The Real Jiyong

Chapter 5: The preparations

Regards

China

Tapping sends I minimize the page as I tap on Skype, checking the time it is 14:45 hours here in Sydney so it's around 13:45 in Seoul. Tapping on the managers, caller icon I start dialing.

"Ah Miss Park nice to hear from you again, how may I help? Mr. Kim answers formally but polite in his own way.

"Mr. Kim I'm just calling to tell you that a date has been set for the interview I would like to know if Jiyong will be free on that day."

"I see what date is the interview?" Mr. Kim asks.

"The 11th of February," I answer back.

"Well from my side his activity schedule is clear, but I suggest giving him a call to check if he doesn't have anything personally planned on that day. You have a pen on you?"

"Yes, I do Sir." I write down the number as he calls it out, repeating it back to him just to make sure I got it right.

"That's correct. He should be at home today so calling now should be fine."

"Thank you." I hang up and dial the number and wait as it dials.

A husky rather deep male voice responds as the picture emerges.

"Hello?"

"Hi, GD its China Parks again. How are you?" I ask watching as he sits back.

"Oh hi, and call me Jiyong. I'm well..." He smiles as his catwalks over his keyboard and he picks it up placing it on the floor.

Smiles softly, "Who was that?"

"Oh, that's Momo my cat. So how can I help you, seeing as you called?"

"I was calling to let you know that a date for the interview has been set, it's the 11th of February. Will you be free on that day?"

"My schedule is clear, so the 11th sounds good. What time should I be there?"

"I'd say 17:00 hrs so you can get hair and makeup done?"

He laughs, "You sound unsure about the makeup, do I need to bring my own stylist and makeup artist?"

"No...No...I'm sorting that out, just wondering...you know thinking about something and I actually think you shouldn't shave," I say as if confirming a decision.

He leans back smiling, "You, don't want me to shave?"

"You sound surprised."

"Um a little bit, I mean you're the first journalist who wants me to do an interview unshaven."

"Yeah well, I think it's a more relaxed look, and that's the type of feel I'm going for here."

"A woman on a mission I see. Alright, I won't shave, any other requests I should be made aware of?"

"No just remember! Be yourself, this interview is about finding out who you are and what makes GD and Jiyong the same person." I explain.

"Aren't all interviews supposed to be like that?" he asks sarcastically.

"Yeah well this one has not been centred on any group activities it's all about you and knowing the real Jiyong."

"Got it, so its 11 February 17:00 pm at the Maroon Café." He repeats making sure he caught everything "Ah and don't shave." He says with a slight chuckle.

"Perfect you got it."

"Alright well, Miss Park I have to get going see you in two weeks."

"See you in two weeks Jiyong," I say as I hang up and smile. Closing my email, I call the waiter to bring me the pay slip, paying I leave a tip and start packing my things smiling I walk out.

Hmmm, it wouldn't hurt to do a little of shopping while I am here, maybe some things for Jonathan, Mom, and Dad. Walking around the mall I headed down to some main boutiques got a Guess handbag and purse for my mom, A Calvin Klein vest and pants for my brother with a belt and a Tom Ford suit for my dad; walking down the road I head to my car parked just opposite La Chocolat I put the bags in the boot.

Looks up I see the new advertisement for La Chocolat I walk closer and take a picture.

I really loved the adverts done by La Chocolat, has been around for 10 years they really know how to use celebrities and not make the advert feel like a typical fake endorsement advert. During an interview I had, Mrs. Wang said that the celebrities featured in their adverts where part of a programme that they offered to the recording agencies where idols could come and learn basic skills and trade. So, an idol gets to learn the tools and trades of a chocolatier for a month which harvested a lot of benefits for both the shop and the idol who took a part in it.

How I know all this is because I did a story on Mrs. Wang and her family business which has been around for over 25 years, the very first store is in China and the second in Seoul, South Korea, and her third store is here in Sydney Australia, it's been here in my hometown for 10 years.

Smiling as I see her through the window waving as she makes her way out.

"Ah China...what you do here?" she asked joyfully.

"I was just shopping and brought few things for my parents and my elder brother," I explain.

"Ah what a sweet girl, I have something for you, wait here I'll be right back." She rushed back inside and returned with a box of hazelnut chocolate balls, and a double packet of sweet chili crushed chocolate.

"Oh, Mrs. Wang you really didn't have too..." I protest as I take the box. "But thank you so much."

"Now come, come and have some hot chocolate before you go," she says motioning me inside.

Who was I to say no and if you've tasted her hot chocolate you would understand why. After a sweet ending to a somewhat long day, I head straight to my mom and dad's house, excited to see the expressions on their faces when they see the gifts I bought them. Arriving at my parents' place I call out as I step through the door carrying the bags with me.