Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 251 Kang Jae-hoon's KPI for Today: appease Suzy, distract the Holy Spirit, and keep Ji-won calm; all thanks to Yoona.
As Kang Jae-hoon's neck sank into the back of the leather chair, the shadows from the blinds cut out stripes of light and dark on his face.

The phone suddenly vibrated.

Bae Suzy's Kakao profile picture popped up with a pink heart on top:
Which type of flower basket would you like for your opening?

[Picture][Picture][Picture]

Kang Jae-hoon glanced at it.

Tsk.

What style of flower basket is it?
Against a backdrop adorned with vibrant flowers, a striking figure prominently occupies the center position—clearly three perfectly angled selfies of the stunning beauty, Pei!
Flowers are just decorations for other people.

He was about to type.

"President, should we contact the funeral home in advance...?"

Jin Dayuan poked half his head in, but before he could finish speaking, he was startled by the flying folder and shrank back outside the door.

The internal phone rang.

The receptionist reported that there was a visitor surnamed Jin.

The surname is Jin?!
Master’s wife?

No! There's no need to inform your master's wife!

Taeyeon?

What task did Yoona give you this time?
"No time!"

He was irritable.

But then I heard the door hinges creak softly, and the fragrance of gardenias drifted in on the breeze.

"Oppa...are you busy?"

Kim Ji-won peeked half her body through the crack in the door, her white cotton-linen dress rippling in the breeze, her hair curled with a fresh, morning-dew-like scent.

A brown paper bag hooked between her fingertips, the silver chain on her wrist jingling with each movement—

The girl-next-door look she had when they first met in "A Good Day" was even more vivid than on screen.

"Ji-won?"

He was somewhat surprised and immediately stood up:

"Why wasn't it announced earlier..."

"I'm afraid you'll say you're busy."

She took a half-step forward and shook the paper bag:

"Lieutenant Yoon Myung-joo orders you to eat properly~"

Place the paper bag gently on the table.

The aroma of food mingled with the smell of money when the lid was lifted.

The sweet and sour pork gleamed with an amber light, the pickled radish was rolled into cherry blossom shapes, and even the rice was shaped into adorable little balls.

"Oppa, try this."

As the chopsticks were brought to my lips, the phone vibrated and buzzed on the solid wood tabletop.

Bae Suzy's unread messages surged to 7.

Kang Jae-hoon calmly flipped his phone over.

"When Director Yin said that the welfare bonus would have to go through a process, I even drafted the resignation letter in my mind."

"Oppa is having such a hard time..."

Kim Ji-won suddenly reached out and wiped the rice grains from the corner of his mouth.

It felt warm and itchy.

She put a grain of rice between her lips and smiled, her eyes curving into crescent moons like the Otaru Canal Bridge.
Even in her disheveled state, she looks like she's shooting a magazine cover!

There is such a woman.

What do you want?

The food enters the mouth.

It soothes the stomach and intestines.

It also healed Kang Jae-hoon's heart, which had been "tortured" by work.

The atmosphere was warm.

Kim Ji-won gently twirled the hem of her skirt with her fingers, revealing a hint of girlish longing:

"Oppa...the opening day will definitely be very lively, right?"

hum!
An unpleasant vibration came mercilessly from the desktop.

Kang Jae-hoon's body stiffened.

— Bae Suzy's eighth message.

Kim Ji-won's eyes darkened for a moment.

His head hung down.

Her curled eyelashes concealed her true emotions.

When I looked up again, all that remained was a slightly bitter self-mockery:

"Oppa must have...invited a lot of people..."

Her voice was soft and sweet, yet it held a hint of disappointment.

"...They must all be important people who can help Oppa...like me..."

She bit her lower lip.

"...It seems like there's nothing I can do to help..."

A "gentle straight ball" with maximum destructive power!
Fast as lightning!

Hit the bullseye!

He can dodge Bae Suzy's assertiveness.

He can handle Yoona's plans.

Only this unspoken dependence and slight grievance are the threads binding his heart!
The only solution is to appease them!
Kang Jae-hoon immediately straightened his face:

"Nonsense! Who said we can't help!"

