LOVE IS ALL AROUND

By Margie

2003-07-13

 

PROLOGUE.. 1

Episode 1. 1

Episode 2. 3

Episode 3. 4

Episode 4. 7

Episode 5. 9

Episode: 6. 11

Episode: 7. 12

Episode: 8. 14

Episode: 9. 17

Episode: 10. 19

Episode: 11. 21

Episode: 12. 24

Episode: 13. 25

Episode: 14. 27

Episode: 15 - The Wedding (Conclusion) 30

 

 

 

PROLOGUE

 

On her 21st birthday, Zhen Sun Mei was told the shocking news that the man she had been calling ‘Daddy’ for 21 years, is really her paternal uncle. Sun Mei’s parents were involved in a car accident while visiting the countryside; and her father was killed at the scene. Sun Mei’s mother lived long enough to tell her brother-in-law, Gui Cheng, to take care of the 6-month old Sun Mei and to love her like his own child.

She had also wanted Gui Cheng to keep the truth from Sun Mei until she reaches 21 years of age, because she did not want Sun Mei to undergo the stigma associated with being an orphan. She wanted Sun Mei to be able to lead a normal and happy childhood; and for her to excel in her education.

In spite of his own pain, Gui Cheng took the hapless baby under his wing and hired a housekeeper to help look after the infant baby. Gui Cheng’s wife had left him six months earlier. Being a highly educated woman, she wanted her own career and had wanted to study fashion design in France. She felt stifled being a married woman.

Gui Cheng gave Sun Mei a specially designed diamond bracelet for her birthday and an old photograph of her parents. Sun Mei hugged her daddy (uncle). ‘Oh, daddy, how could I ever thank you for all you’ve done for me?’ Gui Cheng gave a gentle shake, ‘Silly, silly girl. You do not have to thank me at all. You have brought me so much happiness all these years; you’re the daughter I never had. I am so lucky to have you’. He lovingly hugged her to him.

‘But now, shouldn’t I call you Uncle?’ Gui Cheng told her, ‘Sun Mei, nothing’s changed at all. But if you think you’d feel more comfortable calling me Uncle, then I would not stop you’. Sun Mei pondered a second and replied, ‘I would still call you ‘Daddy’ and Gui Cheng was touched, ‘I had hoped you would’.


Episode 1

 

Zhen Gui Cheng works as financial consultant to Yun Weng Hao, Chairman of Wen Rong Corporation. He started as a junior accountant and rose through the ranks, through sheer hard work and diligence. Due to his shrewd financial wizardry, Gui Cheng has steered Wen Rong through many financial crises; thus, it is not surprising that he has earned the deepest respect and trust of the Chairman. Upon his retirement as Senior Finance Controller, Yun Weng Hao had insisted that Gui Cheng continues to work for Wen Rong as a consultant; and would not take ‘No’ for an answer.

It was a cool evening on a Saturday and Sun Mei, was on her hands and knees, trimming the grass at the back of her house when she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. As her daddy was out on a dinner appointment, she was all on her own and had not expected anyone to call. She screamed and immediately turned around.

The man standing in front of her was bruised and untidy. He was tall, and even with his face streaked with some cuts and bruises, Sun Mei noticed his good looks. ‘Who are you and what are you doing in my house?’ Sun Mei asked him, putting on a bravado she was far from feeling. She kept the pair of shears close to her chest, just in case the stranger tried to do something funny.

‘I’m sorry if I scared you; but I called and when I did not receive any response, I came here looking for someone who could help me’. He has a nice and cultured voice and he seems very polite too. Sun Mei now noticed that the stranger seemed to be hurt and was holding his right arm. ‘Oh, you’re hurt. Were you involved in an accident?’

‘Yes, I was driving in this neighborhood and I lost control of the car when a car dashed in front of my car and I hit a tree and I think my arm is fractured. As I know that Uncle Zhen lives here, I had hoped to find him. Is Uncle Zhen in?’ Sun Mei was surprised, ‘You know my daddy?’ The stranger smiled and replied, ‘Yes, I do, but not very well as I have just recently returned from England. I am Yun Hyung Chul’. And Sun Mei introduced herself ‘I am Zhen Sun Mei’ and gave a slight bow. ‘Oh, I..I’m sorry, you’re hurt and here I am keeping you standing here unnecessarily. Please come in’.

She led him into the house, made him sit down and took out the first aid kit. She gave him a towel to clean his bruises and cuts; but he hesitated. Then she realized that he was still holding his fractured arm. ‘I’m terribly sorry! I forgot about your arm’. She took the towel, wet it and gently wiped his face and neck and cleaned the cuts with some antiseptic’. Feeling embarrassed at his penetrating look when she was cleaning his face, she kept her eyes above his eyebrows.

‘I’ll make a sling for you, then drive you to the hospital. Please wait a moment’ and she ran upstairs to her room. She rinsed her flushed cheeks, changed into one of her dad’s oversized shirt and pulled on a pair of clean jeans. She tore off an old shirt of hers to make a sling and rushed back downstairs.

After giving him a canned drink, she made a tourniquet for his arm. ‘Is it comfortable? Not too high?’ she asked him. He smiled at her for the first time and she felt as if someone had hit her on the head. ‘You really surprised me. Thank you, my arm does not feel as painful now. Are you sure you’re not Florence Nightingale in disguise?’ he teased. She merely answered with a nervous laugh.

Continuation next week.....
******************************************
Hi ladies, I know I said it takes a lot of effort to write episodic stories. But out of the blue, I got this inspiration to write this story which will turn SM and YM into stepsisters. Hope you like the prologue and episode 1 enough to wait for episode 2.

 


Title: Love is All Around

Episode 2

Author: Margie L

 

After ensuring that Hyung Chul is comfortably seated, she started the engine. As was her usual habit, she drove at a moderate pace. Sun Mei glanced at Hyung Chul who was sweating a bit, ‘Is your arm giving you any pain, Mr. Yun?’ and to Hyung Chul’s ‘Don’t worry about it, I can handle a little pain,’ she smiled.

‘Are you a supporter of Women’s Liberation, Ms. Zhen?’ Sun Mei quizzed him with an ‘Hmm?’ Hyung Chul nodded his head at all the stickers extolling the greatness of women – “Freedom for Women - Burn your Bras!” – “Women are not better drivers, they ARE the Best!” - “Women’s Liberation FOREVER!”

Sun Mei understood what he meant and laughed, ‘I’m afraid those were my best friend’s handiwork.
I sometimes let her use my car and she stuck all those stickers there without even asking me beforehand. I think she’s marking her territory!’ Hyung Chul laughed with her. He remarked on the unique design of her bracelet and asked offhandedly, ‘That’s a beautiful bracelet. Is it from your boyfriend?’

‘Oh no, my daddy gave it to me on my 21st, 2 years’ ago,’ but Hyung Chul was not satisfied with that answer, as it did not reveal whether she had a serious boyfriend. ‘I see. And what did your boyfriend give you or am I being too nosey?’ he probed. Sun Mei shrugged, ‘Since I’m not seriously dating anyone, I can’t claim to have a boyfriend’. Somehow that answer game him much satisfaction.

It was Sun Mei’s turn to probe, ‘Are you also working in Uncle Yun’s company or are you working
with my daddy?’ Hyung Chul hesitated; but thought it was best to be truthful. ‘Well, actually,’ he hedged; as he was never comfortable admitting his real status, ‘my father is Yun Weng Hao’ he glanced at Sun Mei. ‘You’re Uncle Yun’s son?’ He nodded, ‘I was in England for many years and I returned to Korea a few months ago. My mother’s health has not been very good lately, so she
wanted me to come home’.

‘Is Aunty alright? I hope it’s nothing serious?’ Hyung Chul was warmed by her concern, ‘No, it’s nothing serious, just the regular old folk’s complaint. You have met my parents before?’ To this, Sun Mei replied, ‘Yes, of course. My daddy has been working for Uncle Yun for a long time, and sometimes, when Uncle and Aunty invite my daddy to dinner, they usually invite me along too’.

Sun Mei seemed to find something else funny, ‘You know, your parents always seem to be arguing, but I could tell, there is never a more devoted couple than your parents’. Hyung Chul secretly thought how right she was and found himself a bit surprised at her perceptiveness.

‘You should be working now, correct?’ and as Sun Mei nodded, Hyung Chul surmised, ‘All right.
Don’t tell me; I will try to guess your job, okay?’ As Sun Mei bobbed her head, Hyung Chul wagged his finger, ‘You must be a nurse?’ When Sun Mei smiled but shook her head, ‘Oh I know. You’re a doctor?’ Sun Mei was really amused this time, ‘Mr. Yun, if I were a doctor, don’t you think I would have done a better job than that?’ She pointed at his tourniquet. ‘Yes, right. Ok, you’re a vet?’

‘Why do you think I must be in the medical field?’ Sun Mei demanded to know. ‘Well, I think you would make a very fine nurse. You cleaned my wounds, made this tourniquet and you did not faint when you saw blood!’ And he did have a point there, because some of the cuts were pretty deep. ‘Seeing that we are already approaching the hospital, I guess I better tell you. If not, I think
you would refuse to leave my car. I’m a columnist for a women’s magazine’.

‘A columnist? For the gossip column?’ Hyung Chul raised his eyebrows. ‘No!’ Sun Mei sounded offended. ‘We are a respectable and established publisher of a women’s magazine’. Hyung Chul was immediately apologetic, ‘I was just kidding. But that would be was the last job I’d expect you to be in’. Sun Mei merely smiled and shook her head at him. They have reached the entrance to the hospital and Sun Mei helped Hyung Chul out, careful not to jar his arm.

She accompanied him to the casualty ward where the nurses attended to his cuts while waiting for the arrival of the doctor-on-duty. After examining Hyung Chul, the doctor told him that his arm was not fractured. As he had suffered a mild whiplash when the car hit the tree, the pain in his arm is due to dislocation in the shoulder.

The doctor wants him warded for treatment. The nurses carefully eased off his jacket and handed it to Sun Mei. She told Hyung Chul that she would wait for him outside while the nurses get ready to admit him to the ward. A short while later, she went to the ward to see him. ‘Mr. Yun, you should be resting now. Do you want me to call your parents?’ Hyung Chul shook his head, ‘The doctor is a family friend. My parents would want to know my condition, so he will call them for me. Thank you for offering.’

‘Then I guess I better be heading home. Do you want me to take your shirt and jacket to the cleaners?’ Hyung Chul responded ‘No, it’s okay. My mother will take care of it’. He put out his left hand and she put her hand in his. ‘Thank you for everything, Ms. Zhen’. He was still holding on to her hand, reluctant to let go. ‘But it’s late. You better call your dad to let him know where you are, and ask him to accompany you home. I would be worrying about you driving home on your own at this hour’.

‘I shall be fine, don’t worry. Please have a good rest now.’ She moved towards the door and gave him a cheerful wave. But he called her back, ‘Oh, Ms. Zhen. Can I call you when I leave the hospital? I would like to buy you dinner to thank you properly’. ‘Sure, you can call me. But you don’t have to buy me dinner. Bye.’ She waved again and she left before he could say anything further.

Her father was pacing anxiously up and down the front of her house. When Gui Cheng saw her car,
he ran towards her even before she could stop. ‘Sun Mei, why are you so late? Has something happened? Are you hurt?’ Seeing the worried look on her father’s face, she felt contrite for not having called him at the hospital.

‘I’m not hurt, just absolutely famished’. And she was, because she had planned on taking her dinner after her gardening, but was distracted by Chairman Yun’s son. After having satisfied her hunger, she told her father everything. When her father asked about Hyung Chul’s condition, Sun Mei said that the doctor had assured her that Hyung Chul is fine.

‘I should go visit him at the hospital tomorrow morning. Are you coming with me?’ Sun Mei replied that she has to interview some VIP’s wife for her magazine, so would not be able to join her father. ‘Daddy, please give my regards to Mr. Yun’.

The next morning, Gui Cheng left the house early to head for the hospital. Since she was expecting a long day at work, Sun Mei left for work earlier than usual. Hyung Chul’s parents were already in his room when Gui Cheng arrived. After greeting Chairman Yun and his wife, Gui Cheng asked Hyung Chul about his condition, ‘How are you feeling this morning?’ His eyes darting to the door, Hyung Chul was more interested in asking than replying, ‘Ms. Zhen did not come with you?’

‘Ah! Sun Mei?’ Gui Cheng smiled to himself, ‘That child left so early for work this morning, she even skipped her breakfast. But she sends her regards to you’. Although Hyung Chul tried to hide it with a smile, the three of them noticed his disappointment. His parents and Gui Cheng looked at each other and exchanged knowing smiles. ‘Oh yes, GC, both you and Sun Mei must come over for dinner. We must thank Sun Mei for getting our son to hospital,’ Chairman Yun patted Gui Cheng on the back. Gui Cheng chuckled, ‘She’s always so busy, even I, have to make an appointment, when I want to lunch with her!’

Sun Mei returned home that night, tired and weary; after a difficult interview with a more difficult interviewee. Gui Cheng was waiting up for her. He would only be able to sleep after making sure that Sun Mei has returned home safe and sound.

‘How did the interview go?’ The downcast Sun Mei shook her head, ‘It was a disaster! Sorry, daddy, I rather not talk about it now. I’ll tell you everything later, ok?’ He ordered her, ‘You better take a shower and get into bed’. This was one of the rare occasions when Sun Mei did as she was told. But Gui Cheng remembered he still had something to tell her. ‘Wait, Sun Mei. I almost forget about this’ and he pulled out Hyung Chul’s cellphone number from his pocket. ‘HC asked that you call him’.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode 3

Author: Margie L



Sun Mei woke up the next morning to her father’s knock on her door. ‘Sun Mei, are you up yet?’ and when she replied ‘Yes, come in, daddy,’ Gui Cheng opened the door and poked his head in. ‘You’re wanted on the phone, sweetie’. Sun Mei complained, ‘Daddy! You’re still calling me that? People would think I’m a 5-year old kid’. Gui Cheng pinched her check, ‘Sweetie, to me, you would always be 5-years’ old, even when you’re 50!’

Gui Cheng was already going downstairs, ‘Hurry up! Don’t keep HC waiting on the line’. Sun Mei followed him downstairs and asked ‘HC? Who is HC?’ Gui Cheng whacked her on her rear, ‘You met him 2 days’ ago, sent him to hospital and you do not know who ‘HC’ is?’

