Original subtitles

(The Art of Negotiation.)

(The following program contains themes, language and imitative behavior...)

(that are not suitable for viewers under 15.)

(Viewer discretion is advised.)

(This program contains product placements and virtual advertising.)

(All characters, locations, organizations, and incidents...)

(depicted in this drama are entirely fictitious.)

(Junior Managing Director Lee Dong Joon)

(Hello, this is Reporter Han Ji Eun at Jungang Economy.)

(I'm contacting you to double-check the facts.)

Yes, hello.

This is Kim Hyeon for Sanin's PR Team.

Is Reporter Han Ji Eun there?

I called to confirm her identity...

before responding to her email.

Sanin's on the line.

- Hello? - Is this Reporter Han Ji Eun?

I'm Kim Hyeon for Sanin's PR Team.

If you're going to complain, please do so via email.

No, it's not that.

I was hoping for a chance to explain ourselves.

Whatever it is, send it via email.

(Director's Office)

Right.

I'll meet with her in person first.

Yes, sir. I'll have a rebuttal piece ready.

- Good. - Thank you.

Why? Is something up?

Not really.

As if.

Something big happened.

Thank you.

I never thought you, in person, would suggest we meet.

Ms. Han,

I enjoyed the previous article you wrote.

However, I thought an explanation might be warranted for this one.

The rumours must be true, then. Right?

You see,

Sanin is preparing to dive into e-commerce.

- Is that so? - Yes.

Decisions still have to be made internally,

but once we get moving,

we'll promote the business on a large scale.

When we do, we'll give you...

an exclusive interview.

With the chairman?

I can promise you one with me for now.

One with the chairman will be discussed.

An exclusive interview is always appreciated.

So what did you want to say today?

I wanted to explain...

that Sanin isn't in a position...

to waver or falter due to WIND going public.

Like I said,

once we enter...

- the e-commerce sector... - I'm afraid...

the article was already published.

You didn't meet the deadline.

Besides, what I wrote is true.

Right?

(Episode 5: The Deadline)

Once it's down to those last seconds,

screams go off in your head.

You lose your focus too.

But it's in these moments...

that you must pull it together and stay focused.

(Manager Kwak Min Jeong)

Oh Yoo Yeon...

Hello.

Mr. Yoon. Did you check the stock price of Sanin Group?

No.

How much is it at?

It's at 101 dollars.

If it goes under 100 dollars, Samoel Fund...

can execute a put option.

If the stock price drops a little more...

Samoel Fund...

will take over.

Was there a related issue?

There was a news article.

I'll send it to you via messenger.

Considering Sanin's situation,

it says Samoel Fund will take over the group...

should WIND fail to be listed...

because of the put option.

Which reporter wrote this?

It's Han Ji Eun. You probably heard of her.

I have.

- Welcome. - When dealing with CHACHA Games...

Just a second.

I'll take three more of the same egg mayo sandwiches.

Sure.

Can the team gather at this hour?

Yes, I contacted everyone. They should be on their way.

By the way, I sent you another text.

Just a second. I'd like to revise my order.

One veggie sandwich with wheat bread.

All vegetables minus pickles and just olive oil for sauce.

Got it.

What else?

Did the stock price fall because of that article alone?

Sanin's foundation is that unstable at the moment.

We should be prepared for articles that'll follow.

What are the terms of the put option held by Samoel?

It can request repayment in shares instead.

I'll look further into the details.

Was it Director Kang...

who wrote the report on WIND going public?

Yes.

Should I ask him here?

- Tomorrow morning if able. - Sure.

Couldn't the stock price go up again tomorrow?

If only.

(Chairman Song Jae Sik)

(Sanin Group, Will M and A Bring it Down?)

(Increase in Housing Price Leads To Elevated Tax)

What on earth is this?

(Sanin Holdings: 99 dollars)

Has the stock market gone crazy?

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

It's CEO Oh Chi Young of the Department of Lifestyle and Leisure.

Yes, sir.

What did he say?

He summoned CEO Oh Chi Young of the Department of Lifestyle and Leisure.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Yes, sir.

He also wants to see Junior Managing Director Lee.

Right.

- Yes? - The chairman's office called.

- Why? - An article was published...

Step on it to the head office.

What's going on?

Director Lee, it's me.

I was out of the country on business...

and only just got the memo.

Right. Get here safely.

