Contract

"These are our dorm rooms. The walls are really pretty 'cuz they're pastel. Especially my room because it's this really pretty pink!" Yu Yan excitedly went on about the rooms, never pausing for breath. "Each room can have 3 to 4 girls, but the company is pretty new right now. So, there's not many girls yet. But the company gives us free passes to Mochi Mon if we do well on our weight exam every week!"

Yi Fei wasn't really paying attention. She mindlessly stared down at their hand-holding; Yu Yan had never let go of her hand. Her hand was soft and full of warmth in contrast to her sweaty and frail hand. Yi Fei quietly looked up to Yu Yan's cute face, and the words 'ball of sunshine" appeared in her mind.

"Oh, Yi Fei! So this is where you are," a familiar voice exclaimed as his heavy footsteps started to approach the pair of girls.

"Owner Huo! I was taking her around since I had some time before our afternoon dance practice started," Yu Yan informed, almost automatic.

"Thanks for doing my job, Yu Yan." Owner Huo laughed. "Sorry for leaving you alone like that, Yi Fei. We can continue discussing about the trainee program in my office if you'd like since you've already got toured by Yu Yan."

It was somewhat relieving and pleasant when she just simply followed around Yu Yan. Seeing Owner Huo, Yi Fei felt a little anxious. Owner Huo's towering build daunted Yi Fei, and she instinctively would quietly cower with her head down. Remembering what she just experienced a few hours ago, Yi Fei didn't really know what to think of Owner Huo.

"Oh, so your name is Yi Fei? Too bad we couldn't hang out for long. But I hope to see you around." Yu Yan sweetly grinned at Yi Fei, dropping her hand. "Bye Owner Huo, I'm going to practice early today."

As much as she didn't want to say it, Yi Fei felt an emptiness to her hand as Yu Yan rushed downstairs with her bouncy feet. Yi Fei could see the ball of energy slowly disappearing from sight. Yi Fei was in a current state of confusion, she didn't know what exactly she felt about Yu Yan either. She looked like the bullies at school. They acted in the exact same way.

Yi Fei grumbled in her mind, unable to think further.

Owner Huo chuckled at Yi Fei's blank expression, naturally turning around and leading the way to his office. Unfortunately, his office was the furthest away from the stairs and biggest in size. On the way down, Owner Huo tried to make some small talk.

"Yu Yan is a nice kid," Owner Huo admitted. "She's diligent too. I just hope that naivety doesn't harm her when she's out there."

Yi Fei was alarmed by Owner Huo's unexpected attempt, only muttering a "Y-yes" in response. With such an abrupt response, Owner Huo was caught between a rock and a hard place, not knowing whether to bother to continue the conversation or take this as a sign that she didn't want to talk. Owner Huo sighed, continuing the way in silence.

-

Yi Fei sat on a white leather couch. The glass table before her reflected her dull face, making her sway her eyes elsewhere.

The office was unlike other offices. The walls were not made of glass and the door was of walnut wood. There was a large green plant sitting beside a grand vintage bookcase which contained comics and manhwas. The window was situated behind the desk, bringing in sunlight. The walls were painted cream-yellow, giving off a soft look. The office spoke of modern furniture in general.

There were two sofas in the office, and Yi Fei and Owner Huo sat on opposite sides. In the moment, Owner Huo was drinking a herbal tea, having a satisfying expression on his face. Secretary Lim was also there, standing beside Owner Huo.

"Though Owner Huo has recruited you, you still have to go through a formal audition to officially become a trainee. We provide for basic needs such as housing, food, and beauty treatments to official trainees." Secretary Lim was professional in speech. "Unlike other companies, we also give a salary of 2000 yuan each year. When you debut, you will be given a contract that split off your earnings between the company and you. Do not worry as we are fair in our contracts."

"What she really means is that you just need to audition," Owner Huo spoke with confidence. "For now, we can just sign you unofficially. When you pass the audition, you can reap the benefits of an official trainee."

Secretary Lim opened a file folder, laying a few papers on the table.

"This is the contract. You can read it with your parents when you get home tonight," Owner Huo said.

Yi Fei couldn't believe it. 2000 yuan worth of guaranteed allowance each year and Yu Yan said something about free Mochi Mon goodies. It all seemed like a dream. But...

"I... I c-can't," Yi Fei said.