June 19, 2021. 14:19. Rome.
Well, this is certainly something.
I lean back against one of the ridiculously comfortable chairs in the lobby, crossing one leg over the other as I take another look around.
Biotechnica certainly knows how to make an impression.
The entire lobby looks like something straight out of a futuristic architectural magazine. High ceilings, polished marble floors, enormous glass panels, and a combination of sleek white surfaces and greenery arranged so perfectly that I'm pretty sure someone gets paid an absurd amount of money just to maintain it.
A massive Biotechnica logo hangs behind the reception desk, while several large displays cycle through promotional videos featuring everything from agricultural developments to renewable energy and biotechnology.
One of them is currently advertising some new biofuel initiative.
Huh. Fancy.
There are even a few indoor trees growing inside these strange glass installations, surrounded by carefully maintained plants that I honestly can't tell are natural or genetically modified.
It's probably both.
Guards patrol back and forth throughout the lobby, with several more stationed near the entrances and reception area. There are also enough cameras mounted along the ceiling that I stopped bothering to count them after the first dozen.
Most of the security personnel wear professional-looking uniforms rather than full combat equipment, although I can spot a few discreet weapons and cybernetic enhancements if I look closely enough.
Access to the elevators is restricted behind several security checkpoints, and everyone heading farther into the building has to present some form of identification.
And for me, Gina Kyung, all it took was one invitation, a quick identity check, and a very polite receptionist to get inside for the tour.
Just a pretty girl wearing a fashionable outfit.
Which is an incredibly nice change of pace.
I glance down at my phone.
14:21.
Still plenty of time before the tour begins at three. And since I've already checked in, there's not much else for me to do besides wait.
Hmm...
I scroll through my contacts, passing a few familiar names before stopping at one in particular.
I should call Ma.
It's been a little while since we last had a proper conversation. We've exchanged messages here and there, of course, but between my appointments and sightseeing, I haven't had nearly as much time to sit down and talk with her as I'd like.
Besides, I could use a familiar voice right about now—especially after spending so much time surrounded by people who barely know me.
I smile to myself and tap her name.
The call rings twice before she picks up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Mom!" I smile immediately at the sound of her voice.
"Gina! Sweetheart!"
"Heyyy. How are you?"
"Oh, I'm doing well, honey. What about you? Are you having fun in Italy?"
"Yeah! It's been really nice, actually."
"Good! I'm glad to hear that. Are you at your hotel right now?"
"Nopeee. I'm at Biotechnica."
"Biotechnica…? Oh! Is that the company you were telling me about earlier?"
"Mhm. I'm just waiting in the lobby right now. They're supposed to show us around in a little bit, and then there's some presentation and reception afterward."
"How exciting!"
I chuckle. "It's mostly promotional stuff, Ma."
"Still! Look at you, getting invited to all these important events!"
"Mom..."
"What? I'm proud of you!"
I can't help smiling. "You're making it sound like I'm about to become a CEO or something."
"Well, you never know!"
"Mom, I'm a model. Just like you were."
"And a veryyyy successful one! With waaayyy more fans and prospects than I ever had."
I laugh softly. "Okay, okay. Thank you."
"Besides, you work hard, Gina. You absolutely deserve these opportunities."
For a moment, I don't say anything.
It's funny how easily she says things like that. There's no hesitation or second thoughts.
Just… complete confidence in me, like there's never been a reason to doubt that I'll do well.
"Thanks… Mom," I say, my smile softening.
"Of course, sweetheart."
I settle a little farther into my chair, watching a group of well-dressed employees pass through the lobby.
".... So, how's everything back home? Anything interesting happening?"
"Oh, you know. The usual."
"That doesn't tell me much." I grin like a complete idiot in my room.
For another minute, we continue talking about the usual things. Food, friends, what she's been doing lately, and whether I've been eating properly.
Apparently, being on the other side of the planet does absolutely nothing to stop her from worrying about my diet.
Eventually, though, her tone changes slightly.
