Scouted, Again

The three decided to take a break at the food court.

While they were waiting for their food, Da Na was busily showing the pictures she had taken to Yeo Ri. Judging from the dozens of photos the girl had taken, the shopping trip had somehow turned into a fashion buffet.

"I liked this one more than the other one," Da Na said as she admired a certain photo of Yeo Ri in a romper, sighing in disappointment. Yeo Ri had ended up declining to buy the outfit so she was feeling slightly bitter.

"Which one?" Park Soo Yeon leaned in to look at her daughter's phone. Seeing the picture, she mirrored the younger girl's sigh. "Oh, that one."

Yeo Ri smiled wryly. "Unnie, Auntie, you've already given me too many clothes. I'll feel bad if I keep taking advantage of your kindness." Yeo Ri sent a sidelong glance at the three shopping bags by her feet. Remembering the amount which had been printed on the receipts, Yeo Ri's legs felt like they had turned into jelly. She wanted to cry, but she had no tears.

Even though the two older ladies were the ones who wanted to buy them for her, Yeo Ri felt like she had no more face to look at them. Her cheeks burned a bright red, signifying her shame. She owed them too much.

"Nonsense," Da Na waved her hand in refutation. "Just consider it as presents from us. For... uh, Christmas."

Yeo Ri pursed her lips and stifled a snort. As far as she knew, neither she, nor the Choi family, were Christians. Therefore, they did not celebrate Christmas. Da Na's excuse was weak but she did not comment on it since it would be too rude of her to do that. 'Forget it; they want to be charitable, so they'll be charitable,' she thought helplessly.

Mrs. Choi opened her mouth to support her daughter's remark, but an idea suddenly flashed in her mind. She smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "If you feel like you owe us, then why don't you come sign a contract with my company?"

"H-huh?" Yeo Ri widened her eyes in bewilderment. Wasn't this too sudden?

Mrs. Choi fished Da Na's phone from her hands and showed a picture of Yeo Ri that looked somewhat editorial. "Look; doesn't this look pretty? You definitely have the makings of a model or maybe an actress; I can sense it."

Da Na stared at her mother, rolling her eyes. 'There she goes again, with her business spiel.' She couldn't believe that her mom was still hung up on scouting Yeo Ri even after so long.

"Just one gig—no, just an audition, okay? We can sign a three month contract first," Mrs. Choi said, trying to persuade the girl with a hopeful smile. "Please? I feel like you're wasting away your talents."

"Auntie, what talents?" Yeo Ri laughed silently, "I'm not good enough." There was a slight hint of self-mockery in her tone. She took a sip from the glass of water in front of her, lowering her eyes to hide the insecurities hidden underneath her orbs.

"Who says? You're very pretty, you know?" Mrs. Choi frowned slightly. Although being a model required more than just a pretty face, she was confident that Yeo Ri could make it big.

Park Soo Yeon stared intently at Yeo Ri who was drinking her water. Even though it was nothing but a mundane act, it felt as if the girl was filming a commercial.

Yeo Ri's eyelids were slightly lowered as she tilted the glass to her lips. She took two gulps, her throat bobbing. The way her hair was styled framed her face perfectly and showed off her slim and fair neck, the colour creating a clear juxtaposition and highlighting the paleness of her skin.

Yeo Ri swallowed another mouthful of water before setting down the glass on the table. It was clear that she was distracted as a trail of liquid spilled from the corner of her lips. Instead of panicking and looking for a napkin, she wiped away the excess water with her thumb and licked her lips, making them seem redder and moist.

"...Just think about it again, okay?" Mrs. Choi said, shaking her head to break out of her trance. She pursed her lips and gulped, faintly blushing. She couldn't believe that this young girl had managed to charm her even though all she did was obliviously drink a normal glass of water! She couldn't help but think of how much she could affect other people if the young girl decided to enter the industry.

"..." Yeo Ri reluctantly nodded after a long pause, thinking that she should at least show some form of agreement to please the woman. In any case, three months was not a long time and she could afford to waste it in exchange for the clothes.

"I'll have to ask my brother first, though," Yeo Ri hurriedly added before the older woman could rejoice.

"Yes, yes, you do that," Mrs. Choi nodded happily. She busily tapped away at her phone before forwarding a link to Yeo Ri's number.

Yeo Ri checked it out the moment she received it.

'Become the Face of VitaQua: commercial advertisement audition,' the title read. The deadline for registrations was in two weeks.

"I feel like this will be a good start for you," Mrs. Choi explained. "If your brother gives you permission, then you can just call or text Auntie's number."

Yeo Ri nodded once again in understanding.

"Oh, but if possible, can you notify Auntie three days before the audition deadline?" She added, fidgeting slightly. "It's nothing much, but we need some time to set up your modelling portfolio and take headshots... it won't take long; just one day is enough," she reassured.

"Ah... yes..." Yeo Ri didn't quite understand what the woman was talking about but she had already promised to give it some thought, so she could only nod again in response.

Soon, the food they ordered was ready and they ceased all chattering, using the time to enjoy the meal after a long day of walking.