Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from this drama. Rae Na is mine along with everything else that is not Boys Over Flowers - Boys Befer Flowers - related.
Junpyo | 12:20 PM
The empty wine glass clanged as he placed it on the black marble topped table. His head lowered. His bottom lip jutted out. His heart ached. Great. He should have known better.
"OMO! Sorry. Sorry. Sorry." A melodious voice exclaimed. She smiled softly, eyes wide and hair frazzled. "I am so, so sorry that I am late."
Junpyo's head shot up. She came! He cleared his throat to keep from smiling. She was here.. Standing before him, before his very eyes. He tried to blink normally while testing to see if she was a figment or real. God, he needed her to be real. So very real.
"Traffic was beyond horrible. And my daughter didn't want to go to daycare . . . And then I couldn't find my keys . . . I'm rambling." Jan Di snapped her mouth closed and gave the other a small embarrassed smile.
Junpyo smiled. "Why?" His brows furrowed slightly as he stared at the beautiful woman that took a seat across form him.
"What?" Jan Di frowned. Her head cocked to the side. "Huh?" Something had been missed on her part. She might need to had in a head scan to the vision test.
Junpyo smiled. "Your daughter? She didn't want to go?" Junpyo questioned. Praying to the heavens it didn't sound like he was trying to pry. He wasn't really prying - Rae Na was essentially his daughter. He had every right to know. Jan Di didn't know that though.
Jan Di smiled. "She's stubborn. Rae Na - that's her name - is not a really big fan of people."
I know. Junpyo nodded. "Beautiful name." I don't think I could have picked a better name. Junpyo breathed out deeply, his body was starting to slow down, ease.
"She wanted to stay in bed." Jan Di shook her head. "She is extremely lazy when she feels like it." She smiled widely and giggled childishly. "That's partly my fault."
Junpyo chuckled. She gets that from me. He raised his hand into the air - signalling the waiter. He needed a drink - a cold glass of water or a soda would do. His nerves were fine now that shw was sititng willingly across form him.
"Yes sir?"
Junpyo gestured towards Jan Di.
"Oh! Can I get you a drink? Do you know what you want?"
"Sort of." She smiled. "I know what I want to drink." Jan Di's lips pursed. "I would like a grape fanta if you have it."
The waiter bowed. "I will return soon."
Junpyo smiled softly. "Go ahead and look at the menu. we can take our time - unless you have other meetings?"
"No," Jan Di shook her head. "We have time - at least as much as you do."
Junpyo nodded. "Then we can take our time." He let out a breath he didn't know he had held. He could take his time. Get to know her. See if she was good enough for his daughter. Decide if he was going to tell her who he really was. Or, hide it and get closer to her.
Jan Di smiled and glanced down at the menu in her hands. Thank God. She was able to look at the menu - she needed soemthing to hold.
Junpyo's hands began to shake. He curled his hands into fists and slid them off of the table. He placed them on top of his lap and prayed she didn't realize. Didn't realize something was up. That he wasn't here just for the reasons he had said he was.
"Is there anything you recommend?" Jan Di questioned. She looked at him over the top of the menu - through her lashes. "I haven't eaten here before." Her voice soft and tempting.
Junpyo's eyes widened slightly. Pretty. "Do you have a favorite seafood?"
"No . . ." She shrugged. A blush stained her cheeks. "I've never really tried seafood . . ." She shifted slightly as if her feathers were ruffled.
He nodded. "Then I shall order?"
"You?" She questioned softly. Jan Di cocked her head to the side. Her lips pursed momentarily. "Sure."
Junpyo lifted his hand into the air and signaled the waiter. "I would like. . .Gunkan Spicy Octopus, Roasted Bell Pepper Nigiri Sushi, Alaska Roll, California Roll, Dragon Roll, and Caterpillar Roll. One Kimchi Salad. And two Mocha Cakes for dessert."
The waiter nodded and left after a bow.
Junpyo blushed slightly. "Um. . .I hope you don't mind if we share. . .?" He questioned. Though it was a little to late to ask now.