‘Oh, Mr. Yun?’ Sun Mei smiled and picked up. ‘Wei?’ Hyung Chul’s voice sounded cheerful over the phone, ‘Did I hear you ask your father who is ‘HC?’ Sun Mei laughed, ‘Oh, yes. I did not realize HC’s your initials – ‘cos my eyes may be open but half my brain is still asleep.’ Sun Mei asked more seriously, ‘How is your shoulder? Are you feeling better?’ When she heard Hyung Chul’s soft, ‘Much better, now that I’m talking to you’, she went ‘Huh, pardon?’

Hyung Chul immediately realized what he said, ‘Am I calling too early?’ Sun Mei told him that it was time for her to get up anyway. ‘Even if you did not call, my father would still wake me up’. She whispered to Hyung Chul in conspiracy, ‘Don’t tell my daddy; but he is as dependable as the rooster - every morning, sharp at 8, he will knock on my door!’ Hyung Chul laughed so loud, Sun Mei had to hold the phone away from her ear.

Her father’s indignant, ‘Zhen Sun Mei, did I hear you say, what I thought you said?’ Gui Cheng had put down the papers he was reading. Sun Mei’s face was as innocent as a baby’s. ‘What, daddy? Whatever you thought you heard, you heard wrong!’ Turning her back on the still glowering Gui Cheng, she stuck out her tongue at having been caught. ‘Are you still there, Mr. Yun?’ Hyung Chul voice floated over the line, ‘Of course, I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere. I just wanted to ask if I may have your cellphone number?’

Sun Mei said she did not mind and recited her number to him. Hyung Chul wanted to make sure that she has his number too, ‘Oh, my daddy gave it to me last night. Sorry, I did not call you last night. I got home very late and I was so tired, I fell into bed immediately’, Sun Mei compelled to explain her rudeness in not calling him. ‘It’s okay. You don’t have to keep apologizing to me. I had wanted to ask for your number from Uncle Zhen, but I was afraid you would think I am too presumptuous. Do you always have to work on Sundays too?’

Sun Mei explained that sometimes, interviews or assignments are arranged for the weekends to suit their guests. So, it’s sometimes unavoidable that they have to work on weekends. Gui Cheng tapped Sun Mei on her shoulder and pointed at his watch. ‘Oh, it’s my day off, daddy,’ and returned to her conversation with Hyung Chul. ‘Since you’re not working today, what are your plans for the day?’ Hyung Chul was hopeful that she would visit him at the hospital. Sun Mei informed him that she had not made any plans. She was just thinking of a relaxing day at home with her father. As Consultant, he was not required to get to the office every other day.

‘May I call you Sun Mei?’ and on Sun Mei’ agreement, ‘And I would like you to stop calling me “Mr. Yun”. I feel like an old fogy whenever you call me that’. Although Hyung Chul could not see it, Sun Mei grinned, ‘How do you want me to address you then?’ When Hyung Chul said she can call him by his name, Sun Mei protested that it would be disrespectful. ‘Can I call you ‘Oppa HC’ instead? Hyung Chul acceded to her suggestion.

‘Er, you’re not coming to the hospital today?’ Since Sun Mei did not mention this, Hyung Chul had to be the one to initiate it. Sun Mei got his hint and did not quite know how to reply. ‘When will you be discharged?’ Hyung Chul told her that the doctor said he could be discharged the following day. But he would still have to return to the hospital for periodic physiotherapeutic treatments, until his shoulder is fully recovered.

Sun Mei promised to visit him later that afternoon. Hyung Chul said he would look forward to that and asked to speak to Uncle Zhen. He asked Gui Cheng if he could visit when he is discharged from hospital as he wanted to thank Gui Cheng and Sun Mei personally. When assured that he would be welcome, Hyung Chul said his goodbye and hung up.

Just as Gui Cheng had replaced the receiver, the doorbell sounded. A middle-aged stranger was standing at the door and bowed deeply. ‘Good morning, I am looking for Mr. Zhen Gui Cheng’. He sounded Japanese. The stranger introduced himself as Miyazaki Toshio, a lawyer. Although not sure what business the Japanese lawyer had with him, Gui Cheng invited him into the house.

Sun Mei had ran down the stairs on hearing the door bell. She acknowledged Gui Cheng’s introduction to the Japanese lawyer with a respectful bow.

Without further ceremony, Miyazaki asked, ‘Mr. Zhen, you do know Mdm. Hur Da So?’ To say that Gui Cheng was surprised, was too mild a word to describe his reaction. He stared at the Japanese lawyer, long and hard, before he could find his voice to ask, ‘She’s my wife! Do you have news of her?’ The lawyer nodded his head, ‘Yes. But before I say anything more, I want you to read this letter,’ and handed Gui Cheng a letter written by a familiar hand. ‘In order to give you privacy to read Mdm. Hur’s letter, is it alright if I do my work over there?’ he glanced at the dining table.

Gui Cheng tore open the letter with shaking hands and began to read the letter. Noticing her father’s anxiety, Sun Mei went to sit beside him to give him comfort. She put her arms around his shoulder.


“My husband,

I know you would be shocked to receive my letter after so many years of silence on my part. I don’t blame you for thinking that I might have died long ago. I was alive all these years; but if you’re reading this letter now, then I am no longer on this planet.”

Gui Cheng immediately looked at the lawyer for confirmation. When the lawyer nodded, sadness overwhelmed him. He continued to read…

“A year ago, when I found out that I had end-stage leukemia, I tried to find you. Since I was sure you would still be working for Wen Rong, it was so easy to find out your address. I also know that you’ve adopted your brother’s daughter, Sun Mei. Although I have never met Sun Mei, I am grateful to her for being there for you and kept you from dwelling on our unhappy past.

What I am going to tell you, Gui Cheng, may or may not make you happy. But no matter what your feelings towards me, I hope you would love Young Mi, your daughter. I found out I was 2 months’ pregnant when I arrived in Japan. I lied to you that I wanted to go to France, because I knew you would try to find me there.

But even after finding out about my pregnancy, I could not turn my back on what I had set out to achieve, return to Korea and to you. Life was very hard in Japan. Yet, no matter how hard life was, I knew I had to persevere. I was determined to make a good life for our daughter. All my hard work paid off and now, I am a very wealthy woman – but isn’t it ironic, that after achieving my dreams, I have to leave it all behind? Is this God’s Way of punishing me for what I had done to you?

I want to meet my Maker with a clear conscience, so I am returning your daughter to you. I want her to live with you and Sun Mei as a family. Young Mi had not wanted to leave Japan, but I am forcing her to do so. Mr. Miyazaki will explain everything to you.

Even though I left you and our marriage, I have always considered myself your wife. To me, you would always be my husband. The last request that I would ever ask from you is - your forgiveness. If you forgive me, light a candle for me at church. But if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive me, I would understand because, I know I had hurt you badly.

But if one day, if we were to meet in heaven and if you were to ask me, if I ever regretted leaving you, I would tell you without a doubt, Yes, everyday of the 23 years. That’s why I am returning my wedding ring to you. When we meet in heaven, I want you to put this ring on my finger a second time; for keeps.

Just because two people cannot live together as man and wife, it does not mean that they no longer love each other. Gui Cheng, know that I do love you, very much. Promise me that you will love Young Mi as much as I know you love Sun Mei. My spirit shall always be with the 3 of you, defending your happiness. Be happy for me too.

Until we meet again in heaven…

Forever your wife
Da So.


Gui Cheng’s tears fell on the letter and his whole body shook in heart-rending sobs, releasing the pent-up emotion, that he had kept buried in his heart for 23 long years. He cried for his loss, for his wife and for the daughter he has yet to meet.

Sun Mei, who had also been reading the contents of the letter, embraced Gui Cheng tightly and cried with him. She had never seen her father so upset. She felt a thousand daggers piercing her heart. And she vowed, that as long as lived, she never wishes to see her father hurt this bad ever again!

Miyazaki tactfully turned his back on the emotional scene.

After Gui Cheng had regained his composure, Miyazaki approached him. ‘Mr. Zhen, please accept my sincere sympathy. Can we talk?’ Gui Cheng held Sun Mei’s hand and waited for Miyazaki to begin. Miyazaki brought out some documents from his briefcase. Hur Da So had left a will in which she left 70% of her entire estate to Young Mi and 30% to Gui Cheng. ‘Madam Hur had a very established fashion house which she runs with a partner. She has sold her share in the business to her partner and the money will go to her estate to be shared between Young Mi-san and Mr. Zhen’.

‘But before Young Mi-san can inherit her share, she must fulfill 2 conditions that Madam Hur had set for her.

‘Madam Hur wanted Young Mi-san to return to her Korea and to live with you for 2 years. If after 2 years, she wants to move out and stay on her own, you must allow her to do so. But that does not mean that she can return to Japan. The second condition is that Young Mi must remain on Korean soil for 5 years’. Miyazaki revealed that Da So made these 2 conditions to enable Gui Cheng and Young Mi to get to know each other. She felt guilty having kept them apart for 23 years.

She also wanted Young Mi to learn about the country she loves. Even though Da So had been a naturalized Japanese citizen, she has not forgotten her homeland.

Gui Cheng said, ‘But why did my wife never tried to return to Korea?’ Miyazaki replied that there too many obstacles – her businesses. Besides the fashion house, she had other businesses as well. Moreover, Young Mi refused to leave Japan.

‘I would welcome my daughter but I do not want to have anything to do with my wife’s money. Give it to Young Mi instead’. Miyazaki was not surprised Gui Cheng refused, ‘You’re sure, Mr. Zhen? Believe me, it’s a substantial inheritance’. Gui Cheng told Miyazaki he was very sure he did not want the money.

‘My wife said that Young Mi had refused to leave Japan - how did she made Young Mi agree to this?’ Miyazaki smiled and nodded, ‘It was very simple. Young Mi would lose every yen of her inheritance. Her inheritance would then go to Madam Hur’s partner, Nakamura Isao.’ She made the conditions knowing that Young Mi despised her partner, because he once tried to molest her. She would only allow him to get his hands on her inheritance over her dead body.

‘Ah yes, I think Madam Hur mentioned about this is her letter’, Miyazaki handed another envelope to Gui Cheng. In the envelope were some photographs of a girl near Sun Mei’s age; and a ring which Gui Cheng recognized as his wife’s wedding ring. Sun Mei took a photograph from her father and studied the serious looking woman in the picture.

Miyazaki told Sun Mei, ‘That’s Young Mi-san. I have known Madam Hur ever since she came to Japan. When her business prospered, she hired my late father as her lawyer. My father died recently and I took over the business. Madam Hur was a lovely lady and I am proud to have been given this responsibility’.

Miyazaki added, ‘Perhaps, Madam Hur’s greatest weakness was her daughter. She would give Young Mi-san anything she wanted. I think you would both have a difficult time’. Miyazaki smiled and stood up, ‘May I give you a piece of advice, Mr. Zhen?’ and at Gui Cheng’s nod, ‘Young Mi-san gets her way so often, she respects only those who stand up to her. You know what I mean?’

Before Miyazaki left, he gave them the details of Young Mi’s flight. Gui Cheng starred at the piece of information and the photographs but did not say anything at all. Sun Mei gave her father a brief hug and left him alone to contend with his memories.

Sun Mei went up to her room and quietly shut the door. How can she leave him alone at such a sad time? Even though it has been so many years since her aunty left her daddy, time does not diminish the pain of her daddy’s loss.

She began depressing Hyung Chul’s number. It rang only once when he answered, He heard Sun Mei’s subdued voice telling him, ‘Oppa, it’s me, Sun Mei. I don’t think I can come to visit you this afternoon. I’m sorry’.


Title: Love is All Around

Episode 4

Author: Margie L



Hyung Chul heard the sadness in her voice. ‘Sun Mei, are you crying? Has something made you unhappy?’ Sun Mei could not reply; as she was trying to hold back her tears when she heard the comforting tone of Hyung Chul’s voice. ‘I’m…I’m not crying. You do not mind if I break my promise?’ Of course, I mind! Hyung Chul said to himself, but he told her just the opposite.

If he could see her, he could at least talk to her. ‘You sound very unhappy, Sun Mei. Is there anything I can do?’ Since he insists on knowing, Sun Mei had to tell him something. ‘Yes, something unexpected has happened. My daddy is very sad – so, I can’t leave him all alone in the house. Please don’t ask anymore. Take care of yourself. Goodbye’. With that, she ended her call.

Goodbye? Does that mean she did not intend seeing him again? He was feeling distressed. He felt like calling Uncle Zhen - but Sun Mei had said he was feeling very sad. It would not be a good time for him to intrude. Hyung Chul thought of calling his father to find out if his father knows anything. But what if his father questions Uncle Zhen? Sun Mei would probably be mad at him for telling his father. He just could not wait to get out of hospital. At least then, he would be able to do something.

It was at this time that his mother turned up. Looking at the still handsome lady in her late fifties, anyone would guess immediately where Hyung Chul got his good-looking genes.

Hyung Chul was glad when he noticed that she was not holding the usual cloth-wrapped tiffin. He was relieved. Probably all mothers think alike – that soups are the cure-all for all illnesses – even dislocated shoulders! After being forced to consume his mother’s soups for breakfast, lunch and dinner, he felt as if his limbs had turned to liquid!

‘Didn’t you say Sun Mei would be visiting you this afternoon?’

‘She just called to say that she would not be coming’.

‘You must be very disappointed, my boy’, her eagle eyes rarely missed anything. Hyung Chul neither admitted nor denied his mother’s statement. ‘She sounded sad. I think something has happened. Did Uncle Zhen call Father?’

‘Yes, he called, but just to say he would not be going to the office. It must have been something very important to keep him from the office’. Hyung Chul’s mother sounded worried too.


For the very first time, her father failed to wake her up this morning. She got ready for work and went downstairs. There was a note on the dining table. He had gone to church! Sun Mei smiled – it could only mean that he was ready to forgive Aunty.

Sun Mei decided to visit Hyung Chul but first, she had to call her boss, to inform her that she would arrive at office a bit later.

Hyung Chul was not in his room when she arrived. She guessed he must have been attending his physiotherapy session. She sat on the sofa and waited for him. Ten minutes later, the nurse wheeled him back to the room.

He did not notice her at first as his back was towards her. He turned at Sun Mei’s ‘Good morning, Oppa’. Hyung Chul was surprised, but elated that she had come after all. He was also glad to see her looking chirpier.

‘Sun Mei, you’re here. You do not have to work today?’ Sun told him that she could only stay for a short while and has to return to office. ‘Is your shoulder much better? You must be very anxious to be discharged?’