"Although... Vancouver has been getting a little strange lately."
I blink.
Oh?
"Strange how?" I ask.
"Well," she continues, "there's been quite a bit on the news about organized crime. Something about... more gang activity, apparently."
Ah, right. Mister did mention that earlier.
I sit up a little, doing my best to sound surprised. "Really?"
"Yes. They were talking about it again yesterday. Apparently, the police are concerned about some of the gangs becoming more active."
So it's starting to reach the news now.
I click my tongue and fold my arms thoughtfully. "Huh... Did they say anything specific?"
"Not much that I understood, honestly. Something about organized groups and the police keeping a closer eye on certain neighborhoods."
"Any actual incidents?"
"Oh, there have been reports here and there, but I don't think anything especially serious has happened recently. At least, nothing that I've heard about."
So, still mostly the same situation.
I relax slightly. "What about the mayor? Has he said anything?"
"Oh, Mayor Gestalt?"
"Yeah."
"He's been talking about it quite a lot, actually. I saw him on television the other day! Apparently, he's working with the police department to prepare some sort of crackdown. He keeps saying that Vancouver needs to be safer and that organized crime has gotten out of hand."
I glance toward the enormous Biotechnica logo across the lobby.
Well, that's consistent with what Mister told us.
"Sounds like he's taking it seriously." I continue.
"He should! Honestly, I think it's about time."
I raise an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Of course! Those gangs have been causing trouble for years. If we're going to rebuild Vancouver, then it's about time people could walk around their own neighborhoods without having to worry about criminals."
"Mmm… that's fair enough."
"And if the mayor and the police chief can actually do something about it this time with the corporate aid, then good riddance!"
I chuckle at how firmly she says that.
Can't exactly argue with wanting safer streets—from her perspective, it's pretty straightforward.
It's not like she knows half the shit I know about what's happening behind the scenes.
Although, to be fair, even I don't know exactly what's going to happen.
"Just… be careful, okay?" I tell her.
"Oh, sweetheart, don't worry about me."
"I'm serious, ma. If things are getting worse, I'd rather you stay away from anywhere sketchy."
"Gina… I have absolutely no intention of wandering around late at night."
"Good—"
"Especially without my daughter around to accompany me!"
I laugh. "Oh? So that's what I'm for?"
"Of course! My personal bodyguard!"
"Wowwwww… and here I thought you loved me."
"I do love you! That's why I make you carry all my shopping bags."
"Maaaaa!"
She bursts out laughing.
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. "Unbelievable."
"Besides, I'm perfectly happy spending time with my girls. We still go shopping, have lunch, and visit cafés, just in safer areas."
"Okay, good. Just… keep it that way."
"I will, honey. You worry too much."
Maybe.
But considering what I've seen over the past few months, I'd much rather worry a little too much than not enough.
"Anyway," Mom continues, "speaking of my girls, have you talked to yours recently?"
"Not as much as I'd like, actually. I've been pretty busy."
"Well, you should! I'm sure they'd love to hear from you."
"Yeahhhh…" I say, thinking it over. "You're right. I… should probably give them a call sometime."
"See? Your mother always gives good advice."
"Uh-huh. Sure."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing! Love you!" I throw out a quick jab.
She laughs again.
I glance at the time.
14:32.
Still a little while before the tour, but I should probably get ready to meet the coordinator soon.
"Oh! Before I forget, Mom."
"Yes?"
"Remember those Italian shoes you wanted?"
"...Gina."
I grin. "Guess what?"
"Did you find them?!"
"Yup!"
"Oh my goodness!"
I laugh at her immediate excitement.
"Hang on! I'll send you a picture!"
I pull up my gallery and find the photo I took of the shoes sitting inside their box at the hotel.
A few taps later, it's sent.
"Okay, check your messages!"
"One moment, sweetheart..."
I wait as she opens the picture.
"Ohhhhh! GINA! They're beautiful!" She practically squeals on the other end.
