Chapter 52: Underestimating The Prophet (2)
“As a female entertainer, shouldn’t you be more attentive to entertaining others? Isn’t that what’s expected of a female entertainer?”
“….”
Seo Arin’s complexion stiffened in response to his straightforward comment.
“Isn’t it your responsibility to uplift the atmosphere when it turns awkward? Do you think I invited you here solely for the purpose of dining and mingling?”
“I apologize… I thought I was invited to the party…”
“With such obliviousness, how do you expect to survive as an entertainer? No, being an entertainer is no longer the crucial part. If you don’t make it through the next round, your profession will hold no meaning.”
Seo Arin bowed her head, akin to a scolded newcomer in front of a superior.
“I’m sorry…”
“Didn’t Director Shin inform you about his identity?”
“The major shareholder… Isn’t he?”
“He’s not just a major shareholder; he’s a prophet.”
“A prophet?”
Seo Arin blinked her doe-like eyes in surprise.
“Yes, a prophet. A unique profession that can literally glimpse into the future.”
“Ah…”
“Now you understand, right? The reason why you should entertain him? How immensely helpful would it be if you could know the information about the next round in advance?”
Ma Kyung-rok’s hand suddenly reached out, lightly touching Seo Arin’s cheek.
Feeling the coolness of his touch, Seo Arin flinched.
“Why are you wasting such a captivating face that can enchant anyone? Why are you just sitting there without making a move? Whether it’s playing along or flashing a smile, don’t you think you should do more to win him?”
Ma Kyung-rok lightly tapped Seo Arin’s face with his hand.
For Seo Arin, it was an action that wounded her pride.
“If you’re making a living with your face as an entertainer, then act like one and make full use of your talents.”
“Although it may seem unconventional… I am an actress, not a mere face model…”
“An actress? Hmph.”
Unintentionally, Ma Kyung-rok let out a scoff.
“Yes, I do acknowledge that you excel in acting, Seo. But is it only your acting prowess that has propelled you to fame?”
“….”
“People place great importance on first impressions. Naturally, appearance holds the greatest weight in those first moments. It’s your looks that have allowed you to sustain your current popularity. If your appearance wasn’t exceptional, do you think I would have taken notice?”
Ma Kyung-rok’s harsh words left Seo Arin’s expression frozen like stone.
Her eyes glistened, as if tears were about to burst forth.
“Don’t cry. I haven’t said anything untrue, it’s disgusting to see someone playing victim so easily.”
“….”
Stunned by the remark that made her feel nauseous, Seo Arin couldn’t find her voice.
The tears that were welling up quickly receded.
“Shall I guess what you’re thinking right now? You must be feeling angry and sorrowful. It’s probably bewildering for you, as you’ve never been subjected to such bitter words before.”
“….”
“But endure it nonetheless. As the CEO, I have given you the opportunity to succeed as an actress. Isn’t it your duty to repay that debt? Even in these difficult times, we should settle our accounts cleanly.”
“….”
“So let’s end the conversation here. If we drag it out any longer, people outside will find it strange.”
Ma Kyung-rok lightly tapped her cheek once again.
“Behave properly, be straightforward. Whether you seduce him with that pretty face of yours or tempt him with your body, spare no effort to manipulate Ryu Min, the major shareholder.”
“….”
“Why aren’t you responding?”
“I understand… I will.”
“Good. Now let’s go back and have a drinking party. Stand by Ryu Min’s side and pour him drinks. I’ll be watching you, handle it properly. If you feel uncomfortable, just think of it as acting.”
“Yes…”
“Let’s go then.”
Ma Kyung-rok and Seo Arin returned to their seats.
An Sang-cheol and Ryu Min sat awkwardly, staring at their empty teacups.
“You’ve been waiting for a long time, haven’t you? We had a lot to discuss.”
“What did you talk about?”
Ryu Min asked calmly, and Ma Kyung-rok responded confidently.
“We discussed business. After all, Seo Arin is an actress I’ve been nurturing, isn’t she?”
Although Ryu Min found the term “nurturing” unpleasant, he remained silent.
In any case, he could unravel their conversation by reading between the lines.
“Well, now that the meal is over, shall we move to a different place? It’s time for the second round. Haha.”
Ma Kyung-rok chuckled and gestured to Seo Arin.
As they transitioned to a new location, Seo Arin subtly approached Ryu Min’s side.
However, Ryu Min hesitated, unable to find the words to initiate the conversation.
‘Why are you hesitating when I explicitly opened a window for you to approach her? What’s holding you back?’
Ma Kyung-rok’s dissatisfaction was evident on his face.
But it was Ryu Won, the younger brother standing by their side, who mustered up the courage to speak first.
“Um, excuse me, are you Seo Arin, the actress?”
“Yes? Yes, I am.”
“I’m a fan. You look even more beautiful in person than in photos.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“If it’s alright, could I take a picture with you later when there’s time?”
“Oh, of course.”
Seo Arin smiled warmly.
Ryu Won’s face instantly lit up, as if Cupid’s arrow had struck him with pure bliss.
‘Isn’t the little brother more excited than the older brother?’
Ma Kyung-rok, who had been observing their interaction, decided to change his approach.
Tap, tap, tap.
As they moved, Ma Kyung-rok quickly sent a text message to Seo Arin.
Surprised by the unexpected sound of the message, Seo Arin picked up her phone.
[Ma Kyung-rok: Change of plans. Get closer to the little brother first.]
He wanted her to play some tricks on the fan who approached her with no ulterior motives.
A shadow of concern quickly cast over Seo Arin’s face.
And a subtle smile appeared on the corner of Ma Kyung-rok’s mouth.
‘If I can manipulate the little brother successfully, the older brother will naturally follow suit. It will be easier to gather information about the next round.’
Since he was Seo Arin’s fan, it would be easier to deceive him.
After a while, the five of them arrived in a dimly lit room.
“This private room is specially arranged to cater to VVIP guests. You can enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, and even sing karaoke.”
It resembled a luxurious karaoke venue.
“Um… alcohol? I’m still in middle school…”
Ryu Won hesitated, feeling flustered, but Ma Kyung-rok waved his hand reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. It’s alright. You can have some soda, little brother. Isn’t that right, Director An?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Please order the VVIP premium course here. Add brandy, whiskey, and, oh, some soda too.”
“Understood.”
As Director An went to place the order, Ryu Won wore a slightly bewildered expression.
He had never expected to suddenly be exposed to the drinking culture of adults like this.
With a sigh, the inexperienced Ryu Min spoke up.
“CEO Ma Kyung-rok.”
“Yes, Mr. Major Shareholder.”
“I can’t drink, and my brother can’t either.”
“Oh… Is that so? It seems you both had a very proper upbringing during your school days. Haha, but now that you’re of legal drinking age, it wouldn’t hurt to have the experience…”
“Um, actress Seo Arin.”
Ryu Min interrupted, nudging his brother from behind.
“Yes?”
“Could you take a picture with my brother outside?”
“Oh, yes.”
As the two of them left, only Ryu Min and Ma Kyung-rok remained in the room.
“CEO.”
“Yes?”
“Am I being underestimated?”
“Why do you suddenly…”
“Have you forgotten that my profession is a prophet? Shouldn’t you know that as someone who can see the future, I wouldn’t be unaware of the conversation between you and Seo Arin?”
“….”
“Can we continue working together with transparency if we keep this?”
Ryu Min spoke with a displeased expression.
“CEO, there should be no secrets between us.”
Check Out the New Event and read More Chapters For Free
- The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player
- The Marvelous Dragon Balls