‘My shoulder’s getting much better, thanks. After 3 days of hospital food and my mother’s soups, I’m definitely happy to be leaving hospital. I can’t wait to eat all my favorite food’. He looked at her, ‘How have you been? You look a bit pale’. He said more earnestly, ‘Sun Mei, I hope you won’t think that I’m prying. But if you’d like to tell me about what happened yesterday, I’m a good listener. If you feel like crying, go ahead -you can borrow my shoulder anytime. It’s not good to keep your feelings bottled up’.

His tenderness made her feel like crying. Sun Mei looked down at her hands, ‘I guess its okay to tell you, because sooner or later, my daddy would to have to reveal everything’. And she told him everything – that her parents were killed in an accident when she was 6 months’ old and Gui Cheng, her paternal uncle adopted her – about Gui Cheng’s wife who had left him and who died recently of leukemia – about Young Mi, her cousin who will be returning to Korea to stay with them.

He spoke to her gently, ‘Sun Mei, we cannot change yesterday, but we can hope for a better tomorrow. Perhaps your aunt’s death was untimely, but wouldn’t the pain be prolonged had she lived? And although your father lost someone he loved, he is gaining another daughter in return. While you, too, would be gaining a sister, a confidante. Don’t all girls like to compare ‘boyfriend problems with each other?’ If it was his intention to make her smile, he succeeded.

Sun Mei’s lips twitched, ‘Oh Oppa, didn’t I tell you I do not have a boyfriend? Neither do I intend to have one. I just want to take care of my daddy for ever!’

Hyung Chul was happy she was smiling at last, ‘You did not say any such thing! You merely said you were not dating anyone seriously. Alright, even though you may not have a boyfriend now, you can’t say for sure you will not have one forever. Your father would want you to get married. Who knows, maybe even now, your ‘potential boyfriend’ is walking towards you’. And just as this moment, the doctor walked into the room.

‘Oh Ms. Zhen, you’re here?’ Hyung Chul and Sun Mei looked at each other and burst out laughing. ‘Was my question that funny?’ Seeing the puzzled look on the doctor’s face, they laughed even harder. When Hyung Chul could finally stop laughing, he told the doctor. ‘Alas! Too bad, I’m a married man. If I weren’t, Ms. Zhen, ‘this boyfriend’ would never let you get away!’ and that remark earned another round of laughter.

After examining Hyung Chul’s shoulder, the doctor left the room. Sun Mei stood up and made her excuse to leave. ‘Oppa, I have to get to my office now. Thank you for making me feels so much better. I will be a good older sister to Young Mi,’ she held out her hand to him. He took her hand and held it with both hands.

‘Sun Mei, don’t feel sad anymore and look on the bright side. You have a beautiful smile - smile more often for me’, Hyung Chul told her in earnest. Following her to the door, Hyung Chul asked, ‘By the way, is Young Mi arriving in next week?’

Sun Mei nodded, ‘Yes, on a Thursday. My daddy and I would have a lot of do the next few days. We have to go shopping for furniture. As we have only 2 bedrooms and Young Mi would have to share my room, we need an extra bed and a bigger wardrobe.’

‘I have asked your father if I could visit after I’m discharged from hospital. So, I would be calling within the next few days, to find out when it would be convenient for me to visit. I’ll see you then?

Sun Mei nodded, ‘Yes, I think so and I’ll be happy to welcome you. Take care. Bye’.

He patted her on her shoulder and returned her wave, ‘Bye.’

Title: Love is All Around

Episode 5

Author: Margie L



Both Gui Cheng and Sun Mei were so busy the following days, they had completely forgotten about Hyung Chul’s intention to visit on that Saturday morning. Fortunately, he called again just as he was about to leave his house.

He pulled up at the Zhen’s residence and alighted from his car. He was carrying a basket of fruits for Gui Cheng - a box of chocolates and a gift for Sun Mei.

When she noticed that had driven himself, she remarked that he should not be driving as his shoulder has not fully recovered. But Hyung Chul said that his car is an automatic model. As he does not have to move his hand that much, his shoulder is not at all painful. More over, the doctor was pleased with his improvement.

Gui Cheng admonished him for bringing the gifts. But at the same time, he teased Hyung Chul, ‘Why am I getting just the basket of fruits, but Sun Mei is getting chocolates AND gift?

‘Oh daddy, how could you ask a guest that question?’ Sun Mei chided her father. ‘Oh ho! You see, HC, she’s taking your side?’ While Sun Mei gently slapped her father on his shoulder, Hyung Chul laughed and said, ‘Maybe because she’s my saviour?’ Gui Cheng obligingly let him off.

Sun Mei retorted that she was not his saviour – she merely sent him to the hospital. She objected to him making a fuss over a small matter. After Hyung Chul was seated, she went to the kitchen to get the drinks and some snacks.

‘HC, Sun Mei must have told you about what happened?’ Hyung Chul admitted that that Sun Mei had told him everything. ‘Although it’s a bit belated, please accept my sincere condolence on your loss.’

Gui Cheng thanked him. ‘I have told your parents too. No doubt, it’s been a long time, but after being husband and wife, you can’t help feeling sad at “what should have been”. If only, I could have been more understanding and had listened to her wishes, she would not have left me without a word. She might not even have developed leukemia and died. But I was a very stubborn man when I was young’. Gui Cheng shook his head sadly. ‘Do you know that Young Mi is just about 6 months’ younger than Sun Mei?’

‘No’. He looked at Sun Mei, who had been silent all this while. ‘All she said was that Young Mi is younger than her. I didn’t realize they were so close in age’.

Sun Mei got up and asked to be excused. She went upstairs to her room and came down again holding a gift. She heard Hyung Chul asking Gui Cheng if they had lunched yet. Gui Cheng said they had been too busy to even think of eating.

‘In that case, I would like to invite you to lunch with me’, his look included both Gui Cheng and Sun Mei.

She politely declined, saying that she has to get to office to check on her an assignment for the following Monday. ‘Daddy, you go ahead with Oppa. Enjoy your lunch, both of you’. Hyung Chul tried to stop her, saying that she still had to eat and that it would not take long. He even offered to send her to the office after lunch.

‘You would have to wait for me, if you do that. And I do not know how long I would take. No, it’s okay. I can drive myself to the office. Oppa, I almost forgot about this. This is for you – a present for leaving the hospital’. He took the gift from her and thanked her, but he still persisted in trying to change her mind about lunch.

Gui Cheng looked at the both of them still arguing; and feeling sorry for Hyung Chul, he told his daughter firmly, ‘Sun Mei, if HC said he can drive you to the office, then you should let him. We can work something out after lunch. It’s impolite to refuse a first time request. Come along.’ and when he saw that she was about to say something, ‘And no buts!’

He looked gratefully at Gui Cheng and gave him a slight nod to acknowledge his thanks. Gui Cheng smiled. Only a blind man (and Sun Mei, of course) would not notice that HC was smitten with his daughter! And who can blame him? Not only is Sun Mei pretty, she’s also a lovely girl, kind-hearted and adorable.

After lunch, Gui Cheng suggested that Hyung Chul sent them home instead. Sun Mei can drive herself to the office and need not trouble him.

Sun Mei was pleased no one was in the office when she arrived. She could do her work in peace. She was so engrossed with her work, she jumped when her cellphone rang several hours later. She thought it would be her father calling – to remind her about getting home for dinner. ‘Wei, daddy?’ Hyung Chul’s amused voice, ‘I’m not your ‘daddy’ but your ‘Oppa’. Sun Mei was tickled, ‘Yes, Oppa. Are you calling to continue our argument?’

Hyung Chul laughed, ‘Hardly. I’ve used up all my energy arguing with you this afternoon. Are you ready to leave or do you need to stay longer?’

Sun Mei told him that she’s almost done and needed just another 15 minutes or so, before she would return home. She asked him if he’s calling her from home.

‘No, I’m in my car in front of your office’.

She was surprised. ‘What? Why are you in front of my office?’

‘I’m waiting to take Ms. Zhen Sun Mei out to dinner to repay her for saving my life!’

She reminded him that he had already treated her to lunch and now he wanted to buy her dinner? ‘Do stop exaggerating, Ok? How many times do you want to ‘repay’ me, anyway?’

‘Even 100 lifetimes would not be enough to repay my saviour. Sun Mei thought and voiced out to Hyung Chul, ‘Oppa, you’re getting pushy. It’s not necessary at all. Lunch was enough’.

‘Ms. Zhen, did you say I was getting pushy?’ He sounded innocent. ‘Inviting my saviour to dinner is being pushy? I don’t think so.’

And Sun Mei, ‘Okay, you’re not pushy. How about persistent? Does that word sounds better?’

He irritated her further when he agreed, ‘Yes, much better. I have to be persistent. Inviting you out is like negotiating a contract!’ Sun Mei’s annoyance with him dissipated and she laughed.

‘So you’re finally laughing. Does that mean that you’re accepting my invitation?’ After agreeing to meet him in front of her office, she gathered her things, switched off the lights and locked up.

Hung Chul was in his car but got out when he saw her emerging from the entrance. As he was still in the same clothes he wore that morning, she guessed he did not return home after sending them back.

‘Hi. Thank you for accepting my invitation’ and when Sun Mei retorted, ‘Did I have any choice?’ He grinned.

‘I’m a negotiator – so I have had lots of experience to get around ‘difficult’ clients. So far, you’re one of the hardest to convince. Fortunately, I have Uncle Zhen in my ‘corner’. When Sun Mei glared at him, he said more seriously ‘Okay, what do you want to eat?’

‘I’m still full from the heavy lunch. Could we just have ‘MacDonald’s? We could have it in the park.’ Sun Mei gave him a look when he said, ‘Sure you don’t want something else? Right. MacDonald’s it is. Away we go!’ And he pulled her by her wrist and opened his car door for her.

When she asked ‘What about my car?’ He said ‘No one is going to car-nap your car. I will bring you back here to collect it’. Rather than argue with the man, she let him seat her in his car.

After buying the fast food, they went to a nearby park and sat down on the grass. He talked about his university days in London. And about how lonely he was, especially during Christmas. While all his friends went home to celebrate Christmas with their families, he was alone all by himself during Christmas. Not that his friends did not invite him to join them, but Christmas is a time for the family. He did not want to intrude on his friends. She felt so sorry for him then.

‘Oppa, sometimes, I think – what is happiness? My daddy brought me up all these years and he gave me so much love. I’ve always thought that he is a happy man and does not have any sadness in his heart. But when I saw how he cried, when he read my aunt’s letter, I realized how much pain he had been keeping to himself. I hope I’d never have to see my daddy cry again’. Sun Mei’s tears were gathering.

He sat closer to her and put his arm around her and comforted her. ‘Sun Mei, someone once said – “Happiness comes through doors you didn’t know you left open”. Do you know what it means?’

She nodded. ‘Yes, I think so. It means that happiness will come to me when I least expect it?’ He replied, ‘Yes. But not just you, but everyone, including your father’. And at Sun Mei’s, ‘And Oppa, you too?’ He smiled and agreed, ‘And me too’.

‘Oppa, even though we have known for about a week, I feel as if I’ve known you forever. I’d never guess that I would be telling you things, I could not even tell my best friend. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a brother like you’. Although he wanted to ask her if she thought of him only as a brother, he held his tongue.

They left the park and he drove her back to her office and trailed her car home. He insisted on seeing her home safely. When Sun Mei went to his car to thank him, he reminded her to open the gift he had given her earlier that day.

They wished each other goodnight and she waited until his car was out of sight. Her daddy was already asleep. She had called her daddy earlier to tell him that she was with Hyung Chul and not to wait up for her.

Sun Mei saw the gift on her night table and unwrapped it. Inside the jewellery box was crucifix pendant encased with diamonds. She gasped – for it was so beautiful and obviously expensive. Although she liked it very much, she decided she could not possibly accept such as expensive gift. She picked up the card that he had enclosed –

Sun Mei,

Don’t feel sad anymore. In fact, you should be happy because your father has forgiven his wife. Remember - When you go through enough trials, you would become stronger. When you go through enough sorrow, you would be more human. And when you have enough hope, it would bring you happiness.

P/s. And if you’re thinking of returning this pendant, please don’t. Accept it with the simplicity that it’s given. I’d like to see you wearing this, the next time we meet.

- Y -

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 6

Author: Margie L

**********************
Hyung Chul had called Sun Mei the following day to let her know that he would be away for 2 weeks. He had received a call from his former Professor to attend a gathering of Cambridge University’s Alumni and to assist in the preparations. He hoped to be back one day before his father’s 65th birthday celebration.

When she asked him if he liked the pair of leather gloves that she had given him earlier, he told her that he liked the tan coloured gloves very much and they were a perfect fit.

‘How did you know my size? I do not ever remember you taking measurements of my hand’. She told him that she noticed his hands while helping him with the tourniquet. ‘Oppa, you have very long fingers. I bet you play the piano?’

‘You are very intuitive. Yes, I play the piano. I’m very much into music of all kinds. I sing too and I’m particularly good at singing lullabies. In future, when you can’t sleep, call me and I will sing a lullaby for you!’

She said ‘Okay’ but warned him, ‘Don’t complaint though, if I become so addicted to your lullabies, that I would call you up every night to hear your lullabies.’ He said he would not mind it a bit. ‘Shall I come to the airport to see you off?’

‘No, that would be too troublesome for you. As I’m leaving on Monday morning, I’ll come over to your place tonight. I’ll call you when I arrive.’

Unknowing to each other, their relationship has developed very fast. In the short period of their acquaintance, they had become very attached to each other.

He called her when he arrived at her house that night, and Sun Mei came out of her house, holding a white cashmere muffler in her hand. He noticed straight away that she was wearing his pendant.

They smiled at each other. They were both feeling a bit awkward on the eve of their 2-week separation. He handed her a stalk of rose. ‘Thank you. And this is for you’, Sun Mei said handling the cashmere muffler to him. ‘Thank you for this lovely pendant, but you really shouldn’t have bought it. It must be very valuable.’

‘Don’t worry about the cost. It was not that expensive. But why are you giving me another present? If we keep exchanging presents like this, both of us would go bankrupt!’ He teased her. ‘Have you got everything ready for Young Mi’s stay?’

‘Oh, we have finally got everything. I hope she doesn’t mind sharing a room’. Sun Mei looked a bit pensive. ‘As she’s used to a luxurious life, I won’t blame her if she’s unhappy about sharing my room’. She looked at him and asked, ‘Should I consider moving out? After all, Young Mi is my daddy’s biological daughter, while I’m not. I feel like an interloper, taking away her rightful things’.