Yes, sir. But why...

Why does he want to see me?

An article was published today and...

My gosh. Why was such an article published...

when everything's fine with WIND?

- Is something up? - I'm not sure.

Look.

We had debts to pay back which we sold Sanin Construction...

to do so,

but the stock price is doing a wicked dance.

See for yourself.

It's saying that WIND will bring Sanin down.

WIND...

has always been in our possession.

Then,

why wasn't it listed already?

Going public depends on the market situation,

but things haven't been that good lately.

Look here.

When has the market...

ever been good?

Right?

Right.

Come in.

- CEO Oh Chi Young is here. - Over here.

Sir, I was out of the country on business...

and was late to receive the news. I'm sorry.

- You were away on business? - Yes, sir.

You know our resort in Saipan.

Well, we...

We're designing a bundled offer that includes a tour.

People these days travel abroad a lot.

- Have a seat. - Yes, sir.

Was it enjoyable?

- Sorry? - After letting WIND...

take a plunge like this,

you went travelling abroad. Was it fun?

Well...

- WIND... - Sir.

Listing a company falls under my purview...

We wouldn't be in this mess if you had done better.

Well...

The sports and outdoors industry never recovered since COVID-19.

Not that again!

You...

- Remember what I said? - Sorry?

Seriously?

Get out there and see the situation at Han River.

There are bicycles everywhere!

Sir, please.

You're the CEO,

but here you are blaming others.

Should CEOs...

blame others?

Really?

My apologies.

- Sir, I'm sorry but... - What is it?

What?

What?

What?

Is CEO Oh in charge of WIND?

Yes, I think he's at the head office.

To see the chairman?

Yes, it seems that way.

I figured he'd be asking for you too.

Right. Good thinking.

- Get ready to go. - Yes, sir.

The chairman...

couldn't contain his anger at that moment.

Don't let it bother you.

How is WIND my responsibility?

It wasn't even my idea to take it on.

Director Ha bought the company,

and a separate team runs it.

CEO Oh, we'll talk downstairs.

CEO Oh, it's rough, isn't it?

- You're here. - Hello.

Would you like some coffee?

Coffee? No, I'm good.

- Have a seat, then. - Sure.

Here.

WIND tried to go public,

but a negative report surfaced.

That's why it was put off.

Wasn't it doing well?

After WIND was bought in 2015,

it had its ups and downs.

But since 2021 up to last year,

it saw a 30-percent increase in sales every year.

Hold on.

Manufacturing bicycles isn't like the IT business.

So a 30-percent increase every year?

A lot of my friends are members of cycling clubs.

Exactly. It was the craze.

Now that you think about it, COVID-19 gave it a huge boost.

At the time, there were great expectations...

about the sports and leisure industry.

It was my mistake.

Cycling is a sport...

that one can engage in alone without the presence of others.

Unaware that restrictions during the pandemic were the cause,

I believed it had more room to grow.

That's why I waited.

That's hardly your fault.

I should've reported it to the chairman sooner...

but couldn't bring myself to do it.

This seems like an error on Director Lee's part.

He should've dealt with it while the market was still hot.

It seems a bit too late now.

Forget about Director Lee,

and tell me what you think.

I believe...

blocking the put option from being exercised is most important.

So?

Maybe we can persuade Samoel.

Would you be willing?

Yes, I'll set up a meeting.

Get it in writing...

that Samoel won't exercise the put.

- Sorry? - What if it goes back on its word?

Then I'll be the only one getting kicked out.

No, that won't happen.

So about WIND, it's a no for you too. Am I right?

Yes, sir.

Is he faint-hearted?

Pardon?

Can't Director Ha just go to Samoel...

and convince them?

They're close.

If Samoel was going to help us, it would've happened already.

"We and Sanin are partners."

If only they had said that,

our stock wouldn't have tanked like this.

They're just feigning ignorance now.

So, if Director Ha lost Construction...

as well as his connections at Samoel,

then he's got nothing now. Right?

Mr. Oh, the CEO, cried.

- Pardon? - Pardon?

He cried after the chairman chewed him out...

for failing to get WIND to go public.

Director Ha, then you could...

visit Samoel and try to convince them...

I said I'd do that,

but the chairman said to just leave it.

Whether it goes public or not,

he wants to scrap it altogether.

I see.

WIND?

Whether it's WIND or whoever else.

