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).
Chapter 59: Tour
Back in the conference room of the Wang entertainment, there was pin-drop silence. Almost no one had predicted the outcome which they witnessed on the screen. They had all assumed that the girls would brush off the responsibility for them to handle.
After a moment the silent room filled with a burst of solitary laughter. The managers and other stakeholders present were all startled at the sudden sound. They looked around to see their president's eyes filled with mirth and admiration. After having a good laugh he didn't even look at others instead turned towards Ray who was equally amazed and his eyes still glued to the screen.
President: I applaud you, Ray, you really found two beautiful gems as your friends. One is feisty while the other is a silent killer.
Ray didn't say anything but just bowed his head in response. The president didn't push him either.
President: (to PR head) you know what to do next.
The PR head nodded his head in assent and followed after the president who had already dismissed the unproductive meeting. The PR could faintly discern from his presidents' steps that he was excited about something.
The reporters had no other choice but to publish what they had gotten their hands over. Although it wasn't much, they couldn't add or subtract anything from it due to the live-broadcast. Almost the whole country was by now aware of the girls' standpoint on the problematic issue. The news hunters were all disappointed at the lack of drama but soon they were satisfied.
As Ye-Jin had predicted Wang entertainment soon showed its cards. They published the results of their private investigations on their official website and also named the real instigator of the whole drama. They additionally informed the public that they were going to cooperate with police investigations and make sure the people who harmed them got their dues.
Everyone thought that this was going to be dragged for days with people throwing muddy water on each other but by the evening the news came that 'Sunny' a female trainee of Wang entertainment and the daughter of one of the top producers was arrested. Her deeds were all exposed and she had nowhere to hide. Her father had also abandoned her, calling her a disgrace in front of the whole world and had cut ties with her. Turned out she was only an adopted daughter yet she had the guts to throw her weight around using his name.
Thus, the whole thing came to an end.
The internet warriors who were previously not leaving any leeway for the accused were all finding little holes to hide into. The fans were all triumphant as the whole thing turned out to be a ludicrous ruse. While the fans were gloating some couldn't just take it lying down and intentionally brought up the topic.
'Is your idol a man? This issue could've destroyed his whole career. And what did he do? Hide behind girls? He hasn't even uttered a sorry to have caused you all so much worry.'
This comment was praised by many who were on the opposite team but the fans were not average either.
'Shame on you guys who still live in this day and age with the ancient feudalistic thoughts! Our Ray has an amazing group of friends around him. I have grown to respect the girls so much. They were so charismatic.'
'Our Ray didn't hide behind girls. He clearly understood the situation and acted accordingly. If he had stepped out himself then the girls would have been heavily implicated. I respect their understanding and the respect they have for each other's decisions.'
'Hey, guys check out! Kim Aera is the heiress of that big Kim empire! She's not your average artist!'
'Ye-Jin isn't also some ordinary lass everyone! She's that celebrated humanitarian of our country who uncovered all those crimes against women and children!'
Thus the intended effect of the malicious comment had turned waves and was now somehow focused on finding the exact identity of the girls. And after they found out, most were stunned. They couldn't believe their eyes that this time they had tried to provoke them who should never be provoked.
Aera had a humongous backing. She wasn't merely the heiress of some wealthy family but she was also engaged to the young master of the Wang family- which owned the Wang entertainment. And Ye-Jin, her accomplishments at such young age would alone put most of these thick faced bastards to shame who didn't even have a proper job to feed their asses. If they uncovered her background they would've wished they were never born. Lucky for them Ye-jin didn't care for their hides.
After the fiasco was over the band didn't have enough time to stay around and relish in their victory. Their tour plans couldn't be postponed any further. They were on a tight schedule and had to reach Shanghai by the following morning. Ray wanted to meet the girls and apologise to them personally but their schedules weren't permitting him to do so. Before he knew, he was already at the airport being hauled into a flight. He could only sigh and send Ye-Jin a text about his departure and nothing else.
Meanwhile, the girls both had gathered to celebrate their little win at one of the busy street-side stalls. Both of them were frugal when it came to eating in extravagant places. They didn't care as long as the food was tasty.
Ye-Jin: (blowing on her soup) So fiance of president Wang?
Aera: (shaking her head) believe me, I got to know about it last week.
Ye-jin: you met him?
Aera: (gulping down a shot) mhmm...
Ye-jin: so?
Aera: (laughing) I know you want juicy details but there aren't any. Moreover, I don't know the complete story behind you and Ray either.
Ye-jin: (sighing) there's nothing much-
and she told the same story again to Aera which we've been reading so far, without skipping a single part.
Aera: so you guys aren't dating?
Ye-jin: nope! but what exactly gives off that impression? I mean we don't behave overly affectionate, do we?
Aera: (rubbing her chin) no but there's this chemistry between you guys-
Ye-jin: ugh! Everybody sees it but I don't!
Aera: (chuckling) Alright let's not fuss more about it. We'll know in time.
Ye-jin: (nodding) yes. So your president Wang, is he tall and handsome?
Aera: definitely. I think he's a little crazy and his taste in women is peculiar.
Ye-jin: (clearing her throat) umm.. I think he's here, standing behind you.
Aera turned her head to see the tall young president standing there in flesh.
Aera: (frowning) Wang Xin? Why are you here?
Wang Xin didn't even blink nor did he ask for permission before sitting beside Aera and making himself comfortable.
Xin: (pouting) I looked around for you but you were here, enjoying your victory meal without me?
Aera: (not pleased) I am with a friend can't you see? You should've left me a message if you were that concerned. I am not a child.
It was clear that Aera wasn't pleased with the overbearing behaviour. She wasn't comfortable with him stalking her. It gave her a very bad feeling. In her eyes what he did wasn't cute but creepy.
Ye-jin saw the situation but she herself was the third wheel after the interruption so she didn't know what she had to do to neutralise the situation.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
Ray would be gone for a few days.
I can be at ease without him breathing down my neck for a chapter or two!
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