Without giving it too much thought, Lisa immediately returned to her seat, beginning to eat while pretending that nothing had happened.
Even when they had moved onto dessert, she focused on eating each scoop of ice cream at a time, not daring to raise her head…
Jungkook looked at her cowardly response; the corners of his mouth raised in a smile, his gaze becoming incomparably warm.
When they got home and were getting ready for bed, Jungkook received a call after taking a shower.
"I have to go out for a moment, you should sleep first."
"What's wrong?" Feeling that it was something serious, Lisa asked worriedly.
"My dad was hospitalized due to high blood pressure."
"Is it serious?"
"I don't know yet, so I'm going to go take a look. You should sleep first," Jungkook pulled on his coat and left.
Lisa had actually wanted to go with him, but then she remembered the relationship between his parents and her. Therefore, she had no choice but to swallow her words.
The weird thing was, now that Jungkook wasn't home, she couldn't fall asleep.
Maybe she had gotten used to him being there beside her when they slept, and now that she was suddenly alone, she was feeling a bit uncomfortable.
That's why, sometimes, a habit can become something scary.
It's fine not being able to get certain things in life. What's scarier is losing something you already have.
Lisa didn't get much sleep that night, and when she woke up in the morning, she found that Jungkook still hadn't returned.
She thought for a moment, then sent him a WeChat message, "How's your dad?"
"He's fine now. His blood pressure decreased and he went home already. I have an early meeting at the company so I had to leave. Remember to eat breakfast."
"Okay." After replying, Lisa washed up and left after drinking a glass of milk.
On the road, she unconsciously turned on the radio in the car and heard a piece of news.
"According to media outlets, yesterday, at the rooftop restaurant of the Pullman Hotel, the celebrity, Jang Yeeun, went on a date with the heir and president of the JC Corporation. Paparazzi have pictures from the scene, and rumor has it that Miss Yeeun is the celebrity face for a female shoe brand under JC, so everyone believes that she took advantage of this working opportunity to seduce the heir of JC. According to employees at the restaurant, the two enjoyed a sweet dinner. Has their relationship been exposed?"
Upon hearing this, Lisa laughed to herself. When did she become Jang Yeeun, the celebrity? Did they look similar?
Taking out her phone, she searched her up and found that they didn't look alike at all. She wondered how the media could've mixed them up.
But what Lisa didn't know was that last night, Jang Yeeun had actually gone to that restaurant; but instead of Jungkook, she went with her personal assistant. But the media loved to assume, and upon noticing Jungkook's car and the fact that Yeeun was JC's new spokesperson, they connected the two together.
Lisa didn't bother paying attention to these random pieces of news and drove to South Side Recuperation Center.
On the other hand, when Jungkook left the conference room at his company, he appeared to be exhausted.
Yesterday, he spent an entire night looking after his father at the hospital and drove him home early the next morning.
After an entire night without sleep, of course he would look frail.
"Boss, here's your coffee." assistant Lee immediately handed it over.
Jungkook took it and slowly took a sip…
"Boss… have you seen today's newspaper?"
"Not yet, why?"
"Um… maybe you should take a look at it."
Jungkook picked up the morning newspaper, glanced it over, and saw the giant entertainment headlines that read, "Celebrity Jang Yeeun's midnight date with JC's prince, relationship exposed?"
After reading the news, Jungkook's expression darkened…
"So, Boss, did you really go to the Pullman for dinner last night?" Lee asked hesitantly because the Maybach in the photos was indeed the one owned by his boss. Did his boss suddenly start dating celebrities?
"Yeah, I did."
"So you mean…" Lee looked hesitantly at the president, feeling as if he was admitting to the relationship.
"So, who the heck is Jang Yeeun?" Jungkook asked with a grim face.
"Wait, boss, you don't know Jang Yeeun? You know that fantasy drama that's been on lately, The Investiture of the Gods? She plays the female lead in that."
"I don't know, I've never watched it."
Okay fine, you win , Lee thought.
Although the president never watched dramas, Jang Yeeun was on the news every day, and her advertisements were pasted on every street and alley. It was difficult not to know her name, and that was why he thought his boss was an alien sometimes. He clearly wasn't from Earth.
*
On the other side, Yeeun was preparing for a press conference.
The rumors had increased her popularity, and there were a lot of reporters outside, waiting to interview her.
Her female agent carefully asked, "Yeeun, was today's headline our company's attempt to increase popularity?"
"Of course not."
