The conference room swallowed us whole—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Seoul's sprawl and a table so polished I could see my reflection in its surface.
A man in expensive casual wear stood beside presentation screens. Mid-thirties, perfectly groomed, the kind of calculated approachability that screamed marketing executive.
"Gentlemen." He spread his arms like we were old friends. "Congratulations on your win. Truly spectacular performance."
We sank into leather chairs too soft to relax in.
"I'm Director Choi from Chingu Skin." He tapped his tablet, and the screens behind him bloomed with product shots—sleek bottles in frosted glass, models with impossible skin glowing under soft light.
"We've been Rise of the Idols' premier sponsor since day one. Your hotel reward? We made it possible."
Of course. Nothing came without strings.
