The ninth episode of "The Art of Negotiation" unfolds with Jae-shik extending an invitation to Joo-no to join the board, only to be met with Joo-no's strategic counter-proposal demanding voting rights. As a decisive litmus test of his loyalty and competence, Jae-shik assigns Joo-no the challenging task of liquidating one of Sanin's prestigious country clubs to secure the outstanding funds necessary for debt repayment.
Joo-no's induction onto the board sets off a seismic shift in Sanin's internal political landscape. Perceiving a paradigm change in the company's hierarchy, numerous board members and directors begin defecting from CFO Ha's faction to align with Dong-ju.
Meanwhile, the M&A team springs into action to facilitate the country club's sale, revealing Joo-no's deeply personal agenda—his quest for board membership is fueled by a relentless desire to reopen the insider trading scandal that derailed his career and led to his brother's untimely demise. Through Director Kang's facilitation, Joo-no secures a meeting with a mysterious buyer who prefers to remain shrouded in anonymity.
The following day, the team ventures to the country club nestled in Soon-young's hometown, where many of his cherished childhood friends are employed. There, they confront the club's incumbent CEO with Sanin's decision to sell, attaching a stringent condition: all employees must be retained, with the exception of the CEO himself—a harsh decree, considering his pivotal role in sustaining the club amidst industry-wide turmoil.
As the sale negotiations progress, CFO Ha's supporters continue to desert him, yet it becomes apparent that Ha's machinations are far from over. The team uncovers a startling revelation—the anonymous buyer is none other than the former CEO of Sanin Construction, a trusted confidant of Ha.
Acknowledging the complexity of the impending deal, Joo-no and his team embarked on rigorous preparations for the crucial due diligence phase. Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, the country club's incumbent CEO made a heartfelt decision to step down from his post and relocate to the United States in the earnest hope of reuniting with his beloved family. He confided in Joo-no his dream of acquiring a flower business where his wife worked, albeit struggling with insufficient capital. Though constrained by Sanin's financial woes, Joo-no offered reassurance, vowing to endeavor with all his might to assist the departing CEO.
Back at the negotiation table, the M&A team toiled tirelessly to counteract the former CEO's concerted efforts to pinpoint flaws and consequently deflate the club's valuation. Just as the negotiations seemed to be navigating smoothly through treacherous waters, Min-jung uncovered a startling anomaly—funds had been surreptitiously withdrawn from the club's earnings, leaving no trace of their whereabouts.
Simultaneously, in a poignant parallel scene, Soon-young's childhood friend was seen withdrawing cash from a bank account, casting dark shadows of suspicion over her potential involvement in the financial misconduct. The episode culminated in a tense confrontation between Soon-young and her friend, as the latter returned from the bank, the air thick with anticipation and unresolved accusations.
