⋆ ˚｡⋆୨ Old connections ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

"Ms.Lee, the CEO and team of Horizon Tech. are here." Cho Jaemi, Jiwon's secretary informed her, clipping the meeting papers on her clipboard.

"Very well, let them in." Jiwon instructed, flipping the pages of contents provided to her by FYGP's contractor, leaning back on her chair as her eyes darted on the letters scattered on the white page; her demanor nonchalant and calm as always.

"Sure Ma'am." Replied Secretary Cho, heading out of the door to greet the new-comers.

"Please come in, Ms.Lee and the contractors are waiting here." She said politely, gesturing with her hands to let them know they should enter now.

"Sure, Thankyou." Taehyun replied back with a charming smile; entering first, followed by Yeonjun, Huening Kai and Gaeul.

"Welcome, please take your respective seats." Ms.Cho instructed, showing them their seats.

The room was a monochrome themed meeting hall, lit up with flurocsent lightning and minimal deco, comprising of a large black rectangular table placed in between the room, seven chairs on each sides; a big white board displayed in the front with an addition of a projector for the presentation's display, and a main chair in the front for the chairperson, where Jiwon was currently seated.

Yeonjun took his seat across Jihan, the CEO of VN Tech; step-brother of Jiwon.

(A/n: Incase you're wondering, VN co. is a Mnc and it comprises of both VN tech and VN Fashion. Jiwon is the CEO of VN Fashion and co. as well as the Chairwoman of the whole company, while her step-brother only runs VN tech.)

Jihan passed an unimpressed glance to Yeonjun, focusing back on whatever the contractors were talking about instead, seemingly trying to avoid Yeonjun's gaze, which led to the development of an uneasy awkward tension in the atmosphere.

Yeonjun knew this was going to happen. He was never in good terms with Jihan, ever since they were young. Jihan always saw Yeonjun and Jiwon as his competitors slash enemies, so he let it stay that way, always having his sole focus on Jiwon.

But now even if things were different, he still disliked Jihan.

Yeonjun averted his eyes as well, focusing on Jiwon who was about to speak now.

Jiwon cleared her throat, her voice calm and composed as she began.

"Thank you for joining us today, Mr.Choi Yeonjun," she said, maintaining a polite smile on her face.
"As you may already be aware, VN Corp. and FYGP International have planned a collaboration on the new software launch for an upcoming game software."

Yeonjun nodded, his expression neutral yet serious. "Yes, I've received the email and gone over the details."

"That's excellent." Jiwon continued, her hands folded neatly on the tabletop.

"We are particularly interested in Horizon Tech's dedication to originality and creativity to complement the security and production we provide. I believe that combining our strengths will result in a very appealing product for our target market."

"I agree with you on that regard." Yeonjun responded, his tone professional and formal.

"Horizon Tech does take pride in its unique approach. However, I must ask, how soon are you planning to initiate this project?" Gaeul, the Production manager questioned, folding her hands over the table, making her presence known.

Jiwon nodded at Gaeul's question, her eyes briefly flickering to a tablet on the table before returning to her.

"We've set a date 1 and half month from now," she replied.
"This gives us enough time to finalize the details, create the blueprints, and begin coding."

As Jiwon spoke, the contractors from FYGP International, who had been silent until now, nodded in agreement. They seemed eager and prepared for the collaboration.

Yeonjun maintained his stoic expression, processing the information.

"One month isn't a lot of time." Kai pointed out, a slight furrow appearing between his eyebrows.

"Yeah, it will be challenging, especially considering the scale of this project." Gaeul agreed as well with Kai, presenting her opinion.

A man, representing one of the contractors, spoke up, leaning forward slightly. "We understand the challenge," he affirmed, his tone even.

"However, our team is well-equipped to handle such deadlines. We are confident in our abilities and the capabilities of VN Corp. and Horizon Tech. The product launch needs to be finished by the start of the year as a new year Project, the main reason why we suggested this collaboration, because VN tech and Horizon tech both are known for their promising dedication and framework." Explained the man.

Jiwon glanced at the contractor's words and then back at Yeonjun.
"Yes, we've worked with strict deadlines before," she added, her tone now more firm. "We're prepared to take on this task. We believe the end product will be worth the effort and time that we'll be investing in this project."

Yeonjun paused for a moment, contemplating. He knew that VN Corp. and FYGP International weren't to messed with. They had a good reputation, and although the deadline was tight, Horizon Tech had been in tighter jams than this.

"Alright." Yeonjun finally said, continuing his words, "Horizon Tech is willing to collaborate."