He reached out and ruffled Kim Ji-won's hair:
"I'm so happy you could come."

"Really?"

Kim Ji-won looked at him with teary eyes.

Then came the crucial question.

"...So, in what capacity should I attend?"

coming!

The most fatal problem!
Official girlfriend?

—The nuclear detonation button!
normal friend?
—That's so heartbreaking!
Kang Jae-hoon's brain was working at high speed.

The electric light and flint room!
Think quickly!

"identity?"

Kang Jae-hoon snapped his fingers in a cool way:
"How about you come as the company's first signed artist?"

"Let's take this opportunity to generate some buzz for you and the company."

Kim Ji-won's eyes lit up instantly.

The faint gloom from before vanished, replaced by a joy that almost overflowed the bright office.

She moved a little closer.

They moved a little closer.

in the office.

All that remained were their intertwined breaths and the dust motes dancing in the sunlight.

Kim Ji-won's cheeks flushed a beautiful rosy hue.

She quickly closed her eyes.

She gently touched her delicate, full left cheek with her finger.

Her voice was so sweet it could drip honey:
"Well... as the company's first artist, shouldn't the CEO give me some encouragement in advance?"

Kang Jae-hoon gazed at her profile, which looked unrealistically beautiful in the golden halo.

He couldn't help but kiss her.

"not enough."

Kim Ji-won suddenly leaned forward, the scent of gardenias overwhelming all the senses:
"It also needs to be stamped."

When the soft, warm lips pressed against his, Kang Jae-hoon heard the sound of two things falling to the ground:

The cell phone on the coffee table.

And the crisp sound of reason breaking.

……

early morning.

West Ice Cave Apartment.

Kang Jae-hoon slumped in the sofa, his brows furrowed, his fingertips idly swiping across the iPad screen.

The mind map branches out:
[Travel routes of political and business guests]

[Forbidden Questions for the Media]

[Schedule of Artists' Stage Appearances to Avoid Peak Times]

[Lim Yoon-a, Bae Suzy, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Ji-won: Safe Distance Calculation]

What he was holding between his fingers wasn't a cigarette—that thing had been sealed away under Lee Sung-kyung's death stare last time—but a pen that was almost crushed out of shape.

"pat-"

"pat-"

The sound of slippers lightly scraping the wooden floor came from in front of me.

Before he could even look up.

Lee Sung-kyung had already knelt on the sofa, her fingertips touching his brow bone:

“If you frown again, I’ll iron it flat.”

But the moment his fingertips touched him, he suddenly softened his touch, the warm spirals gently grinding against his taut skin.

Jiang Zai Xun suddenly grabbed her waist and buried his face in her open clothes.

The air was filled with the scent of lavender from her skin.

"The Bible..."

Lee Sung-kyung looked down at the fluffy head, ran her fingers through his hair, and gently stroked it.

tick... tick...

The wall clock was the only background noise.

After an unknown amount of time, the tense body in my arms finally relaxed a little.

Lee Sung-kyung gently patted his shoulder with her palm.

"tie."

Kang Jae-hoon obediently got up and looked up at the full-length mirror in the entryway.

Lee Sung-kyung stood in front of him, picked up the high-quality dark gray tie, and skillfully wrapped, threaded, pulled, and tightened it.

With a focused expression and lowered eyelashes, the entire process flowed as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times.

In fact, during their time living together, this scene often played out whenever he had an important audition or event.

It's tied.

She gently smoothed out the last invisible wrinkle below the tie knot with her fingertips, and then casually straightened the collar of his crisp white shirt.

"How about it?"

Looking at his refreshed self in the mirror, dressed in a suit and tie, he exuded a newfound aura.

But what he looked at for longer was her reflection in the mirror, standing beside him, dressed in simple home clothes that perfectly suited the space.

"Handsome?"

"So-so."

His amber eyes betrayed the truth, shimmering like light as he turned to kiss him.

"He's so handsome that reporters forget their pre-set tricky questions."

"That's pretty much it."

When changing shoes in the entryway.

Kang Jae-hoon paused in his movements.