"Oh? I thought that our team planned it. It's great news, immediately pushing you to the hot topics list on SNS . You can use this opportunity to promote the movie that you're starring in that's scheduled for release next month."
Yeeun looked at herself in the compact mirror and smiled.
This rumor was one that she had never thought of, the meal at the Pullman was something she had gotten her assistant to reserve a month in advance.
She never thought that JC's heir would be there too, and she really regretted not recognizing him at the restaurant.
It would've been a great opportunity to suck up to him, but surprisingly, the media's irritating assumptions was a great help to her this time.
Maybe she could take this opportunity and actually begin dating JC's heir. After all, marrying into a rich family was every female celebrity's dream.
In front of the camera, Yeeun smiled sweetly, passionately answering the reporters' questions.
Finally, a reporter asked, "Miss Jang, can you tell us about your meal with JC's heir last night? Are you guys announcing your relationship?"
Yeeun pretended to be a little shy as she said, "About that, I'm not able to divulge any information right now, but if there's any good news, I'll be sure to share it with everyone."
Yeeun's answer was so vague that it drew more attention to the subject.
Another reporter then asked, "Word is that you're the new spokesperson for JC's OWQ female shoe brand. Did you get this opportunity because you're dating Mr. Jeon, or did you only start dating after landing this role?"
"Sorry, can everyone please ask questions about next month's movie only? Thank you." Her agent appeared at that moment to fend off the question.
Yeeun did what she did so she could prolong the spotlight that had been casted on her, taking this opportunity to increase her popularity.
She believed herself to be young and beautiful, so even if JC's president saw the report, he wouldn't blame her.
Maybe he would even invite her out to eat. Anyways, Yeeun began fantasizing about everything.
After the interview was broadcasted, it gathered over 10 million hits on SNS, as a lot of people became interested in JC's mysterious prince.
As a result of his rumored relationship with Yeeun, everyone's curiosity towards Jungkook grew.
JC's stocks also skyrocketed that day…
After Mrs. Jeon saw the news, she couldn't sit still any longer and immediately called her son.
But she couldn't get through, as Jungkook put his phone on automatic voicemail since too many people were bothering him.
Even Bambam sent a WeChat message to Jungkook, "Bro, what's going on? Aren't you afraid that your wife will make you kneel on a durian when you get home?"
In reality, Lisa had already heard about it, but she was aware of the truth, and thus didn't care.
- JC's Design Department -
Yerim's face dropped after watching the report.
"Director, do you think our president is really dating Jang Yeeun?"
"Do you think that trash like Yeeun can match up to our president? What a joke. Let me tell you, no woman in the entertainment industry is clean. Our president would probably find her dirty since he's germaphobic." Because Yerim idolized Jungkook, she was well informed of all his habits. She had managed her loneliness for all these years and maintained her virginity, all so that Jungkook would take notice of her.
- The President's Office -
"Sir, this is getting out of hand! Should we get the PR Department to make a statement?" Lee carefully asked.
"Why do I have to respond to something like this?"
"But Ms. Jang is the newest spokesperson for our line of female footwear this season." Assistant Lee looked like he was about to cry.
The chairman of the board (Jungkook’s father) couldn't find his son and, therefore, called assistant Lee again and again. However, Lee didn't know what he was supposed say.
From what Jungkook said this morning, he didn't seem to know who Jang Yeeun was. However, her remarks were so ambiguous during the interview just now that no one was going to believe that there was nothing between them.
Countless media representatives gathered around JC's entrance; it didn't seem right to not provide them with a response.
Assistant Lee's words finally caught Jungkook's attention.
He looked up, frowning slightly. "Did you just say that she's a spokesperson for our company?"
"Yes."
"Who decided this?" unhappy, jungkook asked.
"They all agreed on this during the last board meeting. Oh, you were on a business trip at the time, so the Chairman made an executive decision. Jang Yeeun is very popular right now and charged a reasonable fee, so we signed a one-year contract with her."
"Notify the marketing department to immediately terminate the contract. I want someone else."
"Um… who else?"
"Anyone else."
"But sir, we will have to pay a fine for this breach of contract," Assistant Lee said with difficulty.
"You don't think I have the money?" Jungkook countered with a question of his own.
"No, no, that's not what I meant, I just wanted to say…"
"Shouldn't you be going now?" Jungkook's face fell.
Lee immediately ran to the Marketing Department and announced the president's orders; the Finance Department then began calculating the penalties they needed to pay, and the company's Legal Department gathered to prepare a termination contract and attempted to minimize company losses.
