Love Under Parasols

Pros and Cons

"Do it again," the woman said. The girl nodded and started singing again. They've been inside the recording booth for over three hours already. She must admit, she's already tired but if she wants to succeed, she must endure. This woman is one of the best producers in the country and she's lucky to be even in her company.

The woman stopped the music and sighed, "Jihyo, take a break for a while. Your voice is getting tired. Grab some food outside and relax," she said. Jihyo nodded and removed the headphones.

"Thank you, Ms. Yoo," she bowed and left the booth, leaving a semi frustrated Jeongyeon.

Her phone rang just as Jihyo left. Jeongyeon looked at the caller.

Incoming Call: Unnie~

She answered right away, "Unnie," she said.

"Jeongyeon-ah, I saw the news. Have you been playing around again?" Sooyoung said softly on the other line.

She chuckled, "Unnie, let it go. They can't touch us."

"I'm just worried about you, Jeong. You're always messing around with girls and I haven't seen you in a serious relationship."

"I'm not really interested in that," she laughed again. "Don't mind it, Unnie. I'll manage."

"Manage what? To sleep with every possible managers, stylists, and other idols before you reach thirty? Ya, Yoo Jeongyeon, don't make me go home," Sooyoung scolded.

"I don't even ask them. Unnie, they ask me. Who am I to be rude and decline?"

"You're making my head hurt," the girl sighed.

"Aww don't worry about those rumors," Jeongyeon played with the volumes of the recording booth.

"They are not rumors! You'll end up sleeping with everyone in Gangnam!"

"Not everyone. I don't like guys," she even joked, earning a shout from her big sister. "Alright, alright. I'll try not to get caught next time, Unnie. Relax and get that deal in Japan, okay? I'll take care of everything here."

When the call ended, she tapped her table and waited for Jihyo to come back. She thought about how she found that small piece of raw talent.

It was a regular night for her. New bar and looking for a new girl who can keep her company. She knew very well that she'll get scolded by her big sister but she couldn't care less. She enjoys what she does. Being one of the most popular producers and radio hosts in the country has its perks and she's simply enjoying them.

"Good evening. I'm Jihyo and I will sing for you all tonight," a girl said while sitting on a high stool at the stage.

Hmm.. a singer. Let's see what you've got.

When Jihyo started singing, she was impressed. There were somethings to improve on but the girl definitely has talent. A few tips and practice and she'll be one of the top singers and Jeongyeon was excited to produce music with her. Forget about looking for a new girl to bed. She must get the girl for their company!

"Ms. Yoo?" Jihyo knocked and entered the booth. She smiled and motioned Jihyo to stand by the mic again.

"You okay now?" she asked. The younger girl nodded and smiled. "Aight, let's start."

—

Sooyoung twirled her whiskey before drinking it. She was inside a bar in Japan, thinking of ways on how to persuade a company for a joint venture. That way, both Korean and Japanese artists can profit. But things are not going smoothly and it's because of the latest news about her little sister. Jeongyeon is talented and gifted in music but with her playing around with different women every single night, she'll be the death of Sooyoung.

That kid will seriously have it when I get back to Korea!

"Today's special performance by our one and only Allure!" the bartender said through the mic.

Allure? Why?

She looked at the stage and found a single black chair and a girl wearing a mask. She was wearing shorts and a fitted top. She started swaying her hips to the beat of the music. Sooyoung grinned.

She's good. No. She's great.

The girl continued to dance but unlike others who've danced, she didn't remove any clothes but remained wearing her shorts. Sooyoung already wanted her to sign the contract and be one of their top models and artists. She's known to have a keen eye for talent whether it is raw or not.

After the show, Sooyoung talked to the manager of the club slash bar and introduced herself to be able to get inside the dressing room and talk to the woman who hides behind the name 'Allure'.

"Hi," she greeted the girl standing with her back facing her. When Allure turned around, Sooyoung was fascinated by how beautiful the girl was. By the looks of it, she's barely in her mid twenties. Around twenty one to twenty two, maybe.

"I'm sorry, I do not accept table offers," the girl bowed.

Sooyoung laughed, "Oh no. I'm not interested in that. I'm interested on your talent."

"Talent?"

She gave her card to the girl, "I'm Choi Sooyoung, CEO of the CY Entertainment of South Korea. Do you want to be our artist?"

Shock was all over the girl's face, "What? Why?"

"I saw you dancing earlier. What you have is something that can be learned but only by people who are willing to give more than ten years of their life. You're barely an adult and to be able to dance like that... it's called talent," she replied with a genuine laugh. "I can make you famous and rich plus you'll get to do what you want which is dancing, I suppose?"

The girl nodded but gave a sad smile, "I can't."

"Why not?" she will not let this talent get away

"I have a ten thousand dollar debt in this club which I need to pay before I can stop working or leave."

Sooyoung smirked, "That is not a problem." She opened her bag and wrote on a blank cheque. "I will pay you out of this pit and help you stand until you can provide for your own. You don't have to dance with a mask anymore. Be our artist, let your talent bloom with us instead."

The manager came in and talked to Sooyoung. The girl was quietly staring at the cheque. Never did she imagine that an opportunity like this will come to her life. "Allure, do you want to go?" the manager said. She looked at Sooyoung who smiled at her kindly. She nodded, her manager hugged her, "You're free to go. Pack your bags!"

She handed the cheque to the old lady and went upstairs to get her stuff, "I'll be outside with a car," Sooyoung reminded her.

I hope I made the right decision.