Kim Won-Shik was more than just a leading businessman in Iseul—he was a force to be reckoned with. At an age when most were still discovering themselves, he had already carved out a name in the corporate world, earning the title of the youngest and most successful businessman in the nation. Despite hailing from one of the most powerful families in Iseul, he had shunned the comforts of his family's wealth. Instead, he built his empire, founding his company, "FORTUNE," at the astonishing age of fifteen. From there, he expanded into various technology sectors, achieving a level of success that far outshone his peers.
Yun-ji had heard countless stories about him in her past life—news articles, business circles, and even casual conversations painted him as a visionary. Yet, despite his broad ventures, Kim Won-Shik had never touched the medical or pharmaceutical industries, and thus, their paths had never crossed professionally. She had admired him from afar, intrigued by his sharp rise but never expecting their worlds to overlap.
That night, as Yun-ji formulated her escape plan, memories from her past life came rushing back. She recalled seeing him at the same hotel during a business meeting with Mechanix, a tech company owned by a relative of Du-Ho, one of Kim Won-Shik's most trusted subordinates. She remembered how the news later revealed that the collaboration had been part of a plot to embezzle funds from FORTUNE. His men had betrayed him.
With no allies or loyal friends to turn to in her past life, Yun-ji realized that the key to her survival might lie in what she knew about his(Kim Won-Shik's) enemies. She had crucial information, and if she played her cards right, she could use it to gain Kim Won-Shik's attention. Her path forward was dangerous, but for the first time in her life, she felt she might have an advantage.
Yun-ji knew this man wasn't the type to be easily swayed, but with the right leverage—she might just turn his misfortune into her escape.
Yun-ji's vision blurred as the drug began to take hold. Her body trembled, betraying her attempts to stay composed. Heat surged through her veins, making her skin burn with an unnatural warmth. Her legs wobbled beneath her, and she reached for the wall to steady herself, fingertips brushing against the cold surface as her body fought to stay upright. Every breath felt heavy like molten fire filling her lungs. Her heart pounded erratically, a frantic rhythm as she struggled to maintain control.
Kim Won-Shik stood frozen in place, utterly stunned by the scene unfolding before him. In all his years, he had been surrounded by women vying for his attention, each one eager to throw themselves at him. Yet here was a girl, drugged and vulnerable, who was doing everything in her power to resist him. His initial doubts about her resurfaced, remembering how she had only asked him to buy some medicine and wait in the room to get the information she promised. He had assumed she might be just another woman plotting to use her charm, with the information as bait to get closer to him. But now, watching her struggle fiercely against the effects of the drug, his shock gave way to something else—admiration. Without hesitation, he swiftly reached for the medicine he had bought and handed it to her, his eyes no longer filled with suspicion, but with newfound respect.
Yun-ji ate the pills and went to take a shower asking him to wait. She went to the restroom and swiftly undressed before soaking in the cold water. The cold water engulfed her hot body, gradually dissipating the heat. The pills and cold water helped her stabilize. She got dressed and went to the room.
Kim Won-Shik saw Yun-ji who seemed normal, unlike those who were drugged. Seeing his questioning look, she answered 'I have a master who has given me a lot of medical books which I used to learn in my free time'.
Kim Won-Shik was surprised by her answer but he knew he couldn't get more details than this. He could investigate her later. He steadied himself and started discussing the objective of their meeting.
'How did you know my collaboration with the Mechanix company?' Kim Won-Shik asked.
'I have my ways, Mr. Kim. I guess you agreeing to come here means that you have already investigated and found that Du-Ho is related to Mechanix' Yun-ji replied calmly.
'Du-Ho being related to Mechanix doesn't mean they are plotting to embezzle me, Ms. Choi', Kim Won-Shik said.
'You are right Mr. Kim, but don't you think hiding the fact that Mechanix being related to him is suspicious' Yun-Ji replied raising her eyebrows.
'Being suspicious is alone not enough in business Ms. Choi. Proof is necessary to confront them' Kim Shi-Wok said reading her expressions.
"You should attend the meeting and review the contract they've presented," she said, her voice steady but with an edge of urgency. "As a successful businessman, I'm certain you'll spot any loopholes now that your trust in Du-Ho no longer clouds your judgment. I believe in you, Mr. Kim." Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering and filled with quiet confidence, challenging him to see the truth she had already uncovered.
Her stomach growled at that serious moment. She hadn't eaten anything except the drugged juice since morning since she had fainted at noon. She was so embarrassed and couldn't see him in his eyes. She scolded herself for causing this.
Kim Shi-Wok who heard this knew she didn't have dinner as he saw her state after being drugged. He didn't want to embarrass her so he got up quickly and said, 'It's time for my meeting, Ms. Choi. My secretary has already ordered dinner for you. You can have it once it arrives. Don't open the door for anyone other than me. I will come after the meeting. We still have things to talk about. Please wait for my return, Ms. Choi'. He left without waiting for her response.