Section 1 - PR Training, Styling & Joon-ho’s Conversation with Ji-anMorning Call & Fitting SessionThe sharp ring of Ji-an’s phone cut through the quiet morning. She groggily reached for it, barely cracking open her eyes before answering.

  “Are you awake? No, don’t answer that—I know you’re not,” Yeon-jin’s voice chirped through the speaker.

  Ji-an sighed. “What do you want, Yeon-jin?”

  “I’m outside.”

  Ji-an shot up. “Outside?” She rushed to the window, pulling the curtain aside. Sure enough, Yeon-jin was leaning against her car, casually waving up at her. “What are you doing here?”

  “Picking you up, obviously. Now, be a good rookie and get ready. You have a big day ahead.”

  Within thirty minutes, Ji-an was dressed and seated in Yeon-jin’s car as they made their way to the private fitting session arranged by Seul-bi.

  The Fitting SessionIMFG’s boutique was already set up when they arrived. Racks of designer dresses lined the walls, and Seul-bi stood in the center, overseeing the final touches.

  “I picked a few options, but of course, Joon-ho had to add his own selections,” Seul-bi said, nodding toward a separate rack.

  Yeon-jin smirked, nudging Ji-an. “VIP treatment, huh?”

  Ji-an sighed. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  The fitting session began, with Ji-an slipping into dress after dress. An elegant white dress gave her a refined aura, but it felt too safe. A deep red gown was bold but not quite her. A navy ensemble had structure, yet it cked that edge.

  Yeon-jin tapped her chin. “Pretty, but none of these scream, ‘I’m back, and you’d better watch out.’”

  Ji-an exhaled. “So, what now?”

  Seul-bi exchanged a gnce with an assistant, who promptly disappeared into the back and returned with one st option: a sleek bck off-shoulder dress.

  Ji-an hesitated, running her fingers over the smooth, luxurious fabric. The bck off-shoulder dress was sleek, hugging her figure in all the right pces while maintaining an air of elegance. The neckline framed her colrbones delicately, and the way the fabric draped over her body gave her an effortless grace. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped into the fitting room. The moment she emerged, the atmosphere shifted.

  Yeon-jin let out a low whistle. “Now that is how you make an entrance.”

  Seul-bi’s eyes gleamed. “It’s powerful. Unapologetic. This is it.”

  Ji-an turned toward the mirror, studying herself. The dress hugged her frame perfectly, the off-shoulder cut drawing attention to her colrbones while maintaining a sense of elegance. For the first time, she felt like she was wearing something that matched her mindset—ready to face whatever came next.

  A voice cut through the moment. “We have a winner.”

  She turned to see Joon-ho standing at the entrance, his gaze assessing yet undeniably approving.

  Ji-an crossed her arms. “And you get the final say?”

  Joon-ho smirked. “I picked that dress for a reason. It suits you.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “So, you do have a sense of fashion.”

  “I own a fashion company.”

  Yeon-jin snorted. “Alright, you two, save the flirting for ter. We still have hair and makeup.”

  Hair & Makeup SessionIMFG’s in-house stylists wasted no time transforming Ji-an’s look. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face effortlessly. A subtle yet bold makeup look was applied—neutral tones with a hint of drama around her eyes.

  As she studied her reflection, Ji-an barely recognized herself.

  “This is… different,” she murmured.

  One of the stylists, a sharp-eyed woman named Min-ah, tilted her head. “Different is the goal. We’re not just making you look good; we’re crafting an image.”

  Another stylist, Jin-woo, nodded. “You need to command attention the second you step into a room. The dress already does half the work, but the hair and makeup complete the picture.”

  Yeon-jin pced a hand on Ji-an’s shoulder. “And lucky for you, they know exactly what they’re doing.”

  Joon-ho, who had been watching from the side, leaned slightly forward. “You should get used to it. This is the Seo Ji-an the world is about to meet.”