He held her by her shoulders and gently shook her. ‘Don’t ever say that again! Understand?’ Looking and sounding cross, he added, ‘Young Mi is Uncle Zhen’s daughter, but so are you. Doesn’t the 23 years mean anything at all? Uncle Zhen would be very unhappy if he heard you say that’. He continued in jest, ‘If you say that again, I’ll…I’ll spank you!’

She looked at him in surprise, ‘You dare lay a hand on me, I’ll tell my daddy!’ The tensed moment passed with their laughter.

‘Sun Mei, my father’s birthday is about 2 weeks’ away. We would like to invite Uncle Zhen, you and Young Mi to the party. We’ll send the the invitation card to your father. You must be there, okay? He waited for her promise. ‘I’ll try my best to attend’. But he was not satisfied, ‘No. That answer is not good enough. You must promise to attend’.

‘Really, I can’t promise - an assignment may come up. Even if I may not be able to attend, my daddy and Young Mi would be sure to attend’. There was silence between them. She sneaked a peak at him. ‘Are you mad at me, Oppa?’

Instead, Hyung Chul looked up at the sky and recited the verse …...

Starlight, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
Wish I may, wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.

He closed his eyes and clasped his hands together as if in prayer.

Hyung Chul turned to her, and took her hand. ‘Now, nothing will come up to prevent you from attending my father’s birthday. I’d know, because I always get my wish!’

She looked at him, not quite sure of what to say. ‘It’s getting late. I better not keep you from your beauty sleep’. They both smiled and he added, ‘Do you want me to get you anything from London?’ And when she shook her had and said, ‘Just get yourself home safely,’ he was touched by her concern.

‘I will. Wait for me. Remember to e-mail me, ok? It’s getting late - you better go in now’.

She nodded but turned back, went up to Hyung Chul and lightly kissed his cheek. ‘Thank you for everything, Oppa. I’ll never forget your advice and your concern. Please take care of yourself in England. Goodnight.’ She gave him a final wave and ran into her house. She did not want him to see her tears. She knows she will miss him.

Hyung Chul did not leave immediately but remained where he was until he saw the lights went out in Sun Mei’s room. Recollecting Sun Mei’s kiss and her tears, he had a glimpse of hope that she could be feeling something more than brotherly affection for him. He smiled to himself. Could she be taking a step, albeit a small one, towards him?

After going into her room, Sun Mei fell onto her bed and sobbed. She was missing him already – how could she get through the 2 weeks without him? But why should she feel so sad? After all, she had always considered him to be a big brother to her. Hadn’t she? So why was she feeling this way? She had no answer to her own question. Knowing that he was still outside, looking up at her window, she switched off the lights.


Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 7

Author: Margie L

***************************

The tall, slim girl sashaying her way from the arrival lounge of the airport drew many admiring glances from the men. Not only was she good looking, she carried herself elegantly.

Young Mi lifted her sunglasses and perched them on her head. Although it was not a long flight, she hated traveling. She considered being cooped up in a plane for hours on end, a waste of time. She’d rather be doing something more worthwhile – fashion designing, for example.

She just loved to design and could do so for hours on end. As chief designer at her mother’s fashion house, she was rightly proud to have contributed to the growth of the business. When her mother was still alive, she did not mind working with that slimy jerk, Nakamura, because she did not have to deal with him.

Now that her mother had passed on, there was no way that Young Mi would want to work for him. Nakamura had dangled a very lucrative carrot as enticement Young Mi had told him in no uncertain terms where he could shove his offer.

She could not understand why her mother had insisted on imposing those 2 conditions on her. She knew well Young Mi had not wanted to return to Korea. In spite of her mother’s disclosure just before her death, that her father is still alive in Korea, she had not felt any inclination to meet with the man she knew of as her father; only in name.

It was not because she hated her father or had blamed him for abandoning them. Her mother had absolved her father from this fault. It was just that Young Mi considered it unnecessary for them to meet. She is an independent girl and could manage very well on her own. Throwing up everything she had worked so hard for, to travel to a strange land, even it was her homeland, was unthinkable. She wanted to remain in Japan to make a reputable name as a fashion designer.

She has enough of her own savings to set up her own business. But if she did not abide by her mother’s terms, all her mother’s hard earned fortune would go to Nakamura. She would rather kill him before she’d ever let him laid his dirty hands on her mother’s money. A hard-core gambler, he would have squandered away her mother’s entire fortune in no time. Young Mi also knew about the many times her mother had paid off Nakamura’s many creditors.

She looked around her. Noticing the appreciative looks from the males, she smiled. Men! Young Mi sneered; she could twist them around her little finger.

After getting her luggage cleared, she walked out of the arrival lounge. Scanning the sea of eager faces, she finally noticed an elderly man and a girl her age, waving frantically at her. They were holding a placard with her name on it – ZHEN YOUNG MI. She still had to get used to it – for she had always been known as NAKAMURA YUMI. It was much easier to get through life in Japan with a Japanese name.

After Miyazaki returned to Japan, he had given Young Mi her father’s telephone number and said that she should call him. Young Mi liked and respected Miyazaki and while she often had arguments with him, she also frequently sought his advice.

So she had called Gui Cheng and had also spoken to Sun Mei. They made casual talk and after Young Mi had confirmed her flight details, they had ended their conversation.

That must be her father and Sun Mei, her cousin. Somehow, seeing her cousin clinging to her father’s arm with a happy smile on her face, Young Mi felt a stab of jealousy. She,
Young Mi was after all, his flesh and blood, not Sun Mei. However, she hid her feelings and plastered an ultra sunny smile on her face and waved back cheerfully.

Seeing the pretty girl heading towards them, Gui Cheng felt a jolt – for Young Mi looked exactly like his wife when she was her age. A cloud of sadness came over him – making him realize how much he missed his wife. Sun Mei felt, rather than noticed her daddy’s sudden withdrawal and hugged him. He patted her hand to reassure her that he was alright.

When she reached them, she hesitantly asked, ‘Father?’ Gui Cheng nodded and unable to help himself enveloped Young Mi in a bear hug. He could not stop the tears from misting his eyes.

He held her away from him and said, ‘You are the spitting image of your mother, but you’re too thin’. Young Mi laughed and replied, ‘I’m a fashion designer. I can’t be looking like a sumo wrestler!’ Gui Cheng and Sun Mei laughed with her.

She turned to Sun Mei, ‘You’re Sun Mei my cousin?’ Gui Cheng and Sun Mei looked at each other.

‘Sun Mei is your sister. I adopted her as my daughter when she was a baby.’ Gui Cheng took Young Mi’s trolley and ushered them out of the arrival lounge. ‘Let’s go home. We can talk then’.

On arrival at the Zhen’s residence, Gui Cheng told Young Mi that as there are only 2 bedrooms, she would be sharing Sun Mei’s room. ‘I hope you don’t mind?’ Sun Mei asked and waited for Young Mi’s reaction. She merely shrugged and replied it didn’t matter.

After dinner, the three of them sat in the living room catching up on the many years of separation. Young Mi gave Gui Cheng a ‘Yukata’ (sleepwear robe) and Sun Mei, a beautiful hand-printed silk scarf. Both were very pleased with their gifts.

Gui Cheng wanted to know everything about their life in Japan. Young Mi said although Da So rarely talked about the past, she had, however, insisted that Young Mi never forgets her Korean roots. It was only after she found out about her illness, that she told Young Mi about her father.

When she arrived in Japan after leaving Gui Cheng, Da So had put up temporarily with some childhood friends. Although she had money of her own, the high cost of living in Japan had eaten into her savings. She was fortunate that she managed to find work as a waitress in a small noodle shop that enabled her to study fashion design in the evenings.

Da So used to draw during her free time in the noodle shop. It was one of those times when her designs caught the eye of Mrs. Nakamura, the owner of a boutique. The boutique owner had offered her a job as her designer although Da So was several months pregnant. Her designs were so well-accepted that business soon flourished for the small boutique.

A few years later, just before she died, Mrs. Nakamura made Da So promise to continue designing for her boutique. In return, she would give Da So a share of her boutique. She had also wanted her son, Isao, to learn the business from Da So so that he would be able to take over the business.

Due to her un-Japanese name, Young Mi was often picked on in school. She hated going to school and cried when her mother forced her to go. Mrs. Nakamura had suggested that Young Mi adopt the Nakamura’s family name.


Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 8

Author: Margie L


*********

They sat on the bed and talked about their respective childhood. Sun Mei told Young Mi how lucky she was having a father like Gui Cheng. Although she had lost her parents, Gui Cheng had ensured that she had ample love from him. He was the best father anyone could ever ask for.

Young Mi’s resentment towards Sun Mei intensified. Even though she had never felt inclined to make contact with her father, she resented Sun Mei for having usurped her rightful place as Gui Cheng’s daughter. Possessive and self-centred, she had never liked sharing what belonged to her.

Sun Mei was still wide awake after Young Mi had gone to bed. She was hoping that Hyung Chul would call her.

Sun Mei’s mobile suddenly rang and she quickly answered. She did not want to wake up Young Mi. She was probably tired out after a long day. It was Hyung Chul. ‘I hope I did not wake you?’ Happy that it was him, she smiled. ‘No, I’m still awake. But hold on for a minute’. She opened her door and went downstairs.

She switched on the small light and looked at her watch. ‘I came downstairs because Young Mi’s asleep. She looked at her watch. ‘It’s afternoon in London, right? What are you doing now?’

‘Do you feel sleepy? I can call back tomorrow’. She reassured him that she was not sleepy at all. He told her ‘I’ve just completed all the arrangements. So I’m quite free. Sorry, I did not call you earlier. You received my e-mail?’ Sun Mei told him that she had been very busy and has yet to check her e-mails. ‘Never mind, you can read it later. It wasn’t anything important. So, your sister arrived safely? Is she as pretty as you?’

‘Young Mi is much, much prettier than I am and very nice. Are you interested? I can help you if you are.’ Hyung Chul teased back, ‘Really, you can? Then of course, I would be interested. But you’re sure you won’t feel jealous?’

Sun Mei gave an indignant snort, ‘Why should I feel jealous?’

Hyung Chul said more seriously, ‘Did you miss me?’ Without waiting for her response, he added, ‘Speaking for myself, I miss a very dear and familiar face I left behind in Korea. Can you guess who she is?’

She did not know why her heart was suddenly racing. ‘Oh, it’s a she? That’s easy. It must be your mother’.

He was exasperated with her, ‘Zhen Sun Mei! It’s not my mother and you know it! Of course, I miss her but not in the same way. I’m giving you another chance. This time, if you guess wrongly, I won’t bring back any present for you!’

‘Your secretary?’ When he ignored her foolish question, she suggested, ‘Why don’t you tell me? I do not want to make another wrong guess and lose my present’, Sun Mei laughed nervously.

‘You really want to know?’ and Sun Mei forced a bright ‘Sure! I’m all ears.’

Hyung Chul said, ‘It’s you, Zhen Sun Mei and don’t pretend you do not know it either’, his voice never more serious.

When Sun Mei did not reply, he asked, ‘You do not have anything to say? Then, I have lots more I want to say to you. I never realized how much I would miss you until I’m separated from you. Everywhere I look - every face I see, I would see your face. So much so, your every feature is etched in my heart’.

Overwhelmed by his declaration, Sun Mei could not find the words to reply. Did she feel the same way about him? All she knows is that she does like him and missed him too. But the time that they were together was too short and she was not sure what she really felt for him.

‘Still not going to say anything?’ Hyung Chul could not control his anxious feeling in waiting for her response.

‘Oppa, I, .I…. ’ Sun Mei hesitated.

He interrupted her, ‘Sun Mei, whatever you want to say, say it. If your answer were what I am waiting for, I would be the happiest man in the world. But if it weren’t, I would still respect your feelings. All I ask is, you do not reject me or push me away’.

Sun Mei promptly responded, ‘I would never do that. It’s just that we were acquainted for such a short time. I miss you too. But I’m not sure that what I feel is more than friendship.’

Hyung Chul insisted, ‘Sun Mei, it’s not the quantity of time we spent together that makes a difference to our feelings. It’s the quality that counts. I know there is a reason why I always look forward to seeing you. Why I am always happy when we’re together. Why I feel as if there is a void in my heart when we’re separated; just like this very moment’. He paused. ‘I want you to be sure too. When you’re sure of your feelings, tell me. I will always wait for you’.

He added roguishly, ‘Okay, now, forget that I’m waiting for you. I want to have your word that you will be there at my father’s party. I know - I said I always get what I wished for; but sometimes, I must have hard evidence’.

Sun Mei said that she has confirmed with her boss that she would not be needed that day. He said he was very glad to hear that and told her that he would be returning earlier than planned. He couldn’t wait to come home.

‘I’ll call you when I get back. I’m sure you’re getting sleepy, so I will not keep you on the phone any longer. Go to bed now. Think of me, okay?’

She quipped, ‘I don’t know if I will think of you or the present you’re going to bring me from London’. He laughed and said, ‘You’re getting cheeky. Okay. Don’t talk anymore. Go to bed. Goodnight.’

Gui Cheng decided to take Young Mi to the town so that she can familiarize herself with the shops and places. Sun Mei had left for work. Father and daughter went for lunch after their shopping.

Over a ‘Bulgogi’ lunch of grilled meat, he had asked her if she had made any plans. Since she is a fashion designer, maybe she would like to work in a boutique? Young Mi said that as long as she is able to design, she would accept whatever she is offered.

Gui Cheng thought for a while, ‘Why don’t you ask Sun Mei? She works for a women’s magazine, maybe you could write a column for them on fashion?’ Young Mi was just as excited as him.

‘I would like that. Do you think Sun Mei would be able to help me?’ Her father replied that he’s certain that Sun Mei would. He has heard her mentioned several times that her boss, Joo Hee had wanted to add a page on fashion in their magazine. This would be a good opportunity for Young Mi. Gui Cheng said he would talk to Sun Mei.

‘Mmm, this is one of my favorite dish. Mother used to prepare this for me.’ Young Mi was gobbling up the grilled meat with great gusto. Her father laughed at the hearty way she was eating. ‘I thought you had to watch your weight? If you continue to eat like that, you would really turn into a Sumo wrestler!’

Young Mi shrugged and replied, ‘Sure, I have to watch my weight. But I’d never put on more than a kg., two at most. I guess it’s in my genes’.

Gui Cheng laughed and said that it must be her mother’s genes then, because his genes are all fat ones.

