Chapter 9: Talking Business?
As the three of them stood in Park Jungsu’s office, the secretaries; Melissa and Miranda who were standing at the side, could sense the awkwardness filling up the room. The atmosphere was in total silence as if everything has stopped in time. There they were, Sora looking at Park Jungsu; while Park Jungsu himself and Donghae locked their eyes on Sora.
At that moment, each of them was contemplating about the situation they were in.
Sora thought to herself, “This is totally not happening to me. Is God trying to play with me here? How could he be the president and CEO of JSE? The same person who I saw at the department store, the one I was fighting over the Armani jacket with. No wonder he was so cocky then when he asked if I know who he is. Of all people that I have to negotiate with for Director Choi’s event, why does it have to be him?”
At the same time, Park Jungsu had his own thoughts in mind, “What is this? I can’t believe this. This woman was that crazy driver Donghae was talking about?” as he traced back his memory of that time where they were doing the car chase. “The same woman who tried to snatch my jacket back at the department store.” The thought of this got him instantly replaying the scene in his mind and to that his ears were starting to turn red again.
Donghae on the other hand, was still in awe. He couldn’t believe that the beautiful lady was standing in front him and thought to himself, “Wow… so pretty and pure looking. Should I ask her for her number?”
At that moment, Sora quickly told herself that no matter what, she has to do her job and that was to talk business with this guy whether she likes it or not. The worst case she thought to herself was she’s not going to get any idols from his agency and that she’ll have to look elsewhere. Worst comes to worst, if she can’t get any idols for the event, her company may potentially incur a lawsuit filed by Director Choi for breach of contract and may need her to resign. However, she knew that this event isn’t just any normal event and if offered to any agency ―they’ll agree to take part right on the spot.
With that thought in mind, she finally greeted Park Jungsu as if they just met for the very first time, “Good morning! You must be President Park. I’m Kang Sora from KS Productions and that is my secretary, Melissa. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand as she greeted Park Jungsu.
However, Park Jungsu was just standing there, looking at Sora. Here, she looked at him and thought, “Well…? Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day? What is with this guy? Does he not even know the courtesy of exchanging greetings with people?” as she waited for his response.
There, Sora thought he didn’t want to shake her hand because of what happened at the department store a few days ago and that he’s a very arrogant guy. Seeing no sign of movement from him, she began to slowly withdraw her hand, which was when Park Jungsu finally extends his hand out to shake Sora’s.
“Good morning Miss Kang,” reverted Park Jungsu as he shook Sora’s hand; while keeping a straight face. However, to his surprise – he couldn’t believe the size of her hand was exactly the same as his and it felt so smooth and slender.
Both Park Jungsu and Sora were standing there with their hands still lightly grasping each other’s hand until Donghae budded in and extends out his hand to greet Sora, “Hello Miss Kang, I’m Lee Donghae. I’m a friend of President Park here and it’s a pleasure to meet you in person,” while his other hand brushing his hyung’s hand away from Sora’s; so that he can shake her hand. Park Jungsu was left standing on the side, looking dumbfound just by staring at the two.
Sora was a bit startled by Donghae. She resonate his words and asked “Meet me in person? Do you know me from before?” as she gave Donghae a slight bow.
When Donghae wanted to answer, Park Jungsu quickly interrupted and said “Shall we begin our meeting for today? I do have other appointments after this.”
Right after he said that, Sora was a bit annoyed and thought, “Psh… You’re not the only one that has a busy schedule, you know?” But she had to act like it didn’t bother her for what he said just now and replied, “Of course, sorry to make you wait.”
Park Jungsu then told Donghae that he’ll call him after work and that he should busy himself with other things while he goes for his meeting. Donghae held out his hand trying to call his hyung back as they headed for the door and there Donghae was; all left alone in his hyung’s office.
Then Park Jungsu and Sora, along with their secretaries, headed over to the conference room. In the meeting, Sora began to explain to Park Jungsu about the event details and how it would be a good publicity and promotion for his idols.
Sora’s presentation and ideas managed to gain some interests from Park Jungsu. However, that wasn’t the only thing on his mind. While Sora was giving out her presentation, he thought it was really a small world where this woman standing in front him was the exact same person who almost got him into an accident the car chase, let alone trying to snatch his jacket. As he was deep in his own train of thoughts, he unknowingly snorted and smirked at the same time; which caught Sora’s attention as she was speaking.
“Is he for real?” she thought, “What is it that he find so funny? Does he think this is a joke? Oh my god! Why am I even wasting my time talking to this guy?” as she thought to herself, but asked Park Jungsu, “President Park, is there any area in my presentation that you need clarifications on?”
His smirk quickly vanished as soon as he heard Sora calling. He was startled that he didn’t know what to say and all he did was remained seated in his seat; looking speechless. It took him a few seconds to answer back.
