Chapter 57: Finish it off
Ye-Jin woke up the following morning feeling energised and ready for the day ahead. She came downstairs after taking care of her everyday morning routine but was surprised when she saw her parents frowning at the newspapers which were scattered across the floor.
The air around them was cold and the servants of the house stayed clear of the power couple. Their masters were pleasant people who were easy to get along with but when angered they were the most unreasonable individuals in the home.
Ye-Jin: (smiling) Good morning dad, mom.
Ye-Jin: (sitting in their middle) who angered you this early?
The couple looked up and suppressed their rage when facing their younger daughters smiling face. Their precious little girl was being labelled as a 'slut' by the outer world, how could they be calm or happy about it? They knew their baby girl the best. She was never the kind to break any couple apart. If possible she would bring them together. She wasn't a saint but she wasn't a scum either.
So-Jin: (smiling faintly) Did you sleep well?
Ye-Jin: (nodding) yes. I had the best sleep in days.
Hu-Ye: Your sister and brother-in-law are coming over for breakfast later. It has been days since we all ate any meal together.
Ye-Jin: (happy) big sis is coming? That's great! Last time I met her we couldn't speak much as she was busy. I missed her.
So-Jin: I know. (frowning distastefully at the papers) My daughters are like deep ocean pearls without a single blemish, how dare-
Mother Park stopped her rant mid-way when she heard her husband clear her throat. Ye-Jin was in a jubilant mood and she obviously wasn't aware of what was going outside their house. They would keep it that way and protect her from all the negativity.
They exchanged a few more words mainly about Ye-Jin's life out of the house while waiting for Park So-ah and Shin Jay.
After an hour So-ah hurried into the house with an anxious face. She didn't greet her parents first but instead pulled Ye-Jin into a tight embrace.
So-ah: (muttering) thank god! you're fine.
Ye-Jin: (confused) uh... I'm fine. Are you ok? You seem flustered.
Shin Jay: you don't know?
Ye-Jin: know what?
He was about to answer her question when Hu-Ye announced- a bit sternly- for everyone to have breakfast before getting down to discuss things.
None of them could refute the head of the family and obediently made their way to the dining table. The breakfast itself was a nutritious and tasty spread but most members of the family were either tensed or stewing in anger and as a result, the mouth-watering spread tasted bland to most of them. Ye-Jin was sharp enough to catch the weird atmosphere. She couldn't help but feel that the news had already spread and her family was fretting about it.
After the half-hearted morning meal, the family gathered together to discuss the current crisis. As much as they wanted to leave Ye-Jin out of it they couldn't (she was stubborn).
Ye-Jin: (carefully) there's some bad news right?
So-Jin: (surprised) you knew?
Ye-Jin: (shrugging) I guessed something like this would happen.
She patiently explained the previous incidents to her family and was thankful for them for interrupting her in the middle.
So-ah: I assume that you've got a plan?
Ye-Jin: (smiling widely) I've got evidence of what I heard that day. Bro Jay-
Shin Jay: (assuring) say no more. We're filing a lawsuit.
Ye-Jin: but I am not the only one who was wronged here. I am sure Ray would agree with me. I am only worried about Aera-
She hadn't completed her sentence when a servant came in informing that there was a young miss asking to meet their young miss claiming that she was her friend.
Hearing this Ye-Jin happily got up and ran out to welcome her friend into her family home. Outside she was Aera dressed in black tight jeans and a white t-shirt. her hairs were tied up in a ponytail and face was covered with a hat and a mask. Ye-Jin stopped short and a thought ran across her mind 'well, this is new.'
Aera: (scowling) I had too. There were reporters everywhere around my house.
Aera explained her plain look even before ye-Jin could ask her. She was amazed at the little scowl between her brows and laughed a little.
Ye-Jin: you still look beautiful though.
Aera: (scoffing) I know that already.
An awkward silence filled the space between the friend. They didn't know what to say to each other to break the ice between them.
Ye-Jin: (with all her sincerity) I am sorry, you were hurt because of me.
Aera: (hesitantly) why?
Ye-Jin: I hid my identity from you cuz I didn't want it to become a wall between us. You became my friend without caring about my status or family in that place filled with profits only. I just didn't want to lose that.
Truth be told their classmates usually approached others only keeping benefits in their minds. There was no honesty in them.
Aera: what if I used you to boost my own image?
Ye-Jin: (chuckling) I don't mind it. You can still use me.
Aera: (lowering her head) I thought that I was nothing for you. Our friendship meant nothing for you.
Ye-Jin: (holding her hands) definitely no. If that was the case then I would've cut you off long back.
Aera: (pouting) that's mean. But were you ever planning to tell me?
Ye-Jin: you know my answer to that Aera.
Aera: then why did you let me meet your sister back then?
