A Business Proposal, Vol. 9

사내 맞선 [Sanae Matseon] #9

by Haehwa, Perilla (adapter), Narak (artist)

Shortly after Hari and Taemu’s marriage, Yeongsuh and Sunghoon successfully tie the knot! The happy couple and everyone around them are overjoyed...except one person. Though Hamin wishes nothing but the best for Yeongsuh, seeing his longtime crush marry another man is a bitter pill to swallow. But unbeknownst to him, Hamin’s own love story might just be around the corner!

Genres: Manhwa, Romance, Manga, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comics, Webcomic

269 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2022

About the author

Associated Names:
* Haehwa
* 해화 (Korean Profile)
* แฮฮวา (Thai Profile)

Reviews

[Steph ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[❤️My Dog is my Best Friend❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me WHEEZING.

Also Grandpa is hands down the best character in this book and I will accept no criticisms about him, thank you very much.

[Casually Bookish Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still very enjoyable but the story is being spread thin with additional couples coming into the picture.

[lauren ⋆☽˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

BRO I DONT GIVE A FUUUUCK ABOUT THESE OTHER CHARACTERS OMFG 😮‍💨😤 I’d say 75% of the book is about couples that are not Hari and Taemu 🙄 your honor, who mf caresssssss


This book was all over the place, from Yooju cutting her hair to disguise herself as a boy for some reason? Hamin clearly having gay thoughts over Yooju dressed as a man was cracking me up. I still think Ms. Chae is a lesbian. And Hari deadass starts working out because Taemu wants to bang too much and she can’t keep up 😭 what was this volume?!!!

[Omnya Ali (Free Palestine) · Rating 2 out of 5]

المانهو دي كانت هتبقى افضل بكتيرر لو مكانش فيها مشاهد زفت 🙂💔🤦🏽‍♀️+ انها مانهو كرنج صراحة

[Daphne Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
The author decided not to leave anyone single hahah 😎🤙🏻

[Ice Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really missed this so so much. I loved all the characters so much and I like how this showed the different perspectives of different couples and the romance blooming everywhere plus the little challenges. The misunderstanding kind of pissed me off but it was washed down immediately my faves. Taemu and Hari came up. I really love their relationship so much. I want for me too. I enjoyed my self and can’t wait for the last one even though I don’t want it to end. I’ll keep rereading till I can’t again. I’m obsessed.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

We must be in the side story part of the story cause this focused mostly on our second, and potential third and newly potential fourth couple. With all these green flags and women enthusiastically in to sexy times, I wonder why all fluffy manhwa can't be like this. I feel for her little brother.... awww he is so cute. The art is just so pretty how is very man and woman so darn beautiful!!!

[Celine · Rating 4 out of 5]

episode 103-113

Ahhh ik dacht dat ik de relatie tussen het broertje en zijn love-interest minder zou vinden, maar ze zijn toch best wel cuteeeee. En gelukkig hebben zij nog een verhaal want het verhaal tussen Ha-ri en Tae-moo begint low-key een beetje saai te worden omdat ze niet zoveel doen..

[Natalie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so nice to see everyone so happy 🩷 What love sick puppies

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

These are some cute extras after the wedding. Nice.

[donutdot · Rating 4 out of 5]

so many side couples..... Hamin is finally on his way to getting his happy ending!! his crisis over 'Kangshik' is gna be so entertaining (i say, with 1 volume left to go)

[Annalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m SCREAMINGGGG😭 Hamin is having a sexual identity crisis and Gramps is love struck🤭

[Cristiana Sequeira Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

FAVORITE QUOTES:

《- You're the best... whoever your husband is, he's a lucky guy.》, p. 8

《- I'll tie your tie for you.
What do you think?
- You do it better than I do.
- I really wanted to tie it for you, so I practiced!
- Hari... No-- Honey.
- Y-Yes? [...]
- How about practicing... something else too?
- Something else? Like... what?
- Undoing a tie.
I'm happy you tied it for me, but I'd like it even more if you took it off...
You can take off other things too.
- ! T-TAEMU!》, p. 8-12

《- Why do you look like that?
- DO YOU REALLY NOT KNOW?!!
YOU'VE BEEN OUT EVERY DAY SINCE THE WEDDING!
[...]
- You've changed, Sir. You used to be such a workaholic.
[...]
- Ah! I guess I have changed-- from workaholic fo wife-aholic.
- I'M LEAVING.》, p. 20

《- I should've called when we got back from our trip. Sorry.
- That's okay. You were busy loving it up.
I heard from Sunghoon that today was your first day back at work.
WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU UP TO FOR A WHOLE WEEK AFTER YOU GOT BACK?
(WE DID... THAT. A LOT OF IT.
More times than the number of meals we had...)
- You know, just enjoying our honeymoon...
OH RIGHT!
I GOT YOU GIFTS!
- Heh heh...》, p. 23-24

《- Sounds rough.
[...]
- That's not the end of it.