He's furious right now.

I see.

I guess you met with Chairman Song.

Yes, just now.

Why didn't WIND go public years ago?

Why bother trying now?

My point, exactly.

After the pandemic,

people who have money are busy travelling overseas,

while people who don't have money are struggling to make ends meet.

Who has time to ride a bike these days?

I understand Mr. Oh wanted to cry.

He didn't just want to cry.

He cried his eyes out.

- My goodness. - About Director Ha.

Isn't it partially his fault too?

He should've bought something that could go public.

He knew it was hopeless, but he dumped it on me.

Now, he's acting like it's none of his business.

I really can't stand him.

I'll see what I can do,

so calm down.

You see, I...

This is my second year.

Because of the contract renewal,

I put a lot of effort into the Saipan deal.

But out of the blue,

he blindsided me with this WIND thing. My gosh.

To list a company on the stock market,

it's important to consider what's happening on the market.

If the market is doing well,

WIND will have no problem.

But the market is doing so badly these days,

so you need to show that the company's situation will improve.

However, WIND's sales have dropped sharply.

So, you had no choice but to submit a negative report.

Right. If it fails after I vouch for it knowing it won't work out,

we'll all be doomed.

You're right.

What are our options with Samoel?

According to the put with Samoel,

the closing price of Sanin's stock price...

has to be lower than 100 dollars for 20 consecutive business days.

Oh, that's where it gets complicated.

Twenty business days? That's four weeks.

Then we can move the stock price up within four weeks.

How?

By making WIND go public.

If that were possible, it would've already happened.

We couldn't tell Chairman Song that it wouldn't work out.

So, we kept putting it off, and this happened.

Yes.

Oh, boy.

Even if you know it won't work,

it still is so hard to speak the truth.

Who would be willing to say that?

If you say it, you'll get chewed out.

It's like we're passing the bomb around.

I like that. Passing the bomb around.

Come on. Let's go.

Sir.

Chairman Song is heading out now.

- Should I get the car ready? - No, let's go up there.

Pardon?

Joo No's office. What floor is it on?

- It's on the 13th floor. - Let's go.

But you see many bicycles along the Han River.

Yes, so many.

So, how come WIND's bicycles didn't sell well?

There are many bike share programs these days.

I see.

They're practically free, aren't they?

All bicycle companies will go bankrupt at this rate.

How could they win against government-funded businesses?

We're not trying to win here.

- Sir. - Yes, hi.

You heard too, right?

If you're talking about WIND, yes.

- I read the article. - I see.

So, what do you think?

It wasn't an easy undertaking to begin with.

Right. Everyone thinks it's not possible.

But did every business go bankrupt during the pandemic?

Some businesses are actually doing better after the pandemic.

- Am I wrong? - No, you're right.

But even if the COVID-19 pandemic had never happened,

the bicycle industry would've struggled.

What do you mean?

With the bike share programs in place,

more people are riding bikes these days,

but most bicycle companies' sales have dropped.

Right, of course.

The government is practically offering free bike rides.

So, who would buy a bike?

They're running these programs using tax money.

How could you beat that? You know?

Right.

So, we need a strategy to entice bike users...

to want better bikes.

With such a strategy,

I believe the company...

can actually thrive in the high-end market.

Then...

do you think you can do it?

Yes?

Yes, sir.

The CEO used to be a professional archer.

So, he started out in archery.

Then with his expertise in carbon materials, he expanded into cycling.

They only handle carbon bikes,

so they started focusing on the high-end market.

Any questions?

Why did you say you could do it?

We just had to keep our mouths shut.

Tell me. Why did you do that?

Because I think it can work.

I'm used to this.

(WIND)

Oh, hello. Welcome.

- Hello. - Hello.

- I'm Park Rae Gyeong. - Hello.

Thank you.

Here, you see our archery bows...

displayed in chronological order.

And they're pictures of some important...

or meaningful moments for the company.

During the Olympic Games, I always make sure...

to watch the archery competitions.

I'm always so fascinated when I see them hit the target.

It really is fascinating that they can hit the bull's-eye.

How do they do that?

Do you have to be born with the talent?

You can do it if you keep practising.

But don't you need some level of natural-born talent?

Yes, you do.

But being able to keep at it...

is a more precious talent than being naturally good at it.

You were a professional archer too, right?

I wasn't that good, though.