I glanced back at her again:
"Don't forget, and your master's wife..."

"Long-winded."

Lee Sung-kyung interrupted him, her tone carrying that familiar disdain:
"I will meet up with my teacher's wife on time. You should go now, President."

The door clicked shut.

The relaxed smile on Lee Sung-kyung's face gradually faded.

Go to the window.

I gently parted a crack in the blinds with my fingertips.

My gaze followed the familiar black van downstairs.

I watched it start, turn on its turn signal, and eventually merge into the bustling traffic below in the early morning, disappearing into the distance.

She stood there, motionless for a long time.

The light from the window illuminated half of her face; she was calm, yet her expression was unfathomable.

……

The opening ceremony of Next Scene Film.

Compared to the hustle and bustle here, the tranquility of the apartment just now felt like another world.

Doorway.

A single figure is enough to become the natural target of a spotlight.

Lim Yoona.

She wore an ivory-white, bias-cut wrap dress, the sheen of the silk satin flowing like ripples on water with every turn she made.

Her long hair was tied up, with a few stray strands falling down her neck.

She was all smiles and had impeccable manners, behaving exactly like a hostess.

"Unnie—"

Seohyun's clear voice carried just the right amount of surprise as she walked arm in arm with Hyoyeon. Their dresses, one simple and one elegant, perfectly complemented Yoona's dominant color scheme.

"Today was really..."

Seohyun's sincere admiration fell on Im Yoona, her unspoken meaning clear enough.

"Yoona is so beautiful, it makes me jealous!"

Kim Hyo-yeon, quick-witted and outspoken, smiled and opened her arms.

Im Yoona naturally took two steps forward, holding Seohyun's hand with one hand and putting her arm around Hyoyeon's shoulder with the other, forming an intimate little circle of three.

“Thank you for coming!”

"Xiaoxian, don't rush off later. I'll take you to meet Director Lee Seok-hoon and Producer Jang. They're very interested in your performance in 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'."

"Really?! Thank you, unnie!"

Seohyun's eyes immediately lit up.

squeak--

A van bearing the SM logo was parked smoothly at the front of the red carpet.

The car door opens.

The five members of Red Velvet filed down the aisle.

A youthful vibe is palpable.

Bae Joo-hyun walked at the front.

Her makeup was exquisite, yet she carried a hint of caution in the face of numerous media veterans and complex situations.

Wendy and the others followed closely behind.

Im Yoona instantly noticed their discomfort.

He immediately took a few steps, naturally inserting himself between them:
"Irene, Wendy."

She called them by their nicknames, opened her arms, and gave Bae Joo-hyun and Son Seung-wan, who were closest to her, a cheek kiss:

"We really need to ask our most dazzling and beautiful girls to warm up the atmosphere today!"

"Yoona unnie, please don't say that. It's our honor."

"Don't worry, we'll definitely sing our best!"

The girls responded quickly.

Yoona nodded, her gaze shifting to the staff member waiting nearby:

"Have you checked the temperature in the children's waiting room? The air conditioning can't be too cold; protecting their voices before the performance is crucial."

"Prepare extra of their favorite unsweetened sparkling water, and also prepare some fresh fruit."

"Let's have their agent confirm the schedule again. The exit route after the performance must be clear to absolutely avoid crowding with other guests."

"..."

She inquired about everything, big and small.

After receiving confirmation from the staff, she gracefully patted Bae Joo-hyun's arm.

"Alright, kids, go inside and get ready. Good luck, we look forward to your amazing performance!"

The assistants, having received the signal, led the Red Velvet members to the waiting room.

We hadn't gone far.

They were out of Yoona's sight.

Joy couldn't help but lean closer to Yeri's ear and whisper:
Wow... Yoona unnie's aura... She and Jaehoon sunbaenim are...?

Yeri also chimed in quietly:

"I read in the report that they had worked together since their voice acting days..."

Joy's eyes darted around, her gossip-loving spirit just ignited, when she heard Bae Joo-hyun's cool cough from ahead.

"cough!"