- You're in early-stage pregnancy, so don't go anywhere far.

- THE HONEYMOON.

- This would look prettiest on my daughter.

- THE DRESS.

- Our Yeongsuh does look good in heels...
... but would flats be better? Since she has a baby?

- EVEN WHAT SHOES I'LL WEAR AT THE WEDDING!!!
IT'S LIKE MY DAD'S THE ONE GETTING MARRIED, NOT ME. T.T》, p. 34

《- If you want to do as he says, I'm fine with it.
- B-But...
- Don't worry about hurting my pride.
- I'm not that insecure, Yeongsuh.
Where I live won't change who I am.
But seeing you and your father fight because of me...
... and you trying to hold back because of me... that's what hurts my pride.
[...]
- I'm not hurt.
All I feel toward your father is gratitude for allowing me to be with you.
Because if I were him, I'd never give you away to a guy like me!
So you don't have to worry about me.
I know you're doing this for my sake, but all I want...
... is for you to be happy by my side.
For you to be able to say whatever you want and do whatever you want.》, p. 37-42

《- What will I do when you're gone? Who will I drink with?
- I'll visit often.
- It's not the same as living together.
You talk like the U.S. is a couple blocks over...
- Well, you also have your new grand-daughters-in-law now.
Two of them!
- Well, I suppose Hari does come over on the weekends...
... but that rascal Taemu gives me a dirty look every time.
(- We're newlyweds...)》, p. 80-81

《- Aww, out little Hamin's all grown up.
They grow so fast...
- H-HARI!
STOP PATTING MY BUTT! DO YOU KNOW HOW OLD I AM?
- You'll be my baby bro forever. Who cares?
- I CARE.
- TAEMU!
- H-Hello, Mr. Kang...
- I was just about to head home!
- These hands...
Should only touch me.
(......!!)
- All right.
- Is that it?
- What else do you want me to do?
- PLEASE DON'T DO THIS HERE.
GO HOME.
- Oh, right.
You're here.》, p. 137-140

《(We can't keep relying on Hari's help.
We're barely getting by thanks to the Chairman, but...
... sometimes, he can be a bit...
And I feel bad...)
(-YA RASCAL! IT'S RARE TO FIND ANYONE AS SKILLED AS ME!)》, p. 141-142

《(It's even busier today.
I guess it's the weekend.
Besides...
... there's one more hot guy.)》, p.149

《- I'm sure the right person will come along!
Once we find a part-timer, let's have a leisurely date!
- Hmm...
Do we need to wait until then?
The night is long.
How about a leisurely date in bed?》, p. 164-165

《- This place is the perfect size. Not too big and not too small.
- Dad wanted us to go bigger. But I didn't wanna be too far from Sunghoon no matter where we were inside.
- I see.
(Heh...
I guess she doesn't know the joy of doing it in all kinds of places in a big house.)》, p. 191-192

《- It's a shame, but shall we skip the movie today and enjoy a walk before we head home?
- Okay!
- I've been wanting to hold hands on our commute home, so this is perfect.
- Really? I've wanted to do that with you too!
- How about a simple dinner?
I saw that they were selling fish bread over there.
- Whoa!
I was actually craving fish bread!
WE REALLY ARE THE PERFECT COUPLE!
Completely synced up.
(Of course we are. Even if we weren't, I would've made it so.)
- Do you prefer red bean paste or choux cream, Taemu? I--
- HARI.
- !
- I love you.
- I love you too, Taemu》, p. 217-220

《- Here.
The next delivery, please.
- Y-YES, DELIVERIES...
N-NO, WAIT! I-I MUST GO AFTER THAT WOMAN--
- Her?
Oh.
Chaeri's grandmother, you mean?
- HUH? CHAERI? THAT'S THE LITTLE GIRL'S NAME?!
And what about the lovely madam?
- Oh, she's...
I'll tell you after you've delivered these.
- Y-YOU BRAT! YOU'RE JUST LIKE THAT RASCAL TAEMU!
- I'll take that as a compliment. Please get going before the chicken gets cold.》, p. 232-234

