Chapter 762: Younger Siblings (1)

"Do you perhaps have something against me?"

At Yoo-Jin's question, Ryan Kim, the executive director and interpreter, looked flustered. "What... What do you mean? Why would I have anything against you, Miss Yoo-Jin?"

"If I walk out there wearing that Butterfly, the whole world is going to point fingers at me. There'll be headlines claiming Jung Yoo-Jin stole her hoobae's spot."

Just last week, Jang So-Yeon had already gained attention for wearing the Butterfly.

If the most famous star in Korea, Yoo-Jin, received it now, she would be taking that image away from Jang So-Yeon. Yoo-Jin drew a clear line and refused even the powerful offer from Louis' Batton's Vice President Lopez, saying she couldn't rob her hoobae of her image.

For a moment, Ryan Kim, who had tried to sway Yoo-Jin with money, turned red in the face. So did Lopez, who heard the interpretation.

"W-We didn't mean it like that..."

Still smiling, Yoo-Jin answered firmly again. "I know. I believe you didn't. But the outcome would be obvious. And in that case, I don't think it would be a good look for Louis' Batton either."

Lopez swallowed his embarrassment and asked again, "Miss Jung, what do you mean it wouldn't be good for Louis' Batton?"

"Don't you think it would give the impression that Louis' Batton, the world's top luxury brand, just swaps out its models without hesitation?"

"

Ah

..."

It was a pointed remark. Despite having discovered and spotlighted the rookie Jang So-Yeon, the brand would now be seen as discarding her after one use.

Flustered, Lopez started conferring with Ryan Kim. Soon after, they offered a sincere apology. "We've committed a great discourtesy."

When Lopez gave a respectful bow, Yoo-Jin returned it with the same grace. "Not at all. I'm sorry for upsetting you, Mr. Vice President."

I felt so proud of Yoo-Jin, who cared more about her honor and image as a celebrity than money.

'

When did Yoo-Jin grow up like this?

'

People often thought all a star needed was popularity. However, dignity was essential to truly become a long-lasting superstar. The moment they chased money through shady loan ads, abused their power, or acted unethically, it was a steep fall from grace.

Maybe it was because Yoo-Jin had worked so many part-time jobs and encountered so many different kinds of people that she knew how to say no to difficult requests without making enemies. She protected her own image, looked out for her hoobae's interests, and even preserved the reputation of the company that had made an unreasonable offer.

Perhaps that was the reason Lopez didn't look displeased even after being turned down.

"

Um

... Then, may we focus on the show now? So-Yeon looks so beautiful today and I want to take that memory home with me."

At Yoo-Jin's words, Lopez nodded. "Let's do that. And right here, I'd like to make a promise to you, Miss Yoo-Jin. I'll personally ensure that Ms. Jang So-Yeon is chosen as the main accessories model for our New York Fashion Show. And I'll invite you to the event as well. Would that serve as an apology and a thank you?"

The Louis' Batton New York Fashion Show was a major global opportunity. Even Yoo-Jin broke into a bright smile at the unexpected offer.

"Thank you, Mr. Vice President."

Lopez, at sixty-years-old, blushed slightly. "

Ahem

. Now I understand why you're so beloved in Korea."

"You flatter me. And please coordinate the schedule with my talent agent."

"Of course."

Lopez looked at me, then pulled out a gold business card from his inner pocket. It bore his title and personal contact information in black ink on a gold background. A vice president of Louis' Batton's head office wouldn't hand out business cards lightly. After all, someone could misuse it for scams if they carried it around recklessly. In other words, this wasn't just a business card but it was a sign of trust and respect.

I reached out with both hands and replied with gratitude. "Thank you for your consideration."

"Not at all. If anything, I learned a lot today. So rest assured, I'll take good care of Ms. Jang. We can't have rumors spreading that the great Louis' Batton neglects its models, can we?

Hahaha

."

I gave him a grateful smile, thankful he had rescued me from Yoo-Jin's lecture. A moment later, the show resumed. Jang So-Yeon took to the runway once more. Only then did we fall silent and turn our attention back to the stage.

Jang So-Yeon was now wearing a striking red dress, beautifully embroidered with blooming white lilies. It looked as if the Butterfly accessory had landed gracefully on one of the flowers. The dress and accessory perfectly matched like a set.

