AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 03

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

That afternoon, Sun-Mi is checking the on-line Missing Persons reports for any information on Young-Mi.

 

A colleague walks up and sits beside her. "Still checking the accident reports about Announcer Huh Young-Mi?"

 

Sun-Mi nods absently, her gaze still fixed on the screen.

 

Joo-Hee comes into the room. "Jin Sun-Mi?"

 

Sun-Mi looks up. Joo-Hee waves her over.

 

 

They walk down the corridor, past framed photos of past anchors, to the canteen.

 

Joo-Hee motions to a table, and they sit down.

 

"Are you still worrying about Young-Mi?" Joo-Hee asks.

 

"What could have happened to her?"

 

"I'd have thought work would be easier for you, with her gone."

 

"We didn't get along well, but still..." Sun-Mi's voice drops off.

 

"There's something missing?"

 

"Yes. Looking across my desk, to where she used to sit -- now it's empty.

 

"That won't be a problem for much longer," Joo-Hee hints.

 

Sun-Mi looks curiously at her.

 

Joo-Hee smiles. "I recommended you as next London Special Correspondent in my place..."

 

Sun-Mi gapes at Joo-Hee. The London post is highly coveted -- an assignment that opens doors to a newsreader aspiring for greater opportunities.

 

"I suppose you're wondering why I gave it up?"

 

She shows Sun-Mi the engagement ring on her finger.

 

Sun-Mi gasps. "Manager Kim?"

 

Joo-