  Ji-an gnced at him in the mirror. There was something unreadable in his expression, but before she could dwell on it, Seul-bi gestured for them to move to the next phase.

  “Time for PR training.”

  PR TrainingIn a sleek conference room, Ji-an sat across from Seul-bi and a team of media consultants. Joon-ho stood near the window, observing as she was put through rounds of practice interviews.

  A consultant adjusted his gsses. “Let’s go over the tough questions. If someone asks about your past controversy, what’s your response?”

  Ji-an took a breath. “I acknowledge my past mistakes, but I’ve taken time to grow and learn. Right now, I’m focused on the future and proving myself through my work.”

  Seul-bi nodded. “Good. Stay composed, don’t over-expin.”

  Another consultant flipped through notes. “And if they ask about your retionship with Kang Joon-ho?”

  Ji-an gnced at Joon-ho. “I’ll say he’s my mentor in this new phase of my career.”

  Joon-ho raised an eyebrow. “Mentor?”

  She smirked. “Would you prefer ‘boss’?”

  Yeon-jin snickered. “Careful, Ji-an. You might hurt his feelings.”

  Joon-ho only chuckled. “Just make sure you can handle the specution.”

  Ji-an exhaled, but there was a newfound confidence in her posture. PR training continued for another hour before Seul-bi dismissed the team. As the others left, Joon-ho motioned for Ji-an to stay behind.

  Private Conversation with Joon-hoJoon-ho leaned against his desk, arms crossed as Ji-an stood before him. The tension from earlier had faded, but there was still an underlying weight to the conversation.

  “You handled yourself well today,” he said.

  Ji-an tilted her head. “Was that… a compliment?”

  “Observation,” he corrected smoothly.

  She huffed. “Noted.”

  Joon-ho’s gaze softened slightly. “You’re stepping into something bigger than just a comeback. Are you ready for that?”

  Ji-an hesitated before answering. “I don’t know. But I’m willing to find out.”

  He studied her for a moment before pushing off the desk and taking a step closer. “Then we’ll make sure you succeed.”

  Ji-an blinked at him. “We?”

  Joon-ho’s smirk returned. “You’re not doing this alone, Ji-an. IMFG is behind you. I’m behind you.”

  She swallowed, caught slightly off guard by the sincerity. “…Thanks.”

  He exhaled sharply, as if breaking the serious tone. “And don’t let it get to your head, but—”

  Ji-an raised an eyebrow. “But?”

  Joon-ho’s gaze flickered over her, slow and deliberate. “You look dangerously good in bck.”

  Ji-an’s breath caught before she managed to roll her eyes. “Is that your way of saying I look nice?”

  He smirked, stepping closer. “Nice? No. That dress should come with a warning sign.”

  A flush crept up her neck, and she turned away hastily. “I’ll pretend that was just another observation.”

  “Pretend all you want.” His voice dipped lower, teasing. “But if you blush any harder, I’ll take it as a confession.”

  Ji-an cleared her throat, forcing herself to move toward the door. “See you at the next PR meeting, *boss*.”

  Joon-ho smirked. “Try not to leave too many hearts broken at the photoshoot, *superstar*.”

  As Ji-an left the office, she felt something shift—something she wasn’t quite ready to name yet, but it was there. And for the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel like she was fighting this battle alone.

  Section 2 - Photoshoot at IMFG Hotel Bar & Unexpected AttentionArrival at IMFG HotelIn the afternoon, Ji-an, Yeon-jin, and Joon-ho arrived at IMFG’s luxury hotel, a five-star establishment known for hosting high-profile events and celebrities. The PR team had secured the hotel’s exclusive bar for the photoshoot, ensuring an air of sophistication that would complement Ji-an’s new image.

  As they stepped into the grand lobby, Ji-an took in the vish interior—crystal chandeliers, sleek marble floors, and a quiet buzz of well-dressed guests going about their business. This wasn’t just any hotel; it was a statement of power and exclusivity.

