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Looking back, every day
there is only you everywhere...

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After a disastrous date, you were convinced your friend avoided you because she didn't pick up her phone all night. You had never pretended so intensely because Mr. Park was different from the guys you usually scared off. He didn't run for the hills even after you tried every trick in the book to push him away. To top it off, Mr. Park was the elusive CEO of the company where you work as a biochemist. You wondered how you would manage to avoid him.

Fortunately, you usually wore your hair in a loose ponytail, glasses, and minimal makeup at work. However, your alter ego, Ms Sejeong, sported long highlighted extensions and expensive, revealing clothing and had a bold and outgoing personality, quite the opposite of your true introverted self.

While you enjoyed fun and interesting situations with your friend Seyeong, pretending to be her caused mental anguish. You knew you had to end the charade.

You couldn't risk your high-paying job, especially as an early entrant into the workforce. Even though your boss was attractive, it could jeopardise your career if he learned about your and Sejeong's scheme.

Last night, you couldn't sleep at all due to worrying. At least you quickly got away from Mr. Park by telling him he wasn't your type and bidding farewell.

Early this morning, you made sure to call your friend during lunch. Your nerves were on edge when your team informed you that Mr Park and his grandfather, the chairman, would visit the labs at any time. You were nervous about running into them, so you kept your head down and ate lunch in your team's office near the labs.

When you finally reached your cheerful friend, you were upset. "Sejeong! You completely ignored me last night. What the heck! Do you know he turned out to be my boss?"

"Good morning, my dear friend. Why are you so uptight this morning? I think you did well. Even my dad didn't ask any questions about the date. I told him my date went okay, but he didn't seem interested. So, if he called to tell my dad he is not interested in me because of my ill manners, then my dear friend, you're off the hook," she sounded chirpy.

"Ja, richtig, ich fühle mich schlecht über diese, Sejeong. Wir könnten zum ersten Mal streiten, und dein Vater könnte herausfinden, wie wir jeden Versuch sabotieren, dich zu heiraten. Yeah, right, I feel bad about this one, Sejeong. We might clash for the first time, and your dad might find out how we sabotage every attempt to get you married," you complained grumblingly. You don't feel happy right now.

Sejeong chuckled, "Minnie, stop being a worry warthog. Your boss will not recognize you. His date looked different from your usual looks. I made you look hot so he wouldn't be captivated by your plain Jane at work," she giggled, too glad that she was off the hook.

She was so gleeful and didn't even ask about your boss in detail. This time, your target was hot, fairly young, and handsome. But he looked like a flirt, and being in his presence for so long made you feel weird. His physical allure was mesmerizing, and you couldn't stop feeling hot and bothered for him. He made you feel so different, hot and cold simultaneously.

You sighed, "Sejeong, you're not funny, but we must stop scaring potential boyfriends or suitors. What if I meet the right one trying to act crazy? I'll be single the rest of my life." You let out an exasperated breath.

Sejeong laughed, "You...please, you're so hung up on Mingyu that no other guy will capture your attention."

You just snort, "Sehr lustig, Sejeong. Very funny, Sejeong. Mingyu took Jihye back. So that ship sailed. You know I can't afford to lose my job now. Please, if he finds out, you must come clean. If he contacts your parents, tell them you hired some stranger to play the part. Your dad would hate me if he found out I'm the one who successfully kept you single for all these years. No amount of bribes will get me out of this one. So please come clean---I'm done!"

Shivers run up your spine just thinking about Mr Park. You haven't even thought about your crush on Mingyu. He looked dull in comparison with Mr Park Jimin. This young Ceo made you doubt your initial feelings for your Uni crush. Your Ceo was screaming "danger' in all languages. Your heart and your prized career will not be able to comprehend it.

Mingyu had called you several times, but you willfully failed to answer his calls because he did not inform you that he and his ex-girlfriend had made up. You were hurt, but you told yourself to get over it, even if you still harboured feelings for him. Since you laid eyes on this gorgeous Korean in Germany, you've harboured a secret crush on him. He was the first guy you hopelessly fell in love with.

Sejeong laughed," Don't worry, okay? I'm so happy right now...I can eat a whole black pork right now ?"

You furrowed your brows because she sounded so excited:" Remember my crush of high school I raved about to you and Mingyu? Well, my parents know his parents, and they want our firm to handle one sector of their business audits. Oh my gosh! Minnie...what if this is fate? What if he sees me for the first time as a gorgeous adult? I might have a chance with him!" She stated dreamily.

