from seeds found in Korea, such as those from Seorak Mountain. Again, those were for ornamental use. I needed genuine Edelweiss seeds with antioxidant, anti-aging, and regenerative properties. In that case…
“I should bring this up during the upcoming meeting with Sekyung Department Store.”
What was the point of dealing with a large corporation? It was for the money, of course, but also because it made it easier to get help with these kinds of convenient matters.
—
The top floor of Sekyung Department Store.
“My head hurts so much…”
President Han Yu-jin had been under extreme stress lately.
“Why did sales drop even more than last quarter…?”
“You seem to be having a hard time.”
Han Yu-jin flinched at the voice that suddenly spoke.
“G-Grandfather? When did you get here?”
Before she knew it, her grandfather was standing by the door, chuckling.
“I tried to make my presence known, but since there was no reaction at all, I just walked in. Did I disturb you?”
“No, no. I’m sorry. I was just so distracted.”
Han Yu-jin immediately stood up from her seat to greet her grandfather.
“Why? Is something not going well?”
“That’s…”
Han Yu-jin trailed off for a moment before letting out a sigh.
“I was analyzing the reasons why sales dropped compared to last quarter in my own way…”
“And? Did you find the answer?”
Han Yu-jin suppressed another sigh. Of course, the answer was already clear.
‘Shinhwa Department Store.’
The population of Busan was already shrinking, and with everyone trying to share a small pie, sales were bound to decrease. However, she didn’t want to make such excuses and act weak in front of her grandfather. Even so.
“Your previous thought was correct. So once you’ve decided, push through with it stubbornly.”
“…Pardon?”
“Goods are about quality, not quantity.”
“!”
As expected, the respected Chairman Han Seung-ho saw through her inner thoughts at once.
“Who knows? If you properly secure a peerless competitive edge, you might even hear the sounds of Centum Shinhwa Department Store next door going bankrupt.”
“Ah…”
“Isn’t this kind of chicken game fundamentally a long-term battle anyway?”
Only then did Han Yu-jin’s face brighten significantly.
“Thank you for the advice, Grandfather.”
“President!”
Right then, Manager Lee Do-kyung came running inside in a hurry.
“C-Chairman!?”
He was startled to see Chairman Han Seung-ho and bowed his head belatedly.
“Oh, it’s alright. It seems like urgent business, so don’t mind me.”
“I-I apologize for the intrusion.”
Han Yu-jin stared at Manager Lee with a puzzled expression.
“What’s going on without any notice?”
“I apologize. It was a matter you previously instructed me to report on immediately…”
“!”
Han Yu-jin’s eyes widened instantly.
“Could it be?”
“Yes. We’ve received a call from Ice Valley Farm. It’s regarding the delivery of the initial batch!”
“Ah!”
Han Yu-jin turned her head with an apologetic look.
“Chairman. I…”
“Don’t mind me and go ahead.”
Chairman Han Seung-ho smiled as if he understood everything.
“Remember what I said? If you’ve made a proper valuation, don’t skimp on the money and make sure to win it.”
“…Yes! Of course!”
“And…”
A deep curiosity soon flickered in Chairman Han Seung-ho’s eyes.
“If the deal goes through well, could you send some of the crops from that farm to me as well?”
Chairman Han Seung-ho laughed awkwardly.
“Actually, the green tea you gave me last time suited my taste perfectly.”
—
The two of them arrived at Ice Valley Farm before the sun had completely set. And…
“Wow…”
As soon as she arrived, Han Yu-jin couldn’t help but let out an exclamation of admiration. It was clearly an empty field just one month ago. But now, as if the phrase ‘a complete transformation’ were insufficient, a massive greenhouse stood there. The seedlings in the open field were already hanging heavy with desirable blueberries.
“Manager. Is this right…?”
“I-I think this is the first time I’ve seen anything like this as well. I wonder what kind of magic CEO Baek performed…”
Han Yu-jin calmed her rapidly beating heart. Just then, Baek Sujun, who had stepped into the kitchen for a moment, returned.
“First, please try these. I’ve washed them thoroughly, so you can eat them right away.”
A handful of blueberries was held out to each of them. The two looked at each other and immediately popped the blue fruit into their mouths. Soon after…
“Mmmmmm!”
Han Yu-jin devoured the blueberries in a flash, a look of pure bliss on her face. They had a beautiful color, an aroma that stimulated the sense of smell, and an insane level of sweetness. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say they were the best blueberries she had ever tasted.
“Um… could I perhaps have some more, CEO?”
It seemed that a few weren’t enough for Manager Lee Do-kyung either.
“M-Me too!”
Han Yu-jin quickly jumped in between them.
“Fortunately, it seems you both liked them.”
Baek Sujun smiled.
“Then, this time, why don’t you taste the blueberries grown in the greenhouse, and after that, we can discuss the exact quantity for purchase…”
“No!”
“…Excuse me?”
