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CH221 | GSI
🕑 Added 2025-03-16 03:50:01 +0000 UTCAs a blonde singer in a backless dress stood before the microphone, serenading the room with a soothing pop song accompanied by a soft piano melody, a waiter arrived with the amuse-bouche.
On a pristine white porcelain plate, a beautifully plated trio of tomato velouté, shrimp, and green bean tart resembled a miniature work of art.
Taking a bite of the olive-infused kouglof that accompanied the dish, Seok-won nodded in satisfaction, a pleased smile forming on his lips.
"The kitchen staff here is truly exceptional."
Across from him, the broad-shouldered Trump beamed, his face splitting into a wide grin.
"Our hotel prides itself on its Michelin two-star rating."
Just then, the waiter returned with the first wine selection, presenting the label before pouring a crisp white into their glasses.
"Let’s toast to this meeting."
"Let’s."
Seok-won lifted his glass, clinking it lightly against Trump’s before taking a sip. He let the wine linger in his mouth for a moment, savoring its subtle sweetness and clean finish before swallowing.
It was an excellent vintage.
Setting down his glass, Trump asked, "I trust your stay at the hotel has been comfortable?"
"The facilities are excellent, but above all, the staff’s hospitality has been outstanding. I have no complaints."
"I’m glad to hear that."
As Seok-won scooped a spoonful of tomato velouté, Trump, too, began his meal.
"You may already know this, but the Plaza Hotel is officially designated as a New York City landmark and is also listed as a National Historic Building."
"Of course. The famous Plaza Accord took place here, making it a part of U.S. history. Not to mention, it served as the backdrop for cinematic masterpieces like The Great Gatsby and Breakfast at Tiffany’s."
Noting Seok-won’s familiarity with the Plaza’s legacy, Trump’s expression softened with approval.
"A few years ago, Home Alone 2 was filmed here. Have you seen it?"
"I have. And if I recall correctly, you made a cameo appearance in it, didn’t you?"
"Ha ha ha! So you do know!"
True to his attention-seeking nature, Trump let out a hearty laugh, clearly delighted that his minor role had been recognized. One might wonder if he brought up this story to everyone he met.
Seok-won chuckled and said, "You were so natural in front of the camera that you could’ve been an actor."
"People do say I have a knack for it, but it’s just a hobby. Business is my real calling."
"Of course, I wouldn’t expect otherwise."
At that moment, the waiter returned, clearing their empty plates before setting down a dish of mashed potatoes topped with caviar.
As the waiter stepped away, Trump took a sip of wine, then casually asked,
"What do you think of the Plaza Hotel?"
The sudden question caught Seok-won off guard, but he didn’t let his surprise show. Instead, he responded calmly.
“As I mentioned earlier, I believe the Plaza Hotel is the finest in Manhattan—no, in all of New York. Of course, given its prime location on Fifth Avenue, right by Central Park, its real estate value is just as remarkable.”
Ending with a light joke, Seok-won watched as Trump chuckled and tilted his wine glass.
“As expected from a prominent Wall Street investor—you truly understand the value of the Plaza. Owning a building like this in the heart of Manhattan, the world’s financial capital, is like holding a trophy of success.”
As a city landmark, its price tag was secondary to its rarity; a property like this seldom came on the market, making it all the more valuable.
“I remember you once said that acquiring the Plaza Hotel wasn’t just buying a building—it was like purchasing a masterpiece, akin to the Mona Lisa hanging in the Louvre.”
Trump’s eyes widened in surprise.
“That was quite some time ago. I didn’t expect you to know that.”
“It was a memorable remark.” Seok-won replied nonchalantly.
In truth, it was something he had read in the materials Landon had sent him the previous afternoon, but there was no need to mention that.
Trump leaned back slightly, a look of nostalgia crossing his face.
“This hotel holds many personal memories for me—I even got married to my wife right here in the Grand Ballroom. That’s the same venue where Truman Capote hosted his legendary Black and White Ball in 1966.”
He puffed out his chest with pride.
Seok-won, however, remained silent, idly continuing his meal. He knew all too well that Trump, a notorious playboy, was soon to divorce his second wife and marry his third—a Slovenian former Vogue model, 24 years his junior.
Come to think of it, his first wife was a model, and his second was an actress. Trump’s taste in women is as extravagant as his life itself.
As their conversation carried on, the next course arrived.
Two waiters swiftly cleared the table before setting down plates of foie gras truffle macaroni. The earthy aroma of truffles immediately filled the air, tantalizing the senses.
Yet, instead of reaching for his fork, Trump studied Seok-won’s reaction.
“I wanted to meet you today not only to get acquainted but also to present a business proposition.”
Seok-won had been expecting him to get to the point sooner or later. Meeting Trump wasn’t just a casual social call—there was always a deal at stake. He looked at him evenly and replied,
“Go ahead.”
Trump leaned in slightly and asked in a cautious yet deliberate tone,
“Would you be interested in buying this hotel?”
“……!”
Seok-won’s eyebrows twitched ever so slightly in surprise. This was certainly not an offer he had anticipated.
“Are you asking if I want to purchase the Plaza Hotel?”
Trump nodded, his tone growing more persuasive.
“Yes. As I mentioned, it’s not every day that one has the chance to own such an iconic New York landmark.”