I burst out laughing. "Mom!"
"I know, right?!"
"These are exactly the ones I wanted!"
"Well, I remembered."
"Even the colour! Oh, they're gorgeous!"
I lean back in my chair, grinning. Mission accomplished. Again.
"Do you like them?"
"Like them? I love them!"
"Good!"
"Oh, I can't wait to try them on!"
I laugh. "They're coming home with me in August. Right now, they're sitting in my hotel room right now."
"Oh, thank you, sweetheart."
"I know."
"They must have been expensive..." She exhales softly. "Hopefully you didn't go too crazy in Italy, right?"
Ah. There it is.
"Don't worry about it," I say, clearing my throat timidly.
"Gina…"
"Ma."
"How much did you spend over the last few weeks?"
"Enough."
"GINA!"
I start laughing again. "Relax! I'm still net-positive!"
"Oh, honey..."
"Seriously. I wanted to get them for you."
Her voice softens. "Thank you, sweetheart. That's very thoughtful of you."
I smile. "You're welcome."
For a moment, neither of us says anything. I can hear her moving around on the other end, probably looking at the picture again.
Then she speaks.
"I'm really looking forward to having you home."
My smile softens a little. "Yeah. Me too."
"It's been so quiet without you."
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts. I'll probably be bothering you again the second I get back."
"Oh, I'm counting on it!"
I chuckle.
Nearby, a few guests begin standing as another group enters through the main doors. I glance toward the reception desk, where the staff appear to be preparing for the next part of the event.
Right. Work.
"Anyway, Mom, I should probably get going soon. My tour's starting in a bit."
"Oh! Of course, honey. I won't keep you."
"I'll call you again later, okay?"
"Please do! And take lots of pictures!"
"I will! Well, wherever they actually let me."
"Have fun, sweetheart! I'm proud of you!"
I smile. "Thanks, Ma. Love you."
The call ends, and I lower my phone with a small smile.
Heh. She's going to love those shoes.
Honestly, hearing how excited she got might've been worth the price all by itself.
I glance at the picture one more time before closing my gallery.
Can't wait to see her wearing them.
Then I remember something else Mom mentioned.
Oh, right. The girls.
Come to think of it, I haven't really checked in with them properly since arriving in Italy. Sure, we've exchanged a few messages here and there, but between working as Artemis, the photoshoot preparations, and my little vacation, I've been pretty bad at keeping everyone updated.
Oops.
I open our group chat.
Mia, Nari, and Christine.
I scroll through a few of their recent messages.
Most of it is exactly what I'd expect.
Random pictures, gossip, complaints about work, and the occasional meme that makes me question why I'm friends with these people in the first place.
Psshhh... These girls.
I grin and start typing. "HELLOOOOO GIRLIESSSS!!!!"
Then I open my gallery, uploading all my vacation pictures from the past few weeks. Beautiful streets, historical landmarks, restaurants, cafés, fancy hotel interiors, and enough pictures of food to make anyone jealous.
Then come all of my outfits. And there are a lot of them.
Cute summer dresses, casual streetwear, a few more elegant outfits, and several mirror selfies I've taken while trying on clothes during my shopping trips.
Some are cute, others are more fashionable, and a few are definitely on the sexier side.
Heh. These are good.
I select another handful, including a picture of me wearing a fitted black dress at a restaurant, a selfie from my hotel room, and another from earlier today showing off my outfit for the Biotechnica event.
Perfect.
I send all of them.
By the time I'm finished, I've practically flooded the entire group chat with my Italian vacation.
There. Enjoy, ladies.
I lean back in my chair, looking rather pleased with myself.
For a few seconds, nothing happens.
Then I notice Mia coming online.
Followed by Nari and Christine.
Oh?
The first message arrives almost immediately.
Nari sends, "GINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
"WHAT THE FUCKKKKK"
"HELLO?????"
Mia follows. "HOLY SHIT"
"GINASAURUS HAS RETURNED???"
