Expression and Vision (Jenlisa)

CHAPTER 42

Ji-Eun raised her eyebrow, faking surprise.

"Lisa? Is that you? The famous photographer, Lalisa Manoban?"

Lisa nods slightly playing along, her father’s face twisting with surprise and thinly veiled jealousy. The atmosphere shifts as Ji-Eun steps forward and embraces Lisa, shocking everyone.

Ji-Eun gushed

"I’ve admired your work for a long time. Your talent is exceptional."

Mr. Manoban’s jaw clenches as Ji-Eun continues to praise Lisa, ignoring him completely.

Mr. Manoban cutting in, clearly irritated.

"Yes, well… Lisa is my daughter, after all. Our family is full of talent."

Ji-Eun turns her attention to Mr. Manoban, her tone shifting back to business.

Ji-Eun said coldly

"Is that so? Well, Mr. Manoban, I’ll accept your proposal for a business partnership. But let’s be clear—it's only because I know Lisa. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have considered it."

Mr. Manoban forces a smile, though jealousy and frustration simmer beneath his composed exterior. His wife tries to calm him, placing a hand on his arm, but it doesn’t help much.

Mrs. Manoban was patting his back.

"Calm down, dear. This is a good opportunity."

As they closed their business deal Ji-Eun left.

Sana, standing next to Lisa, speaks up, her voice cutting through the tension.

Sana said with a sharp edge.

"You know, every profession is equally valuable. If it weren’t for Lisa, you wouldn’t have this partnership with one of the top companies in the country."

Mr. Manoban, shamelessly trying to save face, puffs his chest out.

"Well, at the end of the day, Lisa is still my blood. I must have done something right."

Sana and Lisa exchange knowing looks, both shaking their heads in exasperation.

Lisa murmured to Sana

"It’s like trying to explain math to a buffalo."

Sana laughs quietly.

"Exactly."

The hotel ballroom buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered to celebrate Lisa's birthday. The huge birthday cake was front and center, with her friends singing the birthday song loudly. When the song ended, Lisa blew out the candles, cut the cake, and immediately pulled Jennie into a tight hug.

"You know, Jen,"

Lisa whispered in her ear with a grin,

"I want you to organize my birthday for the rest of my life."

Before Jennie could respond, Jisoo appeared out of nowhere and threw herself into their hug, squeezing them both tightly.

"Hey, birthday hugs aren't exclusive!"

Jisoo giggled, and soon Tzuyu, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung piled onto the group hug as well.

"Guys, guys!"

Jennie gasped dramatically, struggling to breathe under the weight of all her friends.

"I can't breathe! If you want me to live long enough to plan her birthdays, you need to let me go!"

With reluctant giggles, the group released Jennie, who was immediately pulled aside by Jihyo, leaving Lisa at the mercy of the others.

"Now it's time to give birthday kisses to the birthday girl!"