168 Scouted, Again (1/2)

The three decided to take a break at the food court.

While they were waiting for their food, Da Na was busily showing the pictures she had taken to Yeo Ri. Judging from the dozens of photos the girl had taken, the shopping trip had somehow turned into a fashion buffet.

”I liked this one more than the other one,” Da Na said as she admired a certain photo of Yeo Ri in a romper, sighing in disappointment. Yeo Ri had ended up declining to buy the outfit so she was feeling slightly bitter.

”Which one?” Park Soo Yeon leaned in to look at her daughter's phone. Seeing the picture, she mirrored the younger girl's sigh. ”Oh, that one.”

Yeo Ri smiled wryly. ”Unnie, Auntie, you've already given me too many clothes. I'll feel bad if I keep taking advantage of your kindness.” Yeo Ri sent a sidelong glance at the three shopping bags by her feet. Remembering the amount which had been printed on the receipts, Yeo Ri's legs felt like they had turned into jelly. She wanted to cry, but she had no tears.

Even though the two older ladies were the ones who wanted to buy them for her, Yeo Ri felt like she had no more face to look at them. Her cheeks burned a bright red, signifying her shame. She owed them too much.

”Nonsense,” Da Na waved her hand in refutation. ”Just consider it as presents from us. For... uh, Christmas.”

Yeo Ri pursed her lips and stifled a snort. As far as she knew, neither she, nor the Choi family, were Christians. Therefore, they did not celebrate Christmas. Da Na's excuse was weak but she did not comment on it since it would be too rude of her to do that. 'Forget it; they want to be charitable, so they'll be charitable,' she thought helplessly.

Mrs. Choi opened her mouth to support her daughter's remark, but an idea suddenly flashed in her mind. She smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. ”If you feel like you owe us, then why don't you come sign a contract with my company?”

”H-huh?” Yeo Ri widened her eyes in bewilderment. Wasn't this too sudden?

Mrs. Choi fished Da Na's phone from her hands and showed a picture of Yeo Ri that looked somewhat editorial. ”Look; doesn't this look pretty? You definitely have the makings of a model or maybe an actress; I can sense it.”

Da Na stared at her mother, rolling her eyes. 'There she goes again, with her business spiel.' She couldn't believe that her mom was still hung up on scouting Yeo Ri even after so long.

”Just one gig—no, just an audition, okay? We can sign a three month contract first,” Mrs. Choi said, trying to persuade the girl with a hopeful smile. ”Please? I feel like you're wasting away your talents.”

”Auntie, what talents?” Yeo Ri laughed silently, ”I'm not good enough.” There was a slight hint of self-mockery in her tone. She took a sip from the glass of water in front of her, lowering her eyes to hide the insecurities hidden underneath her orbs.

”Who says? You're very pretty, you know?” Mrs. Choi frowned slightly. Although being a model required more than just a pretty face, she was confident that Yeo Ri could make it big.