“I don’t think there’s any need for that discussion. We will purchase everything, not just from the greenhouse, but all the blueberries from the open field as well!”
There was no way they would be left with dead stock. Han Yu-jin was already certain of that.
“Wouldn’t that be a bit of a burden?”
“It’s not a burden at all!”
“Hmm… Honestly, I didn’t expect you to evaluate them this highly. I guess I have no choice but to sign the contract.”
“Please sign with us!”
“Then perhaps…”
Taking advantage of the momentum, Baek Sujun brought up the topic he had been putting off.
“I’d like to plant Edelweiss as the next crop. Could you perhaps help me source some seeds from the original source?”
“!”
Han Yu-jin was startled.
“D-Did you just say Edelweiss?”
“Yes.”
The fact that it was a flower and not a food crop was quite unexpected. But there was another reason why Han Yu-jin reacted so skeptically.
“CEO… Well, Edelweiss is mainly used in luxury cosmetics, so I know a little bit about it. That flower only grows in very specific regions like the Alps, and it doesn’t fit our climate at all. I don’t think there’s ever been a successful case of commercial cultivation in Korea…”
“If things go as I expect, it should be possible here.”
“…!”
Han Yu-jin’s throat instinctively tightened.
‘If… just if, by any chance, he succeeds in cultivating Edelweiss as he says?’
Then it wouldn’t just be a hit.
“So, if possible, I’d like to include the Edelweiss seeds and the extraction process in this contract’s conditions. If it’s something that costs a lot of money, you can deduct it from the down payment.”
At a glance, it was a reasonable and familiar transaction. The farm would produce only the raw materials, and then deliver those materials to a specialized extraction company or a cosmetics company.
‘The problem is, is this realistically possible?’
Han Yu-jin’s expression instinctively grew serious. Of course, her heart was already leaning toward a positive response.
‘CEO Baek must have a special cultivation method of his own. That’s how he grew these incredible blueberries in such a short period.’
If so, wouldn’t it be worth the investment?
*Vrr-vrr!*
“Ah, please excuse me for a moment.”
Just then, Baek Sujun answered a phone call.
“Yes, hello.”
— Hello. This is Assistant Manager Hwang Young-shik from Shinhwa Department Store.
“!”
The voice was loud enough for those right next to him to hear.
‘Did he just say Shinhwa Department Store?’
Naturally, Han Yu-jin pricked up her ears.
— I thought it was about time to give you a call. Have you given some thought to our previous proposal?
“Well, I’m still thinking about it.”
Baek Sujun signaled for their understanding and stepped away slightly. Of course, this wasn’t an action taken with Sekyung Department Store’s decision in mind.
‘Cutting off the proposal right at this timing?’
That was for amateurs. As the saying goes, the person who needs the water digs the well. He intended to keep giving them an opening and make them wait until they were desperate. It would be good if a high-ranking person from Shinhwa Department Store contacted him directly, but even if they didn’t, it would be better to maintain some sort of connection.
— This is difficult. You’re taking too long. Didn’t we offer good enough terms?
“If possible, I’d like to think about it a little more.”
— *Sigh.* Look here, Farmer Baek.
But true to his first impression, this guy was being slippery again.
— Let’s just forget about this trade proposal.
Wow. Even though it was the same type of department store, look at the difference in temperature compared to the other one.
“Then it can’t be helped.”
— …? What? No, wait a minute.
Baek Sujun pressed the end call button without a hint of regret. At that very moment.
“A down payment of 500 million won! Active support for all business difficulties related to Edelweiss! And the best treatment in the industry!”
Han Yu-jin, who had been waiting, blurted out the words like rapid-fire.
“How about this!?”
“…What?”
—
[Praise after praise. Blueberries grown at Ice Valley Farm in Goseong, Gyeongnam, boast overwhelming sweetness.]
[Blueberries from Goseong Ice Valley Farm sign exclusive supply contract with Sekyung Department Store.]
For now, the only articles were from small local newspapers. There was even a possibility that they were sponsored content, paid for by the department store. Nonetheless, President Hwang Hye-kyung of Shinhwa Department Store couldn’t just overlook these articles.
“…”
Her eyes trembled as she stared at the monitor.
“I’m sorry, President. I have nothing to say.”
“…Manager Jang.”
“Yes, President.”
“I clearly heard rumors about that farm from the VIPs around me, and I believe I even finished confirming the planning document you submitted. What on earth happened?”
“…”
Manager Jang Hak-soo couldn’t give an answer. He couldn’t exactly say that her younger brother had ruined everything at the last minute, could he?
“I know your personality and ability well, Manager Jang, so tell me honestly. Unless you want to see me lose my mind.”
…Of course, if she put it that way, he had no choice.
“Assistant Manager Hwang Young-shik arbitrarily blew off the contract.”
*Snap.*
At the mention of that name, something inside President Hwang Hye-kyung’s head finally snapped. At the same time, she broke into a broad smile.
“Where is that bastard right now?”