My Precious Family [Jenlisa]

Chapter 106: An old flame

"So, how are you? It's been a while, and it's a surprise to see you here."    

Jennie snapped her eyes as the man's soothing voice brought her back to the current lapse. There was a tinge of excitement and surprise in his voice, looking at her with sparkling, beautiful eyes, it was almost blinding!    

"Uh." She cleared her throat, getting herself together. "Yes, it has been. How are you?"    

"I'm good. Like usual." Hanbin rocked his head. "There's nothing much about me since there's nothing new. I am currently preparing for a role, so there's that. What about you? How have you been?"    

"I'm okay."    

There was a moment of silence that befell the two of them as the man waited for more. However, Jennie didn't continue. Studying the woman across from him, he could say she hadn't changed. Well, she looked more mature now, but she was still the beauty he once knew.     

Jennie suddenly disappeared from the limelight, breaching her contract and settling things in private. Even though what happened didn't turn into a huge scandal, many people in the entertainment circle were aware of this occurrence in the past.     

"It seems you are really fine." Hanbin heaved a sigh of relief, smiling gently. "I'm glad. I got worried when you suddenly decided to take an indefinite hiatus, but seeing you now, it seemed you are happy with your choice."    

A lot of people criticized Jennie for her decision back then. Others even thought the dispute between her and her agency stemmed down from a disagreement regarding her pay. They thought just because she won the best actress award, Jennie picked up a diva attitude and wanted more money.    

There were a few who didn't believe that, and Hanbin was one of them. He worked with her for months, after all. And he knew Jennie wasn't that type of person. There was probably a much deeper reason behind that.    

But one fact remained, people were unsure what future Jennie had after that dispute. Some assumed she would live a humble life, probably working to make ends meet. It didn't seem that was what happened, though.    

"Well." Jennie shrugged. "Back then, I needed some peace, space, and quiet. Things I cannot have in the industry."    

"Oh. That's true." Hanbin rocked his head in understanding. "How about now? Are you planning to go back? I saw you posted yesterday — I'm still following you, you know?"    

"Oh?" Jennie chuckled awkwardly. "So, you've seen it."    

Just then, Jennie recalled the message she received yesterday. Deep lines appeared between her brows as she asked, "Don't tell me you're the person who texted me yesterday?"    

"Huh?"    

'Oh, it's not him.'    

"Never mind." Jennie waved dismissively. "Yes. It's actually something for fun since I thought the lighting is good. I didn't expect a single photo will blow up like that."    

"Haha! Why did you think like that? You're Jennie Kim. Anything you do will blow up." The man chuckled, almost giving her a heart attack. Fortunately, she had grown used to Lisa's face that it barely affected her.     

This man's every angle was made for the big screen. Even his slightest action was charming. No wonder he quickly rose to fame at the age of fifteen. He was now around twenty-nine years old and was at the peak of his career and attractiveness.     

"You think so highly of me. It's flattering." Jennie shook her head, chuckling. "But congrats on your next project. I'm sure it will be a blockbuster, as always."    

Hanbin smiled. "Do you want a role in it?"    

"Huh?"    

"Ever since the last film we worked on together, the management had been having a hard time taking in any leading ladies. The chemistry we had left quite an impression on everyone — Jennie Kim set the bar too high," he humored. "But even though the films and dramas I did in the last five years did well, it'll be nice to work with you again."    

"Ha ha... I haven't decided to go back. Sorry." Jennie politely rejected his offer, knowing that the invitation was an innocent one.     

Hanbin was a great guy, according to her memories. He was a gentleman and his personality was what captured everyone's heart. Jennie wouldn't have a crush on him if he had a terrible attitude, after all.    

"It's alright. I just mentioned it in case you've been thinking about it." He maintained a smile. "Anyway, why are you here?"    

"I'm meeting someone. And you?"    

"Same." Hanbin smacked his lips, looking around. "Ms. Jung said to meet her here, but she's running late."    

Lea?    

The second Hanbin mentioned Jung Lea's name, Jennie's heart suddenly raced. If Lea asked this man to meet her here, knowing she would meet Jennie, that woman was probably up for something.     

'Hah! That bitch,' Jennie mentally sneered, watching the man look around. 'Is she planning to do what I think she would?'    

When Hanbin looked back at her, the irritation in her eyes disappeared, replaced with a friendly smile. Jennie suddenly had the urge to leave, as it was already past the ten-minute mark which she gave to Jung Lea. However, she couldn't leave just like that.     

Not when this meeting was orchestrated. If it was coincidental, she would get up and go on her way.     

"That's a surprise!" Jennie acted innocently. "I'm also meeting Lea, but it was an abrupt invitation. It seemed she moved your meeting here because of me."    

"Oh, you're also meeting her?" Hanbin was surprised. "That's probably the reason. I didn't know you stayed in contact with her."    

"She always nags me, so there's that."    

"Haha! You two are really good friends. No wonder she asked me to meet her here."    

"What's the purpose of your meeting, if you don't mind me asking?" Jennie cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. "Wait. Don't tell me you're dating her?"    

"What? No." Hanbin laughed. "Remember the project I was talking about? She is my leading lady."    

"Oh?"    

"We decided to meet and talk about the script and practice our chemistry. That's all. We're not dating." His eyes softened as he locked eyes with her. "The heartbreak I had five years ago made me focus on my career. After all, I'm still waiting for closure — maybe a little hopeful, too. She suddenly ghosted me, so I don't know what I did wrong."    

'No, you don't!'