Chapter 156. Sub-Trial (4)
Eun-Ho and the others were gathered in the two-person dorm room. Thankfully, even with two beds and two desks, there was still plenty of space. If it had been any smaller, holding a special training session would have been impossible.
“Okay, so lift the corners of your mouth just a little more,” urged Ji-Eun.
“L-like this?” asked the Swear-Master.
“That’s good, Mr. Swear-Master! But try smiling more naturally. It’s fine if your gums show. Just relax!” said Ji-Eun.
The group sat in a loose circle, watching Ji-Eun coach Swear-Master one-on-one. She had somehow dragged in a full-length mirror, and the two bent forward and straightened up repeatedly as they practiced.
“Alright, smile!”
“S-smile!”
“And stop leaning on one leg!”
Swear-Master’s lips trembled and his gums peeked out awkwardly. No matter how firmly he stood, he kept tilting to one side. His hair was flat, as if licked by a cow. Watching him mimic her instructions only made the whole thing more ridiculous.
Someone in the audience couldn’t hold in a laugh. “Pfft.”
Sol-Ah hissed, pressing her finger against Yeo-Jin’s lips. “Shh!”
However, the Swear-Master’s face was already bright red. “Who the hell just laughed at me?!”
Of course, Ji-Eun stopped him immediately. She said calmly, “I told you. No more swearing. Try again. Be gentle, be positive. What could you say instead?”
“How am I supposed to when they’re laughing right in my face? What do you want me to say?!” he snapped.
Ji-Eun beamed sweetly and said, “Maybe something like, oh my, Yeo-Jin must’ve found that really funny. That way, both you and the listener feel good.”
He stared at her, frowning absurdly. “You think this crap actually helps?”
“That’s another one.”
“... Fine. This might actually help. It’s fuckin—I mean, incredibly helpful,” he still swore by instinct, yet he actually followed instructions when told. For someone with such a rough exterior, he behaved like an obedient high-schooler.
“Noonim, I think you’ve got talent,” Jae-Hyuk commented.
“For real. Ji-Eun Unnie, you could’ve become a teacher,” another said.
“Yeah, you were about to waste that gift,” a third agreed.
Leaving that group in Ji-Eun’s care, Eun-Ho turned to Sol-Ah. “You’re partnered with the Swear-Master, right?”
“Yes,” Sol-Ah replied.
“Then it shouldn’t be hard. Just tell customers you’ll use a healing skill if they purchase something.”
“You think that’ll work?”
“It will. I’ve tried something similar myself.”
Eun-Ho remembered.
“That would be fifty thousand Points in total. Since you passed thirty thousand, you’re eligible for a physical therapy session. Shall I assist you with that?”
“Please do. Rumor says that you have magic hands.”
Then, by late afternoon, there had even been customers coming specifically for the physical therapy. That alone proved how effective it was.
“But my skill might not work on those people...” Sol-Ah murmured anxiously.
“That’s not what matters. And if you’re still unsure, just call it aromatherapy instead.”
“Aromatherapy?” she echoed.
“People don’t know whether it really works or not, but everyone likes how it sounds.” Eun-Ho shrugged, and Sol-Ah’s eyes widened with realization.
“Oh... that actually sounds convincing!” Yeo-Jin chimed in agreement.
Yeon Bo-Ra suddenly snapped her fingers as if struck by inspiration. “Oh! Then I’ll make little clay souvenirs!”
“That could work. Can you make them small?”
“Yes! I can make tiny animal sculptures down to the size of a coin.”
If it was handmade with care, a simple gift could be more meaningful than something expensive.
“If you’re working with clay, you don’t even need a budget. You could start making some today,” Eun-Ho suggested.
“Oh! You’re right! Then I’ll go grab materials!” she said, jumping up.
“Unnie! I’ll go with you!” Yeo-Jin said, following her out.
Yeon Bo-Ra’s team was no problem. Next came the cleaning lady, the security guard, and the team of Lee Ye-Ji and Kim Han-Wool.
“For you...”
“Don’t you worry, my dear. I’ll figure something out,” the cleaning lady answered with confidence.
“She’s amazing, honestly. Total social butterfly,” Ye-Ji said.
“Oh really?” Eun-Ho asked.
“Of course! And if things fall through, we can always offer some cleaning help. By the way, what’s a social butterfly?” the cleaning lady asked innocently.
They also seemed reliable. Both the cleaning lady and the security guard were experienced enough to handle themselves. Leaving everyone to prepare their own sales strategies, Eun-Ho stepped outside.
Then, he said, “Performance reward.”
[Would you like to check your performance rewards?]
“Not yet. But show me the conditions for receiving benefits,” he requested instead.