When they reached home, Gui Cheng told Young Mi that they would hold a welcome dinner her within the next few days. ‘We’re inviting Chairman Yun and his family. We will wait until their son, Hyung Chul, returns from London. I remember Sun Mei told me that he has cut short his visit and will be returning in 2 days’ time’.

She feigned indifference, ‘Oh, yes! Sun Mei has often told me about him. Is he really that good looking?’ Her father laughed and confirmed that was a fact. ‘He’s a good boy too. With his looks and money, you would be forgiven to think that he’s a womanizer - but he isn’t. He doesn’t even have a girlfriend yet. He may not have said anything to his parents, but he has certainly made it obvious that he is interested in Sun Mei’.

Young Mi replied that she was very happy for her sister. While in her head, she was already planning on how she would snatch Yun Hyung Chul from under Sun Mei’s nose.

Sun Mei hung up the phone. It was her father. He had wanted to know if Joo Hee is still keen on incorporating a fashion column in the magazine. He also told her that Young Mi has expressed interest in this job.

She headed for Joo Hee’s office and knocked on the door. At Joo Hee’s invitation to enter, Sun Mei opened the door. An attractive woman in her early thirties was seated behind the desk. She was also heavily pregnant.

Joo Hee looked up when Sun Mei entered. ‘Oh, Sun Mei. Sit down. I was just looking for you.’ She smiled at Sun Mei. Although they were boss and staff, their relationship was more like good friends.

Sun Mei laughed, ‘Maybe both of us have sixth sense. There’s something I want to ask you. But since you’re my boss, you should speak first’.

Joo Hee told Sun Mei that the chief editor wanted an interview with an important personality. She explained that this personality has recently returned from London to help his father. All the socialites are talking about him. Some were even bold enough to hang around the restaurants that he used to patronize, just to get an introduction. But so far, he has not shown any interest in them. He even stopped patronizing his favorite places to avoid them!

Sun Mei already had an inkling who the personality Joo Hee is referring to. However, she kept mum and let Joo Hee prattle on. Suddenly, her boss realized something. ‘Hey, I just remembered something’. She snapped her fingers. ‘Your father works for Wen Rong! This is great!’ Forgetting the 8-month-old cargo she was carrying, she jumped on her feet, threw her hands in the air and cried, ‘Eureka!’

‘Oh Senior please! Don’t jump like that. If anything happens to your baby, I would not be able to bear the responsibility!

‘Zhen Sun Mei! You knew all along I was referring to Yun Hyung Chul and you did not help me a bit. You have met him, haven’t you? And you know him very well, don’t you? Huh? Out with it!’ Joo Hoo pushed her face as close as possible to Sun Mei’s, trying to intimidate her.

‘…Well, ehm…that is…I..’, Sun Mei did not quite know how to get out of replying.

Joo Hee would not let her off, ‘Not a word more. I do not want to listen to your excuses’.

But as quick as lightning, her face changed. She smiled sweetly at Sun Mei, ‘Sun Mei, my good friend’. I’m sure you know I’m in a difficult position. On one side, our chief is giving me a hard time and on the other, is that Director Yun - a very stubborn man. Each time I call, I had to speak to his watchdog. I could not even get the name of our magazine across, before she curtly tells me, ‘Sorry! Our Director does not give interviews’, she mimicked. ‘And she leaves me hanging on the phone, listening to a monotonous dial tone. I ask you - isn’t that rude?’

Sun Mei tried to suppress her smile, ‘But Senior, our chief is also your husband! Moreover, you’re going to give him an heir soon. I’m sure he would not be too hard on you.’ Everyone in the office knows that it was Joo Hee who gives their chief editor a hard time, not the other way round!

She explained to Joo Hee that if she approaches him to agree to an interview, it would look as if she was taking advantage of their friendship. Joo Hee decided to try another tactic on Sun Mei. ‘Ok, if you feel that way, I won’t force you. But what if, what if, we ‘accidentally’ meet while you are with him? You would have to introduce me to him then..and..and...’ Joo Hee was getting excited at the prospect of nicking that interview.

However, Sun Mei interrupted her and vetoed the idea. ‘No way! Director Yun’s a very perceptive man and he would immediately see through such an accident. I would not agree to such an idea’.

Joo Hee persisted, ‘Sun Mei, how many years have we known each other? Wasn’t it even before you came to work for me? So, you should know that I had never wanted anything bad enough to have to beg for it. But I’m begging you now. Please? Please? Please?’ For better effect, Joo Hee clasped both hands under the chin and looked at Sun Mei imploringly. As if disapproving her wily ways, Joo Hee’s baby kicked her, ‘Ow!’, she yelped.

‘Alright, alright! I will speak to Director Yun. But if he refuses, do not harass him anymore, okay?’

Joo Hee was immediately agreeable, ‘Your wish is my command! Now, didn’t you say you have something to ask me?’

Perhaps to repay the favour, Joo Hee immediately agreed to hire Young Mi as ‘Fashion Consultant’.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 9

Author: Margie L




The next day, Sun Mei and Young Mi arrived at the office. Sun Mei introduced her to Joo Hee and her husband, Kim Xian Da. Joo Hee explained to Young Mi what her job as Fashion Consultant would entail. She is also required to come up with 2 designs every month.

Young Mi decided to start immediately. While Sun Mei was out on another assignment, her extension line rang. Young Mi picked up the phone. The caller identified himself as Shen Qi Dong, Personal Assistant to Choi Jung Suk, President of the Chun Hwa Group, an architectural company.

He said that Sun Mei had scheduled an interview with his boss at 3.00 p.m. that afternoon. He could not contact Sun Mei on her cellphone. He told Young Mi to give Sun Mei a message that his boss wanted the interview to be held at the airport instead of his office. It was because his boss has been called to attend a sudden meeting in China. If Sun Mei is not at the airport by 3.00, he would not wait for her.

Mr. Shen asked for Young Mi’s name and reminded her to ensure that Sun Mei got the message. As his boss is a stickler for keeping his word, he expects others to do the same.

After taking the message, Young Mi looked at her watch. It was only 12.00 p.m. She smiled to herself and deliberately placed the message under Sun Mei’s phone.

Sun Mei returned to office an hour later. She had damaged her cellphone and had to buy a new one. She looked through her desk and found no messages.

She looked at Young Mi who pretended to be engrossed with her sketches and decided not to bother her. As it would not take long for her to reach Chun Hwa, she still had time. She checked through the questions and made some last minute changes. Sun Mei glanced at her watch. It was 2.20 p.m. Sun Mei went to the restroom to freshen up.

Young Mi immediately went to Sun Mei’s desk, pulled out the message from under the phone and placed it in Sun Mei’s tote bag. When she came out of the restroom, Sun Mei gathered up her notes, grabbed her tote bag, told Young Mi she was going out for an assignment and hurried out.

If she had turned back, she would have seen the gloating look on Young Mi’s face.

Sun Mei arrived at Chun Hwa in good time. She asked the receptionist for Mr. Shen Qi Dong but was told that he was at the airport with their President.

‘He couldn’t be. I have a 3.00 p.m. appointment to interview Mr. Choi in his office. Could he have forgotten our appointment?’ The confused Sun Mei just could not believe that Mr. Choi would have changed his mind about the interview without informing her. She was aware of his reputation as a man-of-his-word.

The just as bewildered receptionist suggested Sun Mei speak to Shen Qi Dong and dialed his number for her. ‘Mr. Shen, this is Zhen Sun Mei. I am at Chun Hwa to interview Mr. Choi, but I understand he’s at the airport’. When Sun Mei heard what Mr. Shen said, she couldn’t help the feeling of panic that crept into her.

‘But I did not receive your message. Neither did Young Mi did say anything about having received your message. Are you sure it was Young Mi?’

Shen Qi Dong affirmed it was indeed a Ms. Young Mi who took his message. Sun Mei apologized for the misunderstanding and asked to speak to Mr. Choi. But told that he flight had already taken off, Sun Mei said that she would meet with Mr. Choi upon his return from China.

Her heart fell when Shen Qi Dong told her that his boss never gives anyone second chances. She insisted that she would try anyway and thanked him.

Sun Mei dejectedly returned to office and immediately asked Young Mi if she had received the message from Shen Qi Dong. Young Mi said she had written down the message and placed it on Sun Mei’s desk.

‘But I am very sure there were no messages on my desk when I checked. I would have seen the message if it was there. Could you have misplaced it?

Young Mi was immediately angry, ‘So you’re saying it was my fault?’

Sun Mei tried to calm her, ‘No. I’m not blaming you. I just thought the message may have been accidentally removed’.

‘Maybe you should check your bag? You could have placed the message in there without realizing it.

Sun Mei rummaged through her tote bag, ‘I’m sure it won’t be in there……oh!’ She pulled out the message. ‘But how did it get in my bag?’ She was on the verge of tears. It was all her own fault after all. How could she have been so careless? She apologized to Young Mi for doubting her. She even thought it was very bighearted of Young Mi for shrugging off her apology.

As the incident concerned the magazine’s reputation, she had to report to Xian Da and Joo Hee. Although they were both understandably unhappy about this, they did not make too much fuss about it. Xian Da merely patted Sun Mei on her back and told her to be more careful next time.

‘Forget it, Sun Mei. It was not really our fault because they could have postponed the interview another day. But they didn’t. Never mind, as long as we can get the interview with Yun Hyung Chul, it would be an even bigger achievement.’

Their magnanimous attitude made Sun Mei felt worse than ever. Young Mi was fuming that Sun Mei had got off so easily. She would have to think of something else!

Hyung Chul called Sun Mei that night, but it was her father who answered. After asking about his health, he told Gui Cheng that he would be home tomorrow evening. When he said he could not get through Sun Mei’s cellphone, Gui Cheng told him that she had damaged her phone and had to buy a new one. He gave Hyung Chul the new number.

‘She’s been very upset and had gone out for a walk’. He then told Hyung Chul about what had happened. It was Young Mi who had disclosed it to him. ‘Call her. She would be glad to hear your voice’.

Hyung Chul, or rather his father, is acquainted with Choi Jung Suk. Apart from business dealings, Yun Weng Hao and Choi Jung Suk play golf together regularly. It would not be any problem for his father to talk to Choi Jung Suk.

Sun Mei answered her ringing cellphone and was surpised to hear Hyung Chul’s voice on the other end.

‘Oppa? You got my number so fast?’ Although she was joking with him, she still sounded miserable.

He thought better of asking her about the Chun Hwa incident. ‘I’m coming home tomorrow evening. Can I come over to see you?’

‘Don’t you need a rest after such a long flight? I’m sure your parents would also have preferred that you stayed home upon your return’.

Hyung Chul demanded to know. ‘Are you trying to tell me that you do not want to see me?’

‘Of course not! I was just concerned that you should rest up a bit. Don’t forget to bring back my present.’

He teasingly replied, ‘Present? So that’s why I had this nagging feeling I had forgotten something. I’m afraid I forgot to buy your present and it’s too late to go shopping for it now’. He could tell she was smiling when she replied that he didn’t have to buy anything for her.

‘Young Mi is working with you?’ he asked casually.

She was quiet for a moment. ‘Yes, my daddy told you?’

When he said that she should be heading home, she said she was already at her gate. ‘Go in now or you’ll catch a chill. Sleep early and don’t think of anything.’

‘I remember someone once ordered me to think of him’. He laughed outright. He was happy that she could still joke in spite of her misery.

‘Okay, if that’s what you want. I’m ordering you to think of me tonight’.

After talking to Sun Mei, Hyung Chul felt relief that she had not sounded too sad. He decides to call his father.

The next day, Sun Mei was surprised to receive a call from Shen Qi Dong. His boss had instructed him to call Sun Mei to arrange another date for the interview. ‘You’re lucky, Ms. Zhen. I don’t understand why he is giving you another chance, because it’s not his nature to be so generous.

Sun Mei thanked him again and again and promised that this time, she would be there, come rain or shine. She told everyone the good news. Young Mi was seething with rage at Sun Mei’s luck.

Hyung Chul called Sun Mei after his return and asked her to wait for him outside her house. She had asked him if she could bring Young Mi but he said he wanted privacy to talk.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 10

Author: Margie L



Hyung Chul got out of his car and walked up to Sun Mei the minute he saw her. When she walked up to him, he could not control the strong urge to hug her.

He drove to a pub near her house. He took her hand and they walked into the pub. When they were seated and had ordered their drinks, he looked at her without saying a word. Sun Mei was getting uncomfortable under his penetrating stare.

She glanced at him, ‘Oh, Oppa. Why are you looking at me like that?’

He smiled. ‘Not having seen you for nearly two weeks, I’m just taking my fill of you’. ‘Is everything alright at work?’

She eyed him suspiciously, ‘Why do you ask? Daddy must have told you about my problem, didn’t he? That’s why you’re asking me about my work?’

‘Is it something you do not want me to know?’

Sun Mei told him that it didn’t matter if her father had told him. Everything worked out fine and she has been given another chance to interview Choi Jung Suk.

‘It’s not that I'm complaining; but I’m just curious why he is giving me another chance. I heard he never ever does that. Oh’. Sun Mei thought for a moment. ‘Did you have anything to do with this?’ Suddenly it occurred to Sun Mei that Hyung Chul might have had something to do with Choi Jung Suk’s change of heart.

He refuted her opinion, ‘How could I have? I wasn’t even here.’ He quickly changed the subject. ‘Have you missed me?’

But Sun Mei hedged, ‘What do you think?’

Hyung Chul stubbornly replied, ‘I don’t want to guess. I want you to tell me.’

Sun Mei instead indicated how much she missed him by thumb and forefinger, ‘This much!’

He was offended and voiced out as much, ‘Only that much? I missed you lots and lots and you missed me only that much?’

She laughed at his exaggerated offense. ‘Okay, it’s lots and lots for me too’. She decides to ask him about the interview.

‘Oppa. I have to ask a favour from you’. But she quickly added, ‘If you do not agree to it, I would understand perfectly and I would not hold a grudge against you’. Hyung Chul was puzzled by what Sun Mei was saying.

Sun Mei told him what Joo Hee wanted and she was aware of his dislike for giving interviews. If he said no, that would be the end of the matter. They would not pester him again.

Hyung Chul thought for a moment, ‘Does your boss thinks I am that popular to warrant an interview? I’m not that handsome or rich. There are far better looking and richer men than me’.

‘Are you fishing for compliments? I’m sure you spend hours in front of the mirror every morning. You should know how you look!’

