Page 92 of You Had Me At Annyeong!
‘You think you, I mean we, are not being watched as we speak?’
‘I’m sure we are. But this could be just a friendly meeting, you know. We could be friends, right, Yoojin-ssi?’
‘Er, if you say so,’ Yoojin replies haltingly, his voice unsure, his brain confused.
‘Look, we could’ve met in secret, but that would’ve meant we are up to something unholy. Which I promise you we are not.’
‘We are not?’ Yoojin is still unsure but the clouds in his brain are now starting to lift.
‘Oh, absolutely not. I assure you. I come bearing gifts!’ She lifts the cat-eye Dior sunglasses she has been wearing all this while off her eyes and rests them on her head.
This cat’s claws are out, Yoojin can tell.
‘So, Mina-ssi, what is it that you wish to discuss with me? What can I do for you?’
Since his article about Rodrigo’s past had come out, he had been expecting a call from Chairman Ri’s camp. He knew he had stirred a hornet’s nest and they would try to stop him before he divulged more secrets and landed them in hot soup. But he hadn’t thought it’d be the daughter that’d reach out to him. Naturally, he’s a little taken aback.
‘I’m sure you are a busy man, as I am a busy person. So I shan’t beat about the bush. Let me cut straight to the chase—I have some information that could be of use to you. And I’m wondering if I should share it with you.’
Ah, so she’s here to sound me out, is she?
‘I won’t know how useful that information might be until I’ve heard it, you see.’
‘I can assure you it’s information that will be exclusive to you. It’ll be a scoop for your publication, I promise!’
I wonder what she might want in exchange. Is she trying to strike a deal with me?
‘So what do you propose? What can I do for you to share your knowledge with me?’
‘Now we are talking! Well, I propose a deal.’
Of course!Yoojin is not surprised.
Mina continues to speak.
‘I will share this information but,daesin, you will stop digging up Rodrigo-ssi’s past.’
Ah, so THIS is the catch. It is exactly as I had predicted. The company and club want me off Rodrigo’s back. THAT scumbag, I will ruin him!
‘And why would I do that? Rodrigo is a huge name and I have exclusive information. Let me tell you that what you have read in that article is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plenty more where it came from!’
Oh, so this snoop doggy dog has more dirt up his sleeve. Argh, Rodrigo! What sort of shenanigans has that troublemaker been up to?! Jeez!
‘What if this information that I wish to share with you also concerns Rodrigo? Wouldthatinterest you?’
What could she possibly know about him that I don’t? Is she simply bullshitting?
‘I’m not sure what exactly you are playing at, Mina-ssi. On the one hand, you want me to get off his back, and, on the other, you are offering to share, or should I say leak, information about him. I want to be of help, but you have to break this down for me a little, please.’
Yoojin is trying his best to pry out details from Mina without having to make a deal.
‘I’ll be honest with you,gijanim. I’m a brand and marketing professional and the heir to Chairman Ri’s businesses. I care most about what could affect our companygeurigo uri ohoejangnim(and our chairman). I will do what I can to protect both. Please don’t think I’m trying to save Rodrigo-ssi. He is trouble; you and I both know that. But I cannot let him or anyone else ruin what my father has painstakingly built over the years!’
Ah, I see now. I see! She’s willing to sell Rodrigo out so she can save her company. How cute! Mina-ssi, that’s probably not going to happen. You will end up disclosing his secret, AND see your company suffer for it. I will see to it! But, for now, let’s play along!
‘Fair. I promise to not write anything negative that may have happened in Rodrigo’s past while he is playing for your club. Now, let’s hear what secret you are willing to let me in on!’
Mina takes a deep breath. She has mentally prepared for it since the time the idea first occurred to her, but still feels uneasy about it.
