Chapter 58：Conference

The ladies didn't waste any time and directly lodged a complaint against the media company which had published the false material and led to their defamation. They quickly completed all the formalities which were required of them with the help of Shin Jay.

While they were taking care of things on their side, Wang entertainment wasn't idle either. They had conducted a hidden investigation and had already uncovered the truth. The instigator was an amateur. She couldn't even cover her tracks properly.

The guy who claimed to 'be the employee and had witnessed the whole thing' was already apprehended by the police for making false claims and misleading the people.

Now all that was remaining was bringing the whole thing to light.

The president of the company sat at the head of the round table looking bored and listening to whatever the other managers were suggesting him to do next.

He clearly knew that most of these people didn't have any sincere intentions for the guys who had actually led this small company to its current status.

The guys too were looking at the many 'old and veteran' managers suggest that they should make use of this opportunity to create some hype for the group's upcoming tour and album.

Kai scoffed at their 'intellectual' suggestions.

If they went ahead and formed a contractual relationship between Aera and their friend, then wouldn't that be unfair for them and their fans?

Timo had placed his arm on Ray's shoulder in order to restrain him, just in case. Mui and Vic were amazed at these 'pundits' who were clearly spewing nonsense.

This meeting seemed endless as many were certainly trying to pressurize the head-man into agreeing to their plan but fate wasn't on their side.

The emotional and witty speeches all came to halt when one of the PR department assistants hurried in with an anxious face.

The guy was short and was wearing glasses but he was holding a running laptop in his hand. He didn't look at others but he directly went to the president and whispered something.

President: (twinkling eyes) really?

Assistant: (nodding urgently) yes sir.

President: (triumphantly) then let us share this amazing news with all of them.

The assistant nodded and then quickly connected his laptop to the projector in the room. The screen showed a paused video of some news clipping.

One of the managers present- who was bold enough- didn't want to give up and interrupted.

Manager: Sir, we are all discussing something important here, which will benefit the company-

President: (sharply) oh really! Do you think about the benefits of this company more than I do?

Manager: (spluttering) b-but-

President: (glaring) If you want to keep this job then-

Manager: (sweating) I- I- Yes sir.

The managers were all actually this fearless only because the current president was the young son of the earlier one.

It had only been four months since he took over the company and was usually a calm person. He got along well with his employees and this made them think that he was a pushover and would do whatever they bid him do (they were over in their heads). This was the first time they witnessed his sharp side. Just because a lion didn't roar didn't mean it was a little kitten.

The room quietened down and the little assistant played the video clip.

It was of a press conference arranged by both the ladies.

On the stage were Ye-Jin, Aera and Shin Jay. It was held in one of the spacious rooms of a five-star hotel. The venue was extravagant. There were only valid reporters present and the paparazzi were all restricted from entering the venue. They were all huddled up outside the gates of the hotel, waiting to get some scoop.

Shin Jay confidently walked up the dais after everyone had quietened down.

Jay: I won't waste our time with irrelevant talks. I find that most of you recognise me and yes I am here on behalf of my clients, Miss Ye-Jin and Miss Aera, who were wrongfully dragged into a scandal which isn't even the truth. I am only here to announce that my clients have sued all the involved parties for defamation and also intentional harm. Moreover, the police have also begun their investigations on all the involved parties and all those people who took part in slandering the name of my clients, hiding behind their computer screens should also watch out since they're all going to receive a notice. My clients will now answer only five of your questions. So I request you all to carefully decide on what you wish to ask. There won't be any additional opportunities. Thank you.

The journalists finished their scribbling and looked up with expectant eyes towards the people who were the centre of the whole gossip. There wasn't an ounce of anxiousness which can be deciphered from their faces. They both looked calm and serene.

The reporters present were all professionals hence they knew not to be like those who pounced on people for just a little scoop. Most of them left the questions to the veteran reporters present within the group. They weren't going to lose anything as the whole thing was broadcasted live.

If worse came to worst, they would be scolded by their superiors but none of them wanted to get into the bad books of the intimidating attorney present among them. Yes, they were all scared shitless of Shin Jay and thus could only suppress the nonsensical urges of their mouths.

After Shin Jay stepped down from the dais. Aera picked up the mic in front of her and with a mellow like voice introduced herself.

Aera: Good afternoon everyone, I am Kim Aera.

She was followed by Ye-Jin without a break.

Ye-Jin: and I am Ye-Jin. We are ready for your questions.

The reporters all exchanged looks to decide who would go first. Finally one of the elderly reporters stood up.

Old rep: (to others) will it be ok if I asked all the questions?

Many were dissatisfied by this outcome but in their hearts, they knew that it was their only chance to get answers and this old guy was their best choice. He was wise and experienced. They believed that by following him they won't get in the line of fire of attorney Shin. They all mumbled their assent.

Old rep: Thank you. So, Miss Aera and Miss Ye-Jin, I believe you're aware of the whole story. I'd like to know the story from your point of view.

Ye-Jin: (smiling) There is actually no story at all. As we all know Aera is an artist of the Wang entertainment. Through her, I got to know the guys of 5- Emperors. We're all just good friends.

Old rep: (nodding) then what about those proofs? those photographs and that video?

Aera: (scoffing) Can't friends go out for meals? Can't friends have any kind of difference of opinions between them? The video is real. We were having a little quarrel back then. And as for the photo yes, I went to dinner with Ray. So what big difference does it make? Does it prove that I was dating him? Or does it prove that we girls fought for him?

Old rep: (shaking his head) Can I ask what was it that you guys quarrelled about?

Ye-Jin: (sighing) It was my mistake that day. I angered her by criticising her favourite designer.

The reporters wanted to cry at the loss of their question. They cursed the old man for his idiocy but they couldn't as they too had been wondering about the same thing.

Aera: (continuing annoyed) Honestly, what I really don't understand is how people think that we women only fight over men. Like really? We have lots of concerns other than that.

Many men bowed their head in shame. They couldn't meet the little woman's furious eyes. They wished to be out of here.

Old rep: (wiping his sweat) We'd like to know where Ray is? He hasn't responded since this scandal has broken out. Why hasn't he shown up?

Ye-Jin: (chuckling) That's too many questions at a time. Not just Ray, the remaining members all were pulled into this, as one of the fans we can't express just how much it has hurt us. Since many were pointing out that we pulled them into this mess then it was up to us to clean it up. If my guess is correct then soon Wang entertainment will make several important announcements.

Old rep: the last question, This is only your words. Do you think that people would believe them just because you said it?

Aera: (sneering) which two women come together when something that serious takes place between them and defend each other? Seriously, when are people going to use the beautiful organ that the brain is? We're all innocent and were set-up. I am glad you all got some free entertainment out of it.

Everyone became restless when Aera's words began to become sharper. She was annoyed to the point of explosion.

Ye-Jin: (smoothing things over) what Aera wants to say is that this was all a ruse created by some envious parties. We're also victims and truth will definitely come to light soon. This conference was only a way to present our point of view on the issue. Thank you all for attending.

Saying so the girls didn't wait and got down from the stage and walked out of the room their, heads held high.