118: Chapter 118 The JK Sisters' Showdown

The next evening, Krystal Jung dragged her tired body into the entrance of her apartment, kicked off her sneakers, and stepped barefoot onto the cool hardwood floor, making a light sound.

Having just finished an afternoon of comeback stage dance practice, fine beads of sweat still clung to her temples, and her loose sweatshirt was slightly damp with sweat, clinging to her body and outlining her slender yet alluring figure.

"You're back?"

Jessica Jung's voice came from the living room. She was curled up on the sofa flipping through a fashion magazine, her eyes showing a hint of longing as she looked at the exquisite runway photos on the pages.

A cup of Americano that had long since gone cold sat on the coffee table.

Krystal gave a hum of acknowledgment and headed straight for the bathroom.

The warm water washed over her tense muscles, and her fatigue gradually dissipated.

But scenes from the yacht in New Zealand involuntarily surfaced in her mind.

Liu Zijun had called Jessica Jung's fashion brand childish and spoke of the bloody ruthlessness between capitalists.

She had been hiding around the corner of the hallway at the time, and every word had reached her ears. Thinking about it now, a trace of unease rose in her heart for some reason.

When she finished drying her hair and stepped out of the bathroom, she saw that Jessica Jung had already changed into a sharp champagne-colored Chanel-style tweed skirt and was adjusting her necklace in front of the full-length mirror.

The neckline of the dress perfectly revealed her delicate collarbones, making her skin appear even fairer. Her usual coldness was replaced by a touch of allure.

She was indeed a beauty.

Jessica Jung smiled at her reflection and said, "I have a social gathering tonight. Someone from Mr. Kwon's side is coming to pick me up."

"Have you heard of Mr. Kwon Young-il?"

"He's a partner at Emperor Entertainment Group in Hong Kong Island and a very powerful investor there. We had a great conversation last time."

"With his help and the channels he can open, my fashion brand plan can finally get off the ground."

She turned around and looked at Krystal Jung, her eyes sparkling with plans for the future.

"Krystal, you have no idea how massive the Chinese market is. If I can establish a foothold, my brand will definitely surpass those local light luxury brands."

"Mr. Kwon also said he has resources in the supply chain and there's a chance for cooperation."

Krystal Jung walked over to Jessica Jung's side, her fists tightening slightly.

"Jessica, that gathering... you'd better not go."

The smile on Jessica Jung's face faded slightly as she raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why? This is a rare opportunity. If I miss it, it might never come again."

Krystal Jung weighed her words, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible.

"Those capitalists aren't that simple. Liu Zijun was talking to Yoona Unnie before and said that no matter where the capital comes from, they are all predators. They give you resources on the surface, but who knows what conditions they're hiding underneath."

Jessica Jung's voice instantly turned cold, a trace of mockery flashing across her face.

"Liu Zijun again?"

"Last time, Yoona said he suggested we attend fewer unnecessary cocktail parties."

"And now he's saying I don't understand capital?"

"He might have some money, but what does a scumbag who only knows how to trick women know?"

"Does he think I can't accomplish anything?"

"I'm telling you, Krystal, I can build my own brand myself."

Krystal Jung hurriedly explained, "Jessica, that's not what I meant. I definitely support you wanting to start a fashion brand."

"But I'm worried you'll be cheated. No one knows Kwon Young-il's background for sure. What if he..."

Jessica Jung interrupted her, her tone carrying an unquestionable firmness.

"I've already looked into it. Mr. Kwon has a very good reputation in the Hong Kong circles. Not a single brand he's worked with has anything bad to say about him."

"Krystal, you've just been bewitched by Liu Zijun's words. You don't know the rules of the business world. Not everyone is a bad person."

She picked up her handbag from the sofa and said, "Besides, this is only my second time meeting Mr. Kwon. It's just preliminary communication. I'll know where to draw the line."

"Once my brand takes off, you'll know my decision today was right."

Looking at the stubbornness in her sister's eyes, Krystal Jung felt completely helpless.

She knew Jessica Jung's personality; once she set her mind on something, not even ten bulls could pull her back.

Ever since the Girls Generation days, her sister had always had a strong competitive streak, always wanting to prove her worth.