You remember how she told you in your first year about a very athletic guy at school. He was one of the most popular senior guys and she had an unhealthy crush on him. But he was unaware of her infatuation because, at that time, he dated the school's queen bee, and poor Seyeong was a math nerd with big glasses and a little chubby. He didn't even know she existed like you felt all your life in Germany.

You sighed,"I'm glad you will have a chance to pursue your crush, but I have a pressing situation right now, Seyeong. How am I going to hide from my boss? He might turn up and visit the labs."

Sejeong chuckled," You are a very talented girl, and I'm sure you will have another trick up your sleeve. Don't worry, my dear. My dad will not dare arrange another marriage for me. I told him he must wait a bit until I can capture my high school crush's attention. Maybe, who knows, he might pull strings, and Dad can arrange a marriage for me with him."

You just shook your head at the other end of the call." You are still so hung up on this guy. Isn't he involved already? You said he was so hot. Hot guys are players most of the time."

She grinned," No, I heard he is still a single Pringle. He is very successful and a world traveller, and we are going to be business partners. I will ask my dad to let me work on his family's account. My charms will enthral him."

She sounded more dreamy.

"Okay, good for you, Sejeong. You're so cunning. Maybe this time you can have your happy ever after." You grinned.

You will be happy if she can just settle or find the guy she loves and let her parents have peace.

You closed your phone after you made plans for a drink after work, but right now, you had to go back and work on your team's new product.

You were busy doing some data analysis on the computer when your fellow team workers came in from the cafeteria, chuckling.

Hey-Ji grinned as her round eyes lit up when she noticed you. She had a little container in her hand. "Oh, hi, Minola...gosh, girl, you missed out. The cafeteria menu changed drastically. " She lifted up the container." I brought you some spicy Tteokbokki and roasted pork belly. It seems since young Mr Parks' entrance, he has changed a lot of things." She sounded joyful as she placed it on your side.

You smile and thank her," Oh, Hey Jin. Thank you, girl. Wow, that's cool. So he listened to the staff's complaints."

You chuckled as you placed your goggles down, removed your gloves and dug into the hot dish.

Stevie, your other co-worker, laughs softly," I really don't care about the food from this place, but the meat dishes daily are a welcoming change. I'm stuffed up, know."

You chuckled when you saw your supervisor, Ms Yeo, roll her eyes and mutter," Yup, you stuffed yourself more than that poor' fat pig 'you ate during lunch. You were a little greedy today." A faint smile was etched on the corners of her mouth. You and Hey-jin just watched the two seniors amusedly. Their bickering and bantering never ceased to amuse them.

Stevie's eyes raised," We'll at least I enjoyed the pork belly, unlike other people I know who want to lose weight but can't seem to stay away from the gimbap. Maybe you need to lecture yourself." He sassily retorted back.

Ms Yeo just rolled her eyes as she turned and smiled at you," I hope you didn't work during lunchtime. It's not healthy. We know you want the product to succeed. It will, and we will beat that bloody team A, which thinks their product will be first on the market. "

She clicked her tongue. You just sighed because you were up against two other teams at the lab. You all have a challenge to come up with the most innovative idea for an energy booster. Your group was lost before you came a week ago, but you came up with the most innovative idea ever. The inception stage was already sent to the management, and in two weeks, all the teams must be ready to present their findings.

The team's product ideas were already documented, and you and your team are the front runners. After the final testing, it will be ready for production, as most companies have already placed bits to distribute these products.

Ms Yeo made sure the executive management knew it was solely your idea, but you hate taking all the glory because you all worked hard to perfect the product, and you still need to work on your general lab work.

You just shook your head." Er no...I just documented some data. I think in a week, we will see if the final chemical compositions work together. I spoke to San in the production lab to make us a sample in powder and liquid form. " You wiped your mouth and closed the container after you took a few bites of the tasty dish.

Hey -Jin looks ecstatic: " Omg! That is awesome. Are we still going for only four flavours for now?"

Ms Yeo nodded," Yes, lemon and lime, strawberry, ginseng and Wasabi. The executive wants us to work on our packaging design. Are we going to have it in sachets, sizes, shapes, and grams? We have to send it by Wednesday next week. Team C worked on a tonic for sports kids. Theirs will be in liquid form. Team A worked on tablets/pills. Their product will also help pregnant women's energy levels during their last trimester. So, all the companies are interested in all three energy booster products ---"

She looked hyped up.

