"Ah, Madam Song," the girl smiled politely. "You hold us in such high esteem. Thank you."
So, that's what's happening... the Assistant Director thought. The Madam had been looking to hold hands with a big group before. Who knew it would be that famous Chung family?
It wasn't like no one knew of The Little City's financial standing since last year. The company had gone through numerous failed launches and re-branding attempts that the Madam had considered working with many investors, local and abroad. She found none that shared her vision for her company and had been upset by the plans that some of these so-called investors have presented. From her point of view, what those investors wanted was a complete turnaround, a complete takeover. No arguments whatsoever. Giving up on her own company was not something she was planning on doing anytime soon, so she halted her plans and decided to re-think her company's position.
It was only when she heard about the feats of The Chung Group's Merger and Acquisitions Team that she became interested in the idea of working with a big financial group again.
The Madam must have sent The Chung Group a really good proposal or offer or whatever for them to suddenly appear here. And she said that this girl is Chung Ji-Eun? The President's actual daughter?
The Assistant Director quickly surmised that this girl's sudden appearance has something to do about The Little City's dwindling performance. If there's anyone that could help them our right now, it's this girl and her know-how.
As they were talking, the Madam looked over the Assistant Director's shoulder and saw the pair that was standing behind him.
"Oh my, I think we have intruded on something important," the Madam said as she hastily gestured for Bae Yuri to come over. "Director, is it Ms. Bae's pre-shoot today?"
The Assistant Director snapped out of his thoughts immediately. "Ah, yes, Madam Song. We have prepared the studio for her earlier."
"Pardon us," the Madam said apologetically to the photographers. "I forgot today's schedule since I was excited over our VIP's arrival."
The photographers smiled and just raised their cameras. "We're all good, Madam. We should thank you because we get to see you in front of our camera again even though you've retired," said one of them. "And the young lady is a refreshing figure to see in front of the camera too. With such looks, I can't believe that she's not an artist or an actress."
As Bae Yuri got near, she heard the photographer's words. Why are they singing praises for this girl, huh? She looked at the girl from head to toe as the other bowed and smiled at the photographers. Sure, she looks okay, but she doesn't really have that prominence that everyone was harping on about.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" Bae Yuri smiled sweetly and bowed. "My name is Bae Yuri and I'm the current model for the year's cover. Please take good care of me!"
She finished her introduction and flashed a shy smile towards the group.
"Hmm," one of the photographers acknowledged her and then made a move to take another picture of the group.
Bae Yuri stood rooted to the ground as she felt a little out of place. Those photographers... Couldn't they be more excited about me being here? I mean, I am their model, for crying out loud... She thought to herself and tried to remain calm.
"Ms. Bae," the young heiress held her hand out and approached her. "Very nice to meet you! I can see why Madam Song is very excited for the next season's launch."
Her hands are very warm... Yuri thought as she bowed and received her greeting. She felt a mix of embarrassment and annoyance at this girl's presence, but she can't do anything about it. Like what the old lady owner said, this girl is a benefactor of the company. Not only her line, but her entire work and pay, rested solely on this girl's words and support. Better suck it up or else...
What she said to the other models were not lies. These people, the heiress and her kind-of bodyguard, were not models or artists. They were just business people. To be jealous of them is not only irrational, it's being plain stupid.
"Ms. Chung," Yuri smiled at her. "We're glad to have you here."
At her words, she saw the stoic man behind the heiress moved to look at her. He observed as the two of them exchanged pleasantries and a few words before lowering his eyes to think about something.
Wow, Yuri thought as she scanned his profile. That guy's really good-looking. Is he a bodyguard? Some elite? She continued to smile throughout her short conversation with the heiress as she checked out the stony-faced person a few steps away from her.
After the meet and greet, Madam Song suggested that they move back to the Administrative floor, so that they can talk more about the business exchange, to which the others agreed easily.
As they began to say their goodbyes, Madam Song's lady secretary walked up to them, excused herself, and whispered something to the Madam's ear.
Madam Song's smile grew wider with each passing second as the message was relayed to her. "Thank you, Secretary Min."
At that time too, Yuri's small assistant came over to fetch her from the middle of the floor to begin dressing her up. Her clothes were already hanging in the changing room, ironed and ready for their new mistress.
Yuri excused herself and had just began to walk away when she heard the Madam say, "What a good day! Ms. Chung, I just received news that my nephew is also here today. In fact..."
The Madam craned her neck to look over at the entrance of the studio.
"Oh, he's here!" The Madam said, excitement flooding her voice. "Over here, Hyun-Shik!"
At her words, no less than three people froze and stood rooted to their spot.