“No, none whatsoever,” he replied.
Followed by his reply, she then said “I suppose not either…”
When he heard her reply, he thought that a person shouldn’t be like this when they are seeking help from another, to which he said “Well, there is actually one thing I wanted to ask.”
Sora looked at Park Jungsu as he continued “If that event of yours will be happening in a few weeks’ time, how do you suppose any agency in the K-Pop industry to schedule their idols to perform at the event within that short period of time?” What he just said sounded like a challenge, as if he wanted to test her ability to counter and argue. “Did you know that idols need time to practice and rehearse for every performance they do? Do you know why? Because every performance they do out there reflects their images in the public eye. They practice hard to make every performance as flawless as possible to uphold their images as super idols and one wrong move may ruin their idol image that they’ve worked so hard to build. So how do you suppose agencies like my own to schedule my idols to perform at your event in this small fragment of time?”
As Sora listened to Park Jungsu’s argument, she knew this was not going to be easy for her to persuade this arrogant guy sitting in front of her. However, with a clear mindset, she knows that the worst case is that she’ll have to search elsewhere for an agency that can schedule its idols for the event.
So, she quickly countered “Well, if your idols cannot keep up with their performance levels just because of the time constraint, then they shouldn’t be considered as super idols then. Isn’t that how it is in the K-Pop industry, President Park? Put your blood, sweat and tears into every training, practice and performance in order to strive to be the best super idols at the top? If what you’re saying is that your idols cannot take on this event simply due to the time constraint for practice and rehearsal; then I think I should really reconsider whether or not to have your agency’s idols to perform at the event. Perhaps, it’s best for me to discuss this matter with other agencies instead then. Thank you for your time President Park and if you don’t mind, I do have other appointments to attend to. Have a pleasant day.”
Sora held her head high and walked right out of the conference room while Melissa followed behind her.
Park Jungsu quickly stood up and said, “That’s not ―” before he could finish his line, Sora and Melissa had made their way out already ― leaving him and Miranda in the room.
“Well, it seems like Miss Kang has quite a personality, don’t you think President Park?” commented Miranda as she was looking at the doorway and then turned to Park Jungsu.
Park Jungsu stood there staring at the empty doorway and knew he had said just a bit too much.
***
As Sora made her way out, she thought to herself, “Seriously, what is wrong with him?”
“Sora, what did you just do back there? Don’t you remember we need someone to perform at the event? How could you walk out like that?” Melissa asked Sora worriedly.
“Don’t worry Melissa! Don’t you remember what kind of event this is that we are responsible for? This is actually one of the biggest and greatest opportunities for any agency to take part in. For those who have a good eye in business, they wouldn’t let this chance slip away.” Sora told Melissa with a grin.
“Sora, you sound so confident,” replied Melissa who was truly amazed again by Sora’s confidence and determination.
“Trust me! He’ll contact us again soon.” Sora said with full confidence. “Getting someone to perform or not is not my main concern, but whether they are popular and good enough or not for the event is what I’m worried about. You know how Director Choi is like, don’t you?”
“Yeah, a very difficult man to deal with.”
Sora laughed to Melissa’s remarks on Director Choi and then said, “Anyways, where’s that Victor oppa? We need to head out to catch our helicopter.”
Back at Park Jungsu’s…
“What is wrong with her? How can she just walk out like that? Not even the slightest respect for me. Does she not know who I am? I am the President and CEO of JSE. This is not her first time either. Aish!” vented Park Jungsu as he placed both his hands on his hip.
“Sir, you mean you’ve met Miss Kang before?” asked Miranda.
“Who would want to meet her when she’s like that?” Park Jungsu replied to Miranda.
“Just now you sound like a man who’s quarrelling with his girlfriend,” blurted Miranda.
Park Jungsu was startled and speechless from his secretary’s remark and quickly argued, “She would be the last person that I’ll consider making her as my girlfriend.”
Miranda chuckled to the way her president reacted just now. Then she got up and asked “So, are we not considering working with Miss Kang and her company, sir?”
“Who can work with her when she’s got an attitude like that?” he argued as he’s still a bit caught up in the situation.
However, Miranda reminded Park Jungsu, “President, please understand that the event that Miss Kang and her company are preparing for is not just any normal event. It’s supposedly a grand charitable event where some of the most powerful and high status worldwide officials and businessmen will be attending. If our idols can perform there, it’ll be a good opportunity to get more worldwide exposure and draw in more endorsement contracts globally.”
Park Jungsu looked at Miranda with a smirk and said “Well, from what I understand is that other agencies, they’re busy with their current schedules. However, my idols will be wrapping up some of their events soon. So, we’re the only agency that can take on this event right now. She’s bound to contact us again soon, just wait and see.”
