Jia's manager froze for a moment before breaking into a laugh. Maybe he thought what I had just said was a joke. Honestly, it did sound like one. Even I initially thought it was nothing more than a silly fantasy. Yet, my resolve was solid, I would defeat Minjae and bring Jia by my side.
"You actually have a sense of humor too, Ian. By the way, we haven't formally met. My name's Choi Soojin. You've suddenly become popular because of your connection with Jia. That kid really brings a lot of luck."
I smiled wryly. Luck? The only thing I'd gained from all this was bruises all over my body.
Soojin's smile drew my attention. Full, thick lips. When she smiled, my focus zeroed in on them. For some reason, my mind wandered. Jia had almost perfect, symmetrical lips. Then Mina popped into my head—her upper lip thin, but her lower lip full.
I shook my head quickly, realizing how foolish it was to waste time thinking about lip shapes.
"Jia might feel relieved if she could escape Minjae. But I suggest you think twice. Your effort might only end up ruining her career." Soojin's gaze pierced me. "Jia's journey to this point wasn't easy. Even I, who works for Minjae's father's company and was appointed Jia's manager, think it's nearly impossible."
"They are influential people, while us? We don't have the power to oppose them. And frankly, I can't let Jia be with someone like you."
"Someone like me?"
Soojin gave a thin smile. "Sorry if that sounds harsh, but you understand what I mean. To protect Jia, it takes more than just intention. I heard Minjae roughed you up? That's proof that in their eyes, we are insignificant."
She touched my shoulder. "Don't do anything that would hurt Jia. Let her live her life as she wants."
I looked at her intently. "Are you really sure that's her choice?"
"Of course. Jia has worked hard to become a big-name model. Now her dream has come true."
I glanced at Jia, who seemed awkwardly peeking at us from behind. Is it really true that she's living life her way? How could it be, when she herself doesn't like Minjae?
"Every dream has a price," Soojin continued. "If she stops chasing it, maybe she won't have to face Minjae anymore. But I'm sure Jia has considered everything."
Our conversation ended there, yet my heart grew more restless. Talking to Soojin hadn't brought me any closer to answers. I needed to speak directly with Jia.
***
I asked Remy to give Jia some apple juice. With its natural sorbitol from the fruit, plus whatever processing was done, the juice would digest slowly and have a diuretic effect. This way, Jia would need to use the restroom more often—the only place I could talk to her without Minjae interfering.
And here I was, standing inside the locked bathroom. The door creaked open slowly, and Jia stepped out, startled. She screamed, but I immediately caught her, gently covering her mouth. She struggled, and when a knock came on the door, we both froze.
Jia bit my hand hard. I held back my yelp. "Wait, Jia. I just want to talk. I don't mean any harm," I whispered.
She started to calm down, not because she feared me, I was sure, but because of the sudden situation. To be clear, I wasn't some lecherous guy sneaking into a woman's restroom for anything inappropriate.
"Is someone in there? Are you okay?" a voice asked from outside.
Jia looked at me anxiously. "What should we do?" she whispered, panicking.
"Just answer her," I said quickly.
Jia nodded and responded nervously, "I-I'm fine. Don't worry."
"Are you sure? I accidentally heard screams from the restroom earlier."
"Ah, that…"
I thought fast and lifted my phone, pretending to be on a call as a signal.
Jia caught my gesture and said, "I'm on a call. Got some good news, so I screamed by accident."
"All right, then."
As the situation calmed, we returned our gaze to each other. This was my chance to explain why I was here. But my heart refused to cooperate. It pounded relentlessly.
"So… why did you come into the women's restroom?" Jia asked, trying to hide her worry.
"I-I… uh…"
Jia exhaled deeply. "Just say it. We don't have much time."
"I-I…" I faltered, tongue-tied and nervous in front of the campus's star!