Bae Joo-hyun stopped in her tracks, turning her head slightly with a blank expression:
"Quiet down, tidy your appearance. We're here to offer our congratulations and perform."

"Inside……"

The little ones fell silent for a few moments and obediently followed behind.

We just saw off the younger sister group.

there.

Lee Seok-hoon, the director of "Himalaya," happened to arrive.

Yoona caught it out of the corner of her eye.

A flawless smile of delight immediately bloomed on his face as he strode forward to greet her.

"Director Li! I really didn't expect you to come in person!"

She took the initiative to extend her hands and shake hands with the director.

Even the most hard-hearted person couldn't help but smile at Yoona's behavior.

"Yoona, you've really lived up to your role as hostess today."

"Director, you flatter me. I still need to learn from you how to manage a large-scale project."

"Where is Jae-hoon?"

Director Li glanced around.

"I'll be there soon..."

She naturally stepped aside, preparing to lead the director and his entourage inside.

"That kid is so lucky..."

……

When Bae Suzy arrived.

What you see is Lim Yoona smiling and chatting happily beside an industry tycoon, and even naturally accepting the congratulatory gift on behalf of Kang Jae-hoon.

That expert control over the entire scene, that relaxed and responsible demeanor befitting a hostess...

Bae Suzy's face immediately darkened.

She was mentally prepared for Yoona to be there.

We're all old foxes, so playing these ghost stories won't scare anyone.

but!

The way this woman was acting like a "mistress of the house," effortlessly entertaining key guests on behalf of Jiang Zaixun, was something she absolutely could not tolerate.

Just as she was about to step forward and offer a few words of "greeting" in a sweet yet barbed tone—

"squeak--"

Another car stopped.

A savior, or rather, an even bigger problem, has arrived. Kang Jae-hoon finally rushed to the scene.

Get out of the car.

They caught the electrifying gaze exchanged between the two beautiful women.

"hiss……"

Kang Jae-hoon felt a sudden, sharp pain in his head.

A battleground? It's already started?!
next second.

His adrenaline surged.

He rushed to Bae Suzy's side in a few steps as she was about to erupt.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and turned her around, blocking her view of Yoona:
"Xiuzhi! Thank goodness you're here! There are so many political and business dignitaries here today, I really can't get away. I don't trust anyone else, so you have to help me greet them! Please, please!"

Bae Suzy was half-pushed along by him, muttering in dissatisfaction:
"Hey! Kang Jae-hoon, you..."

She clearly saw through the diversionary tactic, but the words "important task," "only you," and "please, please" precisely hit her sweet spot.

She managed not to vent her anger, and in the end, she just glared at him and reluctantly snorted:
"...Okay! It's so annoying!"

—I'll do as Kang Jae-hoon said for now.

call……

Kang Jae-hoon could almost hear the dull thud of his heart falling back into his chest.

Crisis resolved?

He quickly adjusted his breathing and strode over to Yoona's side:
"Yoona".

The speed at which he changed his expression was astonishing:

"Are you tired? Are you thirsty? Were you just surrounded by reporters again and feeling dizzy? Is anyone bothering you? Tell me and I'll clear the area immediately!"

Sweet words don't need to be drafted.

Yoona's eyes crinkled with delight as he teased her.
"Don't give me that. What did you say to Suzy just now? Look at her, she almost came over and ate me."

What else can be said?

Kang Jae-hoon remained expressionless, delivering a natural performance.

"Tell her to behave. We have so many important guests today. Don't let her cause trouble for Yoona."

Lin Yoona knew perfectly well that this statement was highly exaggerated.

But a good mood can't be faked.

After all, Kang Jae-hoon put himself in the position of "us," but classified Bae Suzy as "trouble."

"Director Ryoo Seung-wan is here!"

The assistant's reminder was like precisely turning off the switch that allowed the ambiguity to begin.

Kang Jae-hoon instantly dropped his frivolousness and exchanged a knowing glance with Im Yoon-ah.

The two walked side by side toward the famous action film director who was being surrounded by reporters.

Greetings, handshakes, and thanks to the seniors for their presence.

A set of procedures flow smoothly.

