Making of an Idol (9): Stubborn Oddballs

"My patience is running out, Kahi," Cherry said, tapping her foot on the ground. "Are you sure, this is the place?" 

"Absolutely," Kahi replied. "The manager texted me the address." 

They were at a small Japanese restaurant. After much deliberation, Cherry has finally decided to invest in Rogue Culture as a shareholder. Her company would provide stylists and cosmetics to the contestants throughout the show along with future investments. 

They were waiting for the clients for over fifteen minutes. Cherry was not a patient person and preferred to be punctual. If it was not an important deal, she would have walked out. 

Even though the prospect itself was profitable, Cherry's main motive was to complete her mission and reunite Jinhyun with Yoona. Usually, she lets Kahi handle all the company related meetings while she occasionally shows her face. But Cherry wanted to handle this particular investment on her own. 

"They're here," Kahi pointed at the entrance. Sekjong entered the restaurant followed by Jinhyun, who was wearing a hoodie. They scanned around before their eyes fell on the two women. 

Jinhyun suppressed a smile as they walked towards them. Sekjong spoke first. 

"Hello," he greeted. "I am Shun Sekjong, the General Manager at Rogue Culture. And this is our CEO, Shin Jinhyun. We spoke over the phone." 

"Hello Manager Shun," Kahi greeted. "Yes, we did. This is Wang Cherry, our CEO." 

She indicated to Cherry, who was scrutinising Sekjong. 

"Can we talk somewhere more private?" he suggested. "Since Jinhyun is a public figure, fans may create disturbances. Perhaps we can take a private dining room?" 

"Sure," Kahi nodded but Cherry was giving Sekjong a strange look. 

"Is there a problem, madam?" Sekjong asked politely. 

"No," she replied shortly, walking away towards a private dining room. Sekjong looked at Jinhyun quizzically before they followed the ladies. 

They entered the dining room and took seats across each other. A waiter took their orders before scurrying off to bring the food. 

"About the contract," Sekjong started, taking out the final draft of the contract. "We have agreed to the terms you've provided. Eight percent shares for Cherry Pie cosmetics and the resulting winners of the contest will be exclusive cosmetic ambassadors for your products for a year." 

Kahi nodded. "And about the profit sharing…" 

They discussed the terms, explaining to their respective bosses about the contract. Little did they know that the two of them were not listening. 

Jinhyun's attention was on Cherry who also had her eyes on him. He wanted to know what was going on in her mind but with their managers around, it was impossible to talk to her privately. 

"This will be a year long deal," Cherry stated. "And my company wants to be involved in every aspect of the trainee program. Since we are investing a large amount in your agency." 

She sat back with a smug look on her face, daring them to challenge her. 

"In return," Jinhyun leaned forward. "I have a condition." 

Sekjong stared at Jinhyun in surprise. He did not mention any condition to him beforehand. 

"CEO of Cherry Pie will be in charge of my personal styling," he smiled. 

Cherry, who was about to take a sip of water, paused and glared at him. The man knew how to test her patience. But in order to complete her mission, she must stay close to him. She never stayed this close to the other people on her list. 

But Jinhyun was a stubborn specimen. She could not see his fate at all. His past and future were big question marks. It was as if the man lived on an impulse. He flows with the wind, not knowing where he will go or what will happen to him. He goes where he wants and does as his wish without thinking of the consequences. People like him were difficult and added to the mystery of his fate, Cherry knew she had to stay close to him. 

"Fine," she said. "But I can only-" 

"Work at night?" he finished for her. "Deal." 

"Work at night?" Sekjong frowned. 

"The CEO of Cherry Pie can only work during the night," Jinhyun replied. "She has a skin condition which causes her to have rashes when she is out in the sun." 

"You seemed to have studied about me well, Mr. Shin," Cherry said coolly. "Almost stalker like, if I may add." 

She gave him a sarcastic smile. Jinhyun scoffed and boldly said, "It's my job to find out about my investors. After all, I don't want a suspicious company to invest in my agency." 

Jinhyun was amused by her expressions. She threw daggers at him with her eyes. He snickered and drank the tea from his cup. 

Sekjong and Kahi were aware of the tension between their bosses. While Kahi knew somewhat of the animosity Cherry felt against Jinhyin, Sekjong was baffled by Jinhyun's behavior. It seemed as if he was enjoying the insults Cherry threw at him.

Fortunately, they were interrupted by the server who brought their food. They ate their dinner in silence, with Jinhyun occasionally casting a peek at Cherry and smiling like an idiot. 

Once they were done, Jinhyun paid the bill while Sekjong bid them a hasty goodbye. 

"I'll send the final contract to you tomorrow," he told Kahi. "I'll take my leave now." 

He bowed and left for the subway. 

"Madam, I also have to leave," Kahi informed Cherry. She bowed and walked away hastily, glad to escape the feuding oddballs who were left behind. 

Cherry did not bother to say anything to Jinhyun and started to walk away. To her annoyance, he walked with her. 

"Why are you following me?" she demanded. 

"We live in the same building," he replied. "Remember? Neighbor?" 

"Aren't you a public figure?" Cherry asked in a scathing tone. "Should you be out here like this?" 

He put on his mask in response. "No biggie," he shrugged. "Besides, I won't mind a dating scandal with you." 

He winked at her playfully. Cherry wanted to throttle him. How did he become so shameless in this birth? The Emperor she knew was rigid and stone cold. She never saw him smile. 

And now, it was as if the fates wanted to spite her. She was stuck with a happy-go-lucky moron with a questionable destiny and a strong streak of stubbornness. The change in him annoyed her immensely. 

She kept on walking quickly but he easily kept pace. 

"Wanna grab some coffee?" he asked. 

"I told you once and I'm telling you again," she gritted. "I am not interested in having coffee with you." 

"Ahh…people are so cruel," he lamented out loud. "I mean. I helped a drunk girl last night, gave her shelter at my apartment and even made breakfast for her this morning. The least she could do is buy me some cold latte." 

He let out a loud sigh and grinned at Cherry. She felt her temper rising. 

This man was infuriating.