After a while, the couple lay together in bed. Jimin wrapped his arm tightly around Y/N as he said to her, "I've already signed you up to the auditions at HYPE. But, before that, I want you to attend a charity event with me."
Y/N contemplated for a moment before nodding her head, "I didn't receive an invite, so...what identity will I be going as?"
"Lu Che has already prepared everything...the event will be at 7pm tomorrow night, don't be late."
Y/N lay on Jimin's chest. Because of the intense activity they had just completed, she was extremely tired. Not long after, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Jimin gently stroked Y/N's back and placed a kiss on her forehead. He stared at her closed eyes for a little while before reaching out his hand to turn off the bedside lamp and falling asleep with Y/N in his arms.
Why did Jimin insist on attending with Y/N? It was because he knew HYP Entertainment's CEO, Kim Jennie, would also be attending. If the auditions were to be held by Kim Jisoo, then she would definitely prevent Y/N from succeeding. So he decided to let Y/N declare her intention in front of Jennie, in case she got rejected by Jisoo before her portfolio even reached her.
As her husband, and as the only person she could rely on, Jimin had to make the best of every situation. Whenever he saw an opportunity for Y/N, he would take it.
Of course, Jimin's thoughts were correct.
While entering candidate details into the system, HYPE's HR team noticed Y/N's portfolio. One of the HR staff excitedly handed the information over to Jisoo.
Jisoo called the staff member into her office. Holding Y/N's portfolio in her hand, she looked at the staff member through her black-framed glasses. The look in her eyes were cunning and calculative, "Although I also feel it is a shame, the truth is, Y/N is too old; she does not comply with our selection criteria. So...I know it is harsh, but we will need to reject her!"
Hearing this, the staff felt like she had been put in a difficult position, "How about we ask President Kim first?"
"No need. A small matter like this, even if it goes to President Kim, would end up with the same result. Don't bother her." After speaking, Jisoo shredded Y/N's portfolio and threw it in her rubbish bin, "Also, this matter, don't tell anyone about it for now. Y/N is currently being fought over by multiple famous agencies. Since we won't be accepting her, we don't want to humiliate her. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand," the staff member nodded her head before leaving the office.
Although the staff member agreed verbally, inside she still felt, Jisoo's reasoning was a bit far-fetched...but she couldn't figure what was wrong.
This was the last round of applications. If Y/N was to be rejected, she would never get the chance again...
Under these circumstances, the staff member still felt uneasy. So she decided to go to Hwang Hyunjin's office. Seeing he was busy with work, she originally decided to leave, but Hyunjin stopped her, "What is it?"
"You see, Mr. Han, earlier today I received a portfolio from Y/N. But, Miss Kim claimed Y/N was too old and shredded it up. I've seen Y/N on the runway before and I feel it is a bit of a shame for Miss Kim to do that," she replied honestly.
Upon hearing her response, a sneer appeared across Hyunjin's face. He knew Jisoo would do something like this, he just didn't expect she would directly reject her.
It seemed, Y/N had not taught her enough of a lesson. However, Hyunjin did not intend on helping Y/N. Since she was fated to meet the evil Kim Jisoo, he was going to let them fight among themselves. If Y/N handed her portfolio in even though she knew Jisoo was at HYPE, then she was really not worth paying attention to.
So, after staring blankly for a moment, he finally responded, "I don't think what Jisoo said is wrong."
The staff member did not expect him to answer in this way, but in the end, she still accepted it, "In that case, I'll go delete her details now."
"No need to delete it. Since it is part of the normal selection process, then leave it as it is. Y/N is indeed too old, but it's not like she has anything to hide. Just reply to her by email as usual; she still deserves a bit of respect."
The staff member had no idea what he had planned; all she could do was smile as she nodded her head. It was obvious, although Jisoo had stolen his job of auditioning newcomers, the staff still trusted Hyunjin more.
But, never would they have imagined, the person in charge of Y/N's emails...was Park Jimin...