In addition, the PR Department sent out an announcement, stating that JC would no longer be using Jang Yeeun as their spokesperson.
The news caught attention as soon as it came out…
*
"Yeeun, something bad happened! JC breached our contract, and you can't be their spokesperson anymore." Yeeun's manager hurried into the changing room.
Yeeun stood up immediately upon hearing what her manager said, "What did you say?"
"They want someone else."
"Why?" Yeeun's expression went grim.
"I don't know the specifics, but they already called to tell me they're willing to pay the penalty, and that you can't be their spokesperson anymore. Do you know how popular that product is? Whoever is its spokesperson will get a huge boost in popularity. I can't believe we missed that opportunity!"
"I don't want them to pay, I don't need the money. I want to be JC's spokesperson," Yeeun said stubbornly.
"It's not like I can do anything about it… Do you think what you said this morning at the press conference pissed Mr. Jeon off?"
"I don't think so…" Yeeun was unsure as well.
"Also, I heard that…" Her manager hesitated.
"What did you hear?"
"I heard that, from now on, JC will not be using you as the spokesperson for any of their products."
After Yeeun heard this, she immediately fell back into her chair, dumbstruck.
"This can't happen! You have to help me find a way. Can you call Mr. Jeon? I want to explain the situation to him and apologize in person. I can't miss this opportunity. Top-tier celebrities in Korea have all been JC's spokespersons, I can't miss out on an opportunity like this. If they really block me out of everything, my future will be in jeopardy," Yeeun said as she shivered, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
The rims of her eyes turned red…
Her manager was a little angry and annoyed, and thought, 'should've, would've, could've, what were you thinking? You shouldn't have been so arrogant and pretended that you were in a relationship with him.'
What is the point of crying now that she's angered the big boss?
"I'll try, but I can't promise anything. I heard that JC's president is abnormally indifferent and unforgiving."
*
Jungkook was busy at work the whole morning; while he ate lunch at the cafeteria, the director of the PR Department walked in.
She was a graceful but stern woman in her forties and a long-time employee of JC.
"President Jeon, Jang Yeeun's manager contacted me just now. She said that Yeeun really wanted to see you, so could she make an appointment to meet with you?"
"No."
"Okay, President Jeon."
After her request to meet with the president went bust, Yeeun, unwilling to admit defeat, trailed behind Jungkook's car after work.
At an intersection, Jungkook suddenly stepped on the breaks. Yeeun was unable to swerve her white Maserati away, and, 'bang!', her car crashed right into Jungkook's…
Jungkook parked his car off to the side of the road and walked out.
Yeeun's driving skills were mediocre to begin with, and she was in such a hurry to catch up with Jungkook just now that she accidentally hit his car.
"Are you Mr. Jeon?" Yeeun asked politely after getting out of her car.
Jungkook glanced at her, and then at his own car, "You were the one who hit my car?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. I just wanted to talk to you."
Jungkook looked at her, a little bewildered…
The truth was, he didn't recognize that it was Jang Yeeun. She was always slathered in makeup on TV, and she looked a lot different in real life…
"Do you know me?"
"President Jeon, I'm Jang Yeeun."
"What do you want?" Jungkook asked with indifference.
"I'm here to apologize for what I said at the press conference. I was out of line, but please do not terminate my contract. I don't want compensation, all I want is to be JC's spokesperson. Please forgive me."
"The PR Department already dealt with it, it's no use talking to me."
"But it can all be changed with a tap of your finger, please do me this small favor."
"We're not friends, why should I do you any favors?" Jungkook was wondering why this woman was sucking up to him. Her vague remarks at the press conference were an obvious ploy to get ahead. It's a shame that she messed with the wrong person.
"Then let's be friends. As long as you're willing to forgive me, I'll agree to whatever you ask me to do in the future." Yeeun looked at Jungkook's handsome face and implied that he could have his way with her.
Too bad Jungkook wasn't interested at all…
All he said was, "We will be hiring a European or American celebrity to be our new spokesperson. My decision is final. Oh, and I will be leaving my car here. Once the insurance company finishes its evaluation, I expect you to pay me the amount they ask you to. Transfer the money directly into the company account. If I don't see the money in a week, my legal team will take over the case."
After he finished, Jungkook hailed a cab and left.
Yeeun was devastated; she had the heart to kill herself…
What kind of karma was this? Not only did her attempt to negotiate fail, she even rammed his luxurious car.