Ye-Jin: (shrugging) I don't know. I was confused back then. You had rejected Ray and I became his friend. I couldn't both of you nor could I keep the truth from you anymore. Probably subconsciously I wished for you to find the truth out on your own.
Aera: (faintly smiling) that was a risky gamble. If I didn't love you I might have created a huge mess for you out of anger and jealousy.
Ye-Jin: (rolling her eyes) jealousy? What is the eldest daughter of Kim's jealous of me for?
Just as Ye-Jin said, Kim Aera was the heiress of the 'Kim industries' which was popular for its number one position in the production of perfumes across the country. They were an old family and the current younger generation consisted only of Aera and her younger brother.
Aera: exactly. (icily) So what do you plan to do about that little bitch?
Ye-Jin: (amazed) you knew too?
Aera: (waving away) before she pulled this stunt she's been following me around and yesterday she tried to create some trouble.
Ye-Jin: (chuckling) should I call her naive or stupid? I heard her pouring her heart out in the washroom yesterday.
Aera: these little things dream big but lack the basic common sense to do their homework. Unlike you, I've never kept my identity a secret but this little girl still decided to pick a bone with me.
Ye-Jin: can't blame her. She relies on the fact that her father is some producer.
Aera started to rant her dissatisfaction about that little trainee Sunny. She had nice cards in her hand but she played them all wrong. She disliked the fact that she had to dirty her hands for someone so dense like her.
Ye-Jin's eyes became moist seeing their relationship return to normal. She blinked them as to avoid being teased by Aera.
Aera: (calming down) so you've got a plan?
Ye-Jin: (smiling crookedly) let's finish it off in one shot. I don't want to waste our time dragging it.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 They made up!
Aera is simple-minded in front of people who she cares for. For others, she is pleasant and approachable. She's vain and selfish but she definitely is not stupid.
Someone like Ye-jin could definitely use a friend like her.
I'm grateful for all my friends for staying with me tolerating my weird temperament.
Chapter 58: Conference
The ladies didn't waste any time and directly lodged a complaint against the media company which had published the false material and led to their defamation. They quickly completed all the formalities which were required of them with the help of Shin Jay.
While they were taking care of things on their side, Wang entertainment wasn't idle either. They had conducted a hidden investigation and had already uncovered the truth. The instigator was an amateur. She couldn't even cover her tracks properly.
The guy who claimed to 'be the employee and had witnessed the whole thing' was already apprehended by the police for making false claims and misleading the people.
Now all that was remaining was bringing the whole thing to light.
The president of the company sat at the head of the round table looking bored and listening to whatever the other managers were suggesting him to do next.
He clearly knew that most of these people didn't have any sincere intentions for the guys who had actually led this small company to its current status.
The guys too were looking at the many 'old and veteran' managers suggest that they should make use of this opportunity to create some hype for the group's upcoming tour and album.
Kai scoffed at their 'intellectual' suggestions.
If they went ahead and formed a contractual relationship between Aera and their friend, then wouldn't that be unfair for them and their fans?
Timo had placed his arm on Ray's shoulder in order to restrain him, just in case. Mui and Vic were amazed at these 'pundits' who were clearly spewing nonsense.
This meeting seemed endless as many were certainly trying to pressurize the head-man into agreeing to their plan but fate wasn't on their side.
The emotional and witty speeches all came to halt when one of the PR department assistants hurried in with an anxious face.
The guy was short and was wearing glasses but he was holding a running laptop in his hand. He didn't look at others but he directly went to the president and whispered something.
President: (twinkling eyes) really?
Assistant: (nodding urgently) yes sir.
President: (triumphantly) then let us share this amazing news with all of them.
The assistant nodded and then quickly connected his laptop to the projector in the room. The screen showed a paused video of some news clipping.
One of the managers present- who was bold enough- didn't want to give up and interrupted.
Manager: Sir, we are all discussing something important here, which will benefit the company-
President: (sharply) oh really! Do you think about the benefits of this company more than I do?
Manager: (spluttering) b-but-
President: (glaring) If you want to keep this job then-
Manager: (sweating) I- I- Yes sir.
The managers were all actually this fearless only because the current president was the young son of the earlier one.
It had only been four months since he took over the company and was usually a calm person. He got along well with his employees and this made them think that he was a pushover and would do whatever they bid him do (they were over in their heads). This was the first time they witnessed his sharp side. Just because a lion didn't roar didn't mean it was a little kitten.
The room quietened down and the little assistant played the video clip.
It was of a press conference arranged by both the ladies.
On the stage were Ye-Jin, Aera and Shin Jay. It was held in one of the spacious rooms of a five-star hotel. The venue was extravagant. There were only valid reporters present and the paparazzi were all restricted from entering the venue. They were all huddled up outside the gates of the hotel, waiting to get some scoop.