Park Jungsu stood by the window, looking out at the city view with full determination – thinking that Sora was bound to call back.
At that moment, each of them was contemplating about the situation they were in.
Sora thought to herself, “This is totally not happening to me. Is God trying to play with me here? How could he be the president and CEO of JSE? The same person who I saw at the department store, the one I was fighting over the Armani jacket with. No wonder he was so cocky then when he asked if I know who he is. Of all people that I have to negotiate with for Director Choi’s event, why does it have to be him?”
At the same time, Park Jungsu had his own thoughts in mind, “What is this? I can’t believe this. This woman was that crazy driver Donghae was talking about?” as he traced back his memory of that time where they were doing the car chase. “The same woman who tried to snatch my jacket back at the department store.” The thought of this got him instantly replaying the scene in his mind and to that his ears were starting to turn red again.
Donghae on the other hand, was still in awe. He couldn’t believe that the beautiful lady was standing in front him and thought to himself, “Wow… so pretty and pure looking. Should I ask her for her number?”
At that moment, Sora quickly told herself that no matter what, she has to do her job and that was to talk business with this guy whether she likes it or not. The worst case she thought to herself was she’s not going to get any idols from his agency and that she’ll have to look elsewhere. Worst comes to worst, if she can’t get any idols for the event, her company may potentially incur a lawsuit filed by Director Choi for breach of contract and may need her to resign. However, she knew that this event isn’t just any normal event and if offered to any agency ―they’ll agree to take part right on the spot.
With that thought in mind, she finally greeted Park Jungsu as if they just met for the very first time, “Good morning! You must be President Park. I’m Kang Sora from KS Productions and that is my secretary, Melissa. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand as she greeted Park Jungsu.
However, Park Jungsu was just standing there, looking at Sora. Here, she looked at him and thought, “Well…? Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day? What is with this guy? Does he not even know the courtesy of exchanging greetings with people?” as she waited for his response.
There, Sora thought he didn’t want to shake her hand because of what happened at the department store a few days ago and that he’s a very arrogant guy. Seeing no sign of movement from him, she began to slowly withdraw her hand, which was when Park Jungsu finally extends his hand out to shake Sora’s.
“Good morning Miss Kang,” reverted Park Jungsu as he shook Sora’s hand; while keeping a straight face. However, to his surprise – he couldn’t believe the size of her hand was exactly the same as his and it felt so smooth and slender.
Both Park Jungsu and Sora were standing there with their hands still lightly grasping each other’s hand until Donghae budded in and extends out his hand to greet Sora, “Hello Miss Kang, I’m Lee Donghae. I’m a friend of President Park here and it’s a pleasure to meet you in person,” while his other hand brushing his hyung’s hand away from Sora’s; so that he can shake her hand. Park Jungsu was left standing on the side, looking dumbfound just by staring at the two.
Sora was a bit startled by Donghae. She resonate his words and asked “Meet me in person? Do you know me from before?” as she gave Donghae a slight bow.
When Donghae wanted to answer, Park Jungsu quickly interrupted and said “Shall we begin our meeting for today? I do have other appointments after this.”
Right after he said that, Sora was a bit annoyed and thought, “Psh… You’re not the only one that has a busy schedule, you know?” But she had to act like it didn’t bother her for what he said just now and replied, “Of course, sorry to make you wait.”
Park Jungsu then told Donghae that he’ll call him after work and that he should busy himself with other things while he goes for his meeting. Donghae held out his hand trying to call his hyung back as they headed for the door and there Donghae was; all left alone in his hyung’s office.
Then Park Jungsu and Sora, along with their secretaries, headed over to the conference room. In the meeting, Sora began to explain to Park Jungsu about the event details and how it would be a good publicity and promotion for his idols.
Sora’s presentation and ideas managed to gain some interests from Park Jungsu. However, that wasn’t the only thing on his mind. While Sora was giving out her presentation, he thought it was really a small world where this woman standing in front him was the exact same person who almost got him into an accident the car chase, let alone trying to snatch his jacket. As he was deep in his own train of thoughts, he unknowingly snorted and smirked at the same time; which caught Sora’s attention as she was speaking.
“Is he for real?” she thought, “What is it that he find so funny? Does he think this is a joke? Oh my god! Why am I even wasting my time talking to this guy?” as she thought to herself, but asked Park Jungsu, “President Park, is there any area in my presentation that you need clarifications on?”
His smirk quickly vanished as soon as he heard Sora calling. He was startled that he didn’t know what to say and all he did was remained seated in his seat; looking speechless. It took him a few seconds to answer back.
“No, none whatsoever,” he replied.
