Chapter 67: Spring cleaning
The same morning Ye-jin reached the office building which she had frequented often when she was a mere trainee.
Park Hu-ye had woken up and given his blessings to her. He was a little reluctant in the beginning. To retire after a lot of pre-planning leaves people at loss not to mention retiring abruptly. Especially for those who were dedicated and hard workers. He didn't know how he should react to the sudden decision made for him by his family.
He didn't want to yield to them in the least but mother Park had given him the ultimatum: either keeping sticking to the company, spoil his health, get divorced by her and die alone or listen to her, retire from the business, save his health and his family. She refused to let him see suffer due to his stubborn temperament. It was the first time in their long married life that So-jin expressed any kind of displeasure with him and mention 'divorce'. After a little more coercion he finally nodded his assent and surrendered to his wife.
Before leaving he gave Ye-jin hour-long guidance about urgent matters in the company.
So-ah: (laughing) Don't worry dad. She isn't alone. I am with her.
So-jin: (rolling her eyes) your dad is handing over his little baby to you both. It's a huge deal for him.
So-ah: (pouting) and here I thought we were his favourite children.
Hu-ye: (chuckling) I'll be relieved after I see your performance in a month.
Even though Hu-ye had agreed to let Ye-jin take over the company, he wasn't completely sure about the decision either. He knew that his younger daughter had a knack for business but he had never seen her perform well. Her trainee days were good but he was clear on how half-hearted she was back then when it came to matters regarding the company. The only consolation he had was that Ye-jin had So-ah to guide her.
Ye-jin: (nodding) rest assured you don't have to worry about your dear child dad. You focus on recovering and spending some quality with mom.
So-jin: (agreeing) Listen to them, your daughters are more sensible than you.
Hu-ye: (clearing his throat) go now! You're crowding here.
So-ah and Ye-jin were amused looking at their fathers' false indignation. They were clear on how much of their golden youth their parents had squandered in pursuit of their professional goals. Now it was time for them to kick back and relax and savour those lost times in each other's company while they still were capable.
So-ah: (mischievously) come on Jin, let's get going. We shouldn't disturb these love birds.
The sisters escaped from the room in the blink of an eye laughing. They could faintly hear their father's affection filled voice scolding them inside the room. They laughed some more and reached the company in the same bright mood.
Ye-jin spent the day familiarizing herself with the structure and working of the office. She was the president of the company and So-ah was a vice president. In the afternoon some shareholders expressed their dissatisfaction openly about the new chairman. They wished for So-ah to take over that position and they were justified in their claims about Ye-jin being an inexperienced newbie. They didn't trust her. The sisters weren't perturbed by all the negative opinions flooding their way but they calmly let everyone speak their mind.
After the shareholders noticed that the sisters weren't batting an eyelash to their grievances their annoyance grew but with no other choice they quietened down.
Ye-jin: (smiling) I am extremely glad that you've all expressed your concerns so openly. If you see me lacking in any area then I gladly accept your criticism. But today's meeting isn't only to inform you about the change in the leadership-
Many in the room were filled with contempt and distrust but they didn't dare openly show their fangs when So-ah was present in the room keeping an eye on each and every one of them. Just because the lioness hadn't spoken didn't mean she was idle. They knew from experience how deep her mind ran and how capable she was. They held So-ah in high regards but they didn't fear her little sister whom they had never seen nor heard of. What can a little newbie do to them?
Ye-jin: (taking note of their expressions) – today is also to discuss the fate of the poorly performing resorts in the southern hills.
The hearts of a few people present trembled. They weren't just mere shareholders but also in charge of those resorts she was talking about. They had done some shady business in the dark and let the money meant for the functioning of these places to their personal ventures. They were confident that no one would discover them but-
Ye-jin: I propose closing them down until further investigation.
Those who weren't in the know about the situation openly sneered. It was the first day and the new head was already taking such brazen decisions. According to them, all the resorts were equally profitable.
Ye-jin didn't wait for them to start debating over her capabilities again. It was tiring to see them go on and on without any real goal. They weren't here for pointless dispute. Ye-jin let her secretary present the statistics and reports of investigations to all who were present. She watched quietly as their wizened faces turned green, blue and red simultaneously.
Ye-jin: (scoffing) it's time for spring cleaning. The matter has been reported to the police.
So-ah: (smiling) everyone, take your time to go through the files.
Thus, until evening Ye-jin sorted out the termites in their company. So-ah was amazed by how quick her sister was taking action. She was also caught unaware of the problems persisting in the company. It didn't take Ye-jin a night's revision and half a day to clean the garbage. Others slowly understood the gravity of the situation. About five were detained by police under charges of money embezzlement.
