Trial Marriage Husband (Pangyo Couple version)

Chapter 85: The Awards Ceremony

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office of GK Entertainment, Jeonghwan relaxed on his sofa as he turned on the TV. It's already 6 PM and celebrities are slowly making their way into the ceremony. He watched as the models tried to outshine each other, but his attention did not stop on any of them until Jooeun appeared at the head of the red carpet. She's wearing a long red dress and her arm was elegantly hooked around a 40-something-year-old man's arm; this man is the infamous sleazebag of the entertainment industry. Jeonghwan paused the frame temporarily. His narrow eyes carried a quiet, well-experienced aura that is sharp and fear-inducing. He called Taejoo over. "Help me find information on this man."

"President, do we need to warn the madam?"

"No need, she knows what she is doing and I have faith in her. I am just afraid someone will attack her from behind." Jeonghwan pressed the remote to resume broadcast. As he turned his head, he revealed the black diamond-like mole on his left ear.

Because he had spotted the brooch on Jooeun's chest earlier and he knew she didn't normally like wearing accessories, Jeonghwan had a feeling his wife came well prepared.

6:10 PM. Annual Model Awards Ceremony

Amongst the star-studded event, camera lights are flashing. Jooeun endured her body's feelings of rejection and disgust as she hooked her arm on Mr. Jang's and stepped out onto the red carpet.

This is the first time since her scandal that she had appeared in front of the public. She did not appear to be affected at all by the rumors. She is calm and composed as usual as she maintained a constant smile.

"How can she remain so calm when her arm is hooked on the arm of a well-known sleazebag?"

"Does she want to take advantage of this opportunity to advance in her career?"

The media are making their own assumptions.

"First, it was YG, then it was James Graham, wasn't that enough for her?"

The hosts introduced Jooeun and the artist beside her in an exaggerated and excited tone before they headed over to the signing wall and accepted an interview with the media.

"Cha Jooeun-ssi, have you taken notice of the recent news?"

"In regards to assumptions made about you, would you like to defend yourself?"

"Your colleague, Park Shinhye, has announced this afternoon that she will be moving to JYP. What do you think of this?"

"An insider has revealed that you've got a big boss backing you up. What's your opinion on this?"

The reporters' questions are like bombs being endlessly thrown at Jooeun; she isn't even given a chance to breathe. However, she did not show a trace of panic; she listened quietly before giving them a smile.

"I am a public figure. In front of the public, I need to be conscious of what I say; one never knows if the words that are coming out of their mouths may affect their fans in any way. A simple word can skew their views on the world. That's why I prefer to be cautious. I've seen the discussions online, but I believe they have the right to voice their opinions. As for the scandal itself, I believe everyone can make their own judgment. I am confident it will not affect my fans. The reason why I am liked must be because there is something unique about me that everyone is moved by."

The reporters never expected Jooeun would reply to them directly; especially in such an honest and concise way. Just because she had a high EQ, people thought she isn't being truthful. But by explaining her responsibility as a public figure, she's able to retaliate against these claims. Towards the insults from netizens, she responded with her belief that they had the right to voice their opinion and showed her respect for the truth. And as for her fans from the beginning, she had already developed a trusting relationship with them. She even pointed out that her fans weren't easy to waver; they liked her because they had discovered something unique about her.

The reporters didn't know how to continue as they looked at each other wondering if they should keep making things difficult for her. She had already exposed her heart in front of them, if they are going to continue insulting her, it would be unreasonable. So the reporters fell silent as they took the opportunity instead, to snap a few more photos.

Jooeun passed the obstacle easily as Mr. Jang looked at her with an impressed expression. This is proof enough that Cha Jooeun's EQ and IQ are on a level beyond many in the entertainment industry, especially those around her age.

"Miss Cha, you are amazing."

After entering the venue, Jang Geunseuk tried to wrap his arm around Jooeun, but she swiftly stepped aside and avoided him. "You are being too kind, Mr. Jang."

"Has Mr. Jung said anything to you by chance?" Jang Geunseuk tried to test Jooeun. She could roughly guess what's going on, but she didn't know what the two had agreed on exactly. So she shook her head as she remained on guard.

"He hasn't told me anything."

Jang Geunseuk wanted to move closer to her, but at this moment, one of the hosts approached the two as he spoke to Jooeun. "Miss Cha, there has been a change to your seating arrangements, please follow me."

Geunseuk looked confused. Jooeun was originally meant to sit beside him, why is her seat being changed? Who was trying to go against him?

Jooeun nodded. She had a feeling this is something Jeonghwan had done in secret, so she followed the host and sat down at her seat comfortably.

The award recipients are seated in the front row, whereas Jooeun is seated in the last row. Shinhye had entered early on and her eyes were set on Jooeun and Jang Geunseuk.

"Jang Geunseuk's making a move!" Shinhye sneered.

However, she didn't understand why Jang Geunseuk walked the red carpet with Jooeun, yet did not get to sit next to her. "What a shame!"

Jooeun lifted her head and looked towards Shinhye. Between them, there's only one row. Today, Jooeun is going to present the Top Ten Model Awards. In other words, Shinhye will receive her trophy from Jooeun. But would she really be able to hold onto this award?

In reality, this arrangement is something Shinhye had requested from Jang Geunseuk. She wanted to take the trophy from Jooeun's hands; she wanted to provoke Jooeun and make her suffer. She also wanted Jooeun to know, Jung Yonghwa, who she had treated like a treasure, had now been thrown away by her like rubbish.

"You've given up so much for CN, yet in the end, you've only been a stepping stone for me!"

"Cha Jooeun, you were brought to this earth to help other people prepare their wedding dress."

The two women smiled to themselves; each deep in their own thoughts. The true victor is about to be revealed! Atop the stage, the ceremony had officially started. The awards at the beginning aren't very important; the important ones are left for the climax. As for The Top Ten Model Awards, that is to be presented in the middle.

"Please welcome our guests, the cutting-edge model Cha Jooeun and artist Jang Geunseuk, to the stage to present the next award."