The Request (2): Hard Way

The stage was set for the second episode. Yoona and Semin were at the backstage, getting their makeup done. Unlike the first day, the CEO of Cherry Pie was not going to do their styling for the next few episodes. She sent her team to assist with the makeup of the contestants. 

"I'm so nervous," Semin admitted. "I can't believe I'll have to dance tonight." 

"Don't be," Yoona told her. "Just focus on your dance. You did great at the rehearsals. Just shut out everything and concentrate on the performance." 

Semin nodded stiffly. She then tried to change the topic. 

"Hey, did you hear that Jung Jenna will be the celebrity judge tonight?" she asked excitedly. 

Yoona narrowed her eyes. Jung Jenna huh? 

"That famous soloist, right?" Yoona asked. "Wasn't she a part of that girl group…Solar?"

"Yeah!" Semin exclaimed. "They were very popular before they disbanded. But only Jenna managed to make a successful solo career while the others kind of faded away." 

She scrunched her face, recounting. 

"Hyebin got married to a rich CEO," she recalled. "I think she's still in touch with Jenna coz I see their pictures on social media quite a lot. Dora runs her own boutique shop and Nara tried to release a few albums but failed. The latter two aren't in contact with Jenna. It's kinda sad. I wish they could make a comeback. "

Yoona was listening intently but made no comment. She put on a polite smile but her insides were fuming. She knew Jenna was Jinhyun's ex and that they have maintained a friendship throughout the years. 

Her blood boiled every time she saw those two together. Jenna shows off her affection for Jinhyun in public a lot, which caused the formation of the Jinjen fandom. Even the thought of Jenna and Jinhyun sitting together on the judge's panel made her want to break something. 

"Unnie, you're bleeding!" Semin exclaimed in alarm. Yoona looked down only to realize that she was clutching her fist so tightly that her nails dug into her skin. Blood was oozing from her cut. If her dress was not black, the whole costume would have been ruined. 

"Oh," was all she said. Semin quickly reached out for the first aid box and put Yoona's hand on a counter. She began to disinfect the wound. 

"How did this happen?" Semin asked in a worried tone. 

"Oh, my nails are quite sharp," Yoona lied. "This happens a lot. Don't worry." 

Semin frowned but did not ask further. She used an antiseptic on the cut and wrapped it with a bandage. 

"Well, the papers might report this tomorrow," Semin stated. "They'll focus more on this wound. Are you alright?" 

"I'm fine," Yoona reassured her. "Relax." 

She forced a smile on her face. Semin was unconvinced but let the matter go. She made a mental note to keep an eye on Yoona just in case if the wound became worse. 

But little did she know that Yoona was making her own plans. 

Jung Jenna. Her target was locked. 

…. 

Jenna was sitting in her trailer, getting her nails done, when there was a knock on the door. 

"Come in," she said. 

Cherry walked in, holding a makeup kit. Jenna turned around and smiled at her. 

"You must be the elusive CEO of Cherry Pie," she guessed. 

"Indeed I am," Cherry stated, putting the kit on a table. "I'll be doing your makeup myself for tonight's show." 

"I'll be in your care then," Jenna chirped. She lay back and closed her eyes. "I really love your brand. I've been using it for the past few years."

"I know," Cherry said. "You are one of our VIP clients."

She began to cleanse Jenna's face with a swab of cotton. 

"Your ex-group mate was also a customer of mine," Cherry chatted. "Nara." 

"Really?" Jenna asked. "How is she now? She hadn't been in touch since our disbandment."

Cherry raised an eyebrow.

"She is fine," Cherry said. "Although she stopped buying our products since she can't afford to buy them anymore. I told her to visit our stores whenever she wants but she stopped coming altogether." 

"Her last album's failure took a toll on her finances," Jenna sighed. "And her fiance left her because he had invested a lot into her career. Yet, their efforts failed. It was really sad." 

Cherry was slightly skeptical of her claim. She lightly brushed her finger over Jenna's skin. Instantly, memories of Jenna and Nara's interactions flashed into her mind. 

In one memory, Nara was crying and begging Jenna to lay off her fiance but the latter scolded her. She claimed that it was Nara's own fault for losing her fiance. Unfortunately, Cherry had seen this particular memory from Nara and the version was different there. Nara was begging for her fiance while Jenna only laughed at her. The memories of both women were unreliable. 

She scanned through more memories, trying to see if Jenna had really trapped Nara in a ponzi scheme. But it was hard to tell since Nara had signed many papers supplied by Jenna. Whether any of them were legitimate investment documents, it was hard to tell.

She needed more information. Memories of a person were not reliable since these could be distorted and modified as per an individual's preferences. People remember things the way they want to remember. Which is why the tale of one incident can vary from person to person. Nara's memories, too, were distorted. Cherry saw what Nara thought was the truth. Same in Jenna's case. So she would need solid evidence. 

Cherry was done with Jenna's makeup. The latter looked into the mirror, feeling impressed. 

"You really are amazing Miss Wang," Jenna complimented. "No wonder Jinhyun chose you as the Head Stylist!" 

"Cherry Pie is investing a lot in his company," Cherry said warily. "He better make this show a success. And also the winners. If they fail, then we'll lose a lot of money." 

"He will," Jenna stated firmly. "Shin Jinhyun always keeps his words. I've been friends with him for over fifteen years. Trust me, he'll make sure the winners make a smashing debut. The Idol King knows his work well." 

Cherry did not respond to her. No doubt the Idol King will succeed in his goals. But when it comes to the truth and his friend, whom would he choose?

She may have to find it out the hard way.