As soon as HYPE sent their reply, Jimin saw it.
As expected, Y/N was rejected. The reason for rejection was that Y/N had surpassed the age limit and did not comply with HYPE's selection criteria.
Jimin stared at the computer screen as he let out a laugh. No matter how crazy Kim Jennie was, she would never reject Y/N. So, obviously, Jisoo must have done something behind her back.
It was exactly because of this that he had asked Y/N to attend the charity event with him.
The fact that Y/N had sent her portfolio to HYPE, he was going to make it known to Jennie...
Not long after, Jimin phoned Y/N and told her to look at the email. Upon seeing the reason for her rejection, Y/N couldn't help but scoff.
"This is the last round of applications, if you are rejected, you won't even get the chance for an interview. Tonight, Kim Jennie will also be attending the charity event."
Hearing his words, Y/N immediately smiled, "President Park, on the surface, you keep telling me that you'll wait for me to grow. But, in reality, your heart is focused on being my manager."
"Wait until you have a manager...let's see if I will still care about your issues."
"Of course you will," Y/N didn't believe that he would let go. "You won't be able to bear seeing me suffer."
Jimin smiled as he placed his hand to his forehead helplessly, "Leave a little earlier tonight, don't be late."
"I know." After giving her response, Y/N hung up the phone as she fell into deep thought.So, Jennie will be there as well?
Firstly, she had to think of a way to personally get in contact with Jennie. Since Jisoo stood in her way, she had no choice but to look for Jennie directly. Although...Jennie may not necessarily pay attention to her, but without trying, she wasn't going to give up.
6pm. Y/N was dressed formally as she approached the location Jimin had given her with Mina; she entered as a newcomer.
At the same time, Yang Hyun-suk, who had also been invited, was right behind her. Seeing this little model advance so quickly, he felt it was a little hard to accept.
In reality, all those invited today were mainly successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists; there weren't many actors or singers, let alone models like Y/N.
It was because most of the guests had influential backgrounds that there were also a lot of socialite ladies; they only agreed to attend because they wanted to meet Jimin.
Jennie arrived with Hyunjin by her side. Although Y/N kept a low profile, Hyunjin spotted her sitting in her seat straight away.
As expected, Y/N wasn't going to be suppressed by Jisoo. However, he was curious how she was going to strike up a conversation with Jennie.
As for the Park Jimin that everyone was anticipating...where was he to be seated?
The guests of the charity event were categorized into industries and all the entertainment industry guests were to be seated in the second row.
Jimin's seat was the first one on the left. Next to him sat a pianist, followed by Y/N. Out of all the seats around him, Y/N was the closest female.
Y/N looked past the pianist at Jimin's seat, he had not arrived yet. She glanced to the right of her, it was Jennie's seat.
From the moment Hyunjin and Jennie entered the venue, they had no idea Y/N would end up sitting next to Jennie. Hyunjin's first reaction was to suggest Jennie swap seats with him so he could block off Y/N. But, if they were to really swap seats, Jennie would end up sitting next to Yang Hyun-suk...and he had previously told Jennie that Y/N was joining Creative Century. If it came up in conversation between Jennie and Hyun-suk, then she would find out he had intentionally prevented Y/N from joining HYPE. But, that was the less of two evils, so he still ended up swapping seats with Jennie.
Normally, he should not have felt guilty after what he had done; it was already in the past. But, this was Y/N...
Hyunjin sneaked a glance at Y/N; this was the first time he was so close to her, but he could already feel that she was harder to predict than Jennie. Her expression didn't reveal anything and her actions were impossible to see through. She must have suffered too much in this industry, that's why she was so cautious.
She was exceptionally quiet, like she stood aloof from the world. However, Hyunjin knew, the first rule for someone with a high EQ was to have control over their emotions.
Y/N undoubtedly had this down pat.
Not long after, there came a commotion of chatter and screams. Jimin had just entered and he naturally drew the attention of all the women in the hall. He was indifferent to the people around him as he walked straight to his seat. It wasn't until he passed by Y/N that he slowed down and brushed the back of his hand against hers.