He was peeved she had thought he was that vain. ‘I don’t spend hours and hours in front of the mirror, Zhen Sun Mei’. Both of them laughed. After a few minutes’ thought, he told her that he would agree to the interview provided she is the one to interview him. He wanted the interview to be held in his office, does not want his picture taken and finally, no personal questions.

Sun Mei took the liberty of agreeing to his 1st two conditions and but asked what he meant by ‘personal questions?’

He replied, ‘Don’t ask me about my love life or girlfriends.’

She feigned outrage, ‘Girlfriends? In plural? So you’re a playboy?’

‘Zhen Sun Mei, you’re deliberately doing it, aren’t you?’ When she asked, ‘What?’

‘Needling me. Apart from my parents, who knows better about my personal life than you do?’ She laughed and said that she would call him to let him know when the interview would be held.

Finally, unable to hide his feelings, Hyung Chul asked, ‘Sun Mei, have you thought about what I told you? I know I said I would give you time, but ..’

‘I do not need any more time. I have decided’. He looked at her hopefully. Sun Mei shyly and simply said, ‘Yes’. Hyung Chul was so happy, he could not help laughing out loud. The other patrons all turned to look at him.

He pulled her to her feet, ‘Let’s get out of here.’ He ushered her into his car and opened the glove compartment. He took out a box, handed it to her and told her to open it. It was a beautiful watch of the latest design.

‘Do you like it?’ When she replied that she did like it very much, he took the watch from her and wore it on her wrist.

‘Thank you. But you shouldn’t keep buying me all these expensive gifts. Who was the one who said we would be bankrupt if we kept exchanging gifts? I would be just as happy with a cute ‘Peter Rabbit’.

Hyung Chul placed his finger on her lips, ‘You talk too much. I’d rather be doing this.’ And he kissed her – a deep and lingering kiss that left no doubts at all about his profound feelings for her.

When he released her, he touched her lips and whispered, ‘You have lips just asking to be kissed.’ She suddenly felt shy with him.

Holding her hand, he asked her what she would be wearing to his father’s party? ‘Huh? You’re even interested in what women wear?’

‘I’m not interested in what other women wear. I’m just interested in everything about you. But if you think I do not know anything about women’s clothes, let me take you shopping. I’ll prove to you that I have good taste in women’s fashions’.

She told him she does not need to go shopping. She has some gowns she had never worn before. When he still insisted on buying her a gown, she put her foot down. ‘ “No” means “No”. It’s really hard to argue with such a pushy man’. She’s really starting to be annoyed with him.

Noticing that she was really beginning to get angry, he held up his hands, ‘Okay, okay. I won’t argue anymore’.

‘Oppa, we’re giving Young Mi a welcome dinner tomorrow night. Daddy has notified your parents. Did they tell you?’ Hyung Chul replied that he was so anxious to see her, his parents never had a chance to talk to him.

At the dinner the following night, Hyung Chul meets Young Mi for the first time. Gui Cheng had made a reservation at one of the more popular Korean restaurants. Hyung Chul had asked Gui Cheng if he could bring along a good friend, while Sun Mei had invited her best friend, Zhao Di.

Young Mi had planted herself next to Hyung Chul, who was sitting beside Sun Mei. He introduced his friend, Detective Jin Woo Jin to the Zhens and Zhao Di. A good looking man of the same age as Hyung Chul, Woo Jin and Hyung Chul go back a long way.

Born into a poor family, Woo Jin was indebted to Hyung Chul for giving him a loan to enable him to complete university. Although Hyung Chul said the loan was a gift, he had insisted on repaying every won of the loan. Despite their different social status, both of them got along very well and had remained firm friends through the years. They had kept in touch even when Hyung Chul had left Korea to study in London.

When he was introduced to Sun Mei and Young Mi, Woo Jin immediately found himself attracted to Sun Mei. Apart from her sweet looks, he liked her gentle and demure personality. He chose the seat next to Sun Mei.

He tried to catch her attention during the dinner, but Hyung Chul seemed to be monopolising her attention. Woo Jin glanced at Hyung Chul and he finally realized with disappointment, that Hyung Chul’s attentiveness to Sun Mei was because he considered her his property.

Meanwhile, Young Mi was doing her best to distract Hyung Chul from Sun Mei. She leaned against him seductively while talking to him. She was not bothered by the frown her father was giving her. Although Hyung Chul was as polite as he could be, he could not help but be embarrassed by young Mi’s audacity. He tactfully exchanged places with Woo Jin when the ladies went to the restroom.

Hyung Chul’s parents were showering a lot of attention on Sun Mei. His son had told them about his relationship with Sun Mei and they were very happy for him.

After dinner, Hyung Chul and Woo Jin went to a pub for drinks. Woo Jin decided straight out to ask Hyung Chul about his friendship with Sun Mei.

‘Why are you interested to know?’ He was surprised because the reserved Woo Jin seldom wanted to know about Hyung Chul’s personal life. ‘You like Sun Mei?’ It was more a statement rather a question.

‘Yes, I do’. Woo Jin admitted point blank. ‘I’m just like you. It would be a very special girl to get me interested and I know Sun Mei is very special’.

‘Woo Jin, we’re friends and I want us to remain friends. So I will not hide it from you’. Hyung Chul added, ‘I like, no; scratch that – I love Sun Mei and I have told her so. I’m glad to say she feels the same way about me. Sorry’.

He smiled wryly, ‘I guess I’m too late then. Don’t worry, I won’t rock your boat.’ He put a hand out to Hyung Chul, who was glad to take it, ‘ Friends?’ and Hyung Chul ‘For the rest of our lives’.

He frowned slightly. Woo Jin asked him what was troubling him. ‘I’m not comfortable with Young Mi’s behaviour. I may be wrong, but I think she is trying to separate her sister from me’. I could not put a finger on it, but the doubt is there’.

Hyung Chul told Woo Jin about the Chun Hwa incident. ‘I do not want to say anything to Sun Mei. She wouldn’t believe me anyway. But I think Young Mi deliberately created the problem for her sister and I’m worried she would try again’.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 11

Author: Margie L (Malaysia)




The 65th birthday celebration of Yun Weng Hao, Chairman of Wen Rong, to be held in the most prestigious hotel, promised to be a formal and glittering affair.

The Yuns had sent a car to pick up Gui Cheng, Sun Mei and Young Mi. Gui Cheng was waiting patiently for his daughters; and when they descended the stairs, his eyes shone with pride and love. ‘My beautiful girls’ he opened his arms to give them a cuddle. ‘All the men are going to hate me!’ he said proudly.

Sun Mei was dressed in a long, lime green gown, spattered with tiny, light blue flowers, criss-crossed just below her bosom. And with her hair done up in a chignon with the wispy tendrils framing her porcelain features, she looks like a Grecian beauty; fragile and ethereal.

Young Mi was in a high-neckline black voile gown, slashed low at the back. She had put her raven black hair up in a top knot, exposing a graceful neck and smooth back. She looks like an aristocrat; demure and refined. His 2 daughters surveyed him, and told him that he looks very handsome in his white tuxedo. ‘Handsome? That word should be reserved for the young men’, but he was grinning from ear to ear. ‘Come, my gorgeous girls. Let’s go and make the men eat their hearts out!’

When they arrived at the entrance of the ballroom, a daughter on either side of him, Gui Cheng’s chest puffed out with pride. All eyes had turned in their direction, or rather his daughters’ direction. There were plenty of admiring glances from the men and women present.

When Hyung Chul noticed them, his eyes met Sun Mei’s straight away. He could not help thinking to himself, ‘She’s so beautiful!’ As if reading his thoughts, Sun Mei smiled shyly at him. He made his way to Gui Cheng, greeted him and smiled at Young Mi, complementing her on her looks and handing her a corsage. He turned to Sun Mei, took out another corsage, and wore it for her on her wrist.

He kissed her hand and whispered, ‘You look so beautiful, I could hardly recognize you. I like the way you’re wearing your hair’, and offered her his arm. She thanked him and told him that he looks very distinguished in his black tux. He linked her arm through his and offered his other arm to Young Mi. He led them to a table nearest the Chairman’s table and sat down beside Sun Mei.

‘Oppa, you should be sitting with your parents’, Sun Mei reminded him. ‘That’s right, HC. What would people think if you do not sit together with your parents?’ Gui Cheng reproved him.

Before Hyung Chul could reply, his father had made his way to their table. Everyone stood up and congratulated the Chairman on his birthday.

‘I was just telling HC that he shouldn’t be sitting at the main table,’ Gui Cheng told Chairman Yun. But surprisingly, the Chairman jovially replied, ‘He’s a grown man. I can’t tell him where to sit.’ He smiled at Sun Mei, ‘Anyway, I was young once too, so I don’t blame him. Who wants to sit beside a long-winded, wrinkly old man when he can sit with 2 beautiful girls?’

While Sun Mei’s cheeks turned pink, Young Mi was lapping up the compliments. Hyung Chul laughed with everyone else. ‘Uncle Zhen, my father’s a very understanding man.’ Chairman Yun, however, invited Gui Cheng to sit at his table. Just then, Woo Jin appeared at Hyung Chul’s elbow.

He greeted everyone and sat down next to Young Mi. The dinner started with a toast to the Chairman to wish him longevity. As the Chairman’s only son and heir, Hyung Chul was required to make a speech. A natural orator, he delivered a witty and humorous speech – keeping everyone entertained with amusing anecdotes of his parents’ courtship and frequent affectionate repartees.

After the speech, he invited his parents to cut the birthday cake and to take to the dance floor. The band started with a fast number. The Chairman was surprisingly, a very good dancer – light on his feet. Displaying a dancing finesse that belied his age, the Chairman twirled his wife around the dance floor; until breathless and panting, she insisted on sitting down.

The Chairman, whose toes were still twitching, danced up to Sun Mei to pull her onto the dance floor. A flustered Sun Mei tried to decline but the Chairman would not be denied. As his father waltzed the mortified Sun Mei around the dance floor, Hyung Chul seemed thoroughly amused by his father’s antics. He got up, walked up to his father and patted him on the shoulder. His father graciously handed Sun Mei to Hyung Chul and looked around for his next ‘victim’.

Just then, the music had changed into a slow number. They moved closer together. He took both her hands and placed them on his shoulders while his went around her waist to draw her closer to him. He looked at her and smiled, ‘May I say it again? You look so beautiful tonight. I must be the envy of all the men here. Wear your hair like this more often’.

‘How then am I going work? I have to dash here and there. By the end of the day, I would look like a wet mop!’ Hyung Chul chuckled. ‘I’d bet even then, you would still look beautiful!’ The music stopped and they returned to their table.

The Chairman took over the microphone. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending my birthday celebration. I hope that all of you are enjoying yourself? When everyone clapped and agreed, the Chairman beamed. ‘Not all of you would know that my son, Hyung Chul, is very fond of singing’. Hyung Chul looked up at his father in surprise. ‘I may be biased, but he is a good singer. So, I am ordering him to sing in honour of my birthday. Is everyone in agreement?’

It was now Hyung Chul’s turn to glare at his father. Woo Jin got and pushed the reluctant Hyung Chul to his feet. Since everyone was clapping and cheering him on, he had no choice but to walk up to the stage.

Someone had dimmed the lights. He chose a haunting love song with touching lyrics. As he sang, he had eyes only for that 1 person. Like everyone else, Sun Mei could not help but be aware that he was singing to her. She was rather embarrassed and did not quite know where to look.

There was thunderous applause when Hyung Chul completed his song, some calling for encores. He thanked them but politely declined. He went back to his seat next to Sun Mei, giving her a tender smile. She smiled at him and complimented him on his singing.

The Chairman strode up to the microphone and teased his son, ‘That was a lovely song. However, I don’t think he was singing to me’. Everyone laughed with him.

When dancing began again, Woo Jin asked Young Mi to dance. She tried to ignore his outstretched hand, but short of making her rudeness obvious, she had to let him lead her onto the dance floor.

She stood stiffly away from him, her movements mechanical. ‘Ms. Young Mi, I’ve danced with many ladies, but I’ve never danced with anyone with two left feet’. Woo Jin’s sarcastic smile got her more riled up.

‘How dare you insult me? Do you think you’re dancing any better?’ She stomped on his foot and tried to walk away. Woo Jin pulled her back. He would not give her a chance to try her act on Hyung Chul. Holding her tightly so that she could not escape, he waltzed her around the dance floor, ignoring her curses.

Sun Mei and Hyung Chul noticed the spectacle Woo Jin and Young Mi were exhibiting. ‘What is Woo Jin Oppa doing to Young Mi?’ Hyung Chul was trying to hide his grin by turning his face away from Sun Mi. ‘He’s not doing anything to her. Young Mi seems to enjoying herself.’

Sun Mei was not so sure. ‘You know she’s not enjoying herself. Shouldn’t you go and rescue her?’

Hyung Chul was certainly not going to do any such thing. ‘I’ve known Woo Jin almost all my life. I assure you he’s a gentlemen’. He reassured a still disbelieving Sun Mei. ‘In fact, Woo Jin told me that he likes Young Mi’, he lied.

‘He does? But this is only the second time they’ve met.’

‘I told you it’s not the quantity that counts but the quality. If you like someone, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known each other.’ Hyung Chul was secretly hoping that Woo Jin would not find out what he told Sun Mei. He turned to her, ‘Anyway, I don’t want to talk about them. I want to talk about us. Have to you told Uncle Zhen about us?’

‘What about us?’ At his threatening scowl, she giggled, ‘No, I haven’t. I don’t know what to say’.

Hyung Chul replied that he would tell her father instead and Sun Mei acquiesced.

‘Oh, I almost forgot. Senior Joo Hee wanted to know when you’re free…..’ Her voice trailed off. She was staring at a table further down from theirs. ‘That’s Mr. Choi Jung Suk!’ She looked at Hyung Chul and back at Choi Jung Suk, who had noticed them and was waving at Hyung Chul.

She looked suspiciously at Hyung Chul, who smiled at her innocently. ‘So, it was really you?’ He shrugged, ‘I just talked to my father. The rest was up to him.’

Sun Mei tried to stay angry, but could not help feeling grateful to him. ‘Although I’m grateful, I swear if you lie to me again, I…I’, Hyung Chul pressed her lips together. ‘Have I told you that you talk too much?’

Sun Mei arrived at Hyung Chul’s office at the appointed time for the interview. Since he had refused to have his picture taken, she came alone. Punctual as ever, he was already in his office waiting for her.

The secretary led the way into Hyung Chul’s spacious office. When his secretary had left the room, he embraced Sun Mei and gave her peck on her cheek. ‘Good morning, Director Yun. Do you greet all your guests the same way?’