Christine sends, "OH MY BABEEEE <33333"
I giggle to myself. "HEHEHE HIIIIII"
Nari immediately responds, "GIRL WHAT IS ALL THIS"
"YOU CAN'T JUST DROP LIKE 50 PICTURES AND ACT NORMAL"
"IM SHARING MY VACATIONNNN!!!!"
Mia sends, "VACATION????"
"THIS IS A WHOLE ASS PHOTOSHOOT"
Christine adds, "NO BUT THE OUTFITSSSS"
"THE BLACK DRESS????"
"GINA."
"GIRL."
"YOU LOOK SO GOODDDDDD JGFLSKJDSFKLSDJFKLSD;"
I cover my mouth, laughing quietly. "GUYSSSS STOPPPP"
Nari sends, "OMG SO SEXYYY WOWOWOWOW"
"MARRY MEEEEEE"
Mia immediately follows. "GET IN LINE BITCH"
"THAT'S MY WIFEEEEE"
Christine sends, "EXCUSE ME??? WE'RE SHARING"
I nearly choke trying not to laugh out loud.
"HELPPPP" I send multiple crying emojis. "CAN U GUYS RELAXXXXX"
"NO <333" Nari replies.
Mia sends, "I'm actually offended."
"How are you allowed to look this good while I'm sitting here eating leftovers in my pajamas?"
"SKILL ISSUE BABE" I type.
"OH FUCK YOU LMAOOOO"
Christine adds, "Waitttt, the one with the sunglasses in front of that café???"
"THAT ONE IS SO CUTE"
"And the hotel mirror selfie??? GIRL YOUR WAIST HOWWWW"
Nari sends, "NO CUZ THE LEGS IN THE THIRD PIC"
"IM LOOKING RESPECTFULLY"
"IM NOT," Mia replies.
I burst into another fit of giggles, quickly covering my mouth when a nearby guest glances in my direction.
Oh, these fucking girls. "YOU'RE ALL SO EMBARRASSINGGGG"
Christine sends, "We are literally your biggest fans."
"YOUR NUMBER ONE SUPPORTERS"
"YOUR PERSONAL HYPE SQUAD"
Nari adds, "AND FUTURE WIVES"
"STOP TRYING TO MARRY ME OMG"
Mia replies, "Then stop being hot."
I shake my head, grinning. Unbelievable.
For another minute, the girls continue scrolling through my pictures, commenting on practically every outfit, asking where I bought certain clothes, and demanding to know which restaurants I've visited.
Naturally, Nari, being who she is, will most likely ask whether I've met any cute Italian guys.
"NO BOYFRIEND UPDATES BEFORE U ASK," I type, predicting her question.
"BOOOOOOO," Nari responds. "I DIDN'T EVEN ASK YET???"
Mia adds, "Mrs. Kyung is gonna be devastated."
"LEAVE MY MOM OUT OF THIS!!!"
Christine sends a laughing emoji. "Seriously thoughhhh, Gina, you look really happy in these pictures." She follows up with a heart emoji and a face that's barely holding back tears.
I pause, my smile softening a little.
Nari follows up. "YEAHHH. Love seeing you living your best life babe."
Before I can respond, however, I notice some movement near the reception desk.
A woman holding a tablet has stepped forward and begun speaking with several of the waiting guests. Two other staff members are moving around the lobby, checking names and directing people toward the elevators.
Oh.
I glance at the time.
14:52. Ah, shit. Already?
I quickly type another message. "OKAY GIRLIES I GOTTA GOOOOOOO"
Nari responds immediately. "WHAT NOOOOOOO"
Mia sends, "GIRL U JUST GOT HERE"
Christine adds, "WAITTTT WE HAVEN'T EVEN FINISHED LOOKING AT THE PICTURES"
"I KNOWWWW BUT MY EVENT'S ABOUT TO START" I send a pouting emoji.
