Then I Met You | Lee Jeno

2~ Meetings

The Park siblings were now standing in front of an opulent building of the Zhong Industries. "Their interior never fails to amaze me," Yuri said as she eyed the superstructure. "Yeah, I never feel like I am a Co-Ceo whenever I come here." Jisung commented doing the same.

The duo now entered the building. A young lady immediately recognized them, "Oh Mr and Ms Park. I am Kim Ayeong, Mr Zhong's secretary. Mr. Zhong expected you today. I will lead you to his office. This way please," the woman politely said and showed them the way. 

Yuri and Jisung followed her. They entered an elevator which led them to the last floor. The three of them now stood outside an office. "You can enter now. You will find him inside," Ayeong said and bowed taking her leave. 

The siblings entered the office. "Jisung Pwark!" "Zhong Chenle!" The younger friends greeted each other with a hug. Chenle then broke his hug and approached Yuri. "It's been a while Yuri. I haven't seen you since you took over." Chenle said as he hugged the older. "Yes, It's been a while.  Also, look at you too taking over the company!" Yuri happily hyped him up. 

The three of them sat on the couch and chairs  after greeting each other. The three of them instantly jumped into their professional roles. 

"Since we have had  successful projects during the past years and we have also liked how the work was done before the given date. The Zhong industries never failed our expectations. We are very willingly and gladly renewing the contract. It's great doing business with you Mr.Zhong," Yuri said as she signed the contract. They shook hands. "We are happy to work with you too Ms. Park," Chenle said and shook hands too. 

"We would like to discuss about some new project with you. A detailed proposal will be sent to you in a week or two. I hope you read it and send in your decision," Yuri said. Jisung and Yuri stood up to take a leave.

"I will definitely go through it Ms.Park" Chenle said professionally. "Thankyou for trusting us Mr and Ms Park," Chenle said.

"Also let's catchup sometime soon Yuri and Jwi," Chenle suggested. "Sure, I don't mind," Jisung said. "Neither do I," Yuri said. "We'll get going then," she said and started walking to the door. "Yeah, meet you at 9pm in the game room," Jisung said to Chenle. "Yeah man." Chenle replied to him with a thumbs up. 

The Park siblings now returned  back to their company. Jisung and Yuri sat down in Yuri's office. Mr.Kim entered their office. 

"Do I have any other schedule Mr.Kim?" Yuri asked. "You both don't have any schedule," Mr.KIm informed. 

"I'll go home then Yuri. Call me if you need anything," Jisung said. "Uh-hm, you can go ahead Jwi. I'll meet you at home," Yuri replied as she busied herself in the files and computer. "Sure, don't stay here till the late hours. I won't hesitate to pick you up ," Jisung warned her. 

Yuri lifter her head up, "Yes Sir," she said and chuckled. "Yup," Jisung said and took a leave. 

As soon as he exited the office, Yuri buried herself in all the work again. She would be lying if she said she didn't feel pressured at all. 

Being young and managing a whole corporation was definitely not easy. Constantly being looked down on because of her gender and for being younger in age was definitely something that bothered Yuri.

 The industry was full of toxic males who looked at her as a perfect trophy wife and not as a competitive leading CEO.

Yuri was never a person to pay heed to such comments but at some point they unconsciously caught upto her. She started drowning herself more and more in work. At times, spending a night in her own office to complete the work felt fine to her because she did not want to give any or even a slightest chance for someone to look down on her.

She wanted to prove that she's not just a rich, snobby daddy's little girl but a powerful and young business woman who thrives for her dream and can feed herself.  

The conversation with Jisung about dating came up in her mind. When she looks back at all those rejected proposals, she could see how they just wanted her for her looks, reputation and her position. Yuri wanted someone who will admire her for her intelligence, her abilities and talents and not just her beauty. 

Yuri did not want to repeat the mistake she made in her past, not again.