Thus the meeting ended in a heavy mood.
So-ah: (proud) you are fast!
Ye-jin: (shaking her head) they were dumb. I was only lucky.
So-ah: huh?
Ye-jin: I knew about the crime they were committing back when I was a trainee. I didn't think they would still be doing it so brazenly.
So-ah: (shocked) so you knew and you didn't tell me? Or dad?
Ye-jin: (shrugging) I thought you knew it.
So-ah: (frowning) I didn't know. Why would I breed a wolf beside me?
Ye-jin: I thought you were feeding the wolf well before slaughtering it. Like a game.
So-ah: …
Wrapping up her first exhilarating day at the company Ye-jin dropped her sister off to her house and went to the hospital. She had received Ray's text a few hours ago.
'Ray: It won't be good to meet your parents unannounced right?'
'Ray: Why don't you act as a catalyst?'
'Ye-jin: Sure. Meet me in front of the hospital at 7:00.'
'Ray: Okay'
And it was 6:45 when Ye-jin parked her car in the hospital's car park.
'Ye-jin: are you on your way?'
'Ray: I am waiting in the car park. I am a little early.'
In no time she spotted Ray sitting in his car not far from her. He was, as usual, wearing a hood, cap, mask and sunglasses- a requirement for the celebrities unless they wish to be ambushed. Within minutes she reached beside his window and tapped on it.
Ray: (startled) uh!
Ye-jin: come on, let's go.
Ray quickly recovered from his momentary shock. He got down from the car and immediately noticed Ye-jin sporting a formal look. It was different from her usual style but it suited her perfectly. Her long hairs were straightened and were held back by a simple barrette. She was wearing a white button-down shirt and black slacks. She was only holding her phone in her hand.
Ray: you look different.
Ye-jin: (chuckling) and here I heard people say men weren't observant.
Chapter 68: Hesitate
Ye-Jin: and here I heard men weren't observant.
Her words startled Ray a bit. He was indeed not observant as she said but when it came to her somehow his senses were all wide open.
His mind flashed back to the conversation he had with the guys in the studio. From the looks of it they were shocked to know that he and Ye-Jin were just friends.
Vic: (scoffing) who're you trying to fool?
Mui: a-are you sure?
Ray: no one and yes I am sure that I am still single.
Kai: (sighing) you're a dimwit.
Timo: (rolling his eyes) without a doubt.
Ray: hold on! Why are you guys scolding me?
Timo: it's nothing leave it.
Ray: but still-
Vic: (dawning look) wait! you reading are still a single dog?
Ray: (confused) if I wasn't then I am sure I would've told you already. But really what made you all think so?
Timo: (thinking) well for starters, you guys have that suffocating chemistry.
Kai: and you obviously adore her.
Mui: your eyes sparkle and turn gentle when she's infront of you.
Vic: (scrunching up his nose) you're worse that Kai in this regards. Atleast he is aware of his surroundings.
Timo: (chuckling) that's some comparison but truth be told both of them are terrible.
Mui: can't handle being tortured by these lovesick fellows. Let's kick them out of the group.
Vic: (excited) Big bro will be the leader. I will be a rapper and Mui will be a vocalist. We'll be the 'it' of whole music industry.
Timo: (pitching in) I am all for the idea if you let me call the shots here.
Kai: ...
Ray: ...
The conversation went astray, thanks to Mui. The 'lovesick fools' thus ignored the trio after that.
Ye-Jin: (shaking him) where are you lost Ray?
Ray: (coming back to earth) uh... it's nothing.
Ye-Jin: is something bothering you?
Ray: (shaking his head) nothing major. Something happened at the studio. Let's go meet your father.
Ye-Jin threw him a worried glance but didn't ask anything else. She escorted him to the room where her father was currently staying. Park Hu-ye was listening to the report from his secretary and Park So-Jin was peeling some fruits beside him unhappily.
Ye-Jin: dad? mom? what is happening here?
So-Jin: you're finally here? your father is being stubborn and getting the reports from the company.
Hu-ye: (snorting) if I hadn't done it then we wouldn't have gotten to know how capable our little daughter is.
So-jin: (rolling her eyes) we would've know eventually. You simply can't stay away from work. I am fed up of you!
Ye-Jin: (clearing her throat) uh... guys? there's someone here to meet you.
Ye-Jin gently reminded the old folks about Ray, who by now had a gentle look in his eyes. The Park elders reminded him of his own parents back home. The memories were bittersweet and made his eyes sting. He concealed it well when the attention of everyone in the room turned to him.