Followed by his reply, she then said “I suppose not either…”
When he heard her reply, he thought that a person shouldn’t be like this when they are seeking help from another, to which he said “Well, there is actually one thing I wanted to ask.”
Sora looked at Park Jungsu as he continued “If that event of yours will be happening in a few weeks’ time, how do you suppose any agency in the K-Pop industry to schedule their idols to perform at the event within that short period of time?” What he just said sounded like a challenge, as if he wanted to test her ability to counter and argue. “Did you know that idols need time to practice and rehearse for every performance they do? Do you know why? Because every performance they do out there reflects their images in the public eye. They practice hard to make every performance as flawless as possible to uphold their images as super idols and one wrong move may ruin their idol image that they’ve worked so hard to build. So how do you suppose agencies like my own to schedule my idols to perform at your event in this small fragment of time?”
As Sora listened to Park Jungsu’s argument, she knew this was not going to be easy for her to persuade this arrogant guy sitting in front of her. However, with a clear mindset, she knows that the worst case is that she’ll have to search elsewhere for an agency that can schedule its idols for the event.
So, she quickly countered “Well, if your idols cannot keep up with their performance levels just because of the time constraint, then they shouldn’t be considered as super idols then. Isn’t that how it is in the K-Pop industry, President Park? Put your blood, sweat and tears into every training, practice and performance in order to strive to be the best super idols at the top? If what you’re saying is that your idols cannot take on this event simply due to the time constraint for practice and rehearsal; then I think I should really reconsider whether or not to have your agency’s idols to perform at the event. Perhaps, it’s best for me to discuss this matter with other agencies instead then. Thank you for your time President Park and if you don’t mind, I do have other appointments to attend to. Have a pleasant day.”
Sora held her head high and walked right out of the conference room while Melissa followed behind her.
Park Jungsu quickly stood up and said, “That’s not ―” before he could finish his line, Sora and Melissa had made their way out already ― leaving him and Miranda in the room.
“Well, it seems like Miss Kang has quite a personality, don’t you think President Park?” commented Miranda as she was looking at the doorway and then turned to Park Jungsu.
Park Jungsu stood there staring at the empty doorway and knew he had said just a bit too much.
***
As Sora made her way out, she thought to herself, “Seriously, what is wrong with him?”
“Sora, what did you just do back there? Don’t you remember we need someone to perform at the event? How could you walk out like that?” Melissa asked Sora worriedly.
“Don’t worry Melissa! Don’t you remember what kind of event this is that we are responsible for? This is actually one of the biggest and greatest opportunities for any agency to take part in. For those who have a good eye in business, they wouldn’t let this chance slip away.” Sora told Melissa with a grin.
“Sora, you sound so confident,” replied Melissa who was truly amazed again by Sora’s confidence and determination.
“Trust me! He’ll contact us again soon.” Sora said with full confidence. “Getting someone to perform or not is not my main concern, but whether they are popular and good enough or not for the event is what I’m worried about. You know how Director Choi is like, don’t you?”
“Yeah, a very difficult man to deal with.”
Sora laughed to Melissa’s remarks on Director Choi and then said, “Anyways, where’s that Victor oppa? We need to head out to catch our helicopter.”
Back at Park Jungsu’s…
“What is wrong with her? How can she just walk out like that? Not even the slightest respect for me. Does she not know who I am? I am the President and CEO of JSE. This is not her first time either. Aish!” vented Park Jungsu as he placed both his hands on his hip.
“Sir, you mean you’ve met Miss Kang before?” asked Miranda.
“Who would want to meet her when she’s like that?” Park Jungsu replied to Miranda.
“Just now you sound like a man who’s quarrelling with his girlfriend,” blurted Miranda.
Park Jungsu was startled and speechless from his secretary’s remark and quickly argued, “She would be the last person that I’ll consider making her as my girlfriend.”
Miranda chuckled to the way her president reacted just now. Then she got up and asked “So, are we not considering working with Miss Kang and her company, sir?”
“Who can work with her when she’s got an attitude like that?” he argued as he’s still a bit caught up in the situation.
However, Miranda reminded Park Jungsu, “President, please understand that the event that Miss Kang and her company are preparing for is not just any normal event. It’s supposedly a grand charitable event where some of the most powerful and high status worldwide officials and businessmen will be attending. If our idols can perform there, it’ll be a good opportunity to get more worldwide exposure and draw in more endorsement contracts globally.”
Park Jungsu looked at Miranda with a smirk and said “Well, from what I understand is that other agencies, they’re busy with their current schedules. However, my idols will be wrapping up some of their events soon. So, we’re the only agency that can take on this event right now. She’s bound to contact us again soon, just wait and see.”
Park Jungsu stood by the window, looking out at the city view with full determination – thinking that Sora was bound to call back.