Black Label [EN]: Chapter 220

220. Tic Toc

After taking a breath, Jaeseung continued speaking.

“You’ve already seen the articles about the Wall Flower watch lineup, right?”

– Of course.

After successfully concluding Paris Fashion Week, they had not only penetrated the heart of the fashion world but also established themselves as one of the most talked-about brands. It was no exaggeration.

Barely had they leaked a bit of information, and articles were already flooding the media.

“The first product is already complete. If we adopt the same method for production but differentiate the designs, we can introduce about six watch products along with the clothing items for the next season.”

– Congratulations, for now. But I’d appreciate it if you could summarize the main points. We’re both busy.

“If you, Chairman, provide the assistance I’m seeking, I will ensure that our Wall Flower watch products are sold exclusively through the LVMH Group’s distribution network for six months from their release date.”

A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment. Then, Chairman Ardo let out a hearty laugh and replied.

– That’s a very appealing condition. But I suppose I can hear what kind of help you want before making a decision, right?

In short, he was offering the LVMH Group exclusive distribution rights for six months after the watch products’ release—a striking condition.

Even with just the ‘Wall Flower’ logo engraved, a certain level of sales was guaranteed.

Wall Flower had already secured a loyal consumer base willing to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars without batting an eye to satisfy their ‘curiosity’ or ‘collecting desire’.

“Of course. But this is unexpected. I thought you’d accept immediately with these conditions.”

– Nonsense. At least, in my long life, I’ve never received a free lunch. Attractive offers come with a price, wouldn’t you agree?

Jaeseung grinned.

“I have two requests. First, as I mentioned earlier, I’d like you to arrange meetings with the chairmen of the top watch groups in Switzerland.”

– It might take some time, but it doesn’t seem too difficult. What’s the next request?

“I’d like you to wear our watch products in public appearances exactly ten times.”

– Hahaha! Appear in public wearing your brand’s watch on my wrist? Ten times?

Of course, anyone with a stake in the fashion world knew that Chairman Ardo was an avid collector of luxury watches.

But didn’t about half of the brands under the LVMH Group offer watch products?

Yet, he usually only wore watches with his own brand’s logo engraved on them in public appearances.

Jaeseung retorted in an indifferent tone.

“Didn’t you just say you’ve never received a free lunch?”

– Yes. I certainly said that.

“You can take some time to consider it. I think a day should be enough to sort out your thoughts. What do you think?”

– I do need time to think, but it’s not something I need to dwell on all day. I’ll give you an answer within half a day.

Jaeseung offered some conventional words of gratitude and hung up the phone.

“Good….”

Why go so far as to grant exclusive distribution rights just to put a watch on Chairman Ardo’s wrist?

He was one of the business figures perfectly suited for celebrity marketing.

Moreover, considering the solid distribution network that the LVMH Group possessed, granting exclusive distribution rights wouldn’t necessarily mean incurring significant losses.

Tom Browne, one of Lagerfeld’s children [protégés].

It was no exaggeration to say that the driving force behind his brand’s rapid rise was the fact that the U.S. President wore his coat to the inauguration.

Chairman Ardo was merely a stepping stone for this celebrity marketing strategy.

Jaeseung smiled, straightened his hair in the rearview mirror, started the car, and grabbed the steering wheel.

* * *

The next day, on his way to work, Jaeseung began to browse through the articles that had been updated overnight, waiting for his ordered Americano at a coffee shop near the office.

[Premium Brand Wall Flower’s Somewhat Bizarre Move: Hires Imitation Maker of Its Products as Official Designer, Causing a Stir.]

[Wall Flower’s Owner Designer ‘Lee’ Expresses Fierce Confidence in Upcoming Watch Products.]

Except for Paris Vogue, there were hardly any magazines with whom they maintained a particularly friendly relationship.

What to say? It wasn’t that they had any strong allies, but they also didn’t have any clear enemies.

Nevertheless, there were plenty of articles with reasonably satisfactory content.

It was also evidence that they were showing good results, enough for magazines in a neutral position to pour out favorable articles.

No sooner had he entered the office lobby with a cup of coffee in hand than he ran into Director Song, who was waiting for the elevator.

“Honey, you look good today. Did you get a good rest after yesterday’s schedule?”

“Yes, I fell asleep as soon as I got home after the interview yesterday.”

After speaking, Jaeseung tilted his head slightly and immediately asked back.