Ye-Jin: dad, mon, this is my friend Ray.
Ray: (bowing respectfully) hello sir, hello madam. I apologise for my unannounced visit. I couldn't help myself when I heard sir was sick.
So-jin: (smiling warmly) it's no trouble at all. You coming here shows how much you care for our little girl-
Ye-Jin: (horrified) mom!
Hu-ye didn't say anything, he frowned at his wife for a moment before nodding to Ray as a form of acknowledgement. It didn't sit well with him that his little girl was grown up and was bringing guys to meet them.
The two 'oblivious people' were not aware of the father's sour thoughts.
So-jin: what?!
Ye-Jin: nothing. What did the doctor say today?
So-jin: (excited) we can take your father home tomorrow!
Hu-ye: (nonchalant) all of you worried for nothing.
Ye-Jin: it's better to be late than sorry dad-
The quartet in the ward chatted for a while. Ray soon was integrated into their group, courtsey of mother Park. She was secretly giving her little girl thumbs up for choosing a fine man for herself. On the other hand, father Park was feeling helpless as there came another man to take away his other little daughter. Life was so unfair.
Ye-Jin: (looking at her watch) it's so late already. Mom, come I'll drop you off to home.
So-jin: (shaking her head) no. I'll stay here tonight.
Ye-Jin: mom?
So-jin: it's just for a night. I'll manage. Besides I need keep an eye on your father.
Hu-ye: (snorting) just say that you're scared of sleeping alone.
So-Jin: who is scared?-
Finally it was settled that So-jin was going to stay with the old man for the night. Ye-Jin had to give in to her mother's wishes. The woman wasn't budging.
So-Jin: (bidding the couple goodbye) Ray, come visit us at our home in a few days. We'd love to have you over for dinner.
Ray: thank you aunty. I'd love to do that.
Hu-ye watched silently with no response. His wife had already set her heart on Ray as her second son-in-law and the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
When they were out in the car park, Ray broke the comfortable silence between them.
Ray: (smiling) your parents are-
Ye-Jin: I know they're a crazy pair.
Ray: (shaking his head) no that's not what I wanted to say. They're admirable.
Ye-Jin: (pleased) thank you but don't let my mother hear it. She'll go to the moon and come back or worse adopt you as her son.
Ray: why is it worse?
Ye-Jin: cuz then you'll be my brother-
She let her thought trail off. The scenario of Ray being her brother was hard to digest.
Ray: (raising an eyebrow) so?
Ye-Jin: nothing-
She didn't elaborate and turned around to leave when Ray caught her arm and pulled her close to him. The touch left tingling sensation all over Ye-Jin's arm. She was surprised by the sudden contact between them. The distance between them was not too close nor too far apart, it was the perfect amount for Ye-Jin to see his pupils dilating.
Ray saw himself being reflected in her clear eyes. For the first time throughout their relationship he felt the so called 'chemistry' between them. He suddenly had this urge to pull her closer and and lock her up in his arms.
Ray was startled to catch the gentle look in his eyes. His grip on her arm slackened and he let her go just like that. The moment of ambiguity passed in the blink of an eye but for the people involved it felt as if an era had flown by.
Ray: (clearing his throat) um...
Ye-Jin: (looking at her arm) it's-
For a breath or two neither of them spoke. They were tongue tied.
Ray: (trying again) let's head back?
Ye-Jin: (absent minded) um... yeah ok?
Ray: (avoiding her eyes) ok then...
Ye-Jin: (curious) just now you felt something?
Ray: (hesitant) feel what?
Ye-Jin: (dejected) nevermind.
The mood turned awkward.
Ray: (trying to change the topic) I got to know that people think we're dating.
He felt like he shot himself in the foot. The statement was so wrong in this situation for him.
Ye-Jin: (shrugging) I get that a lot.
Ray: (surprised) you do?
Ye-Jin nodded in reply. Her mood had turned sour when Ray denied to have felt anything. She didn't want to have any amicable conversation with him. (It never feels great to be the only one).
Ray: you never told me?
Ye-Jin: The nurse mentioned it back in the hospital when we got Sarang, so I thought you knew.
Ray: no I didn't!
Ye-Jin: oh... ok. I should better get going then.
And just like that she left, without looking back, leaving behind a confused top star.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
I got this piece of gossip from a reliable source...
Mother Park is already, secretly planning a wedding for her little girl and father Park isn't too thrilled about it...
Ray: (scowling) hold on! we are still in the realisation phase!
Me: so?
Ray: (sucking it up) I want a wedding like Kai's! No! Wait! A better one!
Me: ...
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