Chapter 44: Even This Wealthy Young Lady Has No Chance

    Even This Wealthy Young Lady Has No Chance

    [So, you''re suggesting that luck played a role in breaking an S-class gate? I find that to be quite a bold statement...]

    [Indeed. If it had been a boss battle, defense, or offense-oriented gate, it would have been impossible. It was a clear that was only possible due to its conceptual nature.]

    Upon hearing the nonsensical talk as soon as Melanie turned on the TV, she furrowed her brow.

    [I''d like to inquire about the reason, if you don''t mind.]

    [It''s a straightforward story. Conceptual gates have a significant drop in difficulty once the clearing conditions are revealed.]

    This is indeed true. Conceptual gates have many ambiguous aspects that differentiate them from the difficulty of other gates. Firstly, the level of monsters that often appear is at the A~B rank level. In other words, once the clear conditions are known, the difficulty plummets instantly.

    In reality, conceptual clears are usually done by a small elite group. It''s a valid point, but it''s still annoying. Instead of stating there were no casualties or highlighting our cooperation that led to an impressive gate clear, they chose to attribute it all to luck.

    Even the host on TV seemed to realize the danger of such a statement, sweating nervously. However, the hunter who didn''t pick up on the atmosphere continued speaking.

    [Baek Taeyang, was it? Be it the previous gate incident in the department store or this incident, it''s a fact that he''s competent. But denying the role of luck is impossible. Look at this incident alone. No matter what they say about it just being a ride, it''s still a skill. It''s a skill he gained after ranking first in contributions. Yet, how is it that everyone''s reaction is overwhelmingly positive? It''s like... it''s akin to driving a tank on the street!]

    It''s not an incorrect statement either. But it''s not appropriate in the current situation.

    Among the words spoken by the guest hunter, there wasn''t a single incorrect point. The issue was that the timing wasn''t appropriate.

    The morning TV show, ‘Strong and Power Morning! Hot Rookies!'' analyzes emerging awakened individuals. It''s a popular program that investigates and analyzes newly rising stars. The most significant feature is that when investigating these rising awakened individuals, they invite relevant famous figures for interviews.

    [Are you saying that Baek Taeyang is dangerous? I can''t just let that slide. Moreover, if he abides by the road traffic laws regarding summoning skill, there shouldn''t be a problem, right? Why are you trying to bring this up again?]

    When asked to name the most famous figure associated with Baek Taeyang, one person who shouldn''t be omitted is Chairman Choi Youngnam of Lost Paradise Group. It''s a versatile company that ranks in the top three in Korea.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

    It looks like the rumors about Chairman Choi being completely on Baek Taeyang''s side were true.

    While there were rumors that he utilized Baek Taeyang for the company''s image, judging from his current attitude, it seemed to be all false.

    The chairman glaring at the hunter with a furrowed brow showed no sincerity.

    [Um, it''s spring outside, but it feels like summer in here. Hunter Lee Hyotae mentioned the danger, and Chairman Choi Youngnam seems to prioritize stability, judging by his observations of the rookie''s actions. Given the recent significant incidents, it seems inevitable for a rookie to come forward, considering the circumstances.]

    The host promptly wrapped up the conversation before the atmosphere could become too heated.

    In the case of Lee Hyotae, who harbored a strong animosity towards Baek Taeyang, the reason became clear quickly. He was a guest hunter chosen as the trigger for Baek Taeyang''s awakening. Although there were no video records, the incident gained renewed attention with Baek Taeyang''s rise.

    Being a fifth-ranked hunter defeated by a non-awakened was disgraceful. Holding onto that dishonor, he appeared on the TV show to restore his reputation. However, it turned out to be a futile endeavor. His plan to expose Baek Taeyang''s violent tendencies and conduct by playing the victim, collapsed when Chairman Choi Youngnam testified. The clash between a mere fifth-ranked hunter struggling with D~F-ranked dungeons and gates and the chairman of a global conglomerate reached a pitiful level.

    "How is Kim Minsoo''s recruitment developing?"

    "Miss Melanie, Kim Minsoo hasn''t shown any clear intentions yet. It''s highly likely that he''ll align with Miss So Yoomin."

    She watched the TV show to gather any information about Baek Taeyang. However, beyond simple information, nothing had been revealed, so they continued speculating on his actions.

    Melanie, having lost interest, turned off the TV and prepared to leave.

