chapter 115: the price to pay

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<OST: Orbit - Hwasa>

Jennie slammed the table and got to her feet, glaring at CEO Yang across the table. "Sajang-nim! How could you-"

"What?" CEO Yang glanced up at Jennie like he hadn't done anything wrong. "He's going to be working with us, am I not allowed to do a background check on him? Jennie Kim, you should know how much the reputation of our work partners can affect our own reputation... This is the barest minimum I have to do for the company, Jennie. Now, sit down."

Jennie clenched her fists under the table, out of CEO Yang's sight. "Still, you shouldn't-"

Yoongi grabbed Jennie's hand, glanced up at her and shook his head. As Jennie slowly took her seat, Yoongi finally let go of her hand and looked at CEO Yang directly in the eyes.

"You're right, I went to jail for a few years," Yoongi said, clearly trying to keep his cool regarding this situation that was so close to his heart. "But I am out now... and am working hard to start my life afresh-"

"But that's not the main point I'm trying to drive at now, Min PD-nim." CEO Yang sighed. "Indeed, your project shows a lot of potential. Indeed, the powerpoint you just showed me is impressive. But what good is that if working with you will damage our company's reputation...? Do you think it's appropriate at all that you're even asking someone like Jennie Kim to be your female lead...?"

"He didn't ask me-" Jennie snarled through gritted teeth, as she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into the flesh of her palms. "I was the one who wanted to act in this project of his - because he's  worth it."

"Worth it?" CEO Yang scoffed as he leaned back in his seat. "Worth it in what way, Jennie-Kim...? Do you even know what you're in for? You've only been in the industry for five years. Meanwhile, I've founded this company for more than twenty... and have been in the entertainment industry for coming to thirty. Who do you think knows better?"

Jennie's eyes welled up with angry tears, but she couldn't answer that question.

"Min PD-nim," CEO Yang continued as he turned to Yoongi. "I have just one piece of advice for you - if it's your first work after being on hiatus for so long... you should keep it simple. Look for actors and actresses who are of your level - stop aiming for the sky. I'm sure those no-name actors and actresses from those no-name companies would all be clamouring to take up your offer. But it isn't the case with our company - we get plenty of casting calls for Jennie Kim on a daily basis. She doesn't need a work like yours to potentially ruin her reputation... as well as the company's."

"What are you even saying?" Jennie couldn't takw it anymore, and jumped to her feet once more, staring daggers at her own boss. "Do you even know who was the one who stood by my side when my reputation was plummeting because of the mess you got me into? If you never made me sign that stupid fake relationship contract with Jeon Jungkook, I'd never be called a 'slut' or 'whore' for interacting normally with my costars, my friends or any other man who comes near me-"

"Jennie Kim-" CEO Yang glanced at Yoongi uneasily. "What fake contract are you even talking about-"

"He knows," Jennie said without even glancing at Yoongi. "He knows, and he understands. You only see me as a money-making machine, but this guy over here - he sees me for my talent, my potential, my personality... and for me-"

"You're really bringing personal matters into this right now, aren't you?" CEO Yang clapped his hands slowly and flashed Jennie a cynical smile. "Very good, Jennie Kim. Since when did you learn how to snap back at me like this?"

"Ever since I realised that I should stop letting you lead me by my nose and step all over me-" Jennie rose to her feet, glaring directly at CEO Yang. "It's my life, I can do whatever I want with it."

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