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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

Flight to Munich

The morning sun bathed the hotel's breakfast room in a warm glow as Eun-tae, Seo-jin, Ji-eun, Hei-ran, and Dae-hyun gathered around a table adorned with a variety of international and local dishes. This day marked their departure for Munich on a private flight, and the excitement was palpable.

"Eun-tae, you've certainly bounced back to work mode after that phone call a few nights ago," Hei-ran speared a piece of fruit with her fork, glancing at Eun-tae with a half-smile.

"Yes, well, business calls for focus. Besides, we have a big day ahead in Munich," Eun-tae chuckled, the memory of his conversation with A-ri still fresh in his mind.

"Speaking of which, I hear Munich is quite famous for its art scene. Have you ever been there, Hei-ran?" Dae-hyun, sipping his coffee, chimed in with a grin.

"No, I haven't. Without a doubt, it's a remarkable city, especially for art lovers. I'm looking forward to this trip, not just for our project but also to revisit some of the incredible art exhibitions," Hei-ran lowered her head, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely, Munich is a treasure trove of culture and art. It's going to be an exciting experience for all of us," Eun-tae nodded in agreement.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed their expectations for the trip and the importance of their presentation. With breakfast finished, they made their way to the airport, the anticipation of what lay ahead fueling their spirits.

As they waited for their transportation to the airport, Dae-hyun couldn't help but let curiosity get the better of him. He leaned in slightly towards Hei-ran and whispered.

"Have you had a chance to ask Ji-eun about her relationship with Seo-jin?"

"Dae-hyun, you need to learn how women work. It's not something you just ask directly," Hei-ran shot Dae-hyun a disapproving look and whispered back.

Feeling challenged and perhaps a bit emboldened, Dae-hyun decided to take matters into his own hands. With everyone at the table, he turned to Seo-jin and casually asked.

"So, Seo-jin, how do you feel about the composition of this team? Are you happy with the people who were selected to come here?"

"I am, actually. I'm grateful that I could work with the people I wanted to. It's been a great experience," Seo-jin, caught off guard by the question, blushed slightly but managed a sincere smile.

Dae-hyun couldn't resist a triumphant nudge to Hei-ran's side, as if to say, 'See how easy it is to make a man confess?'

Hei-ran just shook his head and facepalmed in exasperation. Meanwhile, Eun-tae lost in his thoughts, remained unaware of the subtle developments in the conversation. He was content knowing that he had assembled a team that seemed to genuinely enjoy working together.

The team gathered their bags and headed towards the reception area, where Ming-jun was waiting for them. As always, he greeted them with a warm smile and ushered them towards the waiting car that would take them to Leipzig/Halle Airport.

The ride to the airport was smooth, with everyone engaged in their thoughts. Excitement buzzed in the air as they contemplated the upcoming presentation and the test of their project on a valuable artwork in Munich. Eun-tae, Hei-ran, Dae-hyun, Ji-eun, and Seo-jin shared a sense of camaraderie and determination.

Upon their arrival at the airport, Ming-jun guided them towards a private departure door. As they stepped onto the tarmac, they were greeted by the sight of a sleek mid-sized private jet waiting for their arrival. It was a modern aircraft that could comfortably accommodate up to 12 people.

The team exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and excitement evident on their faces. For most of them, it was their first time on a private jet, and the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. The jet's elegant design and plush interior conveyed a sense of prestige and exclusivity.

They climbed aboard, taking in the opulent surroundings. Plush leather seats, polished wood accents, and ample legroom made for a comfortable journey. As they settled into their seats, Eun-tae couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was a tangible reminder of how far they had come as a team.

Once everyone was seated, the jet's engines roared to life, and they taxied down the runway. The sensation of taking off in a private jet was unlike any commercial flight they had experienced. The aircraft lifted smoothly into the sky, leaving the ground below and carrying them towards their destination.

Inside the cabin, they exchanged excited glances and shared words of encouragement. They were a team ready to face a crucial test, and this journey to Munich was a symbol of their dedication and ambition.