    "And what about Baek Taeyang?"

    "Considering there''s been no contact with Chairman Choi Youngnam, it seems he remains unaffiliated."

    "Then I should approach him. Head straight for Baek Taeyang."

    "Yes, understood."

    The globally renowned awakened weapons manufacturing company, Kaivan, is always thirsty for new models. Since rookie models have a lower market value and offer a substantial return if they are successful, the company follows the tradition of choosing the most promising rookies in each country.

    Therefore, the recent model candidate chosen by Chairman Kaivan is naturally Kim Minsoo. Although his appearance and personality are uncertain, the keyword [Hero] is too appealing to ignore. But due to So Yoomin always being around, direct marketing can''t be done openly.

    "If he takes the bus, it''ll take at least 30 minutes... He should be coming out soon, Miss."

    "Alright, let''s wait and see."

    The colossal figure named Baek Taeyang emerged.

    Chairman Kaivan hadn''t mentioned this to Melanie. How could he use his daughter as a business tool?

    I''ll give it a try.

    Melanie already knew her father''s intentions. Even when the company almost collapsed due to her inexperienced skill usage, he didn''t utter a single word of complaint. If she couldn''t actively seize even such a small opportunity, she had no face to show.

    Ping!

    "Oh, hold on. I got a message..."

    [Yoo Soojin]

    [Taeyang, I didn''t reply to your text yesterday, sorry ?.?]

    [I thought you might not contact me because of that big incident...]

    [Are you okay? I was really worried because the news was huge.]

    [We also had a dungeon tour yesterday ?.? Anyway, I''m really sorry for not replying.]

    [You''re not mad, right? Right? ??...?]

    [-A small puppy emoticon waving its tail apologetically-]

    Initiating contact first is effective in the beginning. It makes her think ‘this guy is interested in me'' and opens up her heart. After that, even if I don''t reach out often, she''ll recall the initial interest and naturally get in touch.

    Of course, it''s not about toying with Soojin. It''s just a habit. There''s no reason to treat her that way. She''s the first woman I have a relationship with here, so I want to treat her with care.

    [Yoo Soojin]

    [Yes! Yes! I''ll definitely answer right away]

    [-Puppy emoticon throwing a heart-]

    A cute emoticon automatically brought a smile to my face. I smiled even more than usual, but when I looked at Melanie, I immediately composed myself.

    It was a method to create a stark contrast and introduce a sense of distance between us. It''s like, ‘You''re not someone who makes me smile,'' or something like that.

    "Sorry, what were you trying to say?"

    "I''d like to offer you to be a model for Kaivan Corporation."

    Modeling? I did receive a call from Chairman Choi Youngnam as well. Back then, I knew nothing about this world''s affairs, so I declined.

    Wait, this might actually be an opportunity, right?

    Melanie and Kim Minsoo are somewhat entangled in the novel''s setting. Skipping that and directly offering me a modeling opportunity? That''s impossible.

    She must have approached me after reaching out to Kim Minsoo.

    The reason isn''t rocket science. Yoomin is in the picture, and since Minsoo''s the protagonist, various circumstances are likely necessary. In other words, as long as there''s an opportunity, I can immediately connect Melanie and Kim Minsoo.

    "Haven''t you contacted Kim Minsoo first?"

    "Huh? How did you..."

    "I''d like to discuss the details in the car, is that okay?"

    "Yes... Yes! Please come in."

    A virgin attempting to control me? She''s being too audacious.

    After summoning back Rocinante, I waited for the limousine door to open.

    I''ll be the subject of thorough comparison.

    After this meeting, she''ll inevitably compare me and Minsoo. The moment she contemplates using him as a model should trigger thoughts of me. If dissatisfaction creeps in, and she starts feeling Kim Minsoo won''t cut it...

    That''s when I swoop in.

    The distance to the S-rank gate location takes about 20 minutes if driven slowly.

    Cooking up one virgin in 20 minutes? It''s no big deal. Let me lend a hand with your romantic endeavors, Minsoo. I''m aiding with the harem, so it''s only fitting that I orchestrate its downfall too.

    Look at the girl flustered as the conversation shifts in this direction. Behind that arrogant fac?ade, she''s no different from a newly arrived country girl.

    In front of me, even this wealthy young lady has no chance.

    She''s clueless. She has no idea what kind of a man is about to take a seat beside her. Before being conquered, ignorance is a given.