We had just seen Director Liu off when we welcomed several more groups of guests.

at this time.

Lee Sung-kyung arrived at the scene arm in arm with her teacher's wife, Kim Mi-hye.

really.

History is repeating itself.

Get out of the car.

Lee Sung-kyung's gaze was fixed on Lim Yoon-ah beside Kang Jae-hoon.

Two small bursts of anger erupted in her amber eyes, her hostility even more direct than Bae Suzy's.

If that look could be visualized, it would probably have two holes punched through Lin Yoona's body.

Teacher's wife Kim Mi-hye subtly pinched Lee Sung-kyung's wrist.

Lee Sung-kyung reluctantly looked away, but her displeasure almost materialized.

Kang Jae-hoon's heart, liver, and lungs began to tremble all at once!
They strode forward quickly to meet them.

First, respectfully bow and greet your teacher's wife.

immediately.

Her arm wrapped around Lee Sung-kyung's slender waist:

"Bible!"

"You've finally arrived! I was so worried!"

Before Lee Sung-kyung could even utter the curse "What the hell are you yelling for?", Kang Jae-hoon had already leaned close to her ear:

"Editor-in-Chief Tina and some friends from international fashion magazines she brought are over there, but I know absolutely nothing about fashion. Could you go and entertain them for me?"

Lee Sung-kyung snorted coldly, her feet rooted to the spot, and glanced at him sideways:

"Kang Jae-hoon, do you think I'm your public relations manager?"

"Please~"

"...I'll settle the score with you when we get back tonight."

Lee Sung-kyung shook off his hand and strode towards the small group of fashion industry figures.

His back view exuded a murderous aura.

—That can be considered as him being sent away by Kang Jae-hoon.

Another transition that was thrilling but ultimately safe.

Kim Mi-hye shook her head, finding it somewhat amusing.

"You really know how to do that..."

The words have not yet fallen.

Another car pulled up.

Song Joong-ki got out of the car first and gentlemanly turned around to help Song Hye-kyo.

Kim Ji-won got off the bus right after them.

A soft lilac-purple dress made her look as fresh as a lily of the valley in early summer.

Her eyes lit up and she immediately locked onto Kang Jae-hoon.

Kang Jae-hoon immediately put on an impeccable smile and went to greet him:
"Thank you for visiting! You've had a great time!"

They warmly shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo.

His gaze then turned to Kim Ji-won:
"I feel great today."

Kim Ji-won wasn't given many opportunities to express herself or get closer.

"Director Kim!"

Jin Dayuan, who had been following him closely, immediately stepped forward.

"Take her to the media area!"

Kim Dae-won silently prayed to Buddha and immediately gestured for Kim Ji-won to enter.

"This way, Ji-won-ssi. The reporters have prepared many interesting questions."

"Yes, President."

Kim Ji-won's sweet smile remains unchanged.

As she turned to leave with Kim Dae-won, her eyes quickly swept over Lim Yoon-ah not far away.

There was a subtle, almost imperceptible competitive edge hidden in his eyes.

This series of dazzling, fluid maneuvers, in which various "flammable and explosive items" were placed into safe areas, were all observed by Lim Yoona standing nearby.

"Tsk tsk, President Jiang really has some impressive skills."

This is just one short sentence.

All-encompassing.

Does this mean he successfully appeased the covetous Bae Suzy?
Is he praising him for easily getting rid of the prickly Lee Sung-kyung?
still is……

It pointedly exposed the "golden house beauty" that he had placed under the flashing lights and beautifully packaged with the halo of "the company's first artist".
At this moment.

A sudden, even louder roar erupted!

As soon as Kim Ji-won stepped into the interview area, countless flashes instantly turned the area into a sea of ​​bright white light!

Reporters eagerly thrust their cameras and microphones at my mouth:

"Kim Ji-won-ssi! As the first actress signed by Yijing Pictures, you are at this moment..."

The problem was drowned out by the noise.

The explosive sound also conveniently overshadowed Yoona's overly insightful comment.

Kang Jae-hoon's smile was perfect, as if he hadn't noticed the hidden meaning in those words at all.