  Yeon-jin let out an impressed whistle. “Damn. If this comeback doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have gotten to live the high life for a bit.”

  Ji-an rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her amusement. “I’ll try to make it worth IMFG’s investment.”

  Joon-ho, walking slightly ahead, gnced over his shoulder. “Just don’t trip in those heels.”

  Ji-an shot him a gre. “I know how to walk in heels.”

  Yeon-jin smirked. “That’s debatable.”

  With a dramatic sigh, Ji-an ignored them both and followed the team toward the bar.

  The Photoshoot BeginsThe IMFG hotel bar was already transformed into the perfect backdrop for the shoot. Dim lighting, rich velvet seating, and a sleek, modern bar setup created an air of exclusivity. The deep golden hues and moody aesthetic of the space perfectly contrasted Ji-an’s elegant bck dress.

  The photographer, a renowned professional hired by IMFG, wasted no time directing Ji-an into various poses. She leaned against the bar, a cocktail gss in hand—not to drink, but to sell an image. The clicks of the camera echoed in the quiet, punctuated only by the murmurs of approval from the PR team.

  “Chin up slightly. That’s it—hold that gaze,” the photographer instructed. "Now, shift your weight a little—yes, just like that. Rex your shoulders. Perfect."

  Ji-an followed effortlessly, her confidence growing with each shot. Unlike before, where the spotlight had been suffocating, this time, she embraced it.

  After several minutes, the photographer lowered his camera. “Let’s take a quick review,” he said, signaling the team to gather around a nearby monitor.

  Ji-an, Yeon-jin, and Joon-ho observed the initial shots, analyzing the angles and expressions. The PR team pointed out a few adjustments—perhaps a different lighting setup, a slight change in Ji-an’s stance.

  “Let’s do another round,” the photographer announced. “Ji-an, try tilting your chin down just a bit more this time. And let’s add a slight smirk—subtle but confident.”

  Ji-an returned to her position, this time even more attuned to the camera. As the fsh went off again, she felt the shift—this was no longer just a shoot; it was a carefully crafted image in the making.

  Before Yeon-jin could comment on the progress, a quiet murmur rippled through the bar. A group of elegantly dressed guests exchanged curious gnces, their hushed whispers barely concealed. "Is that Seo Ji-an?" one murmured, leaning in to get a better look. "I thought she disappeared."

  Another guest, swirling a gss of wine, nodded. "She looks different… more refined."

  One woman adjusted her pearl neckce and tilted her head. "She’s making quite the entrance. Do you think it’s a comeback?"

  Among them was a well-known influencer—Song Ha-rin, a social media star with millions of followers. She tilted her head, intrigued, before pulling out her phone. "Oh my god, this is gold," she whispered excitedly, starting to record discreetly while feigning casual indifference.

  Unwanted Yet Useful AttentionSong Ha-rin, dressed in designer brands from head to toe, perched at a nearby table with her group. Her gaze locked onto Ji-an, recognition fshing across her face. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and began recording.

  “Oh my god, is that Seo Ji-an?” Ha-rin whispered loudly, her voice dripping with excitement. “I thought she disappeared.”

  Her words weren’t meant to be discreet. The deliberate volume ensured that the intrigue spread, and within moments, whispers of Ji-an’s name echoed through the venue. The attention was unavoidable now.

  Joon-ho, standing by the PR team, observed the situation with a sharp gaze. He didn’t move to stop it. Instead, he exchanged a gnce with Seul-bi, silently signaling her to let this py out.

  Ji-an, mid-pose, caught sight of Ha-rin’s camera out of the corner of her eye. A small part of her tensed, but she forced herself to remain composed. This was part of the game now—being seen, being talked about.

  Yeon-jin, however, was less subtle. “Should we be worried about this?” she muttered to Joon-ho.

  Joon-ho’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “No. Let her post it. It’s free publicity.”

