206 Don’t Go Home Alone (2/2)

After almost a week of avoiding publicity, she had almost forgotten how good it felt to be in front of the camera. She felt contented with herself every time she saw the shots of herself, knowing that the person in those pictures were the best version of herself.

”You did well, for a rookie,” Eunice Lau complimented, a light smile on her beautiful face. Now that her brows were not drawn tightly together, her smooth, wrinkle-less face can be seen and admired clearly. ”No wonder President Park only had praises when she recommended you to me,” the woman said. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that the young girl turned out to be so professional despite her young age.

Yeo Ri was startled when she realised that the woman was talking to her. She bowed slightly, ”Ah, yes... thank you for the opportunity,” she perfunctorily replied.

”No, thank you,” the woman shook her head. Then, she gestured towards her assistant, giving a silent instruction that only the two of them seemed to understand.

The assistant took out a thick brown envelope, handing it over to the younger girl.

Yeo Ri accepted it with two hands, slightly confused. Feeling the weight of the envelope, Yeo Ri curiously peered into the opening.

”—!” Yeo Ri stifled a gasp, her eyes wide.

It was her payment for the day—a whopping five thousand dollars, in cash!

She hadn't expected to receive the whole amount so quickly, and in cash, no less. With such a big amount, it would've taken at least a day or two for the money to be wired into her account, but who knew that she was going to get it in person? Yeo Ri was so shocked that she froze up for a brief moment.

”Ah... thank you!” She hurriedly bowed to the older woman, hugging the envelope close. Her face flushed with elation. Such a big amount! She almost felt insecure keeping it inside her bag. What if someone found out about it and stole it? She held onto it tightly, as if afraid it would slip out of her hands.

Eunice Lau smiled in amusement at the girl's pure reaction. ”A token of sincerity,” she said. ”And also as an apology for disrupting your schedule so suddenly. I hope today won't be the last time you work with us.”

”If there is another opportunity, I will gladly accept it,” Yeo Ri replied with a polite smile. It was clear that the reason why she received such an amount was to open up pathways for future collaborations, but she did not comment on it. The future was unpredictable, and she was unsure whether she would still want to continue modelling after her contract ends.

The woman seemed to have high hopes for Yeo Ri's success. She nodded with a friendly smile, ”Then I won't hesitate to call you when the time comes.” She passed her business card to the girl.

”If there's nothing else you need me to do, I'll be going home,” Yeo Ri excused herself, keeping a polite smile on her face the whole time.

”Alright. Get home safely,” Eunice Lau bade her farewell without dawdling. Everyone was tired, and she still had some more leftover business to handle, so she allowed the crew to disperse now that the work is done.

Once the woman departed, Yeo Ri silently released the breath she was holding. Talking to the older woman was too intimidating. Her sharp eyes looked as if it could pierce through her soul. Even when she smiled, it felt as if alarm bells were ringing in her mind, loudly shouting, 'Danger! Danger!' Although she did not feel any malice from the older woman, Yeo Ri somehow instinctively felt like she should not cross the woman at any cost.

After recollecting her cool, Yeo Ri put on her face mask and happily skipped out of the building.

Unbeknownst to her, as she was walking on the sidewalk towards the subway station, a hand reached out to grab her from behind.