“It’s true that such opportunities are rare, but this is quite a sudden proposal.”
“I understand. But if I were to list the Plaza on the open market, there would be a fierce bidding war. This is a chance to acquire the most prestigious and historically significant hotel in New York without the competition. You should think it over.”
It was a classic sales tactic—making it seem like an exclusive opportunity to create urgency. But Seok-won was hardly the type to fall for such ploys.
That being said, there was no denying the Plaza Hotel’s prestige and real estate value. If it were publicly listed, it would undoubtedly attract interest from high-profile buyers.
And yet, he’s making this private offer… That means there’s a reason he wants to avoid a public sale.
Trump was an astute businessman—he wouldn’t willingly put himself at a disadvantage. There had to be another reason.
The most obvious explanation was Trump’s financial troubles.
From his disastrous $1.2 billion Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City to the back-to-back bankruptcies of three major casino hotels, his company was sinking.
Even after selling off several key properties, Trump Company still has over $550 million in debt due next year. No wonder he’s desperate for liquidity.
Seok-won quickly pieced together the situation in his mind while maintaining a composed demeanor. He suspected Trump, beneath his confident facade, was eagerly awaiting his response.
Instead of answering right away, Seok-won leisurely picked up his wine glass and took a sip, exuding an air of calm detachment.
“If the Plaza were to hit the market, I imagine there would be no shortage of interested buyers. Wouldn’t that be the better option?”
Trump’s eyes briefly flickered with disappointment when he realized his attempt to lure Seok-won in had failed.
It was a subtle reaction—one that might have gone unnoticed if Seok-won hadn’t been paying close attention.
So he really thought I’d be an easy mark.
It was obvious now. Trump had pegged him as a lucky upstart who’d made a fortune too quickly and was now trying to sweet-talk him into overpaying for the Plaza Hotel.
Suppressing a scoff, Seok-won met his gaze with a hint of coldness in his own.
Building good relationships is important for the future, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let myself be taken for a fool.
There was nothing wrong with establishing connections, but he had to make it clear he wasn’t someone to be underestimated. If things turned sour and Trump became an adversary, Seok-won could always push him into complete financial ruin—ensuring he never had the chance to recover.
With the power Seok-won wielded, taking down a real estate mogul like Trump wouldn’t be difficult.
If that happened, Trump would never make it as a TV business personality, let alone gain the nationwide recognition needed to run for president. His future path to the White House would be cut off before it even began.
But there was one concern—what kind of butterfly effect might follow?
If not Trump, someone even more unpredictable, even more reckless, might end up in the Oval Office.
That could be an even worse outcome.
As these thoughts played out in his mind, Seok-won took a slow sip of wine, saying nothing. Trump glanced at him, then smacked his lips in frustration.
“To be honest, I’m already in talks with another buyer. But their offer is insultingly low, so I started looking for alternatives. I figured if anyone would pay a fair price, it’d be you.”
Finally, Trump was showing his hand.
But Seok-won’s expression remained cool and unreadable.
It’s not about getting a ‘fair price’—he’s just looking for someone he can rip off.
Still, he gave a brief nod, not revealing his thoughts.
“I see.”
Trump studied his reaction carefully before launching into a theatrical complaint.
“I love this hotel. If my finances weren’t tight, I’d never consider selling it! But now that I’m in a difficult position, these sharks think they can snatch it up for a pittance. It’s infuriating!”
“How much did they offer?”
Feigning mild interest, Seok-won watched as Trump’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. He wasted no time in answering.
“Four hundred million dollars.”
That was exactly what Trump had paid for the Plaza Hotel seven years ago.
Even without factoring in inflation, he had poured an additional hundred million dollars into a full-scale interior renovation. If he sold it at that price, he’d be taking a loss.
Seok-won gave a slight nod, as if acknowledging his frustration.
“I can see why you’d be upset with that figure.”
“Exactly! It’s outright robbery!”
After venting his grievances, Trump shot him a hopeful look and pressed again.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Are you sure you’re not interested in buying the hotel?”
“Hmm...”
Seok-won deliberately stroked his chin, pretending to be deep in thought.
The longer his silence stretched, the more apparent Trump’s growing impatience became.
Drawing out the moment just enough, Seok-won finally spoke at what he deemed the perfect timing.
“This is completely unexpected, and we’re talking about a considerable amount of money. I can’t make a decision right away.”
Trump’s face fell in disappointment.
“However, I won’t say I’m not interested. Would you be willing to give me a few days to think it over?”
At that, Trump’s expression immediately brightened with renewed hope.
“How much time do you need?”
“Three days should be enough.”
“Alright! I can wait that long.”
Trump grinned as if the deal were already set in stone.
“Now, let’s put business aside and enjoy our meal.”
“Agreed.”
Still seated, Trump gestured, and a waiter who had been keeping his distance to avoid interrupting their conversation promptly stepped forward.
“Shall I bring out the next course?”
“Yes. And the wine—bring a fresh bottle.”
“Understood, sir.”
Comments
Arpit Sinojia
U.S politics has already entered the great comedic era. Trump - the stand up comedian vs Biden - the mime .
Rivo
"If not Trump, someone even more unpredictable, even more reckless, might end up in the Oval Office." Absolute comedy
