Chapter 211 - A Meal

Lee Jong smiled thinly at the warning, before protesting, "Surely, you understand that this hype has been created by the entertainment people and not me. I only ever expressed admiration for you and your talent. It is just the negative effect of my profession that we have to face such gossip. It is the same with me. If an actress claims that she admires me then I must be having an affair with her is what they claim. But I understand that this is media's doing and I don't blame the actress. I don't even blame the paparazzi because they too need to make a living and the only way they can do that is to sell news that might interest people. And thus I blame no one.  I hope you will do me the same courtesy. I can go and announce right now that this is all a misunderstanding. But what do you think will happen? They will only make more malicious gossip and trouble going as far as to imply that there are problems in your marriage and that is why you are doing this. Instead the Public Relations at Lu enterprises must be able to handle this with ease. So, I think chairwoman Xie's warning is not required. But to put your mind at ease, I will refrain as much as possible in the future press relations. But if you don't mind me giving advice, we can just claim to be good friends. Because even if in the future I were to not answer any questions about you, it would only result in more gossip. And you must know that with your elusive husband, every paparazzi is going to be hungry for news."

Xie Eun wanted to narrow her eyes at the cunning man but simply raised her brows in reaction, letting him talk and then gestured to Cece to finish the contract. She was already missing her little bean... A small smile graced her face as she corrected herself in her thoughts calling her Aika. Of course Lee Jong misunderstood that she had agreed with him and signed his name on the contract without further ado. Cece, then placed the contract on the table and Xie Eun read through it at a glance before signing her name on it with a flourish.

With a sense of success, he then looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. From today's interaction, he had realized his mistake. He understood that he had made a move too early. And the second mistake he had made was underestimating the relationship between the so called Cold CEO and the chairwoman. To gain this beautiful woman, he would have to be patient. And tit seemed the rumor about the CEO Wolf being a cold fish was untrue as well.

When Cece and Joe went to get the contract stamped, he looked at Chairwoman Xie and asked, "Chairwoman Xie. Would you please care to join me for a meal? To celebrate out collaboration but I would also like to apologize to you. My thoughtless comment regarding my admiration for you must have brought you trouble. Please let me treat you to a meal."

Xie Eun, who just wanted to go home to her Yu Seok and Aika was about to refuse when he added in a challenging voice," Or are you worried about having a meal with me? Is CEO Wolf really so possessive and insecure that he would balk at the idea of you having lunch alone with a male business partner.

The polite refusal that was at the tip of her tongue stopped as she answered," I would be happy to have a meal with you and accept your apology."

Hearing this Lee Jong stood up and extended his hand, "Then please do me the honor."

However, Xie Eun did not move as she continued indifferently," But not today. As you must be aware, I have only just returned from a maternity leave and so I have a few things lined up. But soon. You can ask my assistant to schedule a meal whenever it is convenient for you and for me. And since you have been so kind to advice me, let me give you a word of advice," CEO Wolf may or may not be possessive or insecure. But he does not need me to prove his strength of character. If you think I am troubled about the rumors or he would be then let me tell you something," If, right now I were to stand here and kiss you, even then my husband would trust me that I am not cheating on him. And it is not just because he believes in me. It is because he believes in us. So such minor things like rumors are nothing but pesky little flies that needed to be ignored or if they get too irritating then swatted. For now, I will ask my assistant to escort you outside. I hope you are not offended."

And though, Xie Eun was only giving back what she got, she could not have imagined that the man would take her repeated warnings and threats as challenges instead of backing off. He would have to be really thick skinned not to see the strength of the relationship. She had unknowingly awakened the hunter inside Lee Jong and she had been marked as prey.

As Lee Jong walked outside, he was met with Joe who bid goodbye to Cece and followed his artist to the location of their upcoming shoot. Soon they would be neck deep in promotional videos and appearances, he believed and his artist would have no time to ponder about celebrational meals. But unknown to Joe. 

Inside the office, Xie Eun then called Shan Shan ready to narrate today's entire gossip to her friend who was probably bored at home with only the twins to talk to. 

What Xie Eun and Yu Seok could not have imagined that the person they had disregarded so carelessly could become the reason for the biggest test of their relationship one that could tear them apart ruthlessly.