Chapter 11: The Notorious CEO

.....

After her countless calls went unanswered, Soo Min furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Hmm... that's weird. Why isn't she picking up? That's not like her, you know."

"Did she tell you anything about where she was going?" Noah inquired. It was indeed quite strange for Olivia, who's never even let calls from telemarketers go unanswered. Soo Min shook her head and the two pondered for a while.

Not long after, Soo Min reached inside her silver clutch bag when she heard a 'ping' sound indicating that she had received a message. She tapped on the notification and opened it right away.

[Olivia: Hey! Where are you? I found this really cool juice bar in the buffet area. Come soon!]

"She's at the buffet!" Soo Min informed Noah, who in turn nodded and replied, "Okay. Let's go!" before the two left the grand hall.

.....

Buffet.

Once they entered, Noah and Soo Min looked at the bustling area filled with many influential businessmen and politicians. At this rate, it would take ages to search for their friend past this busy crowd and decided it was best to split up.

Soo Min continued to look for her friend when she came across a large circle of women squealing and giggling. As she walked towards them, a waiter walked by with a tray full of beverages.

"M'Lady." He offered.

"No. Thank you." Soo Min politely declined and as she answered the waiter, her gaze swept passed the large crowd of women and the paparazzi to the stage in front. It was obviously some kind of interview, but who's?

As Soo Min walked into the crowded area, she raised her head slightly, to see past all the heads. Her eyes landed on oddly familiar, handsome man answering the questions given by the other man, who was obviously a reporter.

He elegantly stood there, with a haughty aura around him, draped in a navy blue suit speaking of his high social status, before the white and gold backdrop.

Soo Min paused and narrowed her eyes into a slit. She could recognize that face anywhere and anytime. 'Why is he everywhere?' She mused.

"That's the CEO of Glamour." Lady A informed.

"OMG! He's so handsome!" Lady B stated.

Soo Min glanced around her from the corner of her eyes only to see all the women ogling at Ryan. It truly was an odd sight to see, at least for her.

'Handsome?' She mused. 'Sure his looks are slightly above average, but at the end of the day... he's just a JERK!' Soo Min scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Being a successful businessman as yourself, what is an advice you would like to give to our viewers and the future generations?" The interviewer asked.

"Keep going in a low profile." Ryan apprised.

'Surprised to hear such words from a narcissist!' Soo Min sneered inwardly and unknowingly caught the attention of the man she was mocking.

It wasn't that hard to pin point her out as from Ryan's point of view, all the women had the same in awe look, except for the one in the rose gold dress, who had a mocking smile. He creased his eyebrows with his eyes fixated on Soo Min, who still hadn't noticed that she had caught his attention due to being busy silently laughing at him.

It wasn't until a passerby in the crowd bumped into her snapping her out of her daydream.

"I'm so sorry." The lady apologized.

Soo Min smiled and replied, "Oh it's fine." before turning her attention back to the stage, where she caught his eyes staring back at her.

Ryan creased his forehead, when he saw the challenging look in Soo Min's eyes. But before he could discern what it was the reporter had already asked him another question.

"Alright, so next we have some questions from our viewers. I'm sure everybody is dying to know this, but... are you currently dating anyone?" The reporter inquired and the curiosity of many people was spiked.

Ryan looked back at the crowd and realized that Soo Min wasn't there anymore.

"No comment." He quickly stood up from his seat and left the stage.

"But Mr. Song—" The reporter was interrupted by Assistant Yoon, who had taken the microphone from her and informed, "Thank you all for coming, but the CEO has some important matters to attend to."

"CEO Song! CEO Song! Over here." The bodyguards did their best to hold back the swarm of women who headed towards Ryan's direction.