I never won a medal.

But the archery bows we made won some gold medals.

Doesn't that mean you've won so many medals?

Oh, right.

This was when we took over DAICHI.

DAICHI used to be the number-one company, right?

Yes, back in the 90s.

But we beat them...

and took over.

Who's the person next to you?

Oh, him.

He made this blueprint.

He was DAICHI's best engineer.

So, this master gave you this blueprint?

Yes, as a gift.

And I gave him that slogan as a gift.

Did you write it yourself?

When I was an archer,

I practised calligraphy, thinking it could help...

improve my concentration.

What does it say?

"Ongojisin."

Gain new insights by learning from the past.

What a cute child.

Oh, that's his son whom he had quite late.

He was so cute.

I see.

From here, you see our cycles.

I see.

How much does something like this cost?

About 30,000 dollars.

I guess some cycles are more expensive than cars.

Yes, I guess.

I thought the expensive ones would cost around 1,000 dollars.

This is for professional cyclists.

I see.

It's widely known that professional cyclists only ride WIND, right?

Yes, of course.

Even 0.1 or 0.01 seconds...

could make or break their races,

so they only ride the best of the best.

But your sales will be limited if you only sell your products...

to professional cyclists.

Well, that is...

certainly a problem WIND should solve.

So about that problem,

let's solve it together.

(Analysis Report on WIND)

WIND has launched 12 models, and their prices range...

from 5,000 dollars to 30,000 dollars.

You'd think the cheapest model would sell the most.

But it was actually the worst-selling model.

All sports are competitive, you know.

The same goes for equipment.

No one likes the lowest-end model.

I see.

WIND A is the cheapest model, and the model...

that's one tier above it has sold the most.

That's right.

That's the nature of sport.

No one likes the tailender.

Then what if WIND A...

isn't the tailender?

Pardon?

(Product and Material Analysis)

Bikes are categorized and rated based on their frame materials.

That's correct.

Steel, aluminium, carbon. In that order.

If you were to switch from an aluminium model...

from a different brand to WIND's carbon model,

you'd have to invest another 1,000 dollars.

That 1,000 dollars is a hurdle that is hindering people...

from switching to a carbon model from an aluminium one.

Carbon bikes are on a whole different level.

You shouldn't compare them to aluminium models.

Right.

So, WIND A is on a whole different level.

What if we could sell it in the 4,000-dollar range?

In the competition against the aluminium models,

it'll win without fail, don't you think?

It will definitely win.

Yes, who'd ride an aluminium bike if they're the same price?

Everyone would ride a carbon bike.

(Per Model Price Chart)

Exactly.

Then naturally, the consumers who were going to buy aluminium models...

would choose WIND instead.

Well...

I agree,

but the thing is,

it really isn't easy to bring the price down.

We barely managed to bring it down to 5,000 dollars.

We really can't bring it down to 4,000 dollars.

What if the market were to expand?

Then you can manufacture them on a mass scale, can't you?

Well, possibly.

The thing is, the frames aren't the only important part.

The gear is also very important.

When it comes to bike gears, SHIMIZ in Japan is the best.

They have a patent too.

They'll need to supply us with gears.

If not, we can't make a lot of them even if we want to.

So, they're like semiconductors.

That's right.

SHIMIZ calls the shots.

It'll be hard to secure enough units.

We'll meet with SHIMIZ and try to negotiate with them.

Then it has to get sorted out by next week.

We have an OEM deal.

Then we should leave right away.

Sir, this is my first time working on an overseas deal.

Are there things I should keep in mind?

It's important to be respectful of their country's rules...

because we're going there to meet them.

Doesn't that put us at a disadvantage?

Not necessarily.

Both parties must follow the rules,

so it shouldn't put us at a disadvantage...

as long as...

we know the rules well.

(Best Korean Souvenirs and Gifts for Japanese People)

Yes.

Hey.

Come on in.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

Did you visit WIND?

Yes.

I feel like this was dumped on you because of me.

No, don't say that.

I know you tried.

I heard from those at Yumin IB.

You got started but stopped due to the negative opinions.

That's right.

Because of WIND's focus on the high-end market,

everyone questioned their business expandability.

So I thought it couldn't be helped.

When I heard what you told Chairman Song,

I felt embarrassed.

No, you shouldn't be.

Besides, I know the reporter who wrote that article.