Then it happened. With each step Jang So-Yeon took, the artificial flowers beneath the transparent runway began to emit a soft glow. As spotlights from above illuminated the stage, a butterfly appeared on the runway's surface. It was as if Louis' Batton had conjured up a magical scene of a butterfly flitting through a field of blossoms, showcasing their flair for dramatic presentation.

Even amid such spectacle, Jang So-Yeon, the show's main model, didn't pale in comparison. She walked with bold charisma. When she reached the end of the runway, she planted her feet apart and struck a pose. Her eyes fixed on the VIPs gleamed with confidence.

That's when our gazes met. Jang So-Yeon mouthed the words 'Thank you.' I smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. The corner of her mouth curled into a faint smile. That alluring smile seemed to shine even brighter now, because the photographers all fired their cameras at once.

Flash, flash!

The Butterfly sparkled under the flash, reflecting the light in dazzling brilliance. In that moment, if nothing else, this stage undeniably belonged to Jang So-Yeon.

***

The Louis' Batton accessory launch show had finally come to an end.

Afterward, a small group of VIPs, buyers, Lopez, and Ryan Kim moved to the adjoining small hall for the sales party. A sales party was where the items shown during the fashion show were sold to select VIPs and buyers.

There, Lopez began personally escorting and introducing Jang So-Yeon. "This is Ms. Jang, the star of today's show. I'd really love to help her grow into something big. Please lend her your support."

"

Oh

, of course! After everything you've done for us, Mr. Lopez, just say the word!"

Thanks to Lopez, people treated Jang So-Yeon with warmth and interest. Reporters at the event began murmuring in surprise.

"How many years has it been since VIce President Lopez personally backed a rookie model?"

"Right? He wouldn't even tell us the reason for his visit to Korea, but now it all makes sense. It's because of Jang So-Yeon."

"Hey, snap some pictures! Entertainment All Times already put out an article!"

Even though Jang So-Yeon was just a rookie, the fact that Lopez was personally looking after her triggered a flood of coverage.

[Jang So-Yeon Chosen as Louis' Batton's New Rookie Model!]

[Louis' Batton's Vice President Lopez Visits Korea: "I Came to Meet the Owner of the Butterfly."]

[Jang So-Yeon: The Newcomer Louis' Batton Has Its Eyes On.]

[Jang So-Yeon Set to Walk the Runway as the Main Accessories Model at Louis' Batton's New York Show.]

Seeing all those glowing headlines appear in real time, the fatigue from yesterday vanished.

"What are you smiling at, oppa?" Yoo-Jin appeared beside me with a champagne glass in hand.

Her cheeks were a little flushed, and I could clearly tell she had at least two glasses.

"You drank champagne?" I asked.

"Come on~ I only had one. Don't worry so much."

'

Liar

.'

Team Lead Yeon So-Hee who followed behind shook her head firmly.

I mouthed a silent question to her. "Two glasses?"

She shook her head again.

"What? Not two?"

She shook her head.

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Three?"

She shook her head even harder.

"No...Four glasses?"

Only then did she nod.

In the blink of an eye, Yoo-Jin had downed four glasses of champagne. It must have been her way of coping with the frustration of not getting a call while everything was unfolding last night.

'

Maybe I should've apologized earlier

.'

"Yoo-Jin, I'm sorry about last night. Eun-Gi was in a panic because of Mr. Chairman, and I didn't have the presence of mind to call."

"How is Mr. Chairman doing?"

"Luckily, none of his major organs were hurt. The surgery went well too."

"That's a relief~" Letting out a sigh, Yoo-Jin looked at me silently for a moment before grumbling with a deeper sigh. "Anyway, I didn't get a wink of sleep. Yeon-Sil unnie was crying, and you didn't call. I thought about calling first, but I had no idea what was going on, so I couldn't."

"Really, I'm sorry. I didn't want to wake you."

Yoo-Jin gave me a sharp look. "And if it were the other way around, would you have been able to sleep, oppa?"

That one hit me hard and I had no comeback. If something had happened to Yoo-Jin, I wouldn't have just lost sleep. I probably would have gone on a rampage. Now I really felt bad.

As I scratched my head, Yoo-Jin pressed again. "You're sorry, right? You are, aren't you?"

