The venue is adorned with luxurious decorations, featuring opulent chandeliers, elegant drapery, and intricate detailing that exudes sophistication and charm. Every corner radiates elegance, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement.
The master of ceremonies speaks up: "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 473rd annual International Business Awards. Tonight, we'll present numerous awards, from The Ernst and Youngest Entrepreneurs Award to The National Entrepreneur Award. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the evening as the ceremony begins shortly."
Ae-rin sits at her table, surrounded by entrepreneurs. Among them is Lee So-yeon, her biggest competitor. Though EvoStyle—Lee So-yeon's fashion business—is always below Ae-rin's in ranking, So-yeon consistently causes conflicts with her.
So-yeon scoffs at Ae-rin's dress. "Where'd you get that dress, huh? Looks like it came straight from a thrift shop."
Ae-rin chuckles. "You seem to know a lot about thrift shops. Oh, wait—EvoStyle is basically a thrift shop, isn't it?"
So-yeon gasps. "What did you just say!?" Her raised voice draws the attention of the nearby entrepreneurs. "EvoStyle is not a thrift store! It's anything but a thrift store!"
Before Ae-rin can respond, So-yeon's business partner rushes over and ushers her to calm down, effectively silencing her outburst.
Ae-rin's POV
'How childish. Ugh, why do I have to put up with her?' I think to myself, glancing around the venue. It looks extraordinary—definitely expensive. I wonder how long this is going to take. I just want to go home and sleep.
My thoughts are interrupted as the MC announces that the ceremony is about to begin.
-Time Skip-
The award show concludes with Ae-rin taking home the Outstanding Leadership Award and the Fashionpreneur of the Year title. As the event winds down, attendees begin making their way out of the venue and towards their cars.
Ae-rin's POV
I'm walking out of the venue when someone suddenly bumps into me from behind, causing one of my trophies to fall to the ground. I immediately turn around to see who the clumsy culprit is, only to freeze as my jaw drops.
A man stands before me with an apologetic expression. Gosh, he's so kissable. His black hair falls into a mullet, his dark eyes glisten, and his soft pink lips look almost unreal. So damn kissable. He looks like he was hand-sculpted by God himself. His muscles strain against a black button-up shirt, and his sharp jawline could probably cut through fabric. I need to get his business card.
He speaks, his voice smooth yet concerned. "I'm so sorry. You're not hurt, are you?" He picks up my fallen trophy and hands it back to me.
I shake my head. "No, it's okay. I'm alright." I smile, taking the trophy from him and deliberately brushing my fingers against his—just a little.
His eyes drift down to the two trophies in my hand. "Whoa, that's impressive. You're Seo Ae-rin, right?"
I freeze. He knows who I am!? This majestic man knows about me? Okay, calm down, Ae-rin. You're literally one of the most well-known entrepreneurs. I'd be shocked if he didn't know me.
I smile. "Yes, that's me. And who might you be?"
He extends his hand for a handshake. "My name's Jin Kyung-hoon. I own Aetherbyte." He smiles, holding up the Rising Star in Business award in his other hand.
My eyes widen. I look up at him—way up, as he's a giant—and return his smile. "Wow, congratulations."
I shake his hand. His hand is so big it practically engulfs mine. After a firm handshake, his grip lingers—just a moment too long for it to feel normal.
I clear my throat. "It was nice to meet you, Jin Kyung-hoon, but I should be heading out now."
He nods in understanding and reaches into the inside pocket of his blazer, pulling out a business card. "We should meet up sometime. I'd love to get to know you better." He smiles, and God, even his smile is perfect.
I reach into my purse, pull out my business card, and exchange it with his. "That would be nice," I say, giving him one last smile before turning around and heading to my car.
As I walk away, I think to myself, Maybe tonight wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Smiling, I climb into my car, trophies in hand, and drive away.