That was what he truly wanted to know. They promised benefits, but without knowing the criteria, proper preparation was impossible.
If all we have to do is rank first among the twenty-eight teams, we could just do the minimum.
Barring a miracle, they would indeed place first. Yet, as always, the system gave an unexpected answer.
[Benefits will be distributed based on both Sales Performance and Management Performance.]
Management performance? What would that be?
“So that means, the next OJT is with the Management Bureau?” he asked.
[Sorry, I am unable to answer that question.]
OJT at the Management Bureau... That’d be interesting.
He exhaled slowly.
In that case, I’d better maximize results now while I can, Eun-Ho thought.
***
That night, ideas for business models and marketing plans glittered like stars. When the long night finally passed, a new morning arrived. They had gathered under the shade of a massive tree at the village entrance.
[Welcome to the Sky Tower!]
“So this product is for...”
“In that case, ma’am, I’d recommend this one instead...”
They had only been here for one day, yet everyone already moved like they belonged. The group blended seamlessly into the peaceful countryside, which each one busy selling, smiling and hustling.
“Look at them. They’re acting like this place is their living room now,” the mentor muttered.
In contrast, the hovering, glowing performance board seemed strangely out of place.
[Sales Performance Status]
1. Team 25: 1,275,000 Points
2. Team 10: 170,000 Points
3. Team 12: 95,000 Points
4. Team 3: 47,000 Points
5. Team 9: 30,000 Points
6. Team 21: 10,000 Points
The atmosphere felt more intense than yesterday. Perhaps seeing everyone’s results out in the open had lit a fire under them. Only six teams had scored anything so far, but considering how almost everyone had completely failed the day before, it was still an improvement.
“Everyone’s racking up points like crazy,” Eun-Ho remarked.
“What’s up with this batch? Why’s everyone suddenly acting like a monster salesperson?” The mentor said, stunned.
It was understandable though. The man had said it took months just to complete a special order. Seeing rookies pull off sales like this on only the second day of OJT had to be unbelievable.
“Maybe it’s because of you, Hyungnim?” the mentor asked.
“Could be,” Eun-Ho admitted.
Last night, they had proven to the others that they could do it. Once people witnessed success with their own eyes, they naturally began seeking out a path toward it, just like how runners pushed harder when the leading record was set in front of them.
“Team ten is Sol-Ah and the Swear-Master, and team three is Bo-Ra’s, right?” Ji-Eun asked.
“That’s right, Noonim! team nine is the cleaning lady’s team,” Jae-Hyuk replied.
“That only leaves team twelve. Who’s in that one?” Eun-Ho asked.
Team Twelve...
Eun-Ho recalled seeing them when the door first opened. A bulky man carrying a dainty hand mirror flashed through his mind. That had been Dmitri’s team.
“You think they have a super-salesman like you, Hyungnim?” Jae-Hyuk asked.
“They might not have a super-salesman, but they definitely have a super promotional item.”
“A special promo item? What kind?”
“Homemade health supplements,” Eun-Ho said.
“... Sorry?”
“Anyway, we should get moving. Enough talking,” he said.
“Ah, yes!”
They had to push their numbers as high as possible now. The more they earned today, the less they’d suffer during the next OJT. Thus, the next stream of customers began.
[Team 25 - Sale Successful!]
[You have received 5,000 Points in commission.]
[Total Sales: 1,325,000 Welfare Points]
[Total Sales: 1,375,000 Welfare Points]
[Total Sales: 1,405,000 Welfare Points]
...
The numbers continued to climb steadily, though the pace slowed, likely because most nearby customers had bought from them yesterday.
Maybe it’s time for a repeat-purchase promotion... Eun-Ho thought.
Just as he was brainstorming new tactics, someone softly murmured above him, “U-um... Excuse me.”
A woman in a pure white sundress stepped forward, clasping her hands nervously. Her long black hair flowed like silk, and her skin was as pale as snow. The delicateness of her features were poised enough to seem cold at a glance.
“Oh, you came back,” he said.
“Do you really remember me?”
Of course he remembered. She was the same one who bought the Proposal Panic yesterday. She hesitated, got his attention, then panicked and bolted.
“Um... Excuse me...”
“Did you need something else?”
“N-no! Nothing”
Also, he had noticed her wandering near the village entrance alone since early morning.
“... I’m just happy you remembered me.” Her face flushed a deep red, reminding Eun-Ho of Wei the day he heard news about Yul. That alone made him soften his tone.
“What can I help you with?” he asked gently, treating it as an after-service management.
The woman seemed to gather her courage before whispering, barely louder than a mosquito, “I-I have a favor to ask!”
“A favor?”
