The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player
Chapter 42: Dinner With Ma Kyung Rok (2)

An Sang-cheol, engrossed in a conversation at the front desk, made his way towards Ryu Min.

“Are you Ryu Min?”

“Oh, yes! Hello…”

Ryu Min feigned surprise, and even An Sang-cheol, with his stoic demeanor, displayed a hint of astonishment.

It was expected.

“We’ve met before, haven’t we? At Gallerya Forest.”

“Oh… Yes. I think I caught a glimpse of you while moving upstairs. Weren’t you standing next to the actress, Seo Arin?”

An Sang-cheol recollected the situation from Ryu Min’s description.

“That’s right. Are you, by any chance, the major shareholder of Cheonma Consulting?”

“Yes.”

As soon as Ryu Min confirmed, An Sang-cheol bowed respectfully, bending at a 90-degree angle.

“I apologize for the previous misunderstanding.”

Although he appeared apologetic on the surface, his true sentiments were different.

-How can this youngster, who doesn’t even look twenty, be the one to invest 280 billion won? It doesn’t make sense.

Despite maintaining a composed exterior, doubt lingered within him.

Even his eyes betrayed a faint trace of wariness.

‘Well, isn’t this a natural reaction? It’s unlikely for someone my age to possess such wealth.’

However, Ryu Min had no obligation to convince An Sang-cheol at this moment.

After all, the person he needed to converse with was Ma Kyung-rok.

Naturally, Ryu Min knew the expected reaction.

“Oh, it’s alright. You didn’t know, so it’s understandable. I, too, wasn’t aware that the CEO of Cheonma Consulting resided upstairs…”

“Oh! Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not the CEO.”

“Oh?”

“I apologize for the delayed introduction. I’m Manager An Sang-cheol. I arrived early as the CEO will join us shortly.”

“I see…”

He purposely feigned ignorance of Ma Kyung-rok’s presence.

This response was fitting for someone claiming not to recognize him.

“Please wait inside until the CEO arrives.”

“Oh, yes.”

Following An Sang-cheol’s lead, Ryu Min entered the hotel’s restaurant.

As expected of a top-tier corporation, the restaurant’s interior exuded magnificence.

“Wow.”

Ryu Min, like a country bumpkin visiting Seoul, couldn’t help but gaze wide-eyed at the restaurant’s grandeur.

An Sang-cheol discreetly glanced at him.

-What an innocent look.

Not only his gaze, but his thoughts were also evident.

Well, it was intentional.

“Let’s sit here and wait comfortably. The CEO will be here soon.”

“Yes, sure.”

While waiting, they took their seats in the reserved room, and Ryu Min observed An Sang-cheol fidgeting with his phone near the door.

‘He must be informing the Ma Kyung-rok.’

Ryu Min immediately used the Rune of Inner Thoughts.

-I’ve just met the investor… He’s young… He looks out of his place… Perhaps the investor sent him instead. Be cautious, as someone may be pulling the strings behind the scenes.

The message from the text translated directly into his thoughts.

He could even understand his unspoken ideas.

-As expected. An undercover mission, sending An Sang-cheol ahead.

It was just as he anticipated.

Given Ma Kyung-rok’s meticulous self-management, it was highly unlikely for him to be late for such a crucial appointment.

A moment later…

Swoosh-

“Greetings.”

A man with a commanding presence and a tall stature made his entrance.

It was none other than Ma Kyung-rok.

While Ryu Min, due to his short stature, appeared somewhat awkward in his suit, Ma Kyung-rok looked immaculate, his suit enhancing his charismatic aura.

“I’m Ma Kyung-rok, the CEO of Cheonma Consulting.”

“Ah… I’m Ryu Min.”

Quickly rising to his feet, Ryu Min shook the hand Ma Kyung-rok extended.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Yes…”

“Manager An, please join me on my side.”

“Yes.”

Without seeking permission, he urged An Sang-cheol to sit beside him.

-He’s subtly taking the lead.

Sensing Ryu Min’s gaze, Ma Kyung-rok smiled as if to say he understood.

“Manager An is a staff member I trust more than anyone else. It’s alright if we sit together and have a conversation, right?”

“Oh, yes. That’s fine.”

“Thank you. But before we discuss business matters, let’s have a meal. We’ve prepared a set menu, but I’m not sure if it suits your taste.”

“As long as it’s something offered in a high-end hotel like this, it should be delicious no matter what I eat.”

Shortly after, dishes arrived according to Ma Kyung-rok’s instructions.

Soup, cold dishes, grilled fish, Korean beef, braised ribs, stone pot rice, bibimbap, and more.

From the plating to the course meal itself, everything was presented with meticulous detail.

They focused solely on eating, with minimal conversation.

“It’s truly delicious.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

Their exchange consisted mostly of occasional comments.

However, for Ryu Min, who could read their inner thoughts, it was not a time devoid of meaning.

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Even without uttering a word, Ryu Min could grasp their thoughts.

‘He’s grappling with the idea that he received someone else’s guidance.’

And that was exactly it.

-Manager An is right. It’s hard to believe that he invested 280 billion won himself. He looks too young. However, considering his age, he must be a player, he has survived until the end of the third round despite his youthful appearance, and he must possess skills. Well, luck might have played a part too.

Ma Kyung-rok didn’t underestimate Ryu Min despite his young age.

Ryu Min inwardly admired his attitude.

“Indeed, it’s Ma Kyung-rok. Quite the talented survivor, making it to the 15th round.”

Unlike An Sang-cheol, he neither dismisses nor underestimates his opponent. With a piercing gaze, he remains vigilant, carefully assessing the true extent of their capabilities. Yet, Ma Kyung-rok’s poker face remains flawless, concealing any trace of his inner thoughts.

“So, Mr. Ryu Min, you said you’re only 20 years old? Well, I’m 29. Pleasure to meet you, as a fellow twenty. Haha.”

“Yes… Pleasure to meet you too.”

Ma Kyung-Rok then wonders aloud, “How did you amass such substantial wealth at such a young age? Are you perhaps a scion of a chaebol family?”

Ma Kyung-rok’s directness is quite evident.

Dismissing the notion with a nonchalant wave, Ryu Min responds, “Chaebol? No, not at all. There’s no one behind me, as you may suspect. Until recently, I was nothing more than an ordinary student.”

“Until recently?”

Ryu Min senses the need to shift to the main topic and continues, “Have you come across any news articles lately?”

Perplexed, Ma Kyung-rok asked, “What…?”

“The article about an overnight millionaire winning the lottery jackpot five times in a row.”

“Oh, yes. I’ve seen it.”

Ryu Min’s lips curl into a slight smile as he said, “That’s precisely it.”

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