"You have something interesting about you. I think you're charismatic," Mrs. Kim sounded like she was indirectly answering Madelin's question.
"What do you mean?" Madelin furrowed her brows, puzzled by Mrs. Kim's statement.
Mrs. Kim smiled. "I've heard about you for a long time, Madelin. Many people have been talking about you lately. And it turns out to be true, because when I saw you, you indeed looked charismatic, you're not just an ordinary model. You have something radiating within you that can attract others' attention. I believe that with your presence in this business, the business I'm running now will achieve great success. You're talented," Mrs. Kim praised.
Madelin was slightly surprised to receive such praise from Mrs. Kim. Clearly, she felt that she wasn't that exceptional. She only did what she thought she could do. Not more than that. Mrs. Kim's words of praise somehow aroused suspicion in Madelin's heart.
"Sorry, Mrs. Kim, it's not that I don't appreciate the praise you've given me. It's just that your words of praise feel a bit excessive, I'm not as great as you say." Madelin sighed for a moment before continuing her words. "Sorry, Mrs. Kim, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. But I just want to clarify this a bit. You seem very eager to invite me to work? But for some reason, I feel a bit uncomfortable? It doesn't mean I want to accuse you, but I feel a little uneasy in my heart," Madelin said firmly and honestly. Truthfully, Madelin just wanted to express her feelings at the moment.
"Oh my, have I made you feel scared?" Mrs. Kim looked slightly surprised. "I'm sorry, Madelin, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just want to establish a business collaboration with you. I didn't know that my presence made you uncomfortable. But I hope you can consider this job offer carefully and as comfortably as possible."
Honestly, Madelin wasn't sure about Mrs. Kim's explanation. But she also didn't know what to do. "I'll think about this offer. But I can't give a definite answer now," Madelin replied, trying to keep her composure.
"If that's your decision, then I'll try to respect it. I don't want to force you and make you feel uncomfortable." Mrs. Kim understood and nodded. "Alright, Madelin, I'll wait for your answer."
Micel nodded and added, "Thank you for meeting with us, Mrs. Kim. And I apologize if there was any discomfort during this meeting."
Mrs. Kim smiled thinly. "It's okay, our goals are mutually beneficial, and collaborating for greater business success. So, things like this can't be forced," Mrs. Kim said. After that, Mrs. Kim left the three of them.
Since Mrs. Kim left, Madelin felt somewhat anxious and uncertain about everything. "Micel, I don't know why, but this situation makes me feel very uncomfortable," Madelin said.
Micel gently patted Madelin's shoulder and looked at her intently. "It's okay, we can continue to monitor and find out more information about Mrs. Kim and the business project she's running," Micel said, trying to reassure Madelin. Madelin nodded, and they bid farewell and left the place. She just hoped that everything wouldn't get worse in the future.
***
"Are you done? Are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so pale?" Jonatan's questions were relentless, understandably so when he came to pick up Madelin.
Madelin shook her head. "It's nothing, I'm just a bit tired," Madelin replied calmly. Then she quickly got into the car, somewhat ignoring how Jonatan continued to look at her with concern.
"Would you like something to eat? I can buy it for you," Jonatan offered.
"In that case, please stop by my usual restaurant," Madelin referred to the clear chicken soup restaurant she always visited after work.
"Don't you ever get tired of eating there? Would you like to go somewhere else?" Jonatan glanced briefly at Madelin.
"No, I don't. That place is my favorite. If you don't want to, you don't have to bother taking me there."
"Oh... alright." Jonatan immediately gave in and drove his car to the restaurant where Madelin usually ate.
Upon arriving at Madelin's favorite restaurant, as soon as Jonatan opened the door of the small restaurant, he was very surprised to find Nike eating there.
"We should just go home," Jonatan suddenly suggested. He grabbed Madelin's hand and was about to turn around.
"I won't bother you... I mean, bother yourself. Just stay here, I just want to eat. Don't worry too much, it's just a coincidence that we met," Nike said calmly. He himself didn't seem very interested in Jonatan and Madelin's presence.
Madelin released her hand from Jonatan's grasp. "Jonatan... I'm hungry. I came here because I want to eat. Don't let your ego prevent me from eating," Madelin walked past Jonatan just like that. She then ordered her favorite soup.
"But we can find another place to eat," Jonatan protested, unwilling to give up.
Madelin didn't respond, she was busy choosing a seat for herself. Nike, seeing that Jonatan didn't like his presence, then sighed and looked lazily at the man.
"I'll be done eating soon. Don't get too carried away," Nike said.
"Don't you want to sit, Jonatan? If you don't want to, it's okay. You can go home first. I can order a taxi later after finishing my meal," Madelin said.
Jonatan could only grumble in annoyance. Whether he liked it or not, he had to comply even though he was annoyed. The man walked past Nike just like that. Until he finally sat in front of Madelin.
Just seeing him immediately raises my blood pressure, Nike thought. The young man then finished his meal, which was almost gone, and tidied up his belongings.
***
"This guy is really out of line... it shouldn't have been like this," Jonatan grumbled as he drove.
"Jonatan, please play some music. Honestly, I can't bear to hear you keep grumbling like this," Madelin requested.
"Oh, okay." Jonatan then played a song, and now his mouth had stopped grumbling. But in his heart, he continued his activity. He was furious when Nike hitched a ride in his car.
"I know this is bothering you. Don't worry, I'll reimburse you for the gas," Nike said.
"No need. If you do that, I'll feel like a taxi driver for you," Jonatan declined.
"I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry if that offended you," Nike said softly.