"It's okay." Jan Di bobbed her head as a blush rose on her high cheeks. "I don't mind." He seemed to be hiding a really soft side of himself. At least, Jan Di believed he was.
"The reason I asked you here is because a colleague of mine. . ." He heaved a sigh. "Fine." He heaved a small groan. He might as well tell her the truth - omitting certain parts he was not truly ready to tell her yet.
Jan Di frowned.
"My sister loves your designs . . . And is completely and utterly unhappy you don't have a major fashion store here in Korea." His lips pursed. "I had my people check into your store. You have a large fashion operation . . . You've made millions." Junpyo paused. It was true. One of them, he had yet to figure out which of his three close friends had told his noona; one of them had. And then she had called practically demanded that he get Jan Di into the family.
Jan Di giggled softly.
"But you only have one store. Why?" His brows furrowed. He'd done a background check on her among personal background checking. He just didn't understand why she didn't further it.
Jan Di frowned. "I ship internationally. I found my profit was marginally better over there. The consumer base was tremendously different."
Boss Mode.
Junpyo stared in awe. Right before his eyes the shy, frantic, timid woman had changed into a fierce, in control, business woman. It was purely amazing.
"Though . . . I have found lately the consumer base is multiplying back here." She shrugged. "But at this moment, the majority of my sales are still made overseas." Jan Di took a sip of her water. "I've never really needed a store here simply for the fact that sales are low and the costs are high." Her lips pursed. That was why I used the lower level of my designing and sewing building as a fashion store. I didn't have much to lose."
Junpyo nodded. "That's why I'd liked to put your merchandise in a store in every one of my malls." He smiled. She truly was a business woman. Not only had he done a background check - he'd also made a couple calls to her colleagues. He wanted to know exactly who he was about to get in 'bed' - figuratively speak, he refused to listen too WooBin and Yi Jung - with before he went to far.
Her eyes widened. Every mall? "That's . . . 204?" Sweet Baby Jesus! Jan Di swallowed hard. That was . . . wow.
"205 Malls." Junpyo smiled. "I just opened another mall in Russia." He eased back in the chair. He had no problem talking business.
She released a breath. "Busy man . . . No personal life?" Her eyes widened as the words slipped from between her lips. "Sorry! I shouldn't pry!"
Junpyo chuckled and shook his head. "It's fine. We are going to beginning a long-term relationship . . . hopefully?"
"Long-term?" Jan Di smiled. "We shall see."
He laughed. "I've been more focused on my work than a personal life. After my father . . ." He trailed off. "The corporations became mine. It was my job to make everything run efficiently."
Jan Di nodded. "I see. That's understandable. Relationships and a job that requires 18/6 is almost impossible to manage."
"Hold on," He chuckled. Now he was a little confused. Junpyo smiled. "18/6? I always thought it was 24/7."
She smiled impishly. "You have to at least get two hours of sleep a day and one day for yourself - hopefully."
"Okay," that he could understand. He nodded. "Very true. But I'm guessing day 7 is for you and your daughter."
A smile like no other lit up her face as her baby - Rae Na - was mentioned. "Ah! Yes . . . I love her so much. Oh! And she's growing so fast!" She became animated.
And once again Junpyo was in awe. Not only was she a shy, frantic, timid, fierce, in control, business woman, she was also bubbly, childish, and innocent. It was purely amazing.
"She's even getting into that stage where she wants to toast her own pop-tarts." She giggled. "Before long she won't even need her Umma." Jan Di shook her head.
Junpyo cocked his head to the side. A slow dazed smile appeared on his lips. "What is she like?" His eyes widened. "If you don't mind me asking."
"I don't think I could ever accurately describe my little girl." Jan Di smiled.
"Here's the food. Sorry about your wait." The waiter bowed after setting the food on the table.
Jan Di stared with wide eyes. "This all looks amazing. I don't know where to start first!" She exclaimed. Her eyes bigger than her stomach.
"You can try everything." Junpyo laughed. "Start with the Gunkan Spicy Octopus. It's the best."
Jan Di nodded and picked up the silver chopsticks.
...
"So exactly what do you want?"