  Sure enough, within minutes, Song Ha-rin’s livestream was flooded with comments.

  ‘Wait, is Ji-an coming back?’

  ‘I thought she was done for.’

  ‘She looks amazing, though.’

  ‘Is this an official photoshoot? For what?’

  The specution spread like wildfire, and as Ha-rin posted a behind-the-scenes clip to her Instagram story with the caption ‘Unexpected comeback?’, the internet erupted.

  Within moments, Korean social media ptforms like Naver, TheQoo, and Instiz were buzzing with reposts of Ha-rin’s clip. Fans and netizens dissected Ji-an’s every movement, questioning what this meant for her career.

  Before they could leave, Song Ha-rin suddenly approached, a bright smile on her face. "Ji-an, do you mind if we take a picture together?"

  Ji-an gnced at Joon-ho, silently seeking approval. He gave a slight nod, and with that reassurance, she turned back to Ha-rin and offered a small smile. "Of course."

  Ha-rin beamed, quickly positioning herself beside Ji-an as cameras fshed once more. "This will go viral," she mused, already tapping away at her phone.

  Aftermath & Ji-an’s ThoughtsThe photoshoot wrapped up smoothly despite the unexpected attention. The PR team quickly reviewed the shots, nodding in satisfaction. The photos had done their job—Ji-an exuded poise, confidence, and an undeniable presence.

  As they left the bar, Ji-an let out a slow exhale. “Well… that escated quickly.”

  Yeon-jin nudged her. “Welcome back to the spotlight.”

  Joon-ho, walking beside them, checked his phone. "Ha-rin’s post is already trending. It’s all over Naver, TheQoo, and Instiz—netizens are already dissecting every frame."

  Ji-an bit her lip. “Should I be worried?”

  Joon-ho met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “No. This is exactly what we wanted.”

  She took a deep breath, letting the realization sink in. This comeback wasn’t just a personal choice anymore—it was a movement. And whether she was ready or not, the world was already watching.

  Section 3 - Preparation for the Saint Regis MeetingMorning at IMFGThe next morning, Ji-an arrived at IMFG’s headquarters, feeling the lingering weight of yesterday’s unexpected attention. As she stepped into the sleek, gss-paneled lobby, the usual buzz of employees moving about with purpose surrounded her. But there was an undercurrent of tension—whispers of restructuring, old board members stepping down, and changes happening under Kang Joon-ho’s command.

  She made her way to Joon-ho’s office, knocking lightly before stepping in. Inside, the atmosphere was markedly different from the usual controlled elegance. Stacks of documents covered his desk, and Seul-bi stood beside him, pointing at reports as they discussed IMFG’s internal shake-up.

  Joon-ho was seated, sleeves rolled up, signing off contracts with a sharp, decisive air.

  “We’ll terminate the underperforming projects first,” he said to Seul-bi. “Any models who don’t align with our new direction, cut them. We can’t afford dead weight.”

  Seul-bi nodded, flipping through her tablet. “The old board members are formally resigning today. That gives us full control over branding. Also, the deal with V Maison needs your signature.”

  Joon-ho barely looked up as he signed the contract in front of him. “Handled. Anything else urgent?”

  Seul-bi gnced at Ji-an, acknowledging her presence before replying, “Nothing that can’t wait until after the Saint Regis meeting.”

  Only then did Joon-ho lift his head, his sharp gaze nding on Ji-an. His expression softened, if only slightly. “You’re early.”

  Ji-an shifted, suddenly aware of how effortlessly in control he looked. “I figured I should be.”

  He gestured toward the leather sofa near his desk. “Sit. I’ll be done in a few minutes.”

  Ji-an nodded and moved to the sofa, crossing her legs as she settled in. Left with nothing to do but wait, she found herself watching him work. There was something mesmerizing about the way he operated—calcuting, precise, unwavering in his decisions. The way his fingers moved over documents, the subtle furrow of his brows, the way he barely wasted a second between tasks. It was a side of him she hadn’t paid much attention to before.