As the jet cruised through the skies towards Munich, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. They were on their way to meet Mr. Heinrich and his team, to showcase their innovative project and its potential impact on the world of art and technology. It was a moment they had all been working towards, and they were determined to make the most of this opportunity.

While they soared through the skies on the sleek and modern mid-sized private jet, Hei-ran began to experience an unexpected bout of motion sickness. The speed and altitude of the jet seemed to unsettle her more than she had anticipated. Frantically, she searched her handbag for the painkiller she thought she had packed, but to her dismay, it was nowhere to be found.

Just as she was starting to worry about how she would alleviate her discomfort, Eun-tae, seated beside her, noticed her distress. Concern etched on his face, he leaned over and quietly passed her a tablet of painkiller.

"Are you alright, Hei-ran?" he asked softly.

Gratefully, Hei-ran accepted the tablet and a bottle of mineral water that Eun-tae had retrieved for her. She popped two painkillers from the tablet, washed them down with water, and then turned to thank him with a sincere smile.

At that moment, Hei-ran couldn't help but appreciate Eun-tae's compassion and thoughtfulness. He had not only waited for her and Dae-hyun during their late-night work session but had also been attuned to her discomfort now. As she closed her eyes, waiting for the painkillers to take effect, exhaustion from the overnight work and the gentle hum of the aircraft combined to lull her into an unintended slumber.

Dae-hyun emerged from the small aircraft restroom, looking around to find Eun-tae. Spotting him sitting next to Hei-ran, he approached quietly and leaned in to ask.

"Is she asleep?"

"Yes, she's resting. Thanks to the painkillers you brought, she's feeling better now," Eun-tae nodded gently, not wanting to disturb their colleague.

"I'm glad they worked. It's important that we all look out for each other, especially during a trip like this," Dae-hyun smiled, relieved to hear that Hei-ran was doing well.

"You're absolutely right, Dae-hyun. Your compassion and teamwork have been invaluable. If you hadn't given me those painkillers and asked me to watch over Hei-ran while you were in the restroom, things might have taken a different turn," Eun-tae glanced at Dae-hyun with gratitude.

"We're a team, and we need to take care of each other. That's how we'll succeed in our journey," Dae-hyun nodded in agreement.

With their colleague resting peacefully, the two of them settled back into their seats, knowing that they were not just colleagues but also a close-knit team working towards a common goal.

The team's private jet touched down at Munich Airport, bringing an end to their relatively short yet eventful flight. Once they disembarked, they were met by the welcoming atmosphere of Munich, a city steeped in history and culture.

Their first stop was at the hotel in Munich, where they would drop off their bags and freshen up before the main event. The hotel was a charming blend of modern amenities and classic European elegance. The lobby was adorned with artwork and sculptures, setting the tone for the city's rich artistic heritage.

With their bags safely stowed in their rooms, the team piled back into their vehicle. The car ride to their next destination was an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Munich. The city's architecture ranged from historic baroque buildings to sleek, contemporary structures, a testament to its vibrant past and progressive present.

Their final destination was a prestigious art gallery that housed a rare painting by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a name synonymous with innovation in the art world. The gallery was an architectural marvel itself, designed to provide the perfect backdrop for the masterpiece it held. The team couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as they entered the gallery, ready to immerse themselves in the world of art and creativity.

As the team arrived at the prestigious art gallery, they were greeted by Mr. Heinrich and his team, who were waiting in the grand foyer. Mr Heinrich and this new team, consisting of curators, art historians, and conservators, stood with an air of anticipation, ready to guide their distinguished guests through the world of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's masterpiece.

With warm smiles and firm handshakes, Mr. Heinrich welcomed Eun-tae and his team to the gallery. It was clear that they were in the presence of individuals who held deep respect and reverence for art. The gallery's staff were eager to share their knowledge and passion, making it clear that this visit would be a truly enriching experience for all.

 

Just to mention, Uni sem had resumed again and I swear, writing for a chapter like usual had been hard. With how my time needs to be shared with other responsibilities, I fear one day I'll be having trouble in keeping the one chapter-a-day update. I still have it in control at the moment but I can feel the pressure already. Anyway, wish me luck and I promise not to let you all down.

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