Stevie laughed,"--- and of course, the team whose product is the best in all criteria will have its product first on the market."

Ms Yeo looked at Stevie with a deadpan look, which made you and Hey-Jin snicker." Thank you, Stevie, for your intelligent interruption...gosh, you are so forward." She threw her arms up in the air. Stevie ignored her and shrugged.

" As I was saying until I was so rudely interrupted by ignorance...the executive is working with one of the top distributors in South Korea. If we pitched the winning product to their executive, our company could gain a few billion won, and all of us at Park Pharmaceutical could get thrice our salaries worth...so let's get our product professionally tested, our packaging captivating and the taste tantalizing. We have to win the in-house competition." She stressed it out.

You were all excited about a raise in your salary. Maybe you could afford to rent your first apartment.

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You were sitting back with your head leaning over your chair. You've been busy completing your analysis since lunch.

Ms Yeo and Stevie did more tests, but the reactions were still unstable. You will have to come up with a new solution. The lab sent you another test report from testing on human volunteers at work. Some staff members volunteer to be test subjects for the tonics and boosters. Three volunteers had developed skin rashes, and one experienced severe migraines after consuming the product for three days, but their energy levels and mental prowess were enhanced, which excited the team. At least the purpose of the product is successful.

If the sample product's properties remain unstable, it could cause dangerous side effects like severe allergy enhancements, headaches, and skin rashes in those who digest it. It will be a pain because you only have a week left before perfecting the booster with minimal side effects. The first presentation will be in a few days.

You have to work on something revolutionary to bring your product to perfection.

It was time to leave work. You hung up your coat, combed your hair, and told yourself how pretty, intelligent, and kind you were and that you were destined for great things.

You grab your bag and move to the glass doors. Your team has already rushed out because they invited you to join them for drinks and a Korean BBQ, but you declined because you and Sejeong already have a girl pal date.

Your phone chimed.

It's Sejeong

You hope she won't be late because you hate sitting in a restaurant alone.

"Hi Sejeong. I'm on my way----," you start but get rudely interrupted.

"Omg, Minnie...what did you do to your date? My dad just informed me that your Mr Park, whatever, wants to continue with the marriage negotiations." she yelled," What the hell, Minnie. What you told me was so outrageous, and he was supposed to run the opposite way, but he was so enthralled by "me" he wants me! Minnie, if this Mr Park persuades my parents, O won't have a chance with my real love crush."

Your eyes widen in shock,"Was!!! Ich sagte ihm, er solle nicht schreiben. What!!! I told him ,hes not to type. Believe me, Sejeong, I used every dirty trick in the book to make him utterly disgusted with me. Why does he want to 'marry 'you so much?" You felt fear in your stomach. This is not good. You successfully captivated Mr Jimin with your crazy antics. worse, Maybe he wants to chase you because you played hard to get, or worse, his ego was bruised when you blatantly told him you like black guys, and he was a 6.5 on your hotness scale.

Omg!

Sejeong still rants on while your mind is reeling with possibilities:" And my parents will find out our schemes... so I called him. He sounded so hot on the phone, and I built the courage to come clean. I told him that the girl he dined with was a stranger I'd hired. He was livid, Minnie. HeIdemanded to meet the impostor, Seo Sejeong. He wanted to know who you are...I'm sorry, Minnie."

Your eyes widen." Oh nein! Sejeong, warum hast du es ihm gesagt? Ich werde entlassen.Oh no! Sejeong, why did you tell him? I'm going to get fired. I knew I shouldn't have messed with this guy. He is going to ruin me. I'm going to resign before he finds out and shames me in front of my colleagues. " You wanted to ball your eyes out right there. The paralyzing effect wreaked havoc on your legs, and you had to sit on a bench in one of the hallways.

Sejeong chuckled," He won't find out... but I gave him your number. I'm too stressed to deal with CEOs."

"Mein Gott, my goodness, Sejeong!Why didn't you give him a fake number? He is going to find me." You whimpered.

Sejeong gently chuckled, "Don't worry. I told him your name was Shin Geum-hee. You are a native Korean working for a fashion designer, and you are also an aspiring actress who can speak in various accents. That's why you spoke with a strange German accent. My dad told him I studied in Germany and lost most of my Korean accent, so your 'boss' will think you are very talented at impersonating people of different nationalities."