Junpyo stilled for a moment before it clicked. "I want to market your designs in every mall. You have potential to become even bigger that you have. Here. In Korea. You don't have a land base". He shrugged and waved his hand sightly. "Yes you use the bottom part of your designing building as a front for here in Korea, but . . . I want to be your base."
Jan Di blushed.
He coughed at the undertone of the implication he had unwittingly made. "I - I . . ."
"It's okay." She giggled. "I know what you mean. But why?" Jan Di's lips pursed. "There are millions of others out there just as talented as me. What do I have that they don't?" Her head tilted as she waited for a reply.
Junpyo sighed. My child. He didn't have the answer she was looking for.
They both knew that.
"You have a drive."
Her brows furrowed. "Drive?"
"You've built your business from the ground up. You put yourself on the map. You've gotten yourself to this point. You pushed yourself past exhaustion. You've done this." Junpyo started. More and more words seemed flow. It was like a dam had broken. He knew exactly what to say.
Jan Di nodded. "I had help."
Junpyo nodded. "But you're the one that continued to work even after the people who helped you have stepped back." Junpyo leaned back in his plush chair and stared at the girl before him. He heaved a small sigh. "I know very well if we sign a contract . . . we will both profit. We will both strive to go farther and make this better."
Jan Di blinked. He wasn't done. That much she knew. But wow, that was . . . She hadn't been expecting that.
His lips pursed. "You won't get yourself to the top and then just sit back and let the chips fall where they may. You'll do your best to put them in the places you believe they should be." He stopped for a second. "You'll get to the top, and do your damned best to make sure you stay there."
"I . . ." Jan Di stared wide-eyed. Her jaw slackened slightly. "Wow . . . I . . ." She sat, shocked. "You really see that much in me?"
Junpyo smiled and nodded. "I do." Junpyo chuckled. "I can read people . . ." He smiled cheekily. "Plus I have people who do background checks."
She laughed. Her body hunched forward as giggle after giggle spilled from behind her plump lips. Giggles continued to spill from her lips every now and then. "I wasn't expecting the background check statement."
Junpyo smiled impishly. "We had a deep powerful moment - I thought I should break the ice." He took a sip of water before continuing. "And I need someone with your drive in my malls. Yes, I have many contracts but . . ." His lips pursed. Junpyo chuckled slightly.
"That's. . ." She trailed off. It didn't mesh, not completely. there was a part of it that didn't sound like a business pitch. Jan Di smiled. "You realized it sounded more like a board pitch than a contract proposal?" She grinned.
Junpyo chuckled despite himself. "Yes, and to be frankly honest. I would love having you on my board at Shinhwa Corp."
Jan Di's jaw dropped. "Huh?" Was her most intelligent reply.
He smiled. "Like I said you have a drive. You seem trustworthy. I believe I could trust." He frowned slightly. Lips scrunched in disappointment. "I don't believe you are going to suddenly stab me in the back and try to take over. You seem like the person who would watch the places I can't."
Jan Di nodded slowly. He's for real . . .
Junpyo heaved a small sigh. "Well?" He blinked innocently. "Join my malls? And my Corporation as a Shinhwa Board Member?"
"Oh," she hadn't been expecting that either. And for some reason or other. She liked it. Liked that he surprised her. Liked that he wasn't the same generic business man she continued to cross paths with at every turn in the fashion Di gulped softly. "Um . . ."
He stared at the woman in front of him He could see the hesitation. Junpyo bit his lip. He had to think fast. He couldn't let her slip away. Not when he was this close. Had come this far. "I just need a Yes or No now . . . We can layout the final terms later - nothing but a confirmation is needed now."
Jan Di's breathing hitched. Yes or a No? "I . . ."
Jan Di | Wednesday: 12:45:20 PM
Todai Seafood Restaurant | Shinhwa Mall: Second Floor
Jan Di's breathing hitched. Yes or NO. "I . . ." Her lips pursed. "Okay . . ." Her head bobbed slowly.
"Are you both ready for dessert?" The waiter asked as he blinked innocently.
Junpyo smiled. "Deh! That would be lovely. and a bottle of your best champagne."
The waiter smiled brightly and bowed before leaving.
Jan Di blushed lightly. "That's not necessary."