  She wouldn’t admit it aloud, but she was a little… captivated.

  Yeon-jin’s Gossip HourJust as Ji-an was lost in her thoughts, the office door swung open, and in walked Yeon-jin, carrying two cups of coffee. She took one look at Ji-an sitting quietly and smirked before making her way over.

  “Well, look at you, all obediently waiting like a CEO’s favorite,” Yeon-jin teased as she plopped down beside her, handing her a cup.

  Ji-an shot her a gre. “I’m waiting because I was told to.”

  Yeon-jin took a sip of her drink, side-eyeing Joon-ho, who was still absorbed in his work. “Mmm-hmm. And in the meantime, you’re staring at him like you’re watching a K-drama lead handle billion-dolr deals.”

  Ji-an choked slightly on her coffee. “I was not staring.”

  Yeon-jin grinned. “Sure, sure. But you have to admit, it’s kind of hot watching him run the show like this.”

  Ji-an shot her an exasperated look, but her slightly pink ears betrayed her. “Can you not?”

  Yeon-jin chuckled. “Hey, I’m just saying—power is attractive, and our dear CEO is basically a walking power trip.”

  Ji-an shook her head, trying to focus on her coffee rather than whatever nonsense Yeon-jin was about to spout next.

  Yeon-jin nudged her. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little crush a secret.”

  Ji-an groaned. “Oh my god, stop.”

  Across the room, Joon-ho finally set his pen down and stretched slightly, cracking his neck. “Are you two done gossiping?”

  Yeon-jin smirked. “Depends. Are you done being busy?”

  Joon-ho ignored her, instead turning his attention to Ji-an. “Let’s move to the meeting room. We need to go over everything for Saint Regis.”

  Ji-an stood up, grateful for the excuse to escape Yeon-jin’s teasing. But as she followed Joon-ho out of the office, she couldn’t quite shake the warmth lingering in her face.

  Yeon-jin, trailing behind them, whispered, “See? Hot.”

  Ji-an didn’t dignify that with a response.

  Section 4 - Preparation for the Saint Regis MeetingStrategizing the ApproachThe atmosphere inside the IMFG conference room was sharp and focused as Joon-ho and his team prepared for the upcoming meeting with Saint Regis, one of the most prestigious luxury fashion houses in the industry. Securing a partnership with them would not only elevate IMFG’s status but also cement Ji-an’s reentry into the fashion world at the highest level.

  Seul-bi had compiled an extensive report on Saint Regis’ recent market movements, highlighting their shifting target demographics, upcoming seasonal campaigns, and the competitors vying for their attention. The brand’s exclusivity was unmatched, known for working only with the most refined ambassadors who aligned with their legacy of timeless elegance.

  “They’re pivoting slightly toward the younger market without compromising their heritage,” Seul-bi expined. “They’ve been experimenting with modern silhouettes while maintaining their craftsmanship-focused image. If we position Ji-an correctly, we can present her as a perfect bridge between tradition and contemporary sophistication.”

  Joon-ho sat at the head of the table, flipping through the data. “Who are the key decision-makers?”

  “The final call rests with Sophie Vernet, their Creative Director,” one of the PR strategists responded. “She’s a perfectionist with a strong vision—she doesn’t choose ambassadors based on popurity alone. She looks for depth, longevity, and a muse who can carry the brand’s artistic vision.”

  Joon-ho nodded. He had heard of Sophie Vernet—a formidable force in the fashion industry. Originally from Paris, she had been at the helm of Saint Regis for nearly a decade, shaping its image with an uncompromising blend of modernity and tradition. Before transitioning into design, she was an internationally renowned model, gracing the covers of high-fashion magazines and dominating runways. Her sharp eye for aesthetics, combined with her deep understanding of the industry, made her a powerhouse in luxury branding.