I quickly placed a hand over my chest and put on a remorseful face. "Yeah, I'm very, very sorry."

Just then, Yoo-Jin's eyes crinkled into a sly smile.

'

Huh? What's this? What's she up to?

'

Just as my heart started racing, Yoo-Jin asked again. "Are you really sorry~?"

"Yeah, I told you, I'm sorry."

"Then can you do me a favor?"

"

Uh

...If I can?"

And then came the blow.

"If you're really sorry, take Miso and I to LT Amusement Park!"

"LT Amusement Park?"

"Yes! At the end of March, we're renting out the whole place for a fan event with the Cherry Blossom fan club, remember?"

With the fan club's name having changed to 'Blooming,' they had rented out LT Amusement Park for the entire night next Friday. And now she wanted to tag along. That was a relief. If that was all it was, I could absolutely do that.

"Okay!"

Yoo-Jin's face lit up with a beaming smile. "Really? For real?"

My heart skipped a beat. Even I, who saw her every day, found that smile dazzling. It was no wonder the reporters turned their cameras toward us.

Flash, flash.

-Something good must've happened to Jung Yoo-Jin again.

-Well, she is the hottest actress in Korea right now. Offers must be pouring in.

-Did she land a new role or something?

Last night's broadcast of

Hwaranjeon

Episode 19 had hit a 33.5% viewership ratings, and now reporters were trying to get closer for an interview with Yoo-Jin. However, there was no way I would let her talk to the press drunk. Not only would she spill truths but she would also spill nonsense.

I quickly signaled to Yeon So-Hee, and she rushed to my side.

Yeon So-Hee said, "Yoo-Jin, let's go home now. We have to head down to Gyeongju this afternoon."

Yoo-Jin, tipsy, clung to Yeon So-Hee's arm. "Unnie~ I'm going to LT Amusement Park next week with Miso~ Aren't you jealous? Right?"

"Yeah, totally jealous. Now let's go."

"Unnie, do you want to come too?"

Yeon So-Hee let out a deep sigh. "All of Division Jung's talent agents are on full duty that day anyway."

With thousands of Cherry Blossom fans expected to flock to the park, all of Hoop Entertainment's talent agents would have to be on deck that Friday night except for the bare minimum needed for IPO prep.

That's when someone else chimed in from behind. "How stingy. Are you going without me? I'm part of the Hoop subsidiary too, you know."

When I turned around, Ju Yung-In was looking up at me. She didn't look drunk at first glance, but that wide smile told me she was pretty far gone.

Suddenly, I remembered how Ju Yung-In acted when she got drunk in the past before the regression. Once she hit a certain level, she became impossibly clingy and whiny. She usually held her liquor well, but she must have had quite a bit today.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin flashed her signature eye smile and asked, "What's up with you, Yung-In?"

"I wanna go too."

"Nope~ No can do~ It's just me and Miso~"

Yoo-Jin teased her, and Ju Yung-In pouted in protest. "If you keep that up, I'll tell the reporters you're drunk."

"Look who's talking! You're drunk too."

"Yeah, but I don't show it like you do. They won't notice."

"

Ugh

, how petty."

When Yoo-Jin grumbled, Ju Yung-In stuck out her lower lip. "Hey. Jung Yoo-Jin. I've never been to an amusement park outside of filming, not even once~"

Before she debuted as a celebrity, Ju Yung-In had never been to an amusement park. And that was because her family had been extremely poor back then. Having a high ego, Ju Yung-In hated talking about her past and rarely got close enough to people to reveal it. This was something only a very few knew.

Completely unaware, Yoo-Jin stared at Ju Yung-In for a moment before letting out a long sigh. Yoo-Jin had a soft heart when faced with weakness, so she couldn't say no when Yung-In looked that vulnerable.

"Wait, seriously? You've never been?" Yoo-Jin asked.

"Nope."

"Fine~ But in exchange, you're buying all the snacks for me and Miso that day."

'

Excuse me, Miss Jung Yoo-Jin? That's not okay!

'

Just as I opened my mouth to call her out for sneakily scoring free food, I noticed the reporters snapping away again.

Flash! Flash!

-What's with Jung Yoo-Jin and Ju Yung-In looking so friendly?

-Are they doing another project together?