Reporter Han Ji Eun?

Yes. When we were acquiring CHACHA Games,

she wrote the article...

about Sanin's M and A with DC.

She asked me about that.

I see.

So, I should get this sorted out.

It's also about Project M.

This is an announcement.

As you said,

bicycle companies aren't doing well these days.

Speed is the biggest company in Korea, right?

As a bicycle manufacturer, yes.

They must've needed many gear units.

Yes, but they've put their order on hold. They had to pay the penalty.

The timing is... That's too bad.

Speed thinks it's such a shame too.

They said they would've handed it over to WIND...

instead of paying the penalty had they known about it.

Right.

What time is it? Oh, you should get going now.

- I'll get going, then. - All right.

What's that?

I found this while studying Japanese for business.

Have you heard of "honne and tatemae?"

Of course, I have.

It refers to being agreeable and indirect with your words.

Yes.

Attorney Oh, you're really smart.

Now, you can see that?

Wait, did you really mean that or not?

If they could manufacture more products,

they should be able to bring down the price,

but...

There's nothing Japanese people hate more than changing the plan.

We can increase the order total tenfold. Why would they hate it?

I get it. They like to stick to manuals at all times.

Ladies and gentlemen.

- Please put your seat back up. - We'll be landing shortly.

- Please put your seat back up. - Ensure your tray table is stowed,

- Please stow your tray table. - and fasten your seat belt.

Please put your seat back up.

- Please stow your tray table. - Okay.

Please put your seat back up.

(WIND)

Here.

Oh, hi.

- Hi. - Hi.

Thank you for making the long journey.

I hope it was pleasant.

I'm Ozaki Ryu.

I'm Yoon Joo No from Sanin.

I appreciate you taking the time...

to come out and see me today.

Not at all. The honour is ours.

You're Team Manager Yoon Joo No, yes?

My name is Hirose Haruka.

You can call me Hirose.

Hi. I'm Yoon Joo No.

Your Korean is good.

That's not true.

I'm still learning Korean.

First, we'll take you to the bus.

What's wrong?

- The limousine hasn't come. - What?

How come? Have you contacted them?

What? What's this?

Did you contact them?

- Are they not picking up? - No.

Did you check properly?

Then...

I'll take the guests. You take a taxi.

Understood.

Please go ahead. I'll follow behind.

- My apologies. - No.

It's all right.

Mr. Yoon. I'll go with her.

All right. Thank you.

No, it's okay.

No. Let me.

I'm sincerely sorry.

Don't worry about it. As the youngest,

I like travelling alone.

The youngest? I'm the same.

How much will you say okay to?

I expect at least this much off.

That much is reasonable.

Look on your left. That's Mount Fuji.

It's impressive.

Yes.

It's quite rare to have such a clear day, you know?

It only happens 30 percent of the time.

- I see. - Did you know?

Many Japanese people...

never even get to see Mount Fuji...

in their lifetime.

Seems like we caught a lucky day.

Of course.

Would you like to see it up close?

I mean, if we get the chance.

Yes. If we get the chance.

How long will you be staying?

Until the deal is done.

I see.

I apologize for taking you in a taxi.

No. You can stop apologizing.

Oh, okay.

I brought something from Korea.

By any chance,

would you like this?

I heard Japanese people buy this from Korea.

No, I'm all right.

If you don't like it,

how about this one?

Right.

Okay. Thank you.

As expected, you're delicate.

"Delicate?" Thank you.

Please excuse me.

Hello? Yes.

What? Are you not hurt?

That's a relief.

We're taking a taxi back.

Yes.

Please hold for a moment.

Can you tell me when you're returning?

- What? - I have to book the limousine...

in advance.

I'll make sure you don't take a taxi on your departure day.

- I'm sorry. - No, it's okay.

Our flight is on the 14th at 7pm.

It's a Saturday.

Shall I have the limousine arrive at 4pm at the hotel?

Well... Yes.

Please book one for 4pm on the 14th.

Yes. Thank you.

The limousine got into an accident on the way.

That's why it couldn't make it.

I'm sorry.

- You don't have to apologize. - Right.

By the way, you came despite being busy.

We wanted to tour around since we're already in Japan,

but our next meeting has been set.

This is cute.

My name is Naito Senichi.

I'm Yoshida Osamu.

The overseas sales team leader.

- Great to meet you. - Hi.