"Huh? Yoona, what did you say? It was too noisy here, I didn't hear you..."

Pack!
Just keep playing dumb!
……

The brief opening remarks and Kang Jae-hoon's speech concluded with applause.

The emcee announced in a loud voice:

"Next up is the opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Next Scene Film Limited!"

A huge "Next Scene" plaque covered with red silk was lowered down by two hostesses.

The emcee respectfully invited today's main guests and key shareholders to the stage:
Kang Jae-hoon, Kim Mi-hye (representing Hwang Jung-min, who was absent due to filming), and director Ryu Seung-wan.

The other industry leaders stood on either side.

Although Yoona was busy with various tasks, she wisely and tactfully refrained from going on stage due to the company's shareholding structure.

Instead, he stood in the first row below the stage, smiling and clapping.

Bae Suzy, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Ji-won, and other celebrity guests stood in the viewing area on the outer edge.

There was thunderous applause.

The flashbulbs went off again, focusing on the signboard and the group of people holding golden scissors.

"Now, let's all—"

"Unveiling the plaque to celebrate good fortune! Cutting the ribbon to welcome the future!"

"Three! Two! One!"

Whoa!

The red silk ribbon fell!

The large golden lettering of "Next Scene Film Limited" shone brightly in the sunlight!

Click!

Click!

With a swift motion of the scissors, the ribbon snapped.

The audience erupted in cheers!

This marks the official launch of Next Scene Pictures, which is 63% owned by Kang Jae-hoon, 27% owned by his wife Kim Mi-hye on behalf of Hwang Jung-min and his wife, and 10% held by the employee stock option pool!
"Next up is the group photo session!"

The emcee had barely finished speaking.

The crowd began to move according to a pre-arranged plan.

As the absolute core, Kang Jae-hoon was naturally surrounded and led to the center position in the group photo area.

His face still carried the triumphant air of a successful unveiling.

I just walked to the designated center position and stood still.

There wasn't even time to adjust my posture.

Two distinct yet intoxicatingly fragrant breezes swept in from the left and right like shadows!

left.

Yoona took his left arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

right.

Bae Suzy followed suit without hesitation.

Kang Jae-hoon: "...!"

Is it too late for me to fake a heart attack now?

"Ah."

A very faint, cold laugh came from a few meters away.

Lee Sung-kyung crossed her arms and coldly glared at the trio that was about to come together.

She had intended to gracefully distance herself from the situation.

but!
Seeing the two men standing on either side of me, a nameless anger suddenly welled up inside me.

Why? !

She turned her eyes away irritably for a second—then abruptly turned them back!

next second.

He then strode off toward Bae Suzy.

Im Yoon-ah... her level is too high.

Lee Sung-kyung admitted that she couldn't do what he did before the show was so meticulous and skillful, and that she had no reason to criticize him.

Taking your anger out on her now would only make you look petty and incompetent.

But Bae Suzy?
Ah.

Lee Sung-kyung walked straight to Bae Suzy and Kang Jae-hoon, who were standing side by side.

Then pretend to adjust your position.

Move back little by little.

Until the elbow "unintentionally" exerts force.

"Well?!"

Bae Suzy instantly felt a gentle push coming from the side.

Be caught off guard.

The center of gravity was forced to shift.

She turned her head in astonishment, looking at the barbarian who had forcefully "embedded" himself in without a word: "...???"

"you……"

Before the question could even be uttered.

Lee Sung-kyung has successfully established herself on Kang Jae-hoon's right side, taking over the position that originally belonged to Bae Suzy on Kang Jae-hoon's right arm!

"!!!"

Bae Suzy was furious!

Do you even know the rules?!

Don't you understand the concept of first come, first served?

The familiar lavender scent instantly replaced the previous lychee fragrance.

Kang Jae-hoon felt a throbbing sensation in his temples.

This scene...

Seeing the raging anger in Bae Suzy's eyes.

Kang Jae-hoon hurriedly looked past Lee Sung-kyung's head and cast a desperate "Save me, save me" look at his teacher's wife, Kim Mi-hye!