“By the way, how’s the construction of the headquarters going? Have you selected a construction company?”

“I’ve narrowed down the list, but I haven’t selected one yet. As you know, it’s not something that can be done in a flash.”

“Could you email me the portfolios of the construction companies on the list before lunch? I’ll take a look at them while I eat.”

“Okay. I understand. I’m just asking in case, but you haven’t changed your mind yet, have you…?”

Jaeseung shrugged as if he didn’t know what she was talking about, and Director Song sighed deeply before answering.

“About wanting to use two entire floors of the building solely for employee welfare spaces. No matter how I think about it, it feels a bit excessive….”

“I have no intention of backing down on that. Like overseas brands and magazines, I think it’s a priority to create a friendly work environment where employees feel more comfortable at the company than at home.”

Director Song groaned as if she couldn’t win, and muttered, “Yeah, I can’t break your stubbornness.”

Soon after, the elevator doors opened, and the two boarded side by side.

“Oh, right. Director, could you gather all the watch line staff by 3 PM today?”

“Okay, I understand. By the way, why the watch line staff?”

“Now that we have a well-made sample, I thought it’s time to start spreading it around.”

They hadn’t exchanged many words when the elevator arrived at the office floor, and a cheerful “Ding-” rang out before the doors opened.

Just as Director Song was about to ask something again, Jaeseung took out his smartphone and replied, “I have an important call, so would you like to go in first? I’ll tell you the details at the meeting,” and immediately answered the phone.

Then, he began to have a conversation with an unknown person in fluent French.

Director Song, who had been standing still and watching Jaeseung, smiled and began to walk towards the office.

“He’ll figure it out on his own.”

There’s no need to be curious. It’s a curiosity that will be resolved soon anyway, and he’ll solve even the most complicated things on his own.

Soon, Director Song also began to make a phone call somewhere.

“Oh, Mr. Park Jinman. Could you bring all the staff to the office by 3 PM today without exception? The president has called an emergency meeting.”

* * *

PM 3:00

The watch line staff were all gathered in the spacious conference room.

Most of them were middle-aged men with ordinary impressions, and the rest were experts brought directly from Switzerland.

Just as they were having various conversations in low voices in a heavy atmosphere, the conference room door suddenly opened, and Director Song and Jaeseung entered.

“It’s been a while, everyone.”

Soon, three employees who followed behind began to hand out cups of steaming coffee to each of them.

By the time each of them had received a cup of coffee,

Jaeseung glanced at his wristwatch and then opened his mouth again.

“Thank you very much for gathering despite your busy schedules. The reason I’ve gathered you all here is simple. I’m planning to start pushing forward with marketing-related projects, and I’m curious to know what you all think.”

At Jaeseung’s words, Park Jinman, one of the master craftsmen who had made the greatest contribution to watch production, raised his hand slightly and replied.

“Depending on the type of marketing, it will vary whether it is premature or not.”

Jaeseung nodded once and continued to speak.

“According to the report, the internal facilities and systemic parts have reached the completion stage. From now on, the key will be the ‘design battle.’ Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct. But this will also be a time-consuming task. The design draft is in place, but we’ll have to make several revisions during the production process….”

“I see. Then, how long will it take until we can handle ‘*Customizing*’ product orders?”

Most watch brands have a customizing system.

Like when buying a car, you can add or remove various options, and the price varies greatly accordingly.

No sooner had Jaeseung’s words ended than there was a brief commotion.

Soon after, Park Jinman groaned, “Hmm…,” and began to speak with difficulty.

“It will take at least fifteen days. If we can complete the design of the first sample, we can produce and ship it using the customizing system for that product only.”

“Good. Then, when we place an order in fifteen days, how long will it take to produce and ship it?”

“It will take about fifteen days again. It may be extended or shortened depending on the customizing details, but on average, it seems that about fifteen days will be additionally required.”

Jaeseung nodded in satisfaction and replied.

“Good. Then, fifteen days from now, I will place twenty customizing orders.

You must produce twenty products within a month in total. While maintaining the highest quality. Is that possible?”

After hesitating for a moment, Park Jinman replied again.

“If we reallocate personnel and divide the work well, I think we can do it without difficulty.”

“It’s something you must do. All of the products produced in that way will be worn on the wrists of high-ranking figures around the world.”

A deep smile spread across the faces of the watch line staff.

It was a smile that arose from the thought that the day when the time spent in the research facilities in the factory would bear fruit was not far off.