I'm Yoon Joo No from Sanin's M and A Team.

- The pleasure is all mine. - Nice to meet you.

My name is Choi Jin Soo.

- I'm Kwak Min Jeong from Sanin. - Hi.

- I'm Yoshida. - Yoshida.

- Here. My name is Naito Senichi. - I'm Kwak Min Jeong from Sanin.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

We want to adjust the quantity to 10,000,

ten times the original amount.

We'd like to know if the quantity can be adjusted...

to 10,000.

In other words, since the original order...

was 1,000,

you want to order another 9,000. Correct?

Yes.

We need to check first.

We adhere to strict standards...

and only produce a fixed quantity.

We'd appreciate it if you understood that...

we, SHIMIZ, adhere to strict production standards...

and limit production to ensure quality control.

Are you saying no to the quantity?

Does that mean 10,000 orders is impossible?

No, it's possible.

But we can't give you a discount.

It's a yes.

But we can't give you a discount.

I'm sure SHIMIZ has a discount rate manual...

based on order quantity.

Do you not have a discount rate manual...

based on order quantity?

They're referring to...

our internal regulations' discount rates.

That's only for general cases.

We are a special case.

What is the manual for special cases?

Can you give us some time...

to look into it?

We need time to check with our internal team.

How about we call it a day here?

You should get some rest.

If there is no manual pertaining to special cases,

should we proceed with the existing discount rate?

We will consider it favourably.

We leave it to you.

Likewise. We look forward to working with you.

Can you wait for a moment?

I'll take you to your hotel.

Does saying they'll consider it favourably mean...

they're in or not?

They're not.

What?

Saying they'll consider it favourably was out of policy.

So, turning us down was their real intention?

Good grief.

This is tough.

How can you accept the additional orders without discussion?

Will you refuse it, even if there are no discounts?

You know the drop in our company's sales is a problem.

By the way, Mr. Yoshida.

Is there a manual for such a situation?

Most likely no.

Right?

Hirose. Escort the guests.

Understood.

We leave it to you.

- Hirose. - Yes?

You must do well.

Understood.

It seems like the sales manager and the factory manager...

are in disagreement.

Yes.

Still, the sales manager said they could make the amount.

But...

what if they bring a fake manual for special cases?

We can't accept it, can we?

They can't fool us that easily.

I doubt they know how much we know.

My apologies for making you wait.

This way, please.

Let's go.

It's okay.

I'll wait for you here.

You'll wait for us?

Yes. I heard you wanted to see Mount Fuji.

No, we're fine.

Oh, I see.

How long will it take?

It'll only take one hour.

- Let's go. - All right.

Thank you.

Say that we get the Speed's quantity.

Is it tough to accept the same conditions...

based on the contract?

It depends on the contract.

There's a possibility SHIMIZ tied in a resale clause.

Is that monopolistic, Attorney Oh?

Probably not.

- For it to be monopolistic... - My apologies.

Please.

- I'm sorry. - Thank you.

I'm sorry.

- I'll take the photo. - Hold on. Here.

- Hearts, please. - Hearts.

Please make hearts.

One, two, three.

Please check.

- Do you like it? - Yes.

It's a stunning place.

I'm glad that you like it.

- Thank you. - We should be thanking you.

Shall we return to the hotel now?

Sure.

This is Shuzenji famous for its hot springs.

- "Shuzenji?" - Have you been here?

No. I've only read it in blogs.

I see. If so,

can you spare me ten minutes?

There's a place for a foot bath.

Ten minutes?

Yes.

Okay.

To Shuzenji, please.

If other bicycle companies haven't cancelled their contracts yet,

offering to take them over...

without penalty...

They say...

keeping the head cool while the feet warm is good.

It's wasabi ice cream.

- "Wasabi ice cream?" - Yes. Have some.

Here.

It's okay.

How is it?

Is it good?

- It's good. - Is it?

- It's actually good. - Really?

- Shall we get going? - Hold on.

It's time for dinner.

How about kaiseki, a course meal?

Gosh, there's no reason for us to turn it down.

I hope we're not causing too much trouble.

Actually, I've already made a reservation.

You can't enjoy it without a reservation.

Well then...

There's no reason to decline.

Declining her offer will cause her more trouble.

- Let's go. - Okay.

It's going to be an eight-course meal.

Each course will have a brief introduction to the dish.

