57: Chapter 58 Hongchou Site Selection - Eunjung's Matchmaking

Inside the samgyetang restaurant.

Park So-yeon put down her spoon.

She looked at Qian Xu.

"Mr. Qian, you accompanied me to terminate my contract today."

"I am truly grateful."

"It's only right."

Qian Xu smiled.

"You are the lead vocalist of T-ARA."

"And an artist under Yunmengze."

"Of course the company must help you resolve your contract issues."

Park So-yeon lowered her head.

"It's not just the company's problem."

Qian Xu paused, stunned.

"What?"

"It's nothing."

Park So-yeon lifted her head.

She smiled.

"Eat up."

"The soup is getting cold."

After finishing the meal.

The two walked out of the restaurant.

The sun was shining brightly.

The streets of Hongdae were bustling with people.

"Mr. Qian, would you like to take a walk?"

Park So-yeon asked.

"To help digest."

"Sure."

Qian Xu nodded.

The two walked side by side on the streets of Hongdae.

The roadside was filled with cafes.

Clothing stores.

And various small performance venues.

"Hongdae is very lively here."

Park So-yeon looked around.

"I used to come here often to hang out."

"Back then, T-ARA was still active."

"We often performed in Hongdae."

"There were many fans."

Qian Xu listened.

"There will be many in the future as well."

"Mm."

Park So-yeon smiled.

"I believe in you."

The two walked up to a vacant storefront.

Qian Xu stopped.

The storefront was large.

About 300 pyeong.

Facing the street.

With floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

A "For Rent" sign was posted at the entrance.

"This storefront is not bad."

Qian Xu said.

Park So-yeon was stunned for a moment.

"Mr. Qian wants to rent a storefront?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu nodded.

"I want to open a shop in Hongdae."

"What kind of shop?"

"A Life Plaza."

Qian Xu looked at the storefront.

"Selling Chinese goods."

"Providing Chinese services."

"Allowing Koreans to experience the Chinese lifestyle."

Park So-yeon's eyes lit up.

"Just like the cultural and creative section at CU?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"But on a larger scale."

"With a more complete range of products."

"And better services."

Park So-yeon looked at the storefront.

"300 pyeong."

"That's considered quite large in Hongdae."

"The rent shouldn't be cheap."

"Money is not an issue."

Qian Xu smiled.

"The key is whether the location is good."

He took out his phone.

Took a few photos.

Then dialed Kim Min-jun's number.

"Representative Kim, I'm in Hongdae."

"I saw a storefront."

"300 pyeong."

"Facing the street."

"Help me check."

"Who the landlord is."

"Okay."

Kim Min-jun answered.

"I'll check immediately."

Hung up the phone.

Qian Xu looked at the storefront.

Sunlight shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Inside, it was empty.

But he could already see what it would look like in the future.

Shelves filled with Chinese goods.

Chinese staff wearing uniforms.

Korean customers lining up.

He smiled.

His phone vibrated.

It was a message from Kim Min-jun.

"Mr. Qian, I found it."

"The landlord of that storefront."

"Is a man named Park Jeong-ho."

"He is a landlord in the Hongdae commercial district."

"He owns a dozen other storefronts under his name."

Qian Xu replied.

"Can you get in touch with him?"

"I'll try."

"Okay."

Qian Xu put away his phone.

Park So-yeon looked at him.

"How is it?"

"Found it."

Qian Xu smiled.

"The landlord's surname is Park."

"A landlord in the Hongdae commercial district."

"He has many storefronts under his name."

Park So-yeon was stunned for a moment.

"Park Jeong-ho?"

"Do you know him?"

Qian Xu asked.

"I don't know him."

Park So-yeon shook her head.

"But I've heard of him."

"A landlord here in Hongdae."

"Very famous."

"The rent is very expensive."

"And he is picky about tenants."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Picky about tenants?"

"Yes."

Park So-yeon nodded.

"I heard he only cares about the brand."

"He doesn't rent to small brands."

"Only rents to big companies."

"Or projects with potential."

Qian Xu thought for a moment.

"Then our project."

"Does it count as having potential?"

Park So-yeon smiled.

"Of course it does."

"Yunmengze Entertainment."

"T-ARA's comeback."

"The CU cultural and creative section."

"These are all potential."

Qian Xu nodded.

"That's good."

His phone vibrated again.

It was a call from Kim Min-jun.

"Mr. Qian, I got in touch."

"Mr. Park Jeong-ho is free tomorrow morning."

"We can meet and talk."

"Okay."

Qian Xu answered.

"Tomorrow morning at ten."

"You come with me."

"Okay."

Kim Min-jun hung up the phone.

Qian Xu looked at Park So-yeon.

"Meeting the landlord tomorrow morning."