Nari replies, "WHAT EVENT"
"BIOTECHNICA BABEEEE"
Mia sends, "WAIT THE MEGACORP????"
Christine follows. "GIRL WHAT???"
"YEAHHH I'M HERE FOR A PRIVATE TOUR AND SOME CORPORATE PR STUFF"
Nari sends, "SHE'S BOOKED AND BUSYYYYYY"
Mia adds, "Miss International Businesswoman over here."
"STOPPPP YALL IT'S JUST PART OF MY PHOTOSHOOT!!!"
Christine sends, "OKAY GO BE PRETTY AND SUCCESSFUL BABE"
Nari replies, "BYEEEE WIFEYYYY HAVE FUNNNN"
Mia adds, "Don't forget us when you're rich and famous."
"NEVERRRR!!"
I giggle one last time before locking my phone and slipping it into my purse.
God, I love those girls.
Honestly, I should probably make more time for them when I get back. It's been a while since we've all gone out together, and knowing them, they're probably going to drag me into some ridiculous shopping trip or karaoke night the moment I land in Vancouver.
Not that I'd complain.
I glance toward the reception desk again.
Alright. Back to work.
I straighten my outfit, smoothing out a small wrinkle near my waist before standing up. A quick adjustment to my hair, a glance at my reflection in one of the nearby glass panels, and I'm satisfied.
By now, several other guests have gathered near the reception desk, most of them dressed in expensive suits, formal business attire, or similarly fashionable outfits.
A few are already chatting with the event coordinators, while others appear to be introducing themselves.
Judging by the conversations I overhear, there's quite a mixture of people attending. Investors, corporate representatives, journalists, a handful of public figures, and several people who look like they probably make more money in a week than most people do in a year.
I make my way over, offering a polite smile as one of the women holding a tablet looks up.
"Good afternoon! May I have your name, please?"
"Gina Kyung."
Her expression immediately brightens. "Oh! Miss Kyung!"
"Yes, that's me," I reply with a smile.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you in person! We've been expecting you."
"Thank you! It's lovely to be here."
She glances down at her tablet, quickly checking something before looking back up. "Yes, everything's in order. I'm Alessia Conti, by the way. We've been corresponding over the past few weeks."
"Oh! Alessia!" I smile a little wider. "It's so nice to finally put a face to the name."
"Likewise! Thank you again for joining us today. I hope everything went smoothly with your arrival?"
"Absolutely. Your reception staff were wonderful, and I have to say, the building itself is gorgeous."
"Oh, thank you! I'll be sure to pass that along." She gestures toward the lobby with a pleased smile. "We're quite proud of this facility. It was designed to reflect some of Biotechnica's newer architectural and environmental initiatives."
"Well, it's certainly impressive. I was admiring the greenery earlier, actually."
"Oh! The indoor botanical installations?"
"Yes! They're beautiful."
Alessia smiles. "I'm glad you noticed. You'll actually be seeing some of the technology behind those installations during the tour."
Huh. Interesting. "Really? Well, now I'm looking forward to it even more."
"Wonderful!" She adjusts her tablet before continuing. "Actually, since you're here, would you mind if I quickly confirmed something regarding your August schedule?"
"Of course. Go ahead."
"Wonderful! Aside from coordinating today's event, I also work with our communications and public relations team. We've actually been collaborating with some of Jinguji's promotional partners, and we heard you'd be in Italy for their upcoming fall collection campaign anyways. So we thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to invite you!"
"Aw, thank you! I'm really glad I could make it." I smile.
Ah, so there's a connection between the two companies.
"Actually, I've been speaking with a few people about the Jinguji arrangements, but I didn't realize Biotechnica was involved too," I admit.
"Yes! Although only in a limited capacity," Alessia explains enthusiastically. "We're collaborating on some of the promotional activities surrounding the campaign, particularly through our corporate partnerships and public relations teams. Jinguji is still handling the fashion production itself, of course."
"Oh, I see! That makes sense."
"We've also been coordinating with their representatives on a few networking opportunities, which is partly how your name came up for today's event."
