Black Label [EN]: Chapter 229

Black Label Episode 229: Approval of Marriage

A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.

The employees, seemingly in unspoken agreement, wore serious expressions and engaged in hushed conversations.

A quick observation revealed two distinct reactions among the staff.

First, a group brimming with anticipation.

Wasn’t launching a Black Label edition the ‘ultimate goal’ for every designer?

Even though it wouldn’t be a brand they founded themselves, they seemed thrilled by the prospect of realizing that dream, at least within the brand they were currently a part of.

Then, there was the second group, their faces etched with worry and apprehension.

They clearly viewed this project with a pessimistic outlook.

Soon, Jaeseung clapped his hands sharply, the sound cutting through the air and shifting the atmosphere. He continued speaking.

“It seems some of you think this is a bit premature.”

At his words, several employees nodded subtly.

‘Black Label’.

Wasn’t it a ‘Special Edition’ format reserved for a select few premium brands that had firmly established themselves?

They used the finest fabrics and materials to produce extremely limited quantities.

Once production was complete, sales commenced without any special promotion or marketing.

These sales typically concluded within hours, or at most, a day or two.

While it varied depending on brand recognition, for a brand capable of launching Black Label products, selling out was practically guaranteed.

But what about Wallflower?

Although it had survived in the niche market for some time, its official debut at Paris Fashion Week had been less than a year ago.

Considering that brands launching Black Label products boasted a long history and tradition, the concerns of some employees were understandable.

Soon.

Choo Jihoon, a design team employee who was almost a founding member, cautiously raised his hand and voiced his opinion.

“Um, Mr. CEO. I’m really sorry, but as you said, I think it’s a bit early.”

“There’s no need to apologize for expressing your opinion. What’s your reasoning? I’d appreciate it if you could share it openly.”

“If we consider Wallflower’s official debut to be at Paris Fashion Week, it’s still a fledgling brand, not even a year old, right? Furthermore, the launch of the watch line isn’t even properly finalized yet, and its success remains uncertain.”

He presented his opinion eloquently, but judging by his trembling clenched fist, he was clearly nervous.

Since no one else was openly expressing their doubts, he seemed to have mustered the courage, feeling that if he didn’t speak up, no one would cast a dissenting vote.

Jaeseung responded in a very serious tone, “Thank you very much for your candid feedback.”

He felt it was important to express sincere gratitude because honest advice was far more valuable than empty flattery.

“However, I see things a little differently.”

Jaeseung’s words refocused everyone’s attention.

“Strictly speaking, the ‘watch line’ is already a gamble that’s been made. Now, all that remains is to patiently wait for the dice to stop rolling and then check the outcome.”

The first-generation model was already complete, and samples had been distributed widely.

Even the models with guaranteed impact, the Swiss watch industry giants, had already been secured.

In reality, all that was left was to await the completion of the women’s model, which was in its final stages, and to continue focusing on marketing until the product launch.

From another perspective, the watch line didn’t justify delaying the release of the Black Label edition.

“I acknowledge that Wallflower is a new brand. But is there a rule stating that new brands can’t release Black Label products? If you’re confident in creating a solid product worthy of the Black Label designation, and if you’re confident in selling that product, then simply create it.”

Jaeseung scanned the faces of those gathered in the hall and asked in a rather sharp tone.

“Why are you all so afraid? Is it the weight associated with the name Black Label Edition? Or is it the fear of unfamiliar work?”

Jaeseung’s words caused a solemn atmosphere to descend upon the hall.

A heavy, stifling silence filled the room for a moment.

Jaeseung continued speaking fluently.

“I will provide you with the finest fabrics and materials. The same goes for subsidiary materials. If you need it, I can supply gold, platinum, diamonds—anything. What’s the reason for hesitating? Are you worried it won’t sell? Are you concerned about potential losses? If that’s the worry, dismiss it now. Even if all the Black Label Edition products become unsalable inventory, it won’t significantly impact the brand.”

Jaeseung paused to take a breath, then continued in an even more impassioned tone.

“What if it doesn’t sell? We’ll simply display it beautifully in the offline store. It would be impressive to line them up on one side of the display. If we release Black Label Edition products, we can even claim the title of being the first among domestic brands. I am proposing a historical project that could mark a turning point in modern fashion history. Don’t you want to be a part of history? Don’t you want to add a line of career achievements shining in gold to your resume?”

Some employees began to clench their fists, their eyes filled with determination.

They felt an unfamiliar emotion, dormant deep within their hearts, begin to stir.

“Good. Then let’s proceed this way. We will accept applications from those who wish to participate in the Black Label Edition product design submission. Even if we use only the highest quality materials to produce the product, those who lack confidence in creating the highest quality product need not apply.”

It was a statement conveying a strong intention to move forward with the Black Label Edition project regardless of the obstacles.

Jaeseung began to gather the documents he had brought, adding in a gentler tone.

“The application form will be sent to you via the company messenger as soon as it’s finalized. Those who wish to participate can fill out the form and submit it to Director Song. Let’s conclude today’s meeting here.”

With those words, Jaeseung left the conference room first.

Despite the dozens of employees huddled together, the inside of the conference room was as quiet as a mouse.