"Do you want to come along?"

Park So-yeon was stunned for a moment.

"Me?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"You are the lead vocalist of T-ARA."

"And an artist under Yunmengze."

"With you there."

"It's more persuasive."

Park So-yeon smiled.

"Okay."

"I'll go with you."

The two continued walking forward.

On the streets of Hongdae.

A street performer was singing.

Playing the guitar.

The voice was very pleasant.

Park So-yeon stopped.

Listening.

"This song."

"Is the Chinese version of 'a little happiness'."

Qian Xu said.

"Yes."

Park So-yeon nodded.

"I've been practicing this song lately."

"The Chinese lyrics are very difficult."

"But it sounds very good."

The street performer finished singing.

The people watching applauded.

Park So-yeon also applauded.

"Sang really well."

"You sing even better."

Qian Xu said.

Park So-yeon blushed.

"Mr. Qian, have you heard me sing a Chinese song?"

"I have."

Qian Xu smiled.

"The demo you sent last time."

"I listened to it."

"It was very good."

Park So-yeon lowered her head.

"That song."

"Was sung for you."

Qian Xu was stunned.

"What?"

"It's nothing."

Park So-yeon lifted her head.

She smiled.

"Let's go."

"Back to the company."

"We still have to meet the landlord tomorrow."

The two walked back to the parking lot.

Qian Xu drove.

Park So-yeon sat in the passenger seat.

It was very quiet in the car.

Park So-yeon looked out the window.

Her fingers tapped lightly on the car window.

"Mr. Qian."

"Hmm?"

"Why do you want to open a Life Plaza in Hongdae?"

Park So-yeon asked.

"Because Hongdae is a gathering place for young people."

Qian Xu answered.

"Korean young people."

"Are very curious about Chinese culture."

"But they don't have many opportunities to come into contact with it."

"I want to give them a window."

"To let them understand the real China."

Park So-yeon looked at him.

"Not just to make money?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Making money is secondary."

"Cultural output is the goal."

Park So-yeon nodded.

"I understand."

Returning to Apgujeong.

Yunmengze Building.

Qian Xu walked into the office.

Kim Min-jun was already inside.

"Mr. Qian, the arrangements for tomorrow morning."

"I have already confirmed them."

"Ten o'clock, meeting at that storefront in Hongdae."

"Mr. Park Jeong-ho will come in person."

"Okay."

Qian Xu sat down.

"Prepare the project materials."

"Let Mr. Park see our strength."

"Okay."

Kim Min-jun nodded.

"I'll prepare it right away."

Kim Min-jun walked out of the office.

Qian Xu opened his phone.

Looking at the system data.

[Korea's favorability towards China: 27.6%]

He smiled.

Tomorrow.

If I can secure that storefront.

Yunmengze Life Plaza can be established.

Cultural output can go a step further.

His phone vibrated.

It was a message from Ham Eun-jung.

"Mr. Qian, I heard you're going to open a Life Plaza in Hongdae?"

Qian Xu replied.

"Yes, I'm meeting the landlord tomorrow."

Ham Eun-jung replied quickly.

"Park Jeong-ho?"

"Do you know him?"

Qian Xu asked.

"I know him."

Ham Eun-jung replied.

"He used to be a fan of T-ARA."

"He often came to watch our performances."

"Later, he made a fortune in business."

"And became a landlord in the Hongdae commercial district."

Qian Xu's eyes lit up.

"Then can you help me make an appointment with him?"

"Of course I can."

Ham Eun-jung replied.

"I'll go tomorrow morning too."

"With me there."

"He should show some respect."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Okay."

"Tomorrow morning at ten."

"See you in Hongdae."

The next morning at 9:30.

Hongdae, at the entrance of that vacant storefront.

Qian Xu arrived early.

Kim Min-jun was holding the project materials.

Standing to the side.

"Mr. Qian, the materials are all ready."

"Introduction to Yunmengze Entertainment."

"Plan for T-ARA's comeback."

"Sales data of the CU cultural and creative section."

"It's all inside."

"Okay."

Qian Xu nodded.

A black Mercedes-Benz stopped by the side of the road.

Ham Eun-jung stepped out.

She was wearing a white shirt.

Black long pants.

Her hair was tied in a high ponytail.

Capable and beautiful.

"Mr. Qian, good morning."

"Good morning."

Qian Xu smiled.

"When will Mr. Park arrive?"

"The appointment is at ten."

Ham Eun-jung glanced at her watch.

"Twenty minutes left."

"Should we go in and look at the storefront first?"

"Okay."

The three walked into the storefront.

Inside, it was empty.

About 300 pyeong.

The ceiling was very high.

The floor-to-ceiling windows provided good lighting.

"This storefront has a very good location."