“Yes!”
Hmm.
A customer who quietly bought just one product yesterday, watched from afar, then finally approached him today. There was only one kind of request someone like that would make.
“We can’t do refunds.”
“... Excuse me?”
Judging by her reaction, the Proposal Panic she bought yesterday had likely gone terribly. There were always such customers. The kind who left stains all over a new shirt, then insisted on a return because the tag was still attached; or the type who bought bundles for the discount, and later demanded a refund for just one item because they changed their mind.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t offer refunds or returns. That’s company policy.”
“... W-what?”
“If you purchase something else, though, I can give you up to ten percent off. Are you interested?”
The woman blinked slowly, clearly processing. Her mouth opened, closed, opened again, unable to settle on what to say.
Eun-Ho offered, “Or did you want to exchange it for It Was Summer? You sounded unsure yesterday.”
“What?!”
“Exchanges might be possible. Let me pull up the catalog—”
“That’s not it!” She quickly waved her hands, cutting him off before pressing both palms together earnestly. “You’re just so cute.”
Huh?
“Me?”
“Yes!”
“All of a sudden?”
“It’s not sudden!”
It definitely feels sudden.
Ding!
[A Sub-Trial has been activated.]
[Trial: Go on a Date with the Prepared Bride.]
A date as a trial? And what’s up with that title?
[Reward: Prepared Bride’s affection will increase significantly.]
[Penalty on Failure: Prepared Bride’s affection will decrease.]
Does this really count as a trial?
***
In twenty-seven years, Eun-Ho would be lying if he said he had never gone on a date. He’d had a few casual school-age outings, but nothing serious.
However, that was back when he still had perfectly functioning legs, a promising athletic future, and both popularity and potential.
“Ah... Sorry, Eun-Ho. I’m going with Jin-Hyuk instead.”
All relationships could shatter in an instant, and romantic ones were especially the case. The moment being together required an explanation to others, it was over. He learned that early.
Love is a luxury.
He repeated that belief, then answered without hesitation, “I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”
There was nothing to think deeply about. The person in front of him was someone he’d only met yesterday. She was a stranger, and not even a human.
“It’s also difficult to step away because I’m technically working right now.”
Her gaze fell to the ground, shoulders shrinking. “Working... Oh, I see...”
She seemed genuinely disappointed, almost painfully so.
“... I won’t be able to go on a date,” he added, “but I could walk with you for a bit.”
“H-huh?”
“I’m looking for places where Tower residents tend to gather. If you know somewhere like that, could you show me the way?”
He had to move around to find new customers anyway, so the suggestion served two purposes at once.
“Yes! I know a place!” She clenched her fists with bright, eager eyes. “Below that mountain, there’s a mineral spring, and a hill where children play! And if we go further around the back—”
It seemed harmless enough, as a short walk wouldn’t hurt.
***
Meanwhile, Jae-Hyuk was drowning in work.
“How about this one then? It’s very popular, you know!” he said energetically.
“Hmm... How much is that?”
“The total is seventeen thousand Points!”
“Seventeen thousand? For something like this? Hmph. Fine, hand it over. Let’s see it first.”
He wasn’t great with quick calculations, and the elderly customers didn’t take turns patiently. They all spoke at once, each insisting on being heard first. His head spun trying to keep track.
All of a sudden, Eun-Ho said, “Jae-Hyuk, cover for me a bit.”
“Yes Hyungnim! Are you going somewhere?”
“Oh, this lady knows a spot where a lot of residents gather. I’m going to do a quick market survey with her.”
“Huh?”
“It won’t take long.”
Before Jae-Hyuk could even ask where they were going or more importantly who he was going with, the moment slipped through his fingers.
“Let’s go,” Eun-Ho told the woman, and the two began walking away.
“W-wait! Hyungnim! Hold on a second!”
However, Eun-Ho was already gone, disappearing like wind. Jae-Hyuk chased the direction he’d vanished, but he was nowhere near.
In the meantime, Ji-Eun said politely to a customer, “Yes, payment has been completed! Have a wonderful day, ma’am.”
“My, such a sweet-talking young lady!”
Jae-Hyuk hurried to her, breathless. “N-Noonim!”
“Mm?”
“Hyungnim just—”
“What about Eun-Ho? What happened?”
He swallowed hard, throat suddenly dry. “He said he was going to do market research with someone.”
“Market research?” Ji-Eun echoed, frowning.
“Yes!”
Why is he so panicked?
Ji-Eun didn’t see anything alarming about that. “So? Why are you sweating like that?”
“That’s because...” Jae-Hyuk’s face stiffened as he said the truth, “He was literally talking to thin air!”
“... What?”