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Hearts for Hire

Amidst towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, artist Han A-ri and corporate executive Lee Eun-tae find themselves entangled in a contractual union to fulfill their respective needs – financial stability for A-ri and companionship for Eun-tae. As they navigate this uncharted territory, societal divisions between practicality and love loom large. With the guidance of a sophisticated agency, A-ri and Eun-tae must navigate a delicate balance between their contractual obligations and the stirrings of genuine emotions, challenging their beliefs and blurring the lines between personal and pragmatic. In a city torn between tradition and innovation, "Hearts for Hire" explores the intricacies of human connections and the pursuit of authentic love amidst a world of contracts. (R18) Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, events and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and his only. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Sexual acts are also depicted in the story. Update: A chapter a day Site: https://akikure.carrd.co/

Aki_Kure · Urban
Not enough ratings
116 Chs

Arrival in Frankfurt

The day had finally arrived, and the team from InnoArtTech touched down at Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest international gateways in Europe. They had embarked on a journey that held the promise of groundbreaking collaborations and innovative solutions for the preservation of art and culture.

As they disembarked from the aircraft and made their way through the terminal, they couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. Eun-tae, Hei-ran, Seo-jin, Dae-hyun, and Ji-eun, the core members of the team, were greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the airport, a stark contrast to the familiar surroundings of their home country.

But before they could fully immerse themselves in the German experience, there was the matter of clearing customs and immigration. As they approached the immigration counter, Eun-tae and Dae-hyun, who were fluent in English, handled the necessary paperwork with ease. Hei-ran, who had a basic understanding of the language, managed to answer a few questions posed by the immigration officer with a mixture of nods and simple responses.

However, Seo-jin and Ji-eun, despite their enthusiasm, found themselves in a comical language impasse. When the immigration officer asked about the purpose of their visit, Seo-jin attempted to explain in Korean-accented English.

"We... art... preserve... technology..." His words were met with a polite but bewildered smile from the officer.

Ji-eun, not wanting to be outdone, chimed in.

"InnoArtTech... make art safe... no ruin!" Her hand gestures were as animated as her explanation, but it only added to the officer's confusion.

Eun-tae and Dae-hyun, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle at their colleagues' valiant efforts to communicate. With a quick exchange of glances, they stepped in to clarify the situation, ensuring that the entire team passed through customs without any further linguistic acrobatics.

With their passports stamped and visas checked, they retrieved their luggage and regrouped. The team was officially on German soil, ready to explore new horizons and make their mark in the world of art preservation.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed. Kim Min-jun, the liaison from the International Art Preservation Consortium (IAPC), was there to personally welcome them. With a warm smile and a firm handshake, he conveyed his excitement about the collaboration ahead.

"Welcome to Frankfurt!" Min-jun's voice carried genuine enthusiasm. "We're thrilled to have you here, and IAPC is looking forward to the contributions InnoArtTech will bring to the table."

Eun-tae, representing InnoArtTech, reciprocated the warm greeting, expressing his gratitude for the hospitality they had received thus far. The journey was off to a promising start, and the team was eager to embark on the adventure that awaited them in Germany.

The team's journey continued as they made their way to Leipzig by train, an experience that was a stark contrast to their earlier flight. As they entered Frankfurt's bustling Hauptbahnhof, one of Europe's busiest railway stations, the team members couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Seo-jin, always the technical expert, marvelled at the sleek design of the high-speed German train waiting for them.

"These German trains are something else," he commented, running a hand along the polished surface. "Efficiency and precision, that's what they're known for."

Ming-jun, who had joined them for the trip, took this opportunity to share some background information about IAPC.

"I thought it might be helpful to know a bit more about us," he began. "IAPC, or the International Art Preservation Consortium, is a globally recognized organization dedicated to preserving and digitizing art and cultural heritage."

Ming-jun explained in perfect Korean so they didn't have trouble understanding him. Hei-ran just nodded as she listened to Ming-jun's explanation. She knew that this collaboration was a significant opportunity for InnoArtTech.

"They're known for their meticulous work," Dae-hyun added, leaning in closer to hear Ming-jun. "They've been at the forefront of art preservation for years."

Ji-eun, the creative mind of the team, was inspired by Ming-jun's words.