"Well, I'm glad it did!" I laugh softly. "It's always nice getting to meet people I'll potentially be working with."
"Likewise! And don't worry, your photoshoot arrangements are still being handled by Jinguji. We're simply helping with some of the broader promotional coordination."
"Got it! I haven't received the final schedule from them yet, but I've been keeping those dates available."
"Perfect! I'm sure their team will be in touch once everything's finalized. In the meantime, if anything comes up regarding our side of the collaboration, I'll make sure you're contacted well in advance."
"I appreciate that. Thank you!"
"Of course!" She pauses for a moment, looking me over, before her smile grows. "And I have to say, your photographs really don't do you justice."
I blink. "Sorry?"
"You're absolutely gorgeous in person!"
I laugh softly, feeling a little warmth rise to my cheeks. "Oh my goodness, thank you! That's veryyyy sweet of you."
"No, really! I've seen your portfolio and social media, of course, but you're even more beautiful in person."
"You're too kind," I reply, smiling. "I really appreciate that."
Alessia laughs. "Sorry, sorry. I promise I'm usually more professional than this."
"Oh, don't worry about it! It's very flattering."
"Good! Because I was just telling one of my colleagues yesterday that I was excited to finally meet you."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. We have a few people here who follow your work."
Well, that's certainly nice to hear.
I smile a little wider. "That's wonderful. I'm glad people have been enjoying it."
"Especially your recent fashion campaigns. I loved the one you did earlier this year."
"Oh! Thank you! That was actually a really fun project."
"It shows! The styling was beautiful."
"Credit to the team, honestly. They did an amazing job putting everything together."
"Well, you certainly made their work look good."
I laugh again.
Okay, she's really laying it on thick.
Still, I can't say I dislike the attention.
"Oh, and before I forget," Alessia says, glancing down at her tablet. "I have your visitor badge right here."
She retrieves a sleek white badge bearing the Biotechnica logo, my name, and a small identification chip embedded near the bottom.
GINA KYUNG.
INVITED GUEST — PRIVATE EVENT.
"Thank you!" I beam at her.
"You're very welcome." Alessia nods. "You'll need that for some of the restricted areas during the tour."
"Got it."
"If you have any questions or need anything throughout the afternoon, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Of course. Thank you, Alessia."
She smiles. "You're very welcome!"
Not a bad afternoon. Not bad at all.
Then a woman's voice interrupts our conversation.
"Alessia?"
"Oh! Good afternoon!" Alessia turns toward the newcomer with a welcoming smile.
I follow her gaze.
And immediately, I fight the urge to let my eyes bulge.
Wait… what?
Standing a few feet away is a familiar woman dressed in an elegant business suit, her dark hair neatly styled and a Biotechnica identification badge clipped to her jacket.
She looks perfectly at ease, holding a tablet in one hand while exchanging pleasantries with Alessia.
I blink.
What the hell?
Right in front of me stands Linh Tcheou.
The same Linh I saw earlier during the gala and the Neo-Tanwir raid.
For a moment, I genuinely wonder whether I'm seeing things.
What the actual fuck is she doing here?!
Isn't she supposed to be some kind of Biotechnica special operative?
Why is she acting like a regular-ass corporate employee?!
I stare for perhaps half a second too long before catching myself.
Oh, shit.
I quickly redirect my attention toward Alessia's tablet, maintaining the polite smile I've been wearing throughout our conversation.
Okay. Okay.
Calm down.
It's not like Linh being here is completely unreasonable.
She does work for Biotechnica, after all.
Sure, she's basically a secret agent, so it's not too crazy to assume she'd show up in a Biotechnica building. But to just casually run into her here, of all places? Right in front of me?
What the hell…
"Everything going smoothly?" Linh asks Alessia.
"Very smoothly, thank you! We're just finishing up with our guests before the tour begins," she replies.
"Excellent. I understand the research team has everything prepared?"
