Every Rule Has an Exception

Every Rule Has An Exception - 2

Jackson replayed the earlier conversation he had with the boys about Jo's open bids to flirt. As they so blatantly pointed out, Jo was dropping the signs right in his face, and he could not be sure how long those signs would keep on coming. Ultimately, if he had anything to lose, he would just lose it.

"Why? Are you interested to find out?"

But what if he had anything to win?

"I see. And what if I am?"

Bingo. Correct answer.

"I'm not going to lie, I didn't think it beyond this point, Jo."

Another giggle on her side must have been a good sign. "I like funny men. One of the reasons you were my bias in Got7."

Jackson draped an arm over his chest in mocked shock. "Were? Who took my place?"

"No one did, Jackson. It's just that I think I outgrew that phase,"

Jo pushed her cheek into the palm of her hand, still wearing that charming smile of hers. "I had a great time last night, and I mean it. Mostly thanks to you. It made me feel like I was part of the family. And if we're playing with our cards on the table, I don't mind telling you that I am attracted to you."

Jo leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. She took the opportunity to change the topic as she had surprised Jackson.

"Tell me more about the Team Wang project."

Jackson obliged her inquiry and took the phone out of his pocket to search for a presentation. One way or another, their clothing style matched again, and Jo wondered if coincidences really do exist.

The following two hours were centered around business conversations. Jackson had various ideas he wanted to implement for Team Wang's digital identity, and Jo offered all the input he asked for. He had a lot of questions about the services Jo was selling through her company, and the latter was surprised to hear hints of curiosities regarding diverse technical aspects. Moreover, she felt comfortable enough to suggest improvements for his ideas, based on her vast acumen in the industry. Their dialogue was pleasant and straightforward, exactly how Jo liked to do business with her partners.

"This is impressive, Jackson. I have to admit I'm surprised you had such a well-defined vision and mission for your team. It was easy to follow."

"No, you were perfect. I am impressed you challenged me and helped me improve on the go at the same time. I was right to ask for your partnership on this."

Both their statements were earnest, and perhaps both came to accept there was no moving forward with anyone else. Perhaps in other chapters of their lives as well.

"I want to be conscious of the timeline it would take. This is at least a 6–8-month long initiative, building the digital identity, the marketing campaigns, and the creation of the content per se. I do have capable teams in all these areas, although they are a bit stretched at the moment."

Jackson nodded his head, yet did not hesitate to respond. "Could we split this work and make a long-term plan? I'll take it, anyway, but I want us to be completely comfortable with how we plan this. I'd hate to be the thorn in your side."

"Oh no, there's no question about it." Jo hummed for a moment. "I'll have to sit down with my team to discuss about this, but I think I could lead the prototypes myself for the first two months. We would have to find a considerable amount of time to meet periodically because in this process I'll need your feedback constantly."

"Deal."

Jo's brows furrowed. "Deal? I just told you we'd need to meet a lot--"

"Deal," repeated Jackson, even more convincingly than before. "I'm sure we'll make it work."