You breathed a sigh of relief. "So, he bought it... but why did you give me the name of a soap opera character?"

Sejeong laughed. "Since when do super busy CEOs have time to watch the addictive soap operas that your parents watch daily? He won't know any better. Don't forget your new name... Shin Geum-hee."

You just shook your head in disbelief. You were going to be entangled in a web of lies.

"Are you sure? Why didn't you use an unknown name, but the main character of 'The Shin's Enduring Love?'" you asked with irritation.

"I had to come up with the name on the spur of the moment, Minnie," she defended herself.

You sighed deeply as you walked into the reception area of the 5th floor, which is the labs, with the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The space was super luxurious and trendy, with polished grey marble floors and beautiful light fixtures. You can see that this company is loaded because all the staff members enjoy their jobs, especially due to the lucrative salaries. You begrudgingly strolled through the glass doors to the awaiting elevator to take you downstairs. Six of the lab staff members went into the first one, but you felt alone with your jumbled up thoughts.

You felt your body's weariness as you leaned back against the glass interior.

You heard your phone chime again as you opened your weary eyes.

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Park Jimin and Mr Bak just returned from a meeting at Yon Yun Corp, a company that also distributes healthcare products. Park Jimin was able to sign a pre-deal with the young CEO of the company, who was just a few years his senior and a formidable business ally.

He gave Park Pharmaceutical a heads-up that another company wants to make a deal with them, offering a similar product. The 850 billion won deal could mean a new distribution door in Asia. They cannot mess up this deal.

Park Jimin was flabbergasted when he got a call from an enterprising girl, So Sejeong. She came clean and told him to forgive her because her parents forced her to go on a blind date with him. She told him that she hired a part-time stranger who could impersonate her and go in her place.

That Park Jimin was furious; that was an understatement. He demanded the identity of the actress who played the fool with him. He snorted when she nervously gave him a name and the girl's phone number. He could sense that this 'imposter' was a little too weird, a great actress, though.

He had three dates scheduled overseas and already had a lunch date with Michelle. She was charming but not his type. His mind was distracted by thoughts of his date with Sejeong. He couldn't deny that she was gorgeous and very sexy. The way she played him made her so interesting to him.

When he was relaxing in his office before closing, he smirked as he lay back in his brown leather chair with his phone against his ear.

The phone rang at the other side as a tired voice answered," Hello."

Jimin smiles, " Good day Ms So Sejeong...or must I call you Shin Geum-hee."

He could hear a hitch of breath, and he snorted when he knew she was aware of being caught out.

"Oh er... Herr Park. Ich... ich kann es erklären! Oh er...Mr Park. I ...I can explain!" She nervously answered, far from the sultry voice of the overconfident girl he met a night ago.

'Oh, you will have the opportunity...I want us to meet tomorrow for lunch." He inwardly grinned when he heard a sharp intake of breath.

"Er...I don't think so, Mr Park. I told you I don't date guys who look like ethereal fairies. You are just not my type. And---" she sounded more confident.

But Jimin is not going to let Geum-hee get away with it.

Jimin sounds his arrogant self, "I don't care...meet me tomorrow at Holly's Cafe in Techo Park Ro...at 10h00 sharp. Don't be late."

He could hear the blow out her breath, sounding flabbergasted, " Where is this place?"

Jimin smiled to himself as he could sense that she was very apprehensive.

"Incheon," he replied, closing his phone with meaning.

A/n: The real Sejeong came clean, but poor Minola is not free from Mr Park.

Thank you so much to all the readers of TWC. I hope you still enjoy this take on the" Business Proposal." It will not be like the actual drama but will be loosely based on it. The plot scenes and settings will differ from the original plot. So stay tuned for a fresh take on the sagas of Minola and Jimin.

1. Do you think Sejeong placed her friend under further stress?

2. Must Minola go and meet Park Jimin?

3. Do you think Minola can pull off another new identity as Shin Geum-hee?

4. Why does Jimin want to meet this Geum-hee if he knows it is not 'real'?

5. Will Minola convince Jimin that she did it for money without exposing her friendship with Sejeong?

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For all the Jiminie stans, here is some actual pop eye candy that you can enjoy. This video is super catchy . If you are part of ARMY please stream our Mochis' new Album to get him to the 'penthouse floor of the Billboard 100 chart.