The Real Jiyong

Chapter 7: The Time Is Coming

CHINA's POV

So, it's one week till the big interview with Jiyong and in all honesty, I'm nervous because I really want everything to go as planned but also, I'm curious to find about the type of person he is.

I am meeting up with Joey today to scope out the Maroon Café to check on lighting, sound, space and the best area to hold the interview. It's a Monday which means the hectic week for me is just starting and I need to be on the ball this entire week if I want this interview to go off without a hitch. Pulling up at the Maroon Café I find Joey outside with one other guy taking in some lights and other heavy equipment, walking in I greet the owner, and thank him for giving us time this whole week to become in and check the place and arrange everything in time for the interview.

"It's really not a problem at all, work this time of year is rather slow for a place like this its only lively during the evenings so during the day you and your crew can do all the testing and setting up that you need." the owner told me with a warm smile. I thanked him once again.

Joey and I looked around at areas that had the best echo and good lighting.

"What do you think Joey? Should we look at an area that has more natural lighting and use in-house lights or do you want to add a few spotlights?" I ask as I turn to him.

"Well, I think that the natural light will be a bit dull as this is happening around the evening so, natural light won't last long, so I suggest a cosier but open plan area where I can fit in two to three spotlights which will give it a natural feel that's what I think," Joey said as he walked around examining the lighting.

"I see your point. So, from your perspective which is you considering" I ask as I make some notes on the points he made.

"Hmm, well I would say the back longue it is exclusive, private and there is room enough for lighting and filming equipment and also it seems big enough so you and GD will not feel squeezed in," Joey responded directing his crew members to take the equipment into the longue.

"I see so quick touch-ups by the stylist can easily be done."

"Exactly there is room enough for everyone to do their job and for you both to still feel comfortable," Joey explained.

"Alright, I'll leave you and your crew to test out the rest I need to meet up with the stylist for hair and makeup so give me a call when you have set up everything," I say grabbing my bag and slips on my shades.

"Sure thing, I'll ring you up once we are done here, although sound testing will be done on Wednesday," explained Joey rubbing his neck.

"That should be fine the interview is on Friday so just make sure it's done, I am going to trust you here," I say sternly as I point my finger at him.

"You can count on me, my crew and I will get everything that needs to be tested done in record time." He says confidently as he pats my shoulder.

I smile, turned around and headed for the door, he's given me his word so I had to put my faith in him that he will give me the results I am looking for. I climb into my car and make a stop and La Chocolat; I need something to help me relax before I head into my next meet up for the day. And since I am an hour ahead of schedule a little stop at my favorite café wouldn't hurt.

Walking into the cosy café I take a seat just by the window as I like to view the street and see the millions of people pass by, glued to their devices, as they rushed from point A to B, going to a job that they didn't like, that didn't pay much and wishing that the hours of the day could be shorter, but at the same time longer so that they could fit all the things they had to do in a day.

Mrs. Wong walks up to me, "So dear, what are you having today?"

"My usual Mrs. Wong", I say with a smile.

My usual was a cup of hot chocolate, which was not a cup of that powder that is made by Lou Chocó but actual chocolate melted and stirred to make the thickest and richest cup of hot chocolate that once the rich chocolate touched your lips, you simply could never picture having hot chocolate any other way. After finishing my hot chocolate, I thanked Mrs. Wong and made my way to my car driving to my next meeting.

I was meeting up with makeup artist and hair stylist Ling Li from China; I had seen her work in an editorial spread for Fashion Week. So, I got her contact and said that if I ever wanted to work with her I would give her a call. I arrived at the pop-up store she told me that I would find her in, it was a new clothing store called 'Ice Cream Sweet' the colors were pink and white. Reminded me of Hello Kitty which was super cute; I parked my car and made my way into the new store looking around at the new design collections a voice greeted me from behind my back.

"You must be China Parks." the tiny voice seems to grow louder; I turn around and see Ling Li approaching me.

"Ah Ling Li it's good to see you; I see you're busy with a shoot it looks like today," I say as I hug her.

"Yes, I'm almost done come meet the designers and see the look I came up with." She motions me to follow her to the back. The set is exactly what I pictured, cute outfits, soft makeup and pink décor everywhere. It was like Barbie meets Hello Kitty and it worked.

I greet the model Francesca White and the designers a married couple who have been living in Australia for the last 10 years who take their inspiration from Asian fashion. Shelly and Frank both met at design school and paired up for a class assignment and since that fortunate day they knew that they were a great duo and soon started planning to create a collection of their own together. Such stories really warm my heart and I knew that their love story would be a great feature for next month's issue of CG Magazine.

"For next month's issue of CG Magazine, I would like to do an interview with you both," I say to both Shelly and Frank.

"That would be amazing; we actually would appreciate the publicity," Shelly said.

"And the exposure would help get the word out about the new store we are opening," Frank added as he wrapped his arm around Shelly's shoulders.

I spoke to Shelly and got their contact details and the address for the store and walked to the back with Ling Li to talk about her being my stylist and make-up artist for the interview with Jiyong.

"Wow, so you have been busy. Well, I'd be honored to be of service on that day." Ling Li says she pulls her big black hat down.

"So, when is this big interview set for?"

"Oh, it's the 11th February at the Maroon Café and I told him to be there at 17:00 so at least you can style him."

"Okay so I'll be there at about 16:00, what time will you be there?"

"Well, I'm going to be there early with Joey and his crew as they need to set up so maybe 12:00 hours I should be there I also just have to check with Joey to see if there is a good work space for you."

"Sure, drop me an email by Wednesday so I can come and check it out."

"Sure thing, I'll do that." I smile and walk with Ling Li back into the studio saying goodbye to Shelly and Frank; getting back to my car I head to the office.

The day passes by rather slowly giving me some time to take everything in and breathe as I tick off the things I have done in my diary rubbing my neck sighing as I see the heavy schedule that awaits my attention for the rest of this week. I close my diary and grab my bag, leave the office and into the car and head straight to church for my group meeting.