Taehyun, who had been quietly observing, scribbled something down on his notebook, offered a professional smile and spoke-

"We'll ensure the team is well-coordinated and efficient. They're well-trained and experienced in high-pressure situations."

Jaemi, Jiwon's secretary, glanced at Taehyun and then at the contractors.

"We'll be working together closely throughout this project," he added, his voice firm. "We will maintain a strict timeline but also be flexible if needed."

Yeonjun nodded in agreement, his expression less tense now.

The contractors and the rest of the group around the table collectively agreed as well. This would be a challenging project, but all parties were willing to make it work, each bringing their own strengths to the table to create a unique product.

The meeting concluded with a firm handshake from the three CEOs, sealing the deal and signaling the beginning of their collaboration.

As the meeting concluded and the group began to disperse, one of the contractors interrupted the dismissal of everyone.

The contractor, a woman with a warm smile, looked at them.

"There's something I'd like to suggest." she said, her tone friendly yet professional.

"The start of a collaboration this significant calls for celebration. I propose we have a kickoff event where all the teams can get to know each other and celebrate this new partnership."

Jiwon turned to look at Yeonjun, her expression a mix of interest and intrigue. "That's an interesting idea." she mused, her eyes flickering over to Yeonjun with a mischievous glint.

Yeonjun, although taken a bit off guard, considered the suggestion.

"A kickoff event, you say?" he echoed, a thoughtful look on his face.

The contractor nodded. "Yes, indeed. It will give us all a chance to familiarize ourselves with each other, especially in a less formal setting."

Jiwon crossed her arms, mulling over the idea. "I must admit, it would be a good way to start our collaboration on a positive note," she agreed, glancing at Yeonjun for his input.

Yeonjun, though still a bit unsure, found himself slightly warming to the idea. He promised to keep his personal feelings out of work afterall. He can't be immature here.

"It could be beneficial." he admitted.

"Yeah, I think it's a good idea Mr.Choi! For building strong working relationships and fostering a good team dynamic, a celebratory introduction party sounds amazing!" Kai being the sunshine he was, added with enthusiasm, which made the woman smile as well, and Taehyun nodded in agreement along his boyfriend.

The contractor smiled, pleased with their receptiveness.
"Excellent." she said, her voice now more enthusiastic.

"Then I suggest we plan the event sometime next week. It will give us enough time to get things organized as well as a chance for people from both companies to attend." 
She suggested.

Jiwon nodded, turning to Yeonjun again. "What do you think, Yeonjun? Should we go ahead with it?"

Yeonjun hesitated for a moment, his thoughts swirling in his head. On one hand, he wasn't a big fan of social events, specially a one involving Jiwon, but on the other, he understood the importance of team building.
"Let's do it," he finally responded, afted thinking for a few seconds.

The contractor clapped her hands together, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Wonderful!" she exclaimed, clearly satisfied with their agreement. "I'll send over the details for the event and the guest list later."

Jiwon and Yeonjun both nodded, their gazes meeting for a brief moment before they turned their attention back to the contractor.

"We look forward to it." Jiwon replied with a polite smile.

Yeonjun simply nodded in agreement, still a bit wary of the social event but willing to at least give it a shot.

It can't be that bad, right?

The contractor smiled widely and bid farewell, leaving Jiwon and Yeonjun alone. They stayed silent for a moment, the weight of the event hanging in the air.

Jiwon finally broke the silence, her voice laced with a bit of tease "I must confess, kinda excited to see you there. Been ages since we attended a party together."

"You're the only one excited it seems, because I definitely didn't miss seeing you one bit." Yeonjun scoffed, rolling his eyes.

He lied, yes he missed his bestfriend; but now? Not at all, he would rather be at home and watch Beomgyu wear his sexy specs and do his maths, than attend a party with his double-faced woman.

"Aw come on, how cold." She chuckled, but decided to end the conversation there, as she needed to see off the contractors and talk with Jihan as well.

"Well, see you next week then, Junie." She said before exiting the hall with her secretary, making Yeonjun annoyed as well.

That damn nickname, he hated hearing it from her mouth.

"Yeah, whatever." He replied, turning around to join his own crew, who were chattering on their own, deciding to join them as well.

Next week, which means the start of December...

"This party better go well, and not become a tragedy mark for the year end."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Hello Luvs!! I decided to update early cuz I had motivation to do so~

Finally we're gonna have some drama😏
Here comes the rollercoaster muehehehe.

Next Update on 50 votes, hurry up! >_<

Hope y'all enjoyed the chapter, see you in the Next one!! Take Care Luvs, byeee<3
-Rin💗