Y/N allowed him without a sound as she avoided eye contact. There was no doubt her heart began to race.
But immediately she laughed at how silly she was inside. This was obviously her husband; all he did was make a little bit of physical contact with her, yet she felt like she had won a big prize. She felt like she was floating in the clouds.
After all, there were so many eyes on him...
Afterwards, Jimin sat down at his seat.
Jennie turned her head to glance at Jimin, but was unexpectedly discovered by him. In order to cover up her panic, she immediately patted Y/N on the arm and pretended to greet her.
Hyunjin, who was sitting between the two women, fell into a panic upon seeing Jennie's actions. One definitely should not lie or else they would be tormented by their guilty conscience.
Y/N turned to look at Jennie as a smile appeared across her face, "President Kim, how are you?"
"Last time at the awards ceremony, I already noticed you. It's a shame we weren't fated to work together. I feel regretful about it, but...I still wish you all the best."
After hearing Jennie's words, Y/N had a lost expression. Just as she was about to question Jennie, Hyunjin spoke up between them, "President Kim, let's chat later, the event is about to start."
Y/N lifted her head to look at the man that was speaking. She didn't know why she felt like he was trying to hide something. A moment later, she remembered the anonymous warning she had received from someone at HYPE.
His way of talking was very similar, but it seemed, at this moment, he was trying really hard to conceal something.
Whether he was a foe or friend, it was yet to be determined...
Y/N decided not to explain herself to Jennie. Instead, a gentle smile appeared across her face as she turned to look at the stage; the host had already started.
Hyunjin breathed a sigh of relief. If Y/N revealed on the spot that she never received an offer from HYPE, it would be really hard for him to explain himself. So, he had to think of a way to pull Y/N aside.
Not long after, the charity auction began. Y/N watched as Jimin continuously lifted his number. She understood, with his status in the entertainment industry, he had a mission and responsibility to uphold.
Hyunjin continued to place his focus on Y/N; he really wanted to know what she was thinking. But no matter what it was, it was important for him to take her away in case the situation got out of control.
So, he pretended his hand slipped as he spilled a glass of water all over Y/N's white dress.
Y/N felt a cold sensation as she got soaked by the glass of icy cold water...
Most importantly, when wet, her chiffon dress became slightly transparent; it wasn't very glamorous.
"Sorry Miss Lee...I've soaked your dress..." Hyunjin immediately apologized.
Y/N knew Hyunjin had done this on purpose, but as usual, she remained calm as she shook her head, "It's OK."
The thing was, it was currently October and not only was Y/N not wearing much but her clothes were now also soaked, so she couldn't help but start to shiver as she unconsciously rubbed her arms. At this time, the pianist to her left gently pushed her forward as he placed a black suit jacket on her shoulder...
Upon seeing this, Y/N immediately glanced at Jimin.
She realized he was only wearing a white shirt and his jacket was currently in the hands of the pianist.
He did not hand it to her himself to avoid suspicion. But, Y/N felt extremely warm after receiving this jacket.
Envious looks quickly surrounded her...
That was Jimin's jacket...
So many people wanted to simply touch it, but they had no chance!
Yet, at this moment, it was in Y/N's embrace.
Indeed, only her husband knew how to lovingly care for her.
Y/N wrapped herself tightly in the jacket as it overlapped on top of her legs. She quickly sent a message to Mina who was waiting outside and asked her to go buy a dress for her to change into.
Hyunjin watched as Y/N covered herself in Jimin's jacket; he felt he had indeed gone a bit too far. At the time of the incident, he had actually wanted to give her his jacket, but at the same time, he really wanted to force her to leave.
Luckily, following on, Y/N did not speak to Jennie at all. Hyunjin let out a sigh of relief. But, he was also a bit disappointed; Y/N wasn't the type of person to waste such an opportunity...