Shin Jay confidently walked up the dais after everyone had quietened down.
Jay: I won't waste our time with irrelevant talks. I find that most of you recognise me and yes I am here on behalf of my clients, Miss Ye-Jin and Miss Aera, who were wrongfully dragged into a scandal which isn't even the truth. I am only here to announce that my clients have sued all the involved parties for defamation and also intentional harm. Moreover, the police have also begun their investigations on all the involved parties and all those people who took part in slandering the name of my clients, hiding behind their computer screens should also watch out since they're all going to receive a notice. My clients will now answer only five of your questions. So I request you all to carefully decide on what you wish to ask. There won't be any additional opportunities. Thank you.
The journalists finished their scribbling and looked up with expectant eyes towards the people who were the centre of the whole gossip. There wasn't an ounce of anxiousness which can be deciphered from their faces. They both looked calm and serene.
The reporters present were all professionals hence they knew not to be like those who pounced on people for just a little scoop. Most of them left the questions to the veteran reporters present within the group. They weren't going to lose anything as the whole thing was broadcasted live.
If worse came to worst, they would be scolded by their superiors but none of them wanted to get into the bad books of the intimidating attorney present among them. Yes, they were all scared shitless of Shin Jay and thus could only suppress the nonsensical urges of their mouths.
After Shin Jay stepped down from the dais. Aera picked up the mic in front of her and with a mellow like voice introduced herself.
Aera: Good afternoon everyone, I am Kim Aera.
She was followed by Ye-Jin without a break.
Ye-Jin: and I am Ye-Jin. We are ready for your questions.
The reporters all exchanged looks to decide who would go first. Finally one of the elderly reporters stood up.
Old rep: (to others) will it be ok if I asked all the questions?
Many were dissatisfied by this outcome but in their hearts, they knew that it was their only chance to get answers and this old guy was their best choice. He was wise and experienced. They believed that by following him they won't get in the line of fire of attorney Shin. They all mumbled their assent.
Old rep: Thank you. So, Miss Aera and Miss Ye-Jin, I believe you're aware of the whole story. I'd like to know the story from your point of view.
Ye-Jin: (smiling) There is actually no story at all. As we all know Aera is an artist of the Wang entertainment. Through her, I got to know the guys of 5- Emperors. We're all just good friends.
Old rep: (nodding) then what about those proofs? those photographs and that video?
Aera: (scoffing) Can't friends go out for meals? Can't friends have any kind of difference of opinions between them? The video is real. We were having a little quarrel back then. And as for the photo yes, I went to dinner with Ray. So what big difference does it make? Does it prove that I was dating him? Or does it prove that we girls fought for him?
The reporters all sighed at the questions thrown at them. This Kim Aera wasn't a woman to be messed with. Compared to her the other one seemed tame.
Old rep: (shaking his head) Can I ask what was it that you guys quarrelled about?
Ye-Jin: (sighing) It was my mistake that day. I angered her by criticising her favourite designer.
The reporters wanted to cry at the loss of their question. They cursed the old man for his idiocy but they couldn't as they too had been wondering about the same thing.
Aera: (continuing annoyed) Honestly, what I really don't understand is how people think that we women only fight over men. Like really? We have lots of concerns other than that.
Many men bowed their head in shame. They couldn't meet the little woman's furious eyes. They wished to be out of here.
Old rep: (wiping his sweat) We'd like to know where Ray is? He hasn't responded since this scandal has broken out. Why hasn't he shown up?
Ye-Jin: (chuckling) That's too many questions at a time. Not just Ray, the remaining members all were pulled into this, as one of the fans we can't express just how much it has hurt us. Since many were pointing out that we pulled them into this mess then it was up to us to clean it up. If my guess is correct then soon Wang entertainment will make several important announcements.
Old rep: the last question, This is only your words. Do you think that people would believe them just because you said it?
Aera: (sneering) which two women come together when something that serious takes place between them and defend each other? Seriously, when are people going to use the beautiful organ that the brain is? We're all innocent and were set-up. I am glad you all got some free entertainment out of it.
Everyone became restless when Aera's words began to become sharper. She was annoyed to the point of explosion.
Ye-Jin: (smoothing things over) what Aera wants to say is that this was all a ruse created by some envious parties. We're also victims and truth will definitely come to light soon. This conference was only a way to present our point of view on the issue. Thank you all for attending.
Saying so the girls didn't wait and got down from the stage and walked out of the room their, heads held high.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
The president certainly is an interesting character.
He kind of reminds of an emperor from olden times who had to listen to his officials go on and on about one thing or another regardless of how absurd it was.
Like how many women he had to have in his harem was debated over by these people (whatever their intentions were).
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