"Yes. Dr. Ricci confirmed the final arrangements earlier."
"Wonderful." Linh smiles, glancing toward the gathering attendees. "Quite a turnout."
"We're very pleased with the attendance."
"Good. The partnerships division should be happy."
I listen to their conversation, trying not to look too interested.
Partnerships division?
What?
Does she just do corporate meetings when she's not running around with armed operatives?
Actually, considering the kind of people I've encountered over the past few weeks, that probably isn't even particularly unusual.
Hell, Dante runs an entire criminal organization while maintaining legitimate businesses.
Alessia suddenly turns toward me.
"Oh! Actually, Ms. Tcheou, there's someone I'd love for you to meet."
Oh, come on.
Linh follows her gaze, and our eyes meet.
For one horrible moment, I feel my stomach tighten.
Don't react. Don't fucking react.
"This is Gina Kyung," Alessia introduces me enthusiastically. "She's one of our invited guests today, and she'll also be involved in some of our upcoming promotional partnerships."
I offer Linh my warmest, most professional smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Linh regards me for a moment before smiling.
"Likewise!" She extends her hand. "Linh Tcheou. Strategic Operations."
Yeah. I fucking know.
I take her hand. "Gina Kyung."
"A pleasure, Miss Kyung."
"Please, Gina is fine."
"Then Linh is fine as well."
I force a soft laugh. "Of course!"
Oh, this is fucking surreal.
Alessia smiles between us.
"Ms. Tcheou works with several of our strategic initiatives and external partnerships. She's been involved in coordinating some of our larger projects here in Italy."
"Oh, I see!" I nod with an interested smile.
Oh, I see, alright.
External partnerships.
Is that what we're calling the Neo-Tanwir raid now?
Linh chuckles. "Alessia makes my work sound considerably more interesting than it usually is."
"Oh, I'm sure that's not true," I reply pleasantly.
Understatement of the fucking century.
Linh gives a modest shrug. "Most of it involves meetings, contracts, and making sure the right people are speaking to one another."
"Well, that sounds important!" I perk up, leaning forward slightly with an enthusiastic smile.
"It has its moments." Linh raises one hand in a playful gesture of innocence, smiling as though there's nothing particularly exciting about her work.
Yeah. I bet it does.
Alessia glances toward me. "Actually, Gina is one of our invited guests today! She's a fashion model who'll be working with Jinguji here in Italy."
"Oh?" Linh turns toward me. "Jinguji? How lovely! You're modeling for them?"
"That's right!" I smile. "I'll be doing a photoshoot for their upcoming fall collection."
"I see! And you're joining us today while you're visiting Rome?"
"Mhm! I received an invitation from Biotechnica's communications team, and I thought it sounded like a wonderful opportunity."
"Well, we're certainly glad you could join us."
"Thank you! I'm happy to be here."
"Lovely!" She smiles. "I read a bit about you, but admittedly not too much. Have you been working in the industry long?"
"A few years now. I've been fortunate enough to work on some wonderful projects."
"I see. And how are you enjoying Rome?"
"Very much, actually! It's been a wonderful trip so far."
"Oh? For business or pleasure?"
"A little of both," I reply with a light laugh. "I've got my modeling work coming up, but I've been taking advantage of the opportunity to explore the city in the meantime."
"Ahhh… a sensible approach." She smiles. "Rome has quite a lot to offer."
"It really does. I've been enjoying the food especially."
Linh laughs softly. "Understandable. That's usually one of the first things visitors mention."
"Can you blame us?"
"Not at all."
Okay… this is fine. She's acting perfectly normal.
Linh glances at my visitor badge before looking back at me.
"Gina Kyung..."
Oh?
She seems to consider something, her smile lingering as our eyes meet.
I maintain my own.
Please don't recognize me.
After a moment, her expression brightens. "I must say, you certainly carry yourself well."
I offer a polite smile. "That's very kind of you."
"Not at all," Linh replies warmly, her smile widening.