He laughed and replied, ‘Only my favorite people. Shall we start?’

She asked him questions on his days in Cambridge University and how his plans for his father’s businesses.

After the interview, Sun Mei closed her notebook, ‘Okay – I’ve got everything’. But he had something to add, ‘Aren’t you going to ask me about my girlfriend?’

Sun Mei reminded him, ‘You said no personal questions, remember?’

‘That was before I had a girlfriend. Now, I want to talk about her’.

Sun Mei rejected his suggestion and said he would break many girls’ hearts if he confessed to having a girlfriend. She did not want to be the bearer of bad news to all the women.

‘Okay, then. What about payment for service rendered? Don’t I deserve a treat?’

She said she would treat him to lunch if he did not have any other appointments. He told her, ‘I deliberately kept this day free for you’.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 12

Author: Margie L (Malaysia)



Two months’ later, Hyung Chul was surprised to receive a visit from Young Mi. When she entered his office, she smiled seductively at him. After asking her the reason for her surprise visit, Young Mi told him that she wanted his advice.

When he suggested that she could have asked Sun Mei or Gui Cheng, she replied that Sun Mei’s a woman while her father would not understand.

He looked at his watch. It was nearly time to pick up Sun Mei. He had been picking her up ever since Young Mi had insisted on having a car. Gui Cheng had wanted to buy her one, but Sun Mei did not want him to spend his money unnecessarily. So she had offered her car to Young Mi.

In the mornings, they travel together to the office, but in the evenings due to their irregular agenda, Sun Mei usually takes a cab home. When Hyung Chul found out, he had insisted on sending her home every day, no matter what time she leaves the office.

Young Mi noticed his anxiety to leave but chose to ignore it. When he asked her how he could help her, she went straight to the point, ‘Oppa, I can’t hide it from myself any longer. I know I shouldn’t be saying it; but I’d go insane if I had to keep it to myself any longer.’ She stood up and walked to Hyung Chul, knelt down in front of him, placing a hand on his thigh.

Immediately, he removed her hand and stood up, putting some distance between them. ‘What are you trying to do?’

‘You know I like you, Oppa. What does Sun Mei has that I don’t? I’m an heiress and when I inherit my mother’s estate, my money will be yours too. I’m also prettier than her, aren’t I?

Hyung Chul looked at her and told her sternly. ‘I don’t need your money. Yes, granted you are prettier, but Sun Mei has an inherent beauty that is unique. I love her not for who she is, but for how she makes me feel’. Even though he noticed that Young Mi’s face had hardened, he continued, ‘I think you have an ulterior motive for saying what you saying now. Why?’

Young Mi replied bluntly, ‘I must give you credit for being a shrewd man. Since you already have an idea, I don’t have to hide it from you. Yes, I want to make her break up with you. I can’t stand seeing her happy all the time. Why must she have everything that should have been mine? I did not have a happy childhood but she did. I did not have a father when I was growing up, because she had mine. I want to take back everything from her!’

Hyung Chul was very angry with Young Mi’s declaration. He suddenly noticed the figure standing in the doorway. ‘Sun Mei!’ He rushed to her – she was standing stock-still, her face white with shock.

She turned anguished eyes to Hyung Chul; tears flowing down her cheeks. His heart was breaking at the hurt look on her face. She looked fixedly at Young Mi - finally managing to voice the words – ‘Young Mi, I lost my parents too. I did not take Daddy from you. He loves you just as much as he loves me - he has enough love for us to share. You already have so much. Why must you begrudge others who have less?’

Young Mi’s face remained impassive. ‘I’ll do more than just begrudge. You might as well know everything. I deliberately hid that message from Shen Qi Dong under your phone. I placed it in your tote bag when you went to the restroom!’ She gloated at the shocked look on Sun Mei’s face.

Hyung Chul spoke up, ‘I would like you to leave, please’. Young Mi smiled and replied, ‘Don’t worry, I’m leaving. If it weren’t for my mother, I would rather have stayed in Japan.’ She slammed the door behind her.

Sun-Mi fell limply onto the sofa, her face streaked with tears. When Hyung Chul sat beside her and held her, she leaned into him. They remained that way for some time.

Sun Mei slowly got up. ‘Oppa, please do not tell my daddy what happened. I do not want him to know.’

He promised her that he would not. ‘What are you going to do about Young Mi? Can you still stay together after knowing what she had done to you?’

She said sadly, ‘I have to. Even though she hates me, I do not want to put daddy in a difficult position.’ She smiled at him, ‘I heard what you said to Young Mi. Thank you.’.

When he asked her why she was thanking him, she replied solemnly, ‘I don’t know what I had been or what I had done in my previous life; but it must have been something worthwhile to deserve you’.

Hyung Chul was overcome with emotion at her words. He enfolded her in his arms to hide the moisture in his eyes, ‘Sun Mei, my love, I should be saying that, not you!’


JAPAN – 1 month later

Three brawny men entered the small but chic boutique. Rudely brushing aside the sales ladies, they headed for the owner’s office.

Nakamura jumped to his feet the minute the men barged into his office. One of them held Nakamura’s suit lapels and snarled, ‘Your loan is due today. Where’s our money?’

‘I don’t have the money. I need more time’. The first man landed a fist in Nakamura’s face, knocking out 2 front teeth. He pulled Nakamura to his feet and started beating him around, treating him like a punching bag.

His face bloody and bruised, Nakamura squeaked out, ‘If you kill me, you would not get back a yen!’ The pushed him away. ‘Just give me more time. I promise I can get Yumi back in Japan. Then, all her money would come to me – I will pay you twice what I owe you.’

The first thug thought for a while before asking Nakamura, ‘How much time do you need?’ When Nakamura replied “2 weeks”, he agreed but he would impose daily interest on Nakamura’s debt and Nakamura would have to pay double what he owes.

After the thugs had left, Nakamura set his plan in motion. He had found Zhen Gui Cheng’s address from among Da So’s personal effects. He knew he would have to think of a foolproof way to get Young Mi back to Japan.

He picked up the phone and booked the first flight out to Korea.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 13

Author: Margie L (Malaysia)



Since that incident in Hyung Chul’s office, Young Mi and Sun Mei acted as if nothing had happened. Neither did Gui Cheng sensed anything was wrong.

Young Mi had not created any more problems for Sun Mei. In fact, she had been rather quiet and subdued lately and had been keeping to herself. That afternoon, Sun Mei had arranged to meet Zhao Di for lunch. As she was going out, she asked Young Mi if she would like to join them. Surprisingly, Young Mi accepted her invitation.

Over lunch, Zhao Di was hogging the conversation as usual and Sun Mei had time to observe Young Mi. She noticed the pallor on Young Mi’s face and was concerned. She touched Young Mi’s arm. ‘Are you alright, Young Mi?’

‘I’m fine’. Young Mi looked up at Sun Mei and smiled at her. Zhao Di too had noticed Young Mi’s pallor and remarked that she should see a doctor. But Young Mi suddenly held her stomach and doubled up in pain.

‘What’s the matter, Young Mi?’ Sun Mei rushed to her side. ‘My stomach…hurts.’ Young Mi’s face and body were sweating profusely. Although there were other patrons at the noodle stall, none had come forward to help. Zhao Di cried, ‘We have to get her to a doctor!’ They had left their car back at the office and had taken a taxi since the stall was not very far from their office.

Sun Mei told Zhao Di to stop a taxi while she lifted Young Mi onto her back. She carried Young Mi to the roadside where Zhao Di had managed to stop a taxi. After helping Young Mi into the taxi, Sun Mei climbed into the back seat and held Young Mi’s head on her lap. She told the driver to rush to the nearest hospital.

They arrived at the hospital and Zhao Di ran in to get the hospital staff. Sun Mei helped Young Mi out of the taxi and supported her while the staff rushed out with a wheelchair.

After the doctor’s examination, he told Sun Mei that Young Mi had gastric ulcer and needed to be hospitalized. Sun Mei completed the necessary admission procedures and called Gui Cheng. She went to Young Mi who was lying on the hospital bed, wiped her brow and reassured her that she would be fine.

Sun Mei gently squeezed Young Mi’s hand. ‘Young Mi, the doctor will give you the treatment for your pain. I have called daddy. I have to go home to get some things for you. I’ll come back with daddy to see you, okay?’

Young Mi was crying and held onto Sun Mei’s hand, ‘Sun Mei, I…I don’t want to stay here. I hate hospitals. What if, what if, like my mother, I won’t get to leave?’

Sun Mei realized that Young Mi’s fear of hospitals was because her mother had died in the hospital. She promptly reassured her that gastric ulcers are quite common and not at all life threatening. She could even be discharged the next day. ‘I tell you what – I’ll stay here with you tonight, okay?’

Young Mi was reassured by her promise and released Sun Mei’s hand. She closed her eyes and dozed off immediately. Sun Mei and Zhao Di went back to the office and after applying for the day off, she drove home. Her father was already home.

She called Hyung Chul, told him what had happened to Young Mi and that she would be spending the night at the hospital. He said that he would visit Young Mi later that night. When Gui Cheng and Sun Mei went into Young Mei’s room, she was still asleep. After noticing that Young Mi’s condition has improved, Gui Cheng left the hospital to buy food for Sun Mei.

Hours later, Sun Mei did not realize that she had fallen asleep by Young Mi’s bed, until she felt a hand stroking her cheek. She looked up in alarm but calmed down when she noticed that it was Hyung Chul.

‘Oh Oppa. What time is it?’ He told her it was a few minutes past 9.00 p.m. and asked her if she had eaten. She told him that her father had bought dinner for her. She looked at Young Mi who seemed to be in a deep slumber.

They sat on the sofa and he cradled her in his arms. ‘Sun Mei, you have to work tomorrow. Wouldn’t you feel tired if you sleep here tonight? Young Mi is in good hands now, so you do not have to worry about her’.

‘She’s scared of hospitals because her mother died in the hospital. I promised her I would be here when she wakes up.’ Sun Mei said that she could understand why Young Mi resented her so much. It was because as a child, she had not experienced a father’s love and was ridiculed by other children because she did not have a father.

‘In that aspect, I am much luckier than her. Although her mother lavished love and gifts on her, Young Mi did not get the one thing that she had wanted most of all – a father.’

He reminded her, ‘Sun Mei, you grew up without a mother. Do you feel the same resentment as Young Mi?’

‘No. I guess it was because daddy was like both father and mother to me. I did not feel as if I had lost out on anything. Maybe, there is also a vast difference growing up in Korea’.

They were so deep in conversation that they did not realize that Young Mi had awakened. had heard every word. She cried silently to herself. How could she have ever thought she hated Sun Mei? That Sun Mei could still be so kind to her in spite of what she had done, made Young Mi thoroughly ashamed of herself. When she recalled how Sun Mei had carried her to the taxi, tears of shame streamed down her face.

Hyung Chul decided to ask Sun Mei something he had been considering a long time. Although the place seemed the least likely place to do it, he did not want to delay what he set out to do.

‘Sun Mei, how do you like the idea of going to Japan for a honeymoon?’ He could feel her tense. She had swiveled round to look at him.

‘What? Whose honeymoon?’ Hyung Chul replied, ‘Who else but ours?’

‘I don’t remember you asking me to marry you’, she haughtily replied.

He took out a ring from his pocket of his cardigan. ‘I’m asking now. Will you, Ms. Zhen Sun Mei, marry me, Yun Hyung Chul, who loves you very much?’

‘What about my flowers?’ Sun Mei tried to make things hard for him.

He took the flowers from the vase on the side table. ‘I’m borrowing these from Young Mi. I’m sure she won’t mind’. He handed the flowers to Sun Mei, ‘You haven’t given me your answer’. He waited tensely for her reply.

She gave him the answer he wanted by holding out her left hand for him to put the ring on her finger. He smothered her in his embrace.

Young Mei smiled. No, she did not mind at all.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 14

Author: Margie L (Malaysia)



Young Mi was a different person after leaving the hospital. She no longer resented Sun Mei and had started calling her ‘Onni’. She had confessed to her father what she had done and had asked for Sun Mei’s forgiveness. Gui Cheng and Sun Mei were happy to see the change in her.

She had also been more courteous to Woo Jin who had visited her in the hospital. Sun Mei and Hyung Chul were hopeful that Woo Jin and Young Mi’s friendship would develop into something deeper. But judging from the way both of them still go for other’s throat made that an improbable likelihood.

Hyung Chul and Sun Mei had been making wedding plans. Needless to say, his parents and Gui Cheng were very happy with their news. Young Mi had insisted on designing Sun Mei’s bridal gown.

That Saturday, Sun Mei and Young Mi would be meeting up with Zhao Di and Joo Hee to go shopping. They had planned on spending a full day shopping. As Xian Da has an appointment, Joo Hee had to send her baby to her parents before meeting up with them.

While waiting for Joo Hee to arrive, Sun Mei, Young Mi and Zhao Di were looking at a window display on evening wear. Young Mi suddenly turned around. Was it her imagination? Sun Mei and Zhao Di also turned around, wondering what had caused Young Mi’s alarm.

Zhao Di spoke, ‘Young Mi, you nearly caused me to suffer from whiplash! What is it?’

Still looking scared, Young Mi replied that she thought she had seen Nakamura through the glass. Sun Mei asked, ‘Your mother’s Japanese partner?’ When Young Mi nodded, Sun Mei was alarmed too. Knowing about Da So’s conditions, Sun Mei was afraid that Nakamura’s presence in Korea would mean trouble for Young Mi.

When Young Mi saw the worried looks on both their faces, she shrugged. ‘Maybe I was wrong. Forget it. Let’s not spoil our day.’ She smiled and linked her arm through her Sun Mei’s. Joo Hee arrived just then and the four of them happily entered the store.

After making their purchases, they left the store. As Sun Mei and Young Mi were putting their bags in the car, suddenly a car drove up right beside them. Before they could do anything, a man got out of the car, bundled Young Mi into his car and drove off.

Joo Hee and Zhao rushed up to Sun Mei and asked her what had happened. Sun Mei did not waste time explaining to them. She pushed Zhao Di into the car and told Joo Hee to call Hyung Chul to tell him that Nakamura had kidnapped Young Mi.

She immediately set off after Nakamura’s car. She had never met Nakamura so she was not quite sure if the kidnapper was him. But as Young Mi said she had had seen him a just before they had entered the store, it had to be him.

Nakamura had jabbed a syringe of sedative into Young Mi while he was bundling her into the car. But the sedative seemed to be taking a long time to take effect. Young Mi was screaming and pulling at Nakamura’s ears as he was driving along the road, heading for the airport.