Ham Eun-jung looked around.

"Facing the street."

"Directly opposite is the exit of Hongdae subway station."

"The foot traffic is very high."

"Suitable for a Life Plaza."

Qian Xu nodded.

"That's what I thought too."

"300 pyeong."

"Can be divided into several areas."

"Chinese goods area."

"Dining area."

"Experience area."

"Can also set up a stage."

"To do small performances."

Ham Eun-jung's eyes lit up.

"A stage?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"T-ARA can do autograph sessions here."

"Or small fan meetings."

"The young people in Hongdae."

"Are all your potential fans."

Ham Eun-jung smiled.

"That's a good idea."

Ten o'clock sharp.

A white Rolls-Royce stopped by the side of the road.

The car door opened.

A man in his fifties stepped out.

Wearing a gray suit.

Wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

Looking very elegant.

"Mr. Park."

Ham Eun-jung went up to greet him.

"Ms. Eun-jung!"

Park Jeong-ho smiled.

"Long time no see!"

"The last time I saw you was in 2017."

"At T-ARA's concert."

Ham Eun-jung smiled.

"Mr. Park still remembers."

"Of course I remember!"

Park Jeong-ho looked at her.

"T-ARA's stage."

"I always remember."

"I heard you're going to make a comeback?"

"Yes."

Ham Eun-jung nodded.

"This is our company's boss."

"Mr. Qian Xu."

Qian Xu extended his hand.

"Mr. Park, hello."

"Mr. Qian, hello."

Park Jeong-ho shook his hand.

"Ms. Eun-jung has told me about you."

"Young and promising."

"You flatter me."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Mr. Park is the successful one."

"So many storefronts in the Hongdae commercial district."

"Are they all yours?"

"Yes."

Park Jeong-ho smiled.

"Been doing it for over ten years."

"Accumulated bit by bit."

The four walked into the storefront.

Park Jeong-ho looked around.

"This storefront has been empty for over half a year."

"It used to be a clothing store."

"Business was bad."

"Closed down."

"I've been looking for a suitable tenant."

Qian Xu nodded.

"Mr. Park, we, Yunmengze Entertainment."

"Want to open a Life Plaza in Hongdae."

"Selling Chinese goods."

"Providing Chinese services."

"Allowing Koreans to experience the Chinese lifestyle."

Park Jeong-ho raised an eyebrow.

"Chinese lifestyle?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"For example, Chinese tea."

"Chinese snacks."

"Chinese cultural and creative products."

"And Chinese music."

"We will regularly hold Chinese-themed events."

"Allowing Korean young people."

"Without leaving the country."

"To be able to experience Chinese culture."

Park Jeong-ho thought for a moment.

"That's a good idea."

"The young people in Hongdae."

"Are indeed very curious about Chinese culture."

"But they don't have many opportunities to come into contact with it."

"If there is a shop like this."

"It should be popular."

Qian Xu nodded.

"That's what I thought too."

Park Jeong-ho walked to the window.

Looking at the street outside.

"Mr. Qian, I have a question."

"Please ask."

"Why do you want to do this?"

Park Jeong-ho turned around.

Looking at him.

"Not for the sake of making money, right?"

"Yes."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Making money is secondary."

"Cultural output is the goal."

"I want to let Koreans understand the real China."

"Not the China talked about on TV."

"But the real China."

"The delicious China."

"The fun China."

"The warm China."

Park Jeong-ho looked at him.

Silent for a few seconds.

Then smiled.

"Okay."

"This storefront is rented to you."

"Rent at market price."

"Sign a three-year contract."

"Priority to renew after three years."

Qian Xu was stunned.

"Mr. Park, aren't you going to look at our project materials?"

"No need."

Park Jeong-ho smiled.

"Ms. Eun-jung introduced you."

"I trust it."

"And."

"Your idea is very good."

"Cultural output."

"I like it."

Qian Xu smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Park."

"You're welcome."

Park Jeong-ho patted his shoulder.

"Work hard."

"Let Koreans see."

"What the real China looks like."

Seeing Park Jeong-ho off.

Ham Eun-jung looked at Qian Xu.

Smiled.

"Mr. Qian, congratulations."

"Thank you."

Qian Xu also smiled.

"Thanks to your help."

"Without you."

"Mr. Park wouldn't have been so straightforward."

Ham Eun-jung shook her head.

"It was your idea that moved him."

"Cultural output."

"This reason."

"No one can refuse."

Qian Xu looked at the storefront.

Sunlight shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The empty space.

About to become Yunmengze Life Plaza.

He smiled.

"Let's go."

"Back to the company."

"Start planning the details of the Life Plaza."

"Okay."

Ham Eun-jung nodded.

"I'll go with you."