After initially stiff poses, Haeju gradually changed with time, introducing flexibility into her movements.

“Good! Lift your head and one more shot… Good!”

The pictures taken by the camera were instantly displayed on the computer monitor in real-time. The editor and the stylist were highly satisfied with Haeju’s professional sense.

Youngjae also seemed to reluctantly accept the results.

“Prepare the next outfit.”

Fortunately, the start was good.

While Haeju changed into the next outfit and adjusted her makeup, the editor went to Hyunsung.

“Do you remember our agreement… you know?”

“Of course.”

Today, Haeju had a total of four dresses to wear.
As the afternoon passed, she flawlessly pulled off the third outfit. It was gradually becoming a time of weariness. Haeju, feeling hungry, would put the snacks on the table into her mouth.

“Now, the final outfit?”

“Yes, just a little more. Hang in there, Miss Haeju!”

With the encouragement of the staff, Haeju changed into the third dress. The dress, carefully brought by the stylist, was woven with lace resembling the scales of a mermaid.

“L Brand’s chief designer Luca personally crafted this piece.”

Even in a small pattern, beauty and dignity were felt. Especially the skirt line, elegantly spreading while revealing the body shape appropriately, was exquisite. It was a piece of art that couldn’t be priced with money. Trying on a dress that must have been hard to obtain was a great honor as a model.

Amid the confusion caused by Youngjae, Haeju’s first smile appeared. Haeju adjusted her makeup with a calm demeanor.

“This time, it’s a natural concept, so I’ll let my hair down.”

Haeju’s hair, naturally flowing down, had just the right amount of volume. With no artificial dye, it looked pure.

When she appeared in the studio, the staff erupted into cheers. The moment the thick lips and pupils caught the light, she became a work of art itself.

“Miss Haeju, there’s another model to shoot with for this dress.”

“Oh, really?”

She hadn’t heard about another model.

Though reluctant, she accepted it as part of the job, even if it meant covering her face.

“Model, please come out!”

From outside the studio, the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs was heard. With everyone’s attention focused, even Haeju showed interest.

With the creaking sound, the door opened. Revealed was Dojun in a tuxedo.

“Dojun!”

The smoothly descending lines emphasized Dojun’s overwhelming physique. His hair, roughly combed in the morning, was now firmly styled.

The gaze he cast at Haeju was peculiarly intense. With his hands in his trouser pockets, he was an unmatched handsome ruffian.

“Yehaeju, beautiful.”

After a day of turmoil, tears welled up in Haeju’s eyes. Just seeing Dojun swelled her heart.

“What happened?”

Playfully smiling, the editor answered Haeju’s question.

“We had a hard time casting President Park Dojun.”

“Really.”

“He’s so busy, so just the fact that he made time is enough.”

“It’s truly an honor.”

Responding politely to the editor’s greeting, Dojun’s appearance made the studio staff go wild.

Even amid this, Youngjae couldn’t muster a smile. His expression upon seeing Dojun in person seemed to have dried up.

“I’ll go into shooting.”

Dojun walked confidently toward Haeju. When he warmly held her hand, warmth flowed through her body.

“Are you really okay?”

“I’m not good at this, so you take the lead.”

“Just do it naturally.”

A few days ago, Dojun received a call from the magazine editor.
“Are you really okay?”

“I’m not good at this, so you take the lead.”

“Just do it naturally.”

A few days ago, Dojun received a call from the magazine editor. The editor suggested doing a surprise photoshoot with Haeju, which was challenging due to Dojun’s busy schedule. After continuously delaying the response, he barely managed to make a call yesterday and finalized the schedule. Despite the difficulties, Haeju was extremely pleased.

That’s how it happened.

“Now, let’s start!”

With the photographer’s shout, the shooting began. Dojun’s eyes were alive, making flashy poses unnecessary.

“Could you two get closer, facing each other?”

Dojun wrapped his arms around Haeju’s waist. It soon created a scene where their lips seemed about to touch.

Haeju imagined being with Dojun on a bed. Immersed in the strange atmosphere, she recalled his persistent intensity, and sighs erupted from all around.

“Cut!”

With the energy drained from Haeju’s body, she leaned on Dojun. Even this vulnerable appearance was captured by the photographer.

“Since this shot is a gift, why not try something like you usually do?”

Dojun put a ring on Haeju’s finger. As they stood side by side facing the camera, Dojun’s head tilted toward Haeju. Then, in front of everyone, their lips met. The photographer didn’t miss capturing that moment.

“I can’t take more pictures out of envy. It’s really the end!”

Laughter erupted at the cute complaint. Thankful, Dojun supported Haeju and headed to the waiting room.

“You did well.”

“I’m hungry.”

“Let’s go have dinner with Hyunseong first.”

“But before that… there’s an issue.”

“An issue?”

Before the words could finish, Youngjae approached. Behind him, Hyunseong stood frozen.

Dojun turned his head. Seeing Youngjae, who had been thought to be just a staff member until now, he narrowed his eyes.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Kim Youngjae, the manager. I recently signed a separate contract with GN and will be working with Haeju.”

“Was there an agreement with the agency?”

“GN Entertainment manages GN. I heard agreement or permission is not important.”

“Did Director Han Jintae say that?”

“Yes.”

Dojun’s expression twisted unpleasantly. Although he had heard something about Youngjae from Haeju a few days ago, he hadn’t taken it seriously. Thinking Jinhan would handle it properly, it turned out differently.

“Change your clothes.”

Haeju headed to the dressing room. Meanwhile, Dojun left with Youngjae outside the studio. The day had darkened as the evening approached.

“You’re Kim Youngjae, right?”

“Yes.”

“Have you met Chairman Yu?”

“I haven’t met him yet.”

“Did Director Han Jintae suggest a contract with special conditions?”

“It was quite unconventional.”

“Did you receive an advance payment?”

Dojun’s question, bordering on interrogation, momentarily silenced Youngjae. Faced with an unprecedented sense of intimidation, he carefully pondered his words.
“Did you say you’re Manager Kim Youngjae?”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever met Chairman Yu?”

“No, I haven’t had the chance to meet him yet.”

“Director Han Jintae must have proposed a contract with special conditions.”

“It was quite unconventional.”

“Did you receive an advance payment?”

In response to Dojun’s questions bordering on investigation, Youngjae remained silent for a moment.

Facing an unprecedented sense of intimidation, he carefully considered his words.

Fearing that if he tried to deceive Dojun with plausible explanations, he would be quickly exposed, he revealed some truth.

“If Haewon agrees to accept me as her manager, I agreed to receive 50% of the promised incentive first.”

“So you stamped the contract, right?”

“I can’t say more.”

“If it’s Director Han Jintae, he probably created an escape route for himself.”

“What do you mean?”

“Wasn’t the contract stamped before he signed it?”

Recently, Dojun had looked into Han Jintae. He was famous for not engaging in deals where he suffered losses, leaving many who were used and discarded.

It was evident what conditions Han Jintae presented to Youngjae. After making a sweet proposal with no substance, he would demand the desired results. If the mission succeeded, only then was there a possibility of providing a secret reward.

But not the entire amount.

“How did you find out?”

“He’s a damn scam artist.”

“…!”

Youngjae’s eyes widened. Unintentionally trembling, he forced a fake cough when his eyelids shook uncontrollably.

In response, Dojun threw a suitable bait to Youngjae.

“Han Jintae promised to give you twice the agreed incentive. So, join forces with me.”