The Wife is a Superstar 1

Chapter 142 - Playing Around

Jennie blinked a couple of times before taking the CD and writing "Elder Brother Hwi" instead of his requested "Dong hwi". She didn't like how he was talking down at her like a child, so why should she completely heed to his request? She gave the signed CD back to him.

Donghwi frowned, displeased that she didn't follow his exact instructions. However, he didn't complain, nodding at her instead.

She smiled sweetly at him, oddly enjoying his expression of displeasure.

Jihoon nodded. He was pleased that his two legitimate children were acting in a civil manner to each other. Jia released the breath she was holding and smiled. Alice started chatting again with Jennie.

The topics of their conversations changed frequently. Jennie mentioned that she was looking for a female bodyguard. Jihoon offered to help her look for one.

"Thank you, Father."

"En." Jihoon nodded.

"Do you have any specific requirements for a female bodyguard?" Donghwi unexpectedly asked, joining the conversation on his own accord.

She tilted her head to the side, thinking. "I personally don't have any specific requirements other than loyalty, trustworthiness, and of course martial arts skills. I actually don't want bodyguards but my boyfriend and my manager, even Father, want me to have at least two. They managed to convince me so I'm currently hiring."

Donghwi had a serious look on his face as if thinking deeply of something.

"Wait!" Alice interrupted. "Ruby, you have a boyfriend?"

Jennie nodded.

"Really? How come we don't know? Oh, is it supposed to be a secret? Is he from showbiz too? Who is he? Oh, it's okay if you don't want to say."

"He's not from showbiz. He's just a regular businessman, no one special."

Jihoon coughed hearing his daughter's description of Lisa. When did the President-CEO of the number one company in the country become just a "regular businessman" who was "no one special"?

For Jennie, Lisa was indeed just as she described him. In her definition, anyone legally running their businesses out in the open―a.k.a. not directly related to the black market or criminal organizations―were "regular" and "no one special". So what if Lisa was a multi-billionaire and the head of the number one company in the country? Lots of crime bosses were multi-billionaires as well with organizations spanning several countries, even continents. Compared to these hidden dragons and crouching tigers of the underworld, Lisa couldn't be any more than regular. Besides, Lisa wasn't the only business leader in the world. Each country had its own business leader, so Lisa was really no one special―this was according to Jennie. (Poor guy! His own girlfriend thought that he was no one special.)

If Jihoon knew what his daughter's thoughts were, he would probably choke on his own disbelief.

The conversation changed topics several times afterwards before moving on to Jihoon's offer to Alice to work at Kim Industries after she graduated.

Jennie was the only one who noticed Alice's discomfort because she knew that the other's true ambition was not to become a corporate worker but a digital artist instead.

"Digital artists are increasingly becoming important in the company, especially in the advertising department," Donghwi said. "Kim Industries pays well with good benefits. Many newly-graduated digital artists will fight for you for this job offer, so don't waste it. However, don't expect any preferential treatment once you start working. I will not allow you to use your connection with Father once you're inside the company. You can only use your own skills and hard work to climb up."

The corners of Alice's mouth turned down. She knew that he was right, but the way he said it was just too insensitive for her. She could only mumble, "Yes, Big Brother. I understand."

Donghwi nodded before turning to Jennie. "How about you, Little Sister? Are you planning on working in showbiz for the rest of your life? I think that you need to start thinking about your future seriously. A showbiz career is very uncertain and irregular. You might be popular now but what about in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years? The two of us are the only legitimate heir and heiress. Don't tell me you're planning on receiving your portion of the inheritance without even making any contribution to the family?"

Jia paled hearing the word "inheritance" because this would only be received once her husband was dead. She didn't even want to think about it.

On the other hand, Jihoon was silently listening to his children's conversation. As a matter of fact, he approved of this kind of discussion. He didn't mind their talks about inheritance because it was indeed inevitable that he would die someday and pass on his wealth to his own children. Except for Donghwi who was his immediate heir, he never forced any of his other children to work at his company. He let them decide what careers they wanted to pursue, but deep inside he still wanted all his children to follow in his footsteps and continue his legacy by working for the family business.

"Even our other siblings are aiming to work at the main company," Donghwi continued. "Our brother is already working at a small branch division. Once he gains enough experience and skills, he'll transfer to the main company. Our sister is in her last year of university and has also expressed interest in entering the company like our brother by starting at a small branch division first. You're the only one who's still playing around. I know that you're the youngest, but you're already 20. You're now an adult, no longer a child."

Jennie's eyes narrowed, but her face remained calm. This man said that she was 'playing around'?

"Thank you for your advice, Elder Brother," she replied in a light yet cold tone. "I'll be sure to never forget what you just said to me."

She would indeed never forget how he described her current career as 'playing around'.

Alice felt sorry for Jennie, so she ended up speaking before thinking. "Ruby's career is off to a great start ever since her comeback. Her songs and album debuted within the top 10 rankings in the music charts and they're only getting more popular by the day. And even if her showbiz career isn't doing well, Big Brother just said that she's an heiress of this family. I'm sure she can also enter the company and start working anytime she wants like your other siblings."

"Oh?" Donghwi raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you think?"