Looking at her now, this obsession had reached its peak regarding the fashion brand.

A brief silence fell over the apartment, with only the ticking of the wall clock audible. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Krystal Jung lowered her head and stopped speaking.

She hoped things would go as smoothly as her sister said.

Jessica Jung paused while putting on her shoes, remembering that Krystal Jung had said earlier she had something important to tell her. Her tone softened slightly.

"Didn't you say earlier you had something important to tell me when you got back? What is it?"

Krystal Jung looked up, a trace of hesitation in her eyes, which then turned into determination.

"The company arranged for Sulli and me to attend Seoul Institute of the Arts together. I've already agreed."

Jessica Jung was stunned for a moment, then a gratified smile appeared on her face. "Going to school? That's a good thing. Now is exactly the time you should be learning more. The film department at Seoul Institute of the Arts is very prestigious; it'll be good for your future development."

She walked over and sat down next to Krystal Jung, reaching out to ruffle her hair, but Krystal subconsciously dodged.

Jessica Jung's hand froze in mid-air, and the smile on her face gradually stiffened.

Krystal Jung's voice was very soft, yet it was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

"Liu Zijun arranged it. He said my current schedule is too full and I don't have time to ground myself. He said going to university will allow me to learn more professional knowledge, which will help my career as an artist in the future."

Jessica Jung's face instantly darkened, and the briefly softened atmosphere plummeted to freezing point.

"Liu Zijun? He has the power to arrange for you to enter Seoul Institute of the Arts?"

"Who does he think he is? Only silly girls like Yoona and Sulli would be fooled by him!"

Krystal Jung said, "He... he's the real boss of JS Investment Company! Even the ranch we went to belongs to him!"

Jessica Jung's mouth dropped open in shock. She stood up abruptly, her handbag gripped tightly.

"So what if he's the boss of JS Investment? After taking control of SM, does he want to control your life now too?"

"Krystal, you're just going to listen to him like that? You know he's a scumbag!"

Krystal Jung hurriedly explained, "It's not what you think. He didn't force me; I'm willing to go myself."

Jessica Jung's emotions completely boiled over, and her voice rose a few octaves.

"Krystal Jung, don't be stupid. I think he just has ill intentions toward you. He wants to make you as dependent on him as Sulli is, which is why he's arranging every aspect of your life like this!"

"Can't you have your own thoughts? Do you have to be led by the nose by him?"

She remembered Liu Zijun's cold attitude toward her at the company, and the disdain in his voice when he said he was 'not interested' in her. Her grievances and anger instantly intertwined.

She didn't even know why she was so angry.

Seeing Jessica Jung like this, Krystal Jung also got a bit angry and raised her voice. "Jessica, I'm not being led by the nose. Going to school was my own decision; he just provided the opportunity!"

"And he said I only need to participate in the group's essential schedules and focus on my studies. The company will coordinate resources to compensate. This is a good thing for me!"

Jessica Jung let out a cold laugh, her eyes full of disappointment.

"In your eyes, as long as he arranges it, it's a good thing?"

"Krystal Jung, wake up!"

"That dog man isn't truly doing this for your sake. He just wants you to be forever dependent on him, just like Choi Sulli!"

Looking at her sister's agitated state, Krystal Jung felt both helpless and aggrieved.

She knew her sister meant well, but her sister didn't understand Liu Zijun's character at all and only saw his scumbag side.

She suddenly felt a bit exhausted.

"I've already decided. I'll go to register in September."

"Jessica, if you insist on going to this gathering, please be careful. Call me anytime if anything happens."

Seeing her younger sister's stubbornness, Jessica Jung's anger flared even more.

She felt her good intentions were being treated with contempt. Her sister had been completely brainwashed by Liu Zijun and wouldn't listen to any advice.

As someone with a sister complex, she felt as if her sister had been snatched away, leaving a hollow feeling in her heart.

Taking a deep breath to suppress her anger, Jessica Jung yanked the apartment door open.

With a loud "bang," the door was slammed shut, making the walls tremble slightly.

This damn sister complex!

Krystal Jung sat on the sofa, looking at the closed door, her eyes turning slightly red.