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!
Chapter 60: Second thoughts
While Ye-jin was busy contemplating how she should neutralise the sudden situation between the young president and her good friend, Ray had already landed in Shanghai. He was on way to their accommodations for the time being with their team.
Among all the hustle and bustle he noticed Kai being anxious about something. It was rare for his friend to show worried side since he was usually pretty easy going. It naturally caught Ray's interest. Leaving behind the troublesome trio he marched over to Kai. He put a hand over the man's shoulder.
Ray: what's bothering you?
Kai: (shaking his head) n-nothing. I am just trying to call back home.
Ray: Is everything all right back home? It's unlike you to be this uneasy over little stuff.
Kai: (nodding) yes absolutely. Everything's fine. I am not at all anxious.
Ray didn't believe the crap coming out from Kai's mouth for a single second. His vigorous denial of his concern itself was the clear indication of his lie. Ray could only shake his head chuckling under his breath. Guys weren't like girls if the other person wished to talk then they would.
It was clear as day that Kai was up to something and hiding it from all of them.
Ray didn't think about it anymore.
His doubts were confirmed when Kai went out on his own early in the morning- so early that even the sun himself was still snoring- almost immediately after reaching their hotel. And his excuse was to have a stroll in the fresh morning air. The guys all scoffed internally at the missing wits of their leader while lying but chose not to comment on it. The fellow was already agitated to the point of having a breakdown.
After Kai left, the remaining guys went back to their own devices. They had a rehearsal the same day- after the sun was up- and needed to preserve their energy.
***
Back to where Ye-jin was stuck between the new couple, the atmosphere had turned awkward with neither of them willing to back down.
Ye-jin: (clearing her throat) h-hello Mr Wang. I am Park Ye-jin, nice to meet you.
Aera was miffed but she held it in for the sake of her friend.
What did this guy think of her? Just because they were engaged by their familied didn't mean he was allowed to have a say in whatever she did! He was clearly stalking her and didn't have an ounce of guilt about the same. Aera started to have second thoughts about going through this arranged decision. If she were to marry this man then there won't be any 'identity' left for her. She felt the relationship suffocating her before it even began.
On the other hand, Wang Xin couldn't understand why he was behaving this way either. Normally he was a very laid back person with a pleasant personality but when it came to this woman he couldn't help have the desire to completely possess her no matter how uncomfortable he was making her. He clearly understood that he was walking down a path which was clearly destructive for them both and he needed an urgent change. Luckily, Ye-jin distracted him from his thoughts for the time being.
Xin: (smiling gratefully) nice to meet you too Miss Ye-jin. Hope you don't mind me imposing on your little party.
Ye-jin: (shaking her head) no, it's alright. Sadly you were a little late. We were almost finished and planning to crash at my parents' place tonight.
Of course, that was a lie. They had just eaten half of the starters. Ye-jin was trying to create an opportunity for Aera to escape the man for that night. She could tell that Aera's appetite was ruined since this guy showed up. Xin knew it too. He felt a little guilty for behaving like an autocratic ass at that moment.
Aera: (standing up) that's right. Ye-jin let's leave.
A flicker of hurt passed in the man's eyes and wasn't missed by Ye-jin. She couldn't intervene more as this was something the involved parties had to solve on their own.
Xin: I'll drop you ladies off then.
Aera: (sharply) no! We'll hire a cab.
Although she was overreacting a little, she needed time to sort out her sudden jumbled mind and that wasn't going to happen if she stayed around this person. Xin wanted to protest but Ye-jin warned him- with her eyes- to let the matter rest for the time being. Thus, he shut his mouth and quietly watched as the women hired a cab and left.
***
Following morning, in Shanghai, it was a gorgeous day with clear blue sky and every other good thing associated with a good day. The guys- Timo, Ray, Mui and Vic all gathered in the lobby to head to their concert venue according to their schedule. They were amused when they didn't find their leader with them.
Vic: did Kai fall asleep on some footpath while out on his morning stroll?
Mui: you know there is a probability of that happening given how he hasn't slept since he came back from his short break?
Timo: (rubbing his chin) so you're saying that something might have happened during the break?
Ray: (rolling his eyes) cut it out you three. If it's something crucial he'll tell us eventually.
Mui: (nodding) we aren't plotting anything. We're only trying to guess what our leader is up to.
Their conversation was cut short when their manager came out to inform that Kai was going to join them directly after lunch.
Vic: (curiously) manager, did he come back from his walk?
Manager: (nodding) he did and after he freshened up he went out again.
Ray: come on then. We've got a long day ahead of us. Let's gang up on him after the concert.
Timo: (smirking) now that's more like you Ray. I already love the idea of 'ganging up'.
Mui: (frowning in distaste) I am not joining you guys. You'll eventually get me beaten up.
Vic: I am with Mui in this. We'll be watching from the sides this time.
The guys leisurely discussed their plans to get their leader to spill the beans but they were unaware of the shock their leader had planned to spring on them that afternoon.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
Kai is being a tease for the guys.
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