Not long after, the charity event neared its end. While Jennie went to the bathroom, Y/N finally got a chance to speak to Hyunjin as she turned to face him, "Did you think by stopping me this time, you will be able stop me for the rest of my life?"
Hyunjin was stunned for a moment; he didn't expect Y/N to be so straightforward.
"I feel you are different to Kim Jisoo."
Hyunjin remained silent for a few seconds before he decided to respond honestly, "President Kim had previously instructed me to contact you, she wanted to sign you on. But, I did not follow her instructions. What I did tonight was not because I was afraid the truth would be exposed, but because...I didn't want to be humiliated at such an occasion."
"I don't want to explain why I did this, but even if it wasn't me, someone else would have done it; you've been standing in too many people's way."
"So did you also reject my portfolio?" Y/N was angry inside, but her expression remained calm.
"I am not in the same boat as Jisoo, but I am aware of this issue. Your age does not comply with the selection criteria, so you were rejected; this is in line with the company regulations," Hyunjin tried his best to speak calmly.
"Y/N, you've already left GC, which means you will be entering into a more competitive agency. If you want a better team, so do other people. I don't think I've done anything wrong. However, I am of course looking forward to seeing you fight back. This is the entertainment industry, your position determines your outcome."
After hearing Hyunjin's words, Y/N smiled. Her smile made Hyunjin confused.
"On the surface, you don't appear to be in the same boat as Jisoo, but in reality, didn't you sacrifice my opportunity to join HYPE for your own benefit? Of course you do not need to apologize, but I don't think you should be speaking about this incident so proudly. Jisoo is common, she likes to go against people behind their backs, but she understands her position...as for you...You are the type of person that has stabbed multiple innocent people, yet your reasoning is that you have allowed them to go to heaven sooner and that they should thank you for carrying out gods work; you don't think you've done anything wrong."
After Hyunjin heard her words, he wanted to retaliate, but as the words clung to the edge of his mouth, he realized he lacked power.
"You better continue to block my way, or else...I'm sure you must have heard, I hold grudges."
Hyunjin was dumbfounded, he was speechless...
He had suddenly realized, by stopping Y/N, he may not have simply made a bad decision; Y/N wasn't the type of person to give people a chance to turn back. So, he had no choice but to continue to cooperate with Jisoo.
After taking a few moments to calm himself down, Hyunjin stopped conversing with Y/N. Not long after, the huge hall emptied out. Jimin remained seated, he didn't like crowds, so it was normal for him to leave last. As for Y/N, it wasn't convenient for her to get up because of her dress, so no one suspected their relationship at all, except...Yang Hyun-suk.
After Jennie finally came back from the bathroom, Hyunjin had gone to the parking lot to retrieve his car. Hyun-suk stood beside Jennie, they weren't well acquainted, but they still chatted here and there.
"Hyun-suk, congratulations on signing Y/N."
Hyun-suk turned his head as he held back a smile. His eyes looked at her meaningfully, "Y/N did not sign on with me."
Jennie was surprised for a moment. Her expression was lost like how Y/N had been earlier on. At this time, Hyun-suk continued to speak, "As if a model like Y/N would give my small company a second look - she's rejected us three times already."
Jennie suddenly remembered how Hyunjin had clearly told her that Y/N had rejected their offer and agreed to sign with Creative Century...
"I'll be leaving first..." Seeing Jennie's confused expression, Hyun-suk did not continue. As soon as his assistant arrived with his car, he immediately got in.
Not long after, Hyunjin's car also arrived. Jennie opened the door and stepped in. Her expression was extremely somber, but Hyunjin did not take notice.
"Hyunjin, I want you to contact Y/N again and do everything you can to pull her into our agency."
"But, President Kim, she has already decided to sign with Creative Century."
Jennie glanced at Hyunjin through the rearview mirror without saying a word; a disappointed expression swept across her face. She was aware of all the scheming Jisoo had been doing behind her back, so she had originally placed all her faith on Hyunjin. But, she never expected, her right-hand man would be better at lying to her than Jisoo.