‘Stop the car right now, you crook! I know what you’re trying to do!’

Nakamura did not reply but continued driving. She would be unconscious by the time they reach the airport. He would strap her into the wheelchair; explain to the airport security that he is taking his terminally ill wife to Japan for treatment. He had prepared a fake passport for Young Mi. He was sure the security people would not ask him too many questions.

By this time, the sedative had knocked Young Mi out and she had slumped down unconscious in the back seat.

Nakamura’s car was speeding towards the airport. Sun Mei stepped on the accelerator as hard as she could. If she could not keep up with Nakamura’s car, she may not be able to stop him from taking Young Mi to Japan.

With a screeching of tyres, Sun Mei gritted her teeth and stepped on the accelerator with all her might. Her car shot forward. Zhao Di was hardly any help – all she did was to shout in Sun Mei’s ear, telling her to step harder on the accelerator.

‘Zhao Di, will you stop it! If I step any harder on the accelerator, my feet would go through the car! Do be quiet!’

Her cellphone rang, ‘You answer it,’ she told Zhao Di. As expected, it was Hyung Chul. ‘Zhen Sun Mei! What do you think you’re doing?’

‘This is Zhao Di. Sun Mei is driving, so she can’t talk to you.

‘I want to talk to her! Put the phone on hands-free’. When Sun Mei could hear him, he asked her again, ‘Zhen Sun Mei! Stop the car right now, understand? You’re going to break your neck!’

‘No, I can’t and won’t stop. That crook, Nakamura, has Young Mi in his car and he’s heading towards the airport. I think Nakamura is trying to take her back to Japan. I can’t let him do that.

‘Look in the mirror. Joo Hee called me and Woo Jin immediately alerted his men to trail your car. We’re behind your car now’. He added, ‘Let us handle Nakamura. Stop your car now!’ he ordered.

‘No! You’re too far behind - I’m closer. It would be too late by the time you reach his car.’ They could see the airport ahead. Before the infuriated Hyung Chul could say anything more, Sun Mei had cut him off. She told Zhao Di to switch off the phone.

Suddenly there was a loud ‘bang’ ahead. One of Nakamura’s car tyres had burst. He had no choice but to swerve to one side of the road. He managed to stop and got out of his car. When he saw that Young Mi was stirring in the back seat, he cursed himself. He had not administered enough sedative.

Sun Mei and Zhao Di also stopped their car, got out and approached Nakamura. But when they saw Nakamura brandishing the knife, they stopped.

Nakamura shouted at them, ‘Stop right there. I do not want to hurt anyone, but I will if I have to.’ He opened the door of the back seat and pulled a still groggy Young Mi out of the car. Still pointing the knife at Sun Mei and Zhao Di, he held Young Mi in front of him.

Although still a bit groggy, Young Mi managed to kick backwards at Nakamura’s crown jewels. She pulled his head in an arm lock, throwing him forward. Zhao Di jumped on the groaning Nakamura, pulling at his hair. Young Mi was kicking him everywhere, while Sun Mei had taken off her shoe and was hitting Nakamura mercilessly with the heel.

Just then, Hyung Chul and Woo Jin arrived with the police squad behind them. They were bemused at the way the poor crook was being manhandled by the three women. Feeling sorry for him, Hyung Chul and Woo Jin acted.

Hyung Chul held Sun Mei by the waist and pulled her away from Nakamura. Woo Jin grabbed a still kicking and screaming Young Mi. He held both her arms just in case she decides to try her judo skill on him.

‘Put me down! I want to kill him!’ Young Mi was screaming at Woo Jin. He replied calmly, ‘You don’t have to kill him. We will deal with him.’ He put her down and turned to Nakamura. He took out his handcuffs, cuffed Nakamura and threw him in the police car.

Sun Mei, a shoe still in her hand had her own problem to handle. Hyung Chul was eyeing her angrily. ‘What?’ Sun Mei asked defiantly.

He looked at her disheveled and dust streaked face. ‘Are you going to treat me the same way you treated that poor man, whenever we argue?’

‘Poor man? He tried to kidnap my sister and you can still feel sorry for him?’ She was incredulous that he could sympathise with Nakamura. ‘Do you feel sorry for him just because he’s a man? Oh, I just can’t believe it!’

He tried to placate her, ‘Okay, okay. Maybe I shouldn't have said that’. He took her hand. Although he still felt secretly sorry for Nakamura, he knew its safer to keep it to himself. ‘Come along. You still have to make a statement at the station’.

It was only when she cried out ‘Ow!’ that he noticed she was wearing only 1 shoe. She was holding the other shoe in her hand. Its heel had broken off while she was hitting Nakamura with it.

‘Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Did you cut your foot?’ He checked her foot. It did not appear to be cut. Without saying anything else, he swung her up in his arms.

‘Put me down! This is so embarrassing!’ He ignored her and continued walking towards his car.

‘Wait! What about me?’ Hyung Chul turned to look at Zhao Di. ‘You come along too.’

Woo Jin shouted to Hyung Chul, ‘Wait for me. I’m coming in your car,’ Then he told Young Mi to follow Hyung Chul and Sun Mei. ‘You go with them too.’ Young Mi retorted, ‘Who are you to order me around?’ But she turned and hurried after Hyung Chul.

‘Did that crook hurt you?’ Sun Mei asked Young Mi when they were in the car. ‘No, he never had a chance.’

The following day, Gui Cheng accompanied his daughters to the police station to meet Nakamura. Woo Jin was there to take their statement.

Gui Cheng was shocked to see Nakamura’s face which was bruised and covered with cuts. There were also bald patches on his head and looked as if, tufts of hair had been pulled out. Gui Cheng thought that the police must have really done a job on Nakamura. He looked disapprovingly at Woo Jin. He protested, ‘We didn’t do it. They did,’ gesturing at Sun Mei and Young Mi.

Young Mi had decided to drop charges against Nakamura and Gui Cheng was pleased with her decision. Young Mi said that if Sun Mei could forgive her, she could forgive Nakamura too. Moreover, she knew her mother would have wanted her to help him.

When they went to visit him and told him of their decision, Nakamura broke down and wept. He apologized for his misdeed. He promised to his best to turn the failing boutique into a success, but his customers wanted Young Mi’s designs. On top of that, he still had to pay debts to pay, otherwise his debtors would seize the boutique.

Young Mi said she would lend him the money to repay his debts. She would also continue to send him designs every month until the boutique’s business picks up. In return, he must stop gambling.

The grateful Nakamura gave his word and was released into the Zhen’s custody. Two days later, he returned to Japan.

 

Title: Love is All Around

Episode: 15 - The Wedding (Conclusion)

Author: Margie L (Malaysia)



Young Mi refused to show anyone her design of Sun Mei’s wedding gown. After taking Sun Mei’s measurements, she personally sent the design to a custom dressmaker. Not even Sun Mei herself, knows how the gown will look. She would only be able to find out on her wedding day. The dressmaker has such a reputation that her gowns are guaranteed to fit and would not require any alterations.

On the eve of her big day, Hyung Chul called Sun Mei. ‘It’s me. What are you doing now?’

Sun Mei glanced at the sleeping Young Mi who was buried under the blanket. She did not stir. She told him she was trying to sleep but could not because she was worried something may go wrong at their wedding tomorrow.

‘Trust me, nothing will go wrong. Have you seen your bridal gown?’

‘Young Mi said I would see it when I wear it tomorrow. But she said I would be very pleased with it.’ Suddenly she exclaimed, ‘Oh no!’

Hyung Chul immediately asked, ‘What’s wrong?’

Sun Mei told him that she was worried that she would not be able to fit into the gown. ‘What if it’s too tight for me? She wailed, ‘What will I wear then? We may have to postpone our wedding!’

‘Stop it! Hyung Chul ordered her, ‘The wedding will go on even if the hotel’s on fire!’ He reassured her, ‘Worse come to worse, if your gown doesn’t fit, we’d just go and buy one!’ His voice lowered, ‘Are you getting cold feet?’

She hesitated. ‘Zhen Sun Mei! Are you getting cold feet?’ he repeated – his voice sounding anxious.

She sniffed, ‘No, I’m not getting cold feet. I guess I’m just overwhelmed by everything.’

He heard her sniffing. ‘Are you crying?’

‘I’m just sad having to leave daddy and Young Mei. And I’m scared that as wife and daughter-in-law, I would make mistakes and cause you and your parents to be ashamed of me’.

Hyung Chul was really angry this time. ‘Will you stop saying such nonsense? If anything you do, could make me be ashamed of you, then I’m not worthy of you! Just be your natural self and you would not go wrong.’

He continued – gently this time, ‘As long as you always come home to me, you can visit your father and Young Mi as often you like. I won’t mind. I just want anything that makes you happy’. He sighed, ‘Tomorrow seems so far away. Maybe it’s because I can’t wait to make you to be my wife’. He told her, ‘Go to sleep. Don’t think of anything else. Just remember how much I love you, okay?’

For the first time since Hyung Chul’s many declarations of his love for her, Sun Mei responded, ‘I love you too, Oppa.’

He was quiet for a minute - happy that she finally uttered what he had been waiting for her to say. ‘When you’re my wife, don’t call me Oppa. Call me by my name. Goodnight, my love’.

Early the next morning, Young Mi roused Sun Mei. ‘Onni, wake up. You’ve overslept!’

Sun Mei jumped out of bed, ‘Huh? We’re late? Oh, why didn’t you wake me earlier?’
Then she noticed Young Mi was laughing. She looked at the bedside clock. It was just 8.00 a.m. She threw her pillow at Young Mi and climbed back into bed.

‘Come on, get up. Don’t you want to see your gown?’

When she heard the word, ‘gown’, she was wide awake again, ‘Where is it? Let me see it!’

Young Mi removed the carefully-wrapped gown from the box and held it up for Sun Mei’s view. Sun Mei gasped, ‘Oh….oh, my goodness! It’s exquisite’.

Young Mi was smiling proudly, ‘You like it? No, you don’t have to answer. I can tell from your face’.

The heavy-weight halter gown was magnificent! Embroidery decorated the bust part and ends at the hip part. The satin skirt continues in a long train. Young Mi was just as excited as Sun Mei. ‘Quick, try it on!’. She helped Sun Mei into the gown. It was a perfect fit and hugged Sun Mei’s slim figure like a second skin.

Young Mi looked at her sister in the mirror. She looks like a dream. Tears glistened in Sun Mei’s eyes and she turned and hugged Young Mi. ‘It’s so beautiful. Thank you!’

‘Onni, Hyung Chul Oppa is going to faint when he sees your bare shoulders!’ Young Mi could already envisage her soon-to-be brother-in-law’s reaction to her beautiful sister. The only negative side of the gown was the halter exposed a generous expanse of Sun Mei’s creamy white shoulders.

Young Mi helped her sister with her preparations. When she saw the wedding gown, the hairdresser suggested that Sun Mei wears her hair up to expose her graceful neck. As she would be wearing a coronet of babies’ breadth and not a tiara, they decided on a cathedral length simple veil to complete the effect.

Zhao Di had prepared an enchanting bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley. Gui Cheng entered the room, holding a box. When he saw his beautiful daughter, he wept. ‘Sun Mei, how could I bear to let you go?’ All of them, including the hairdresser began to cry. After a few minutes, the hairdresser spoke, ‘Stop! Or your make up will be ruined.’

Gui Cheng handed Sun Mei the box. ‘This is my wedding gift to you’. Inside was an intricately-designed diamond and pearl choker and earring set.’ Sun Mei thanked her father with a tight hug. He handed a small envelope to her. ‘This is from Hyung Chul. He had given it to me in the office yesterday’.

Sun Mei opened the box and found a key. She was puzzled and asked her father, ‘Is this a car key?’ Her father smiled secretly and led her downstairs. Young Mi, Zhao Di and the hairdresser trooped downstairs. He opened the front door and told Sun Mei to look outside. There, in front of their house, was a brand new top-of-the-range BMW car. Sun Mei turned rounded eyes at the father who nodded. ‘It’s your wedding present from Hyung Chul’.

The phone rang and Young Mi rushed to answer it. It was Woo Jin who told them the wedding entourage was on its way to pick them up.

Hyung Chul was waiting impatiently at the reception hall of the wedding venue. His parents were entertaining the wedding guests. Woo Jin had left with the entourage to pick up the bride’s party.

A bit later, there was a sudden burst of excitement and Woo Jin strode into the reception hall. He grinned and nodded to Hyung Chul. The music started and the doors opened. Sun Mei and her father entered the hall. There were admiring gasps from all the guests. They could not tell whether the vision they were looking at was real or a mirage. Could there have been a more beautiful vision than the one slowly walking down the aisle?

Mere words could not describe Hyung Chul’s feelings when he saw his bride-to-be, walking towards him and their new life together as man and wife. Although he did not quite approve of the vast expanse of flesh the gown displayed, nevertheless, he felt grateful to Young Mi for having created such a special gown for Sun Mei.

Sun Mei smiled shyly at him under her veil. She had observed how his eyes had roved appreciatively over her. Gui Cheng placed Sun Mei’s hand in Hyung Chul’s and the ceremony began.


EPILOGUE

Due to the wide publicity of the wedding, Sun Mei’s bridal gown generated a great deal of interest among the fashion houses. When they discovered that it was designed by the bride’s sister, they were all clamouring to hire Young Mi. However, she rejected all offers and instead, set up her own boutique. She proved to be as good at designing and as she was in running the boutique. In no time, she had to consider expanding the business to meet the demand for her designs. Her relationship with Woo Jin was also developing into something more serious than friendship.

Sun Mei chose Hawaii instead of Japan for their honeymoon. After a romantic dinner, under a starry night, they walked hand-in-hand along the beach; aware only of each other.

Hyung Chul stopped and pulled Sun Mei into his embrace. ‘My love, do you remember my wedding vow to you?’

When Sun Mei nodded, he asked her to recite his words.

As she was still shy with her husband, she tried to wriggle out of saying it. ‘Is it because you do not remember that you want me to say it?’

‘I remember every word! How could I forget when every word comes straight from my heart?’


*Author: I will say it for Sun Mei….*


When you’re happy, I’ll be there to share your happiness,
When you’re sad, I’ll bring rain to wash away your sadness.
When you need support, I’ll be your crutch to prop you up,
When you lose your way, I will find you and brin you home.

Every day of my life, in every way, I will always be there for you!


THE END !!


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Well ladies, let us all wish Hyung Chul and Sun Mei a lifetime of happiness. Amen!