Trial Marriage Husband (Pangyo Couple version)

Chapter 67: The Bright Night Gala

The star-studded Bright Night Gala finally revealed itself to the public. Outside the venue lay a magnificently long red carpet and a signing wall.

The scene is surrounded by excited reporters and fans; they are either holding phones, cameras, or LED signs. The signs had the names of their idols on them and they flashed like stars in a vast night sky.

In front of the signing wall, stood the smartly dressed event hosts, each holding a microphone, recording their opening speeches. It had been a long time since an event of this caliber had been hosted in Seoul and this event signified the start of a series of awards ceremonies.

8 PM.

Superstars started arriving one by one. Amongst the loud screams, Yonghwa held onto Shinhye's hand accompanied by Ryeowon as they walked down the red carpet. No matter if it is the 'American Blacklisted Jung Ryeowon' or 'the Park Shinhye who had an affair with Jung Yonghwa', CN is a popular topic of discussion.

But, Cha Jooeun is missing!

The Cha Jooeun that was riding the popularity of the Oriental Trend.

The Cha Jooeun that had defeated Park Shinhye in an instant and made her have zero mentions.

The Cha Jooeun that was announced as IPKN's first Asian spokesperson.

She did not attend!

The hosts are confused. They are sure Cha Jooeun's name is on the invite list.

"Walking up the red carpet right now, we have the CEO of CN Entertainment, Jung Yonghwa; the famed model, Park Shinhye, and the extremely skillful Jung Ryeowon."

"Please come on stage so we can give you a short interview." The hosts invited them onto the stage and immediately took the opportunity to ask them a sensitive question. "May we ask why Cha Jooeun isn't here today?"

"Or have President Jung and Cha Jooeun decided to arrive separately?"

Yonghwa furrowed his eyebrows, ready to respond. However, Ryeowon stepped in first and replied. "We notified Jooeun, but maybe because of a lack of communication lately, she hasn't been able to tell you that she has decided not to appear at the Bright Night Gala. CN also wishes from now on, no matter her decision, she can notify us earlier."

After hearing Ryeowon's reply, the hosts could tell Jooeun and CN were at odds. Especially with the tone Ryeowon used when she spoke about Jooeun not attending, she seemed to be accusing Jooeun of being arrogant and selfish because of her popularity.

"I think Jooeun might just be unwell, it's OK. We are looking forward to the next gathering!" One of the hosts tried his best to smooth out the situation.

But it was obvious to anyone with eyes what CN's true motive is behind accusing Jooeun. Judging by the previous incidents, if they were to choose someone to trust between CN and Jooeun, the two hosts would not hesitate to choose Jooeun.

Jung Yonghwa's betrayal, Park Shinhye's pressuring and CN's multiple methods of suppression did not crush this woman. So it isn't easy for Jooeun to stay strong and get to where she is today. Most impressive of all, she is extremely easygoing and kept a low profile.

Gazing out at the crowd, signs with Jooeun's name could be seen. Upon hearing Ryeowon's words, they were tempted to run up on stage and tear her mouth out. They were sure they knew what type of person Cha Jooeun is. The Cha Jooeun that had received so much suppression, yet assured them to wait for her patiently, had always been grateful for everything she had. There's no way she wouldn't attend the Bright Night Gala.

"CN is defaming Cha Jooeun. Jung Ryeowon should die!"

"You are lying. CN is lying!" A fan who couldn't restrain himself screamed out. However, because the scene is so noisy, his voice is lost amongst the crowd.

"All I can say is, we can't do anything about her." Ryeowon knew the host is trying to save the situation, but she insisted on causing trouble; defaming Jooeun is her aim for coming to this event.

The hosts smiled awkwardly as they got ready to invite the trio to sign the wall, but at that moment, a Lincoln Limousine pulled up at the head of the red carpet. The person that got out of the car is the editor of 1stLook, Mr. James Graham. Most importantly, he isn't alone!

This is the first time he attended an event with someone!

Everyone watched as he walked around the front of the car to the other side and opened the door. Afterward, he could be seen helping a woman out like a gentleman. Onlookers looked carefully and noticed, the beautiful woman is Cha Jooeun!

The Cha Jooeun that had supposedly said she wouldn't make an appearance, had a warm smile on her face as she hooked her arm on Mr. Graham's arm and walked down the red carpet. Jooeun's fans immediately started cheering.

She had arrived! Cha Jooeun had arrived!

Hearing the cheers, Yonghwa subconsciously turned to see what all the commotion is about. When Jooeun appeared in front of the trio, Ryeowon's face turned pale, it's not a good look.

Didn't they agree to watch over her? How come she was here?

Upon seeing Jooeun, the two hosts lit up in excitement because this meant, Ryeowon's plan had gone down the drain. They quickly invited Jooeun and 1stLook's editor in front of the signing wall and stood her next to the trio.

"Cha Jooeun-ssi, you are so beautiful today."

"Thank you!" Jooeun humbly clasped her hands together and bowed thankfully to the hosts and her fans. This action made everyone present like her even more.

"Just now, we were questioning President Jung. We were asking why you didn't attend such a big event with them. So it turns out you are with Mr. Graham. I am wondering how the Bright Night Gala could not include you."

"But Cha Jooeun-ssi is attending as my accompanying guest. The organizer's never sent her an invite." Mr. Graham said directly to the hosts.

These words couldn't come from Jooeun, but it's OK to come from Mr. Graham because he is well known for being straightforward. As soon as he spoke, the hosts were stunned as they fought to give an explanation. "Mr. Graham, there must be a misunderstanding, Cha Jooeun-ssi is definitely on our invite list. The invite was sent to her agency."

As soon as the word 'agency' left his mouth, the host realized where things must have gone wrong.

CN Entertainment!

CN Entertainment must have hidden her invite.

As an agency, how could they treat their artist so shamefully? Fans on the scene all glared at the trio.

Shameless! To think, just a moment ago Jung Ryeowon was trying to push the blame onto Jooeun.

"Cha Jooeun-ssi is a model that I have high hopes for. Because of CN's actions, I will now officially announce, I will use all my resources to pave a new path for Cha Jooeun. I could even open up a studio for her." Mr. Graham announced. His announcement is like a huge slap to Ryeowon's face.

Jooeun simply smiled the entire time. She wanted to know, with Yonghwa using CN's name so many times, whether he's trying to ruin his own reputation. Most importantly, the incident with the invitation allowed everyone to see CN's true motive. It seemed since they couldn't keep Jooeun, they're going to do all they could to defame her. Unfortunately for them, not only did things not go to their plan, everything ended up backfiring.

"Distinguished guests, please head in. Not only is the atmosphere exceptionally lively tonight, we are also expecting a special guest."

The host couldn't allow the vibe to become stale even though they knew of CN's wrongdoings. After all, they are guests that had officially been invited.