People began gathering around her; Yeeun immediately slipped on her mask and hid back into her car.
Then, she called her manager to help deal with it. Subsequently, the traffic police and insurance company arrived.
Once the manager arrived at the scene and saw the mess, she scolded, "Yeeun, how did this happen?"
"I don't want to talk about it. That Jungkook is super unreasonable and as cold as an iceberg. I bet he's gay! He didn't even try to make a move on me," Yeeun complained.
Jungkook was an iceberg? He was, but it depended on who he was with.
He was a rare volcano that would become active once every millennium.
*
Lisa was looking through her closet; Jungkook had handpicked all the clothes in there, including lingerie.
Lisa's face flushed at the thought of this.
It must have taken a lot of courage for a man like him to do all this for her.
Therefore, when she had free time, she would go shopping and buy clothes that she liked, so she wouldn't burden Jungkook.
After getting off work, Lisa bought some fresh beef and vegetables from the supermarket; she was going to make hotpot.
Jungkook arrived home on time.
"Perfect timing, let's have hotpot," Lisa smiled.
"Did you watch the news today?" Jungkook asked as he took his shoes off.
"I did. Are you talking about the high school student who helped an eighty-year-old man up from the street but was blackmailed? Can you believe this world? They all say that old men become bad men, but I think it's that the bad people have all aged. The student's parents were unwilling to compensate, so the old man went to cause a scene at the student's high school. He even latched onto the kid's leg and wouldn't let go. Such scoundrels. I'm never going to butt into others' business in the future. Thank goodness you helped me out last time, but I won't do that again. I'd rather be called heartless for not helping."
Lisa went on as Jungkook watched her quietly.
Finally, he said, "Doll, that's not it. I think you know what I was asking about."
Seeing Jungkook's serious expression, Lisa no longer had the courage to change the subject. She nodded, "The news about you and that female celebrity? I think she's pretty."
"Is that all?" Jungkook frowned, clearly unhappy with her answer.
"What else am I supposed to say?" Lisa was confused.
"I don't actually know her. The company asked her to be our spokesperson because she's popular, but we terminated her contract today, and I ordered JC and all its subsidiaries to never use her again in the future."
"Um… won't you have to pay her a lot of money?"
"That doesn't matter, as long as you don't misunderstand me."
"I won't, last night the two of us were having dinner, remember? The media tends to randomly write about stuff like this, so don't get angry," Lisa comforted him.
Jungkook took off his jacket, lit a cigarette, and leaned on the couch. He looked at Lisa.
"But today during the press conference she purposely tried to get ahead by making things seem real."
Lisa smiled, "Isn't that normal? Female celebrities all do stuff like that. I know it's not real, just their way of trying to get others' attention."
"I don't care, I won't allow the use of my personal life to catch the attention of other people."
"I know." Lisa nodded.
"Doll."
"Yeah?"
"Do you trust me?" Jungkook asked gently.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how much do you trust me? Do you trust that I won't cheat on you?" Jungkook stared at Lisa without blinking, as if he was trying to figure out her thoughts.
Lisa nodded. "I trust you."
"Why?"
Lisa pointed at her head, "I have a good brain, what kind of genius would I be if I can't tell the difference between what is true and what isn't?"
Moved, Jungkook lifted his arm. "Doll, come here."
Rarely obedient, Lisa shuffled over to Jungkook.
Jungkook reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
He buried his head in the nook of her neck…
The warmth of his breath tickled Lisa…
This intimate gesture made her heart beat uncontrollably.
Jungkook said, "Doll, whatever happens in the future, just remember that I don't care about what anyone thinks. As long as you trust me, I will have no regrets, even if I die."
"Don't say stuff like that. You're not going to die." Lisa pinched Jungkook's face, annoyed hearing his words.
Jungkook lifted his hand to gently sweep away bangs on Lisa's forehead.
He looked at her up and down, as if he couldn't get enough of her.
"What are you staring at? Haven't you seen beautiful women before?" Feeling awkward, Lisa snorted purposely.
The corner of Jungkook's lips curled, "Honestly, I've never seen a beautiful woman that would come out of the shower naked, covering nothing but her face."
"Argh, are you going to bring that up for the rest of our lives?" Lisa's embarrassment turned into fury, and she jammed her fist into Jungkook's chest.
She didn't use a lot of strength, and to him, it seemed more like flirting…
He grabbed her arm and drew her lips onto his, biting them gently…
It was warm, ticklish, with a hint of desire….