  Sophie was known for her charm, confidence, and an undeniable presence—effortlessly commanding attention. With her curvaceous figure and signature bold style, she had a reputation for being flirtatious yet entirely in control. Many considered her unpredictable, but one thing was certain: she was impossible to impress unless something truly spoke to her artistic vision.

  “If we don’t convince Sophie Vernet, we don’t get Saint Regis,” Seul-bi added.

  Ji-an listened intently. She wasn’t just being considered for a brand deal—if Sophie Vernet chose her, it meant she was stepping into an elite echelon of fashion.

  Reviewing Past Colborations & Refining the PitchJoon-ho turned his attention to their proposed positioning. "How have their past colborations been structured?"

  "They rarely choose short-term ambassadors," Seul-bi noted. "Saint Regis prefers longstanding muses who grow with the brand. But there’s a pattern—every decade or so, they introduce a fresh face to reinvigorate their image. The st time they did that was seven years ago."

  A calcuted pause followed. The implication was clear—Saint Regis might be looking for their next icon.

  "That’s our opening," Joon-ho said decisively. "We frame Ji-an as a symbol of refined evolution. Someone who understands the industry, has experience, but is stepping into a new era of herself. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a transformation."

  The PR team nodded in agreement, refining the pitch accordingly. The campaign’s core message would highlight Ji-an’s journey: resilience, growth, and elegance reborn.

  Seul-bi pulled up examples of previous ambassadors. "Look at their past choices—each one was already established in the industry but underwent a significant shift that aligned with Saint Regis' image. Their selections have always been pivotal moments in those individuals’ careers, elevating them beyond just models or celebrities. They became icons."

  "Exactly," Joon-ho agreed. "We aren’t selling Ji-an as just another pretty face. We’re positioning her as a muse, a woman stepping into a new chapter—one that aligns with the evolution of Saint Regis itself."

  "Sophie Vernet has an eye for reinvention," one of the PR executives noted. "If she sees Ji-an’s comeback as an artistic statement, she’ll be interested. If we tie Ji-an’s transformation into Saint Regis’ narrative, it won’t just be a brand colboration—it will be a story people want to follow."

  Ji-an listened intently, feeling the weight of the discussion. This was more than just securing a role; it was about crafting an image that could define her career. And with the way Joon-ho and his team worked, it felt like they weren’t just guiding her—they were shaping something monumental.

  Ji-an’s Role in the StrategyAs the discussion deepened, Ji-an remained mostly quiet, absorbing how the team operated. This wasn’t just about putting on a pretty dress and smiling for the camera—this was business at the highest level, where alliances were forged with precision.

  “Ji-an,” Joon-ho’s voice pulled her back into focus. “For this meeting, you won’t need to say much. Just listen, observe, and carry yourself with confidence. Sophie Vernet values presence as much as she does words.”

  She nodded. “Understood.”

  Yeon-jin leaned over slightly and whispered, “Basically, look expensive and mysterious.”

  Ji-an shot her a look, fighting a smile.

  Joon-ho ignored them and continued, “If Sophie asks about your career shift, keep it elegant and simple—acknowledge your past but focus on your future. Show that you’re not just returning, but evolving into something greater.”

  Ji-an exhaled slowly, letting the words settle. It wasn’t just about answering questions correctly—it was about embodying the confidence they were trying to project. She needed to move with the same quiet power that made Sophie Vernet’s chosen muses unforgettable.

  “Remember,” Joon-ho added, his gaze steady on hers, “you are the statement.”

  She straightened in her seat, heat creeping up her neck at the intensity of his words. This was it. Her reentry into the fashion world wasn’t just happening—it was being crafted with intent.

  IMFG’s team finalized their presentation materials, ensuring every detail aligned with Saint Regis’ elite branding. The next step was securing the meeting itself.

  And Ji-an knew—once she stepped into that room, there would be no turning back.

  apmoneysense