"This collaboration could be a game-changer," she mused, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It does serve its purpose, as it's a chance for us to make a lasting impact in the world of art preservation. Let's make the most of it," Eun-tae, always composed and focused on the bigger picture, spoke up.

During the train ride, the team's conversation was a blend of professional discussions and personal reflections, highlighting their unique camaraderie. They shared stories about their families, hobbies, and aspirations, discovering common interests and connections beyond the confines of the project. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks seemed to complement their exchange, making the journey feel like more than just a physical transition—it was a bridge to a new chapter in their professional lives.

By the time they arrived in Leipzig, the team was not only physically closer to their destination but also mentally prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The train ride had become a symbol of their journey toward new horizons, where art, technology, and culture would converge to create something extraordinary.

Upon their arrival at Leipzig's Hauptbahnhof, Ming-jun wasted no time in taking the team to their hotel. They had journeyed a long way, and he could see the fatigue in their eyes.

As they entered the elegant lobby of the hotel, the team members were greeted by the warmth of the reception area. The blend of modern design and classic European aesthetics made them feel like they were stepping into a different world.

"Alright, everyone," Ming-jun said with a friendly smile. "I'm sure you're all tired from the journey. Let's get you checked in so you can freshen up."

Hei-ran, always the meticulous planner, had prepared everyone's passports and reservation details in advance. The hotel staff efficiently handled the check-in process, and soon, each team member had their room key.

This place is incredible. I can't even begin to imagine how much IAPC has invested in this collaboration," As they made their way to their respective rooms, Dae-hyun couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "

"Ah, the mysteries of funding. Let's just say IAPC is quite committed to projects like this," Ming-jun, who had overheard his comment, chuckled.

"Well, their reputation in the art preservation world speaks for itself. It's no surprise they have the resources for such endeavours," Eun-tae, ever the pragmatist, chimed in.

In their rooms, the team members took a moment to appreciate the comfort and luxury surrounding them.

Eun-tae, ever the dedicated leader, was the first to enter his room. He stood by the window, gazing out at the Leipzig skyline as his mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming meetings and presentations. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that the success of this collaboration hinged on their performance.

He couldn't resist the urge to message A-ri, updating her on their successful arrival and how he had settled into the hotel room. Their messages were filled with warmth and affection as if they were a married couple rather than participants in a contractual relationship. Still, they had even gone to the extent of creating a mock marriage certificate for their unique arrangement, now being a testament to the bond that had grown between them.

Hei-ran, always the meticulous planner, meticulously inspected her room, ensuring that every detail was as it should be. She appreciated the softness of the bed and the tasteful decor that surrounded her. In her mind, she was already going over the logistics for the next day, making mental checklists to ensure that everything would run smoothly.

Soo-jin, the tech expert, took a moment to unpack his equipment and set up a makeshift workspace. He appreciated the efficient design of the room, which included a spacious desk. As he organized his gadgets and devices, he contemplated the technical challenges that lay ahead. His mind was filled with thoughts of software integration and system compatibility.

Dae-hyun, since he was the only one who had recently returned from training, was eager to make the most of this opportunity. He marvelled at the view of Leipzig from his window, a city he had only read about before. His thoughts were a mix of excitement and determination as he considered the market research he needed to conduct and the connections he hoped to establish.

Ji-eun, the marketing representative, took a moment to unwind and appreciate the luxurious surroundings. She had a knack for finding beauty in unexpected places, and the elegant room was no exception. As she relaxed on the plush bed, her mind began to wander, thinking about the ways she could craft a compelling narrative for their presentation.

As they settled into their new temporary homes, each team member had their thoughts and expectations for the days to come. Leipzig had a rich cultural heritage, and they were here to explore not only the world of art and technology but also the city's history and charm. The adventure had only just begun, and the team was ready to embrace it with open minds and eager hearts.

Little did they know that their journey was about to become even more eventful than they could have imagined.

 

Hey, so I'm taking today's section just to let out what I wanted to say. I know that the collection rate is at a stalemate right now but I don't mind. Even if it's only one of you who enjoys this story, I feel satisfied enough. So, I just wanted to say thank you for still keeping with this story after all this time.

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