Master's wife, Kim Mi-hye, was incredibly shrewd.

I could see through the undercurrents from the moment Lee Sung-kyung started moving.

She immediately stepped forward and gently grasped Bae Suzy's arm, which was stiff from anger.

"Suzy."

"Come, stand next to your master's wife."

"Such a great spot, the camera can capture us beautifully."

This loving yet realistic reason...

Bae Soo-ji tensed up, her anger and grievances forced back by the prestigious title of "Master's Wife".

She can disregard everyone's feelings.

But this was equivalent to her future mother-in-law's teacher's wife, and she dared not offend her.

"Inside……"

Bae Soo-ji suppressed her frustration and obediently (at least on the surface) reached out and took Kim Mi-hye's arm, standing to the left of her teacher's wife.

High status and prominent position

but!
Kang Jae-hoon is far away from the center of the stage!
not far away.

Kim Ji-won witnessed this spectacular "three-second power grab."

Especially seeing Bae Suzy's face, contorted with anger yet forced to suppress it...

She chuckled softly, making no attempt to hide it.

The curve of his lips was full of schadenfreude!
Live it!

Bae Suzy, so this is what happened to you?
same.

Standing to Kang Jae-hoon's left, Lim Yoon-ah was also amused by this sudden "squeezing incident" and her eyes crinkled with laughter.

Well done—though she was annoyed by the cold-faced model too!
however.

Yoona's gloating smile had just begun to spread.

next second.

Then a chilling voice came straight from the right:
"happy?"

"Put down the arm you're holding onto him."

Yoona's smile remained unchanged, and even became a little brighter.

"What if I don't let go?"

Lee Sung-kyung turned her head instantly.

A cold glint flashed in his amber eyes.

Im Yoona seemed unconcerned, her gaze sweeping over the dense array of cameras and guests around her:

"how?"

"To put on a low-level competition in front of so many business and political figures, industry veterans, and media cameras?"

"Did Jae-hoon's hard-earned company's opening photos become a laughing stock and a source of gossip throughout South Korea?"

"Will this place instantly turn into a soap opera scene?"

"Hmm~?"

"..."

A series of rhetorical questions left Lee Sung-kyung speechless.

In terms of verbal skills, she is far inferior to Lim Yoon-a.

"stop fighting!"

At the same time, Kang Jae-hoon's warning, which made his scalp tingle, came through, the words squeezed out between his teeth:

"Time to take pictures, my ancestors!"

Upon hearing this, Lee Sung-kyung's face immediately switched to a flawless, bright smile.

But the hand hidden behind his back pinched hard on the soft flesh of Kang Jae-hoon's lower back.

The photographer begins the countdown:
"three--"

"two--"

"one--"

"Crack!"

The flashbulbs turned the world into daylight!
Time is frozen in this frame, becoming an explosive work of art:

At the very center of the image—

Kang Jae-hoon's expression froze at an extremely subtle critical point:
A forced smile appeared on his lips due to his strong willpower, but it looked incredibly stiff due to the sharp pain in his lower back.

His left side:

Yoona held his arm intimately, her smile gentle and bright like the warm spring sun, her eyes seemingly filled with tenderness and kindness towards the whole world.

His right side:

Lee Sung-kyung leaned slightly towards him, her face adorned with an impeccable, celebrity-level sweet smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the camera.

Slightly to the right, beside the master's wife:
Bae Suzy, arm in arm with Kim Mi-hye, tried her best to show an elegant smile to the camera.

But if you look closely, her eyelids are slightly drooping, the curve of her lips is a little stiff, and the corner of her eye seems to be glancing faintly in Lee Sung-kyung's direction.

diagonally behind:
Kim Ji-won's smile was the most innocent and radiant, like a little girl receiving her favorite candy.

But in those curved eyes, there was a clear, excited gleam of having watched a top-notch show.

The other guests around them all wore either genuine or business-like smiles.

Thus, a legendary image that will be repeatedly interpreted by the media and fans countless times in the future was born.

—Everyone's smile is so beautiful, yet it's as if they're acting out a thousand different stories.

(End of this chapter)