"Yes it is." Junpyo smiled. You are secretly giving me a chance to get to know my daughter . . . My ttal. You deserve more thanks than you know. "I believe it does, so we shall." He grinned, full lips pulling back and revealing pearly white teeth.
Jan Di smiled. "Well, who am I to say no to my boss." She winked.
He laughed.
"Sir?" The waiter held the bottle of wine out for him to inspect.
Junpyo pursed his lips. "An American Pinot Nior . . ." He rolled the name over his tongue. "yes, that will do."
The waiter smiled. He poured a glass for both before setting the bottle on the table. "If you need anything more . . . Please just signal."
Jan Di brought the glass to her lips. She sniffed lightly.
Junpyo smiled watching her reactions. "Not big on wine?"
Jan Di let her head shake side to side.
!~! Jan Di !~!
Wednesday: 01:05:34 PM
Shinhwa Mall: First Floor: Entrance
Jan Di smiled and placed her purse back on her shoulder. "It was great. Thank you sir." She gave the other a 90 degree.
Junpyo smiled and squeezed her shoulders. "We are equal. I maybe your boss . . . But you know sit on the Board for Shinhwa Corporation."
Jan Di blushed. "Kamsahamnida."
"I hope you have a great day." Junpyo smiled and held the door to the for her. "I will have my secretary call your's to set up a meeting."
Jan Di nodded. "Sure, tell them to ask for Sophia."
"American?" Junpyo questioned.
She nodded. "I found it easier to have an American with me. Considering most of the consumers are American. It made it easy for them to use the website and to call and ask questions. I found it was less frustration when they had someone they could understand completely." Jan Di hiked the tote upu higher on her shoulder and smiled that award-winning business woman smile.
"That was resourceful." Junpyo nodded his head lightly. "I like that. That will be your first job as a board member. I want to make sure every one of our costumers feel comfortable when they call the Shinhwa Service line."
Jan Di smiled brightly. "Okay! Will do!" She giggled and looked down at the thin silver watch on her left wrist. Her lips pursed.
"What?" Junpyo asked.
"I was thinking its a bit early to pick up my ttal . . . but . . ." She trailed off and twisted side to side.
Junpyo smiled. This was the bubble, innocent, childish side. Or as he was coming to call it: Jannie. His brows furrowed. Where had that come from? Why was he getting attached?
"Well Mr. Goo, I will wait for your call." Jan Di bowed slightly before waving. "Good day."
She shut the door behind as she slid into the black leather seat. Jan Di started the car and backed out of her spot. "Call Jae N." She called out after waking up Siri.
*ding ding* "Calling Jae Na Mobile." *ding ding*
"Yoboseyo?"
"He want's me on the Board of Shinhwa Corporation!" Jan Di squealed.
"OMO! Chincha! He wants you on the board?" Sophia squealed. "Wait! What about Mperial King Fantasy Fashions?"
"He wants to put one of our stores in every single one of his malls!" Jan Di laughed and gripped the steering wheel tightly. She literally vibrated with glee.
"OMO! That's likev. . ."
"105 Malls." Jan Di smirked as she filled in the answer for Jenna.
"Wow! That's amazing . . . You said yes right?"
"Duh!"
Jae Na laughed. "I was just making sure..." She smiled. "Are you going to pick up Rae Na and celebrate?"
Jan Di's lips pursed. "That's what I was thinking. Though it's a bit early."
She scoffed. "Just do it . . . Grab some icecream . . . Pick up some dinner and go home. Take baths, put your pajamas on a nd have a good night." She sifted through the stuff on her desk. "You have an early meeting tomorrow with the seamstress from Department B . . . Along with making plans for merging with Shinhwa Corp."
Jan Di groaned. "Okay...after all of that.. taking the rest of the day off sounds good."
Jae Na laughed. "You have a good day boss! Tell Rae Na that I said hey."
Jan Di smiled. "Will do, will do." She clicked the Bluetooth headset. She pulled the piece out of her ear and set it in the cup holder. Flicking on the radio she hummed and proceeded towards Rae Na's school.
So? What'cha think? Reviews please!