《- T-Taemu?! You're already up?!
- Yes.
I couldn't feel your warmth in bed.
Where are you trying to go?
- Uh...
Just.. getting some fresh air...
- At this time?
- You used to go to work at this time...
I... happened to wake up early...
- ......
- ......
Actually... I was trying to get some exercise.
- Exercise? All of a sudden?
- Well...
- Well?
- You see...
- See what?
- I-I JUST CAN'T KEEP UP!!!
I want to be as good as you...
[...]
...but I'm always the one who falls asleep first.
[...]
I'm also the only one who struggles in the morning.
(I'M GONNA DIE...
UUURGH...)
[...]
That's why I'm trying to improve my stamina...
- I didn't realize...
I'm sorry. I guess I've been pushing you too hard.
I'll hold back if it's too much for you.
- N-NO! THERE'S NO NEED TO --
I WANT TO DO IT MORE!!
... AH.
- ...!》, p. 250-254

[AP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I'm still mad about a certain part in vol. 8, but at least vol. 9 lightened my mood. I'm mad at you Chairman, but I still kinda like you!
I must admit I'm not here for the romances and marriages in themselves, more the shenanigans which unfolded around them because of all the stupidity happening and I'm not at all here for the bedroom gymnastics. Yes they are married, fine they have sex whenever... but I felt like it almost has taken over Teamu and Hari's personalities in this volume. It seems more like fanservice than story telling. At least it's not the usual icky/questionable fanservice, I'll give the story that!
So it's not that this story isn't decent, it's just like it should have ended by now or rather before. Not every character needs a "happy" endning. I was fine with certain characters just being where they were, end of story. These last couple of volumes/chapters makes me think of series with eg 5 great seasons or somthing and then they intended to end it and you can see it clearly by that final season's ending.... But fans made them continue and then you ended up with 2-3 more seasons but they sucked, because the actual story was over and everything after was fanservice, desperately grasping for minor unresolved insignificant plotlines, blowing them out of proportion.... As well as milking the cow dry. I don't think this is such a bad case of that at all. But I do think it's a bit last minute to add both Hamin and Chairman to the plot to give them a nice send off as well.
Anyways I hope my library gets the final volume because now I am going to finish the series if possible. I know I could buy the volume, but since vol. 8 annoyed me and this felt more fanservic-y, I'm not going to spend money on vol. 10 for a series which ended up losing me a bit by the end as it ended up a tad drawn out for my personal liking.
It's a fun read most of the way but it's not my usual jam and it didn't retain enough of the magic which made me binge the earlier volumes for me to owning the series in the end. And in this economy and with limited space I choose to be picky. I do recommend it as a fun guilty pleasure-"dumb" read. And I don't mean that in a negative way. It was what I needed and wanted at the time.

[LadyRemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that they're married, it's really nice to see lots of cuddly moments with Hari and Taemu. I don't know why, but my favorite is them working out together.

I'm so happy that Yeongsuh and Sunghoon have finally gotten married, even if it was a short blip in the story. It's so cute how Yeongsuh is the one that's all over her husband. I honestly think she has everyone else's sex drive beat.

I'm really excited for Hamin to start falling in love with Kangshik/Yooju. It's so Twelfth Night. Love a good gender twist. I enjoy the sexual identity confusion that is likely to transpire for Hamin and then him just accepting he likes who he likes is the hope.

This volume felt very much like we're tying up all the loose ends since the main story is finished. It's nice to get to see more of Hari and Taemu's happily ever after though.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series plot: After Ha-ri goes on a blind date for a friend, she ends up pursued by said date, CEO Taemu Kang, who won't take "no" for an answer to a marriage proposal.

Hijinks and hilarity, romance and sweetness. I loved the whole series deeply. It was a light treat to read, that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. No high stakes or saving the world. No major conflicts, just popcorn for an overworked brain. The art was a gorgeous treat, to boot. I loved how the characters were drawn. Every character was fun and unique (Grandpa, in particular, always made me grin).

Unfortunately, since I read this episodically through the Tapas app (in English), I can't review each individual volume on its own plot and merits, so I'm doing one review to cover the whole thing.

