Black Label [EN]: Chapter 252

Black Label Extra Story 3

“Goodness gracious!”

As Jaeseung and President Song entered the restaurant, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Geraldine Saglio, greeted them with obvious delight.

“Lee, it’s been so long.”

“How have you been?”

Jaeseung, after a brief hug, subtly turned to the new editor standing awkwardly beside him. “I don’t believe we’ve met before….”

The new editor, startled, quickly responded, “I-I’m Sophia, an editor at Vogue! It’s a great honor to meet you!”

Jaeseung immediately took out a business card from his suit jacket pocket and handed it to her. “Sophia, nice to meet you.”

“A business card….”

“Yes, it’s my card.”

Sophia looked intently at the card, her face filled with excitement.

‘Lee’s business card….’

How many people in the industry could possess Lee’s personal business card? Receiving one felt like being at the center of the fashion world.

The name ‘Lee’ clearly inspired a sense of importance.

– Lee

The card simply listed his name and personal contact information.

The brand logo was subtly engraved….

Compared to other owner-designers’ cards, it was simple.

‘Well, this is enough….’

With the Wallflower brand logo and the name ‘Lee,’ what more was needed?

“This is Wallflower’s CFO, Mr. Song.”

President Song introduced himself politely. “I’m Mr. Song.”

After the introductions,

“Shall we start with the meal?”

The four took their seats and ordered.

“Did you rent out the entire restaurant?” President Song asked, looking around.

“Yes, I thought it best to remain discreet until the comeback announcement.”

A young server approached, pushing a cart filled with food. “Aperitifs and hors d’oeuvres.”

He served sweet champagne and fresh oysters.

Jaeseung picked up a fork. “How about we conduct the interview during a comfortable meal?”

Geraldine Saglio replied, “Sounds good,” and took out a recorder from her purse, turning it on.

Click-.

From that moment, all conversations would be recorded for interview material.

“Lee, what made you decide to return so suddenly?”

“I felt I had rested enough.”

“Was there a specific reason?”

Jaeseung paused, took a sip of champagne, and replied softly, “When my daughter asked what my job was, I realized I needed to work.”

Geraldine asked, “Do you have a venue in mind for your comeback stage?”

Jaeseung wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I was thinking Paris Fashion Week.”

“There are concerns about your adaptation [referring to how well he’ll adjust to the current fashion scene].”

“I’ve heard about it.”

The server brought the soup.

“It tastes good.” Jaeseung gestured for them to try it and continued, “Many seem to think I won’t adapt easily after the long hiatus, don’t they?”

“Yes, it seems so.”

“Isn’t that a problem that arguing won’t solve until I show them?”

Jaeseung added, “I’ll show you with results.”

Geraldine replied, “That’s a great line.”

The interview continued. “Could you briefly describe the clothing you’ll be showcasing this season?”

“I haven’t finalized the concept yet. There are many genres I want to try.”

He had rested long enough for the landscape to change completely.

Fashion trends had changed countless times.

Getting a grasp on this season was difficult.

Not because there were no clothes to show, but because there were too many.

He couldn’t decide what to showcase.

“You said you want to try many genres. Does that mean you’re preparing a lineup that contrasts with your previous work?”

Jaeseung replied without hesitation, “If it’s not new….”

Then he added, “I’d rather die.”

Sophia sighed in admiration. “Wow….”

Just looking at him, he seemed like an ordinary young Asian man.

But….

She sensed dignity and grace in his words and actions.

Finesse.

A feeling similar to the aura of those at the pinnacle of their industry.

“When are you planning to return to the front lines?”

Jaeseung replied immediately, “There’s no need to delay, so I want to start as soon as possible. I might go to work at the Brand House next week….”

“Next week?”

“My wife and daughter are also preparing to move to France. I can go to work next week to handle administrative issues.”

Just then,

“Viande, meat dish.”

The server served the tenderloin steak, one of the main courses.

The viande meant the course was ending.

Geraldine Saglio took out more questions. “Will the news of your return be announced first through Vogue?”

Jaeseung shook his head. “Vogue will be the only fashion magazine to cover my return, but it will be reported before that.”

“Before that?”

“I’ve secretly concluded discussions with major broadcasters in Korea, the United States, France, and Italy.”

President Song, who had been eating silently, widened his eyes. “You’re announcing your return through the news?”

“Yes, I’ve completed all the official document deliveries.”

President Song sighed and asked, “What does the official document say?”

Jaeseung looked around and added playfully, “It’s nothing much.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Goodness.”

Jaeseung looked back at the Vogue editors. “Shall we wrap up the interview?”

“It’s a shame, but we have enough material….”

“I want to brag about my daughter now.”

Geraldine retrieved the recorder and pressed the button.

Click-.

She announced the interview’s end with a smile. “All conversations from now on are off the record.”

Jaeseung took out his smartphone and showed them photos of his daughter. “You’ve become a fool for your daughter.”

President Song teased, but he was engrossed in the photos of Yul.

“Oh my, look at her walking….”

It was a peaceful evening.

* * *

After that day,

Jaeseung stayed in a penthouse near the Brand House, lazing around.

He read, watched movies, listened to music while smoking cigars, and visited bars with President Song.

“How long are you going to play?”

“I’m not playing.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“Waiting for inspiration.”

President Song was satisfied with his recent life.

“I guess he’ll figure it out….”

Unlike Jaeseung, President Song had work. He frantically handled Korean branch affairs in an empty office until sunset.

However, he stayed, wanting to be by Jaeseung’s side.

“It’s nice to be reminded of the old days.”

He remembered dreaming with Jaeseung, and the current pace felt familiar and stable.

One day, two days, three days….

Several days passed.

One afternoon, Jaeseung contacted him. “I’m visiting the Brand House at 9 PM tonight. Gather all the local employees.”

President Song asked, “Everyone will be off work then?”

“Even so.”

“You know that’s not in line with the local sentiment, right?”

Jaeseung’s intention was firm. “I have a major announcement.”

“What is it?”

“The news of my return will be reported.”

President Song paused. “You sent official documents to major broadcasters?”

“That’s right.”

“Since it’s being reported tonight, can’t you give me a heads up?”

Jaeseung whispered, “That’s all?”

Director Song frowned. “Yes.”

Director Song sighed. “Really, that’s all?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know what to say….”

“Anyway, please.”

The call ended.

“Goodness….”

President Song, scratching his head, left his office.

5 years.

He was conveying the owner-designer’s instructions after a 5-year hiatus.

* * *

That night,

Jaeseung, wearing a coat, entered Paris.

Cold air rushed into his lungs.

News was being broadcast on an electronic display.

– Next news.

Pedestrians looked up.

– France Télévisions received confirmation from Leadersmith, Wallflower’s owner-designer Lee’s law firm, that he is returning….

Few didn’t know the name ‘Lee.’

The genius who disappeared.

At the news, some stopped walking.

– Along with a plan to return through Paris Fashion Week, we received a handwritten official document.

The signal Jaeseung was waiting for changed.

– The content is the same.

Everyone looked up.

Jaeseung continued forward.

– I’m Back.

The anchor laughed. – That’s all.

The legendary designer ‘Lee’ officially declared his return through news broadcasts.

“It’s still very cold….”

The boundary between ‘spring’ and ‘winter.’

Roughly somewhere in between.