-If they are, that's huge.

-They were a great combo in

Blue Sky

and

In the Name of God.

Maybe Jung Yoo-Jin's the lead now and Ju Yung-In's supporting?

-

Nah

, they're both too big for that. Neither would take a supporting role.

-

Ugh

, I'm desperate to find out. Should we go ask?

With the two hottest actresses in Korea sharing the spotlight, it was inevitable that they would draw attention even if they were just bickering drunkenly about an amusement park. Before things spiraled, President Ahn Yung-Hee and I stepped in to shut it down.

"Yoo-Jin, smile. Reporters are watching. Come on."

"Yeah, Yung-In, give them a smile."

Just then, Yoo-Jin smiled and held out her hand to Ju Yung-In. "Looking forward to it, Ju Yung-In."

"The pleasure's mine."

They were true professionals. With that friendly handshake, the two of them buried any suspicions with a flourish, ending their drunken antics on a polished note.

***

The sales party wrapped up. Yoo-Jin and Ju Yung-In were ushered out by Yeon So-Hee and Ahn Yung-Hee. Meanwhile, I stayed behind to close out the scene, waiting for Jang So-Yeon to finish making her rounds with Lopez. Lopez was the very last to leave, personally escorting Jang So-Yeon as she greeted the final guests, and then bringing her over to me.

"Thanks to Ms. Jang, today's sales were a huge success."

"Congratulations."

Lopez thanked me, then turned to Jang So-Yeon with a gaze full of warmth like he was looking at his own daughter. "Then let's meet again in New York, Ms. Jang."

"Yes, Mr. Vice President," Jang So-Yeon bowed with a visibly thrilled expression.

After that, Lopez and Ryan Kim also exited the venue.

Once they were gone, Jang So-Yeon turned to me, her face slightly flushed with excitement. "How did I do today?"

"You were incredible. Look at this article."

Jang So-Yeon's face lit up as she read the headline from one of today's news stories.

"Mr. Jung... then... would it be okay if I brought my siblings too?"

"Of course. Now that the article's out, we'll start the media play tomorrow so you can bring them here."

Since Jang So-Yeon had done her part beautifully, it was my turn to keep my promise.

"Then... Can I call Yeon-Joo? I'll make sure she doesn't tell Mom."

"Go ahead."

"Thank you."

Beaming with excitement, Jang So-Yeon quickly dialed her eldest brother, Jang Jun-Hyun. The call rang for a moment before a video connection was made.

-Oh? Noona?

"Jun-Hyun, where's Yeon-Joo?"

-Right here. Hang on.

Jang Jun-Hyun moved the phone back, revealing Jang Yeon-Joo munching on a red sausage-and-rice-cake skewer[1]. With her cheeks puffed out from chewing, Yeon-Joo looked up in surprise and shouted.

-Unnie~~!!

"My little Yeon-Joo. Where are you?"

-We're on our way home! Oppa bought me this skewer! But... it doesn't taste good without you!

"

Haha

, you little liar. For someone saying it's not good, you sure are eating a lot. Your cheeks are about to pop."

-N-No, they're just swollen! Swollen!

Jang Yeon-Joo quickly covered her mouth with her tiny hand.

"Okay, okay. But you better ask Jun-Hyun to get you a drink too. That skewer's dry."

-

Hehe.

Got it!"

"Oh, and Yeon-Joo, Unnie has..."

But at that moment, a shadow passed across the screen and unfamiliar voices cut in.

-Hey. You kids. You're Jang So-Yeon's siblings, right?

-Yes, that's us...

Just as Jang Jun-Hyun answered, a low voice followed.

-Found them.

Then, the screen went black.

[Call Ended]

"Yeon-Joo?"

Panicked, Jang So-Yeon tried calling back. However, her siblings didn't pick up.

Then came a buzz and an Everyday notification popped up.

Buzz~

[Everyday V13]

[Notification: March 18, 2021 - A new schedule entry has been registered for Jang So-Yeon.]

Now I understood why Everyday hadn't sent any alerts when Jang So-Yeon lost her earring earlier. It was because the real shock was this newly registered event.

Everyday stated a shocking news that Jang So-Yeon would be retiring from the entertainment industry.

1.

Sausage-rice cake skewer

, also called so-tteok-so-tteok ☜