[rumi · Rating 2 out of 5]

this story should have ended with the last volume because this one, and most likely the next one as well, do not really add anything further to the story, in regards to the main couple. there really was no need for that whole focus on hari and taemu's bedroom gymnastics now that they're married...it just got to be too much

and while I liked hamin's character, I do not know why they decided to introduce a love interest, with such an interesting premise as well, when there's only one more volume left. that is not at all enough for a good development of the characters and their relationship so I know that I am not going to like it as much as I would have had they gotten their own spin off or something 😭

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 star. I did still have a really good time with this. It was still fun and sweet. I loved the moments we got of the Chairman as he just always makes me laugh. However, I wanted more moments with our main couples. I feel like Hari and Taemu and then Yeongsuh and Sunghoon became more background filler characters and I love their dynamics. I think Hamin did have a good story set up but it wasn't the same as the original pairings and their the ones I am invested in. Overall, it was good and still had the charm of the other volumes but just not as invested in some of the other characters compared with the first couples.

[Mae (bookishpremed) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently rewatching business proposal and I’m so happy that the manhwa answered all of the loose ends of the show 🥺

I didn’t know that Hamin was going to have his own story ARC, which is so cool bc Hamin in the story is better than the books and he def deserves his own love story 🥹 I can’t believe how involved Chairman Kang gets with the chicken shop though, it’s so adorable to see him spend time with Shin Hari’s family 🤭

I can’t believe volume 10 is the last one, I’m not ready for this to end at all.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first volume of these not getting 5 stars from me for the simple fact that I don't (yet?) much care about Hamin or his apparently incredibly good looks.
I will give this a million stars for Yeongsuh and Sunghoon finally getting their wedding and Hari discovering that she has an incredibly high sex drive (her supplement diet had me in stitches). But since they are mostly secondary characters, 4 stars it is.
I will once again repeat that Grandpa is the best character in this series. Give that man a motorcycle and some k-dramas and he's living his best life and I'm here for it.

[Danielle Booey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit worried that this series was going to get a bit stale with all the main characters married off, but with the romances of the Chairman and Hamlin just starting it has breathed new life into the series.

Beautiful art pushes the story forward and more hilarious hijinks ensue in this volume. Hari and Taemu are still the main characters, but fyi a good portion of the story belongs to others.

[William Moses Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It seems like the author finally found a nice way to take things forward in terms of plot and is also mixing in a bit of the married life to let the main couple enjoy their happiness. If only the author had cut out a lot of stuff from the previous two volumes, got the couples married faster, spent more time on the reactions of the people around them, and introduced the Hamin plot line a bit earlier. I think that would have fixed the pacing issues.

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is full of fluff and very fun to read. I can say that the main story was dragged too much with chasing and pulling and I enjoyed the story of the second lead more than the main leads. There are also a lot of plot holes, but I understand that it was part of the storyline. Still, I enjoyed reading this manhwa.

[Heather’s Reading Bubble · Rating 2 out of 5]

The parts of this volume that showed Hari and Taemu as well as Yeongsuh and Sunghoon were cute enough unfortunately for me most of the book was about two relationships I really couldn’t care less about. What a disappointing penultimate volume. I hope the finale goes back to what I actually care about.

[Othy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is certainly wrapping itself up. Most of this issue is about a minor side character and a new one, and their story isn't as interesting after the two main love stories have reached marriage and pregnancy. And, unfortunately, those two main stories don't seem to have enough material to make a full story themselves. The pacing issue from volume 8 is better here, but it's just less fun.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Like every other volume, I absolutely loved this. I was first annoyed by the focus on the other characters but it is nice to see our main characters find love and then their love inspiring and blooming into the lives of their families and friends. I am not ready for the next volume because it is the last. T.T

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read! I actually really love the new character, and the classic “dressing as the opposite gender” scheme to work somewhere (I’m looking at you Ouran High School) 😏 made an appearance. Overall it was fun, but with the focus being on side characters now, it doesn’t really feel like a Business Proposal. I’m still enjoying it though.

[Jennifer]

Taemu is really making up for all his patience 🤭 the two have a very active sex life, and it’s quite funny how they start being lovey dovey at the drop of a hat. I’m glad her brother is getting a new love interest, and perhaps grandpa as well. This volume is more like side stories at the end of a series, but it’s nice to glimpse their lives after the main story.

[Kaarla Amaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incluso la historia del hermano de Ha-Ri me gustaaaa! y eso que tuvo pocas apariciones pero me encantaa! y me encanta que las historias siga su curso, a veces o casi siempre se termina cuando se casan pero me gusta que aun queda un tomo mas de esta historia.