* * *

After work, Jaeseung headed to a Japanese restaurant located near Mangwon-dong.

Once he started working in earnest again, the timing of informing his parents of the marriage news would be further delayed.

He intended to formally introduce Ashlynn to his family at dinner tonight and announce their marriage.

“Nervous?”

“A little.”

Ashlynn answered quietly, then furrowed her brow slightly and added.

“Lee, can you give me just one word of encouragement?”

“Um….”

Jaeseung, lost in thought for a moment, opened the door of the Japanese restaurant and said in a gentle tone.

“Remember the Parsons·F.I.T competition last time? When our parents first met you?”

“Yeah, why then?”

“At that time, my parents said something like this. They said they wanted me to marry you.”

“Really?”

Jaeseung replied, “Of course,” and held Ashlynn’s hand even tighter.

To be more precise, it was a feeling of “I don’t mind a foreign daughter-in-law,” but wasn’t it better to think positively?

He was certain that neither his mother nor his father were so narrow-minded as to oppose the marriage simply because Ashlynn was a foreigner, so he told a ‘white lie’.

Ashlynn followed Jaeseung, rubbing her chest nervously.

Soon.

Thud-.

As the sliding door opened, the sight of his family, already seated, came into full view.

“Son, you’re here.”

Jaeseung’s father, spotting Ashlynn half-hidden behind Jaeseung, stood up and shook her hand, saying.

“Haha, it’s been a while.”

After Jaeseung translated, Ashlynn, who had been holding his hand, smiled brightly.

After they took their seats, small talk flowed back and forth for a while.

The main topic of conversation was the ‘watch’ on his father’s wrist.

It was the Richemont Group’s special edition watch that he had successfully bid on at the Swiss auction and gifted to him.

“That bastard Kim Hyungtae keeps saying it’s fake! I was so upset….”

“You’re talking about your friend who runs a watch shop, right?”

“Yes! He kept sneering, saying that if it’s genuine, it’s worth billions, how could you give it as a gift? I almost punched him, but I held back.”

“So what happened?”

“What happened? There’s a warranty. When I showed him the warranty that came with it, he foamed at the mouth and almost collapsed. Keuheuheuh.”

After finishing, his father poured the remaining beer in his glass into his mouth, and his mother narrowed her eyes slightly and scolded him.

“Honey, I’m asking out of concern, but are you perhaps going around bragging about your son all the time?”

“I am. It’s not like I’m bragging about someone else’s kid; I’m going to brag about my wonderful son. What’s wrong with that?”

“Oh, you’re bound to be called a fool for your son if you do that?”

“Kehaha! Yeah, yeah. Then I’d rather be called a fool for my son. Our son, have a drink.”

Jaeseung received the glass his father was pouring and said quietly with a faint smile.

“Father, I’ll prepare some gifts for your friends this time.”

“Eh, it’s okay. What’s so special about it….”

“Still. You have to offer bribes like this sometimes so you don’t get called a fool for your son when you go somewhere, right?”

While such small talk continued, his mother put down her chopsticks and asked.

“Son, let’s get to the main point.”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t there something important you wanted to say that you arranged this meeting for?”

“Ah, that’s….”

Just as Jaeseung was carefully choosing his words, his father smiled and said.

“What else could it be? It’s marriage.”

His father, after speaking briefly, narrowed his eyes slightly and asked in a sly tone.

“Right?”

“…….”

“It’s right.”

He had expected the conversation to proceed smoothly, but he hadn’t anticipated it being concluded so easily, to the point of feeling anticlimactic….

His mother covered half of her mouth and smiled, saying again.

“Yes. There are pros and cons, but doing it quickly isn’t bad either.”

“That’s right. Your father also thinks your mother is right.”

At that moment, Seunghee, who had been repeating “Oh my, what to do. What to do…,” opened her mouth with a bright smile.

“Oppa, Oppa. What does Unnie [older sister] like about our Oppa? Someone like Unnie could meet more famous and handsome people, right?”

“If you’re so curious, ask her yourself.”

Jaeseung answered in a rather irritable tone, and Seunghee asked again.

“Daebak [amazing], Daebak. As expected, you have to be successful to see this. Oppa, if I become successful too, can I marry Kwon Jihoon?”

“Hmm, well? Even if you die and are resurrected a hundred times, wouldn’t that be an impossible dream?”

At those words, Seunghee puffed up her cheeks to the fullest.

Jaeseung whispered to Ashlynn, who didn’t fully understand the situation.

“Ashlynn.”

“Yeah?”

“I told them.”

As Ashlynn, who had asked carefully, bit her lower lip, Jaeseung held her hand even tighter and answered.

“It seems like we can slowly start preparing for the wedding from the beginning of next year.”

“Oh my gosh, really?”

“Of course.”

Ashlynn couldn’t contain her excitement and suddenly hugged Jaeseung tightly.

Unlike the family, who were looking at the two with happy smiles, Jaeseung’s face was gradually turning as red as autumn maple leaves.

Someone said, “Marriage is like lying down in a coffin, and having children is like hammering nails into that coffin.”

But even if I live my whole life in a narrow and dark coffin, if I can be with the person next to me now….

I think I’ll just be happy.

No, I’m sure.

I’ll just be happy.