Tasting it after hearing the introduction...

will enhance the experience.

Enjoy your meal. If you need anything,

please let me know at any time.

You've invited us to such a splendid place.

Thank you.

Please enjoy.

I feel bad that it's just the four of us.

Don't worry about it.

Please feel free to talk and enjoy the meal.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

They're important guests.

Please take great care of them.

Understood.

Excuse me!

Thank you. I leave it to you.

Is it good?

Yes.

If you don't mind, shall we talk over our meal?

- Sure. - Okay.

How much is the maximum unit price we can offer?

It's 35 dollars with the 30 percent discount.

Then...

This is your second dish.

Where's the toilet?

You can go straight down from the room.

Thank you.

Hello.

Yes.

This is Attorney Oh Soon Young from M and A Team of Sanin Group.

Yes, hello.

Well, I just had a question.

You're holding off the supplies you ordered from SHIMIZ.

Yes, that's it.

Is it possible for us to take them off your hands?

Yes.

Right. Then it'd be great for both parties.

Would it be possible for you to share...

the discount rate for the gears with us?

- Yes. - Excuse me.

Yes. Thank you.

Could you text me the rate if it's not too much trouble?

Yes. I can talk now.

- Are things going well? - Yes.

They're having kaiseki now.

Take good care of them until the end.

Yes, sir.

Are you still in the meeting?

Yes. Why do you ask?

Should I join you once I drop off the Korean clients?

Sure.

Well, call me once it's over.

If Speed didn't cancel their contract,

I would have been transferred to Tokyo by now.

Why do you want...

to go to Tokyo this badly?

Shizuoka is your hometown.

It's not that I want to leave here because I don't like it here.

I truly respect your spirit of craftsmanship...

and how much you're focused on your product.

But white-collar workers like me...

will have fewer chances in places like this.

Look at our company for example.

They moved the headquarters to Tokyo.

It's not that I want to leave.

My place in Shizuoka is disappearing.

Excuse me.

- Could I get the lemon drink? - Sure.

Our Korean clients are still sightseeing.

It seems they're not interested in business at all.

Nice.

How did you manage to figure out their deadline?

I was just trying to be helpful to our company.

Nicely done.

You also want to get transferred to Tokyo, right?

I'm going to hit the toilet.

I do like to move to Tokyo too.

If you take me with you, I'll do my best.

Gosh, no way.

Even my performance isn't good enough for the transfer.

We can just get WIND to sign the contract, can't we?

Well, that will help.

But I'm not sure if they'll accept our deal.

Even so. They can't go back empty-handed.

That's true.

I'll see what I can do.

We had a great day of sightseeing thanks to you.

Thank you.

Goodnight.

Thank you. See you tomorrow.

Yes. I'll see you tomorrow.

Thank you.

There's nothing special in the Tokyo office.

That's not true. It's Shizuoka where nothing happens.

What?

We've got Mount Fuji.

That's all this town has.

Mount Fuji? Then what does Tokyo have?

Well, if I were to start...

- What does Tokyo have? - Excuse me.

Tokyo has Tokyo Tower.

- Tokyo Tower? - Tokyo Tower.

There's Tokyo Tower.

- Tokyo Tower. - And Skytree.

Skytree. I saw that.

Yes.

They're done for the day.

Should I join the meeting too?

No.

You worked hard today. So you can go home now.

No, I'm all right.

What?

You're working too hard.

Just go home.

Okay.

- I'll see you tomorrow. - Okay.

I thought we would be only working on this trip.

We got to do all the classic touristy things.

She said she would show us the downtown area tomorrow.

I wanted to be of help on this project.

So I studied a little bit about the Japanese culture.

But sightseeing won't be the only thing we do on this trip, right?

Shall we get to work?

Let's do it in our room.

Attorney Oh, could you look into Speed's contract?

Yes. I did look into that.

They set the discount rates based on the order volumes.

When did you look into that?

When we were having kaiseki.

We're looking into ordering 9,000.

So take a look at this. The discount rate is 40 percent.

I see.

But they wanted us to buy them without any discounts.

- That's unreasonable, right? - It truly is.

But we need this deal more than they do.

- It's still hot. - Gosh, that's hot.

Thank you for the heads-up.

If we get the discount,

WIND can launch bicycles in the 4,000-dollar range, right?

Yes.

Since we can afford to buy them with a 30 percent discount,

we still have a ten percent margin to work with.

But...

can't we just cancel our order for 1,000...

and place a new order for 10,000?

So we can get a 50 percent discount?

No.

If we do that, it will sour the deal.

They don't even seem inclined to increase our order volume.

Since it has to be more than 10,000,

we must order at least 10,001.

That will offend them, and the deal will fall through.

SHIMIZ knows that we need their gears...

and that we want this deal to be made.

SHIMIZ has no reason to rush.

You don't think they'll keep stalling time...

and say no in the end, right?

If they weren't interested in this deal,

they would've said no to our visit.

Well, SHIMIZ must have brought us to the table...

since there was something they wanted.

I see.

If they keep stalling like this and we reach our deadline,

we'll have no choice but to sign the contract...

they present on our last day.

Then they might be stalling time.

I doubt that.

SHIMIZ must have their own situation to handle.

They can't just waste time without a plan.

So it's important to hide each other's deadline.

The deadline?

The fact that we must go back to Korea on Saturday.

We didn't leak information about our deadline, right?

No, we didn't.

I'm sorry. I...

I'm sorry.

Jin Soo, why are you sorry?

She said she had to book the airport limousine.

She asked me when we were leaving Japan.

So?

Did you tell her?

Are you serious?

I'm sorry.

Jin Soo. You can do this, right?

- Yes. - Of course.

Since both of you are the youngest on the team,

use that to build rapport...

and try to get her on your side. Okay?

Yes.

It seemed her superiors were harsh on her too.

Is that so?

I don't remember being harsh on you.

Then I take it that Min Jeong had been harsh on you?

Jin Soo.

Do you think we're here to travel?

- Get a grip. - Look at him.

It is your fault, Jin Soo.

I'm sorry. I won't make mistakes next time.

There's no next time.

Don't you know that we'll be in big trouble...

if we don't have this deal by Saturday?

I'll do my best to fix it.

So how do you think you can fix this?

You're the youngest on our team. Then act like one.

Is this part of the act?

Keep going. Focus.

You're not going to answer me?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I can't say for sure.

I can't really do that today.

I need to talk to my...

Excuse me.

They requested to have a meeting today.

They probably figured it out, right?

Yes.

The youngest employee on their team was getting scolded.

I see.

All right.

Hello, sir.

WIND requested a meeting with us.

And they want it today.

How typical of Koreans.

They sure like a challenge.

That's how Koreans work as expected.

Yes.

Seeing how they revealed their deadline,

they must have figured it out.

They seemed to be in a hurry.

Yes.

Is that okay with you?

Yes. I got it.

Thank you.

Tell them we can have the meeting today.

Yes, sir.

- Hirose. - Yes.

Don't mess it up. And keep me in the loop.

- Okay. - All right.

We had to request this meeting on short notice...

due to some scheduling conflicts on our side.

We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us.

I understand.

We thought you had a more flexible schedule.

We wanted to show you around Shizuoka...

while you are here.

But it seems...

we might have kept you longer than expected.

Not at all.

Mount Fuji was incredible.

It made me want to visit Japan again.

Now,

regarding the contract,

what are your thoughts on our proposal?

We reviewed it internally.

But I'm afraid it won't be possible.

Is that based on the manual of SHIMIZ?

Have you also reviewed the internal regulations?

We are in the process.

If there's no manual for special cases,

will we also receive the existing discount rate?

He's asking if there's no manual, existing discount rates will apply.

We'll see what we can do.

Excuse us.

May we have a moment to discuss this internally?

Okay.

Go ahead.

That again. They'll see what they can do.

Without any discount,

it's much more expensive than our existing unit price.

It's better not to go through this deal.

We just don't have the time to negotiate the price.

As they know about our deadline, it won't be easy.

But our deadline can also be their deadline.

(The Art of Negotiation)

SHIMIZ has no interest in doing business with us, right?

I thought you were a spy.

Mr. Yoshida...

needs to bring up his performance, right?

If we're to pay a higher down payment amount,

the overall amount should be less.

Who will take responsibility for getting WIND listed?

Are you saying I'm responsible for it?

Did the contract proceed well?

The deadline is imminent.

I cannot trust your company.

So did the deal go through?

They said we might have to increase the down payment.

You know the picture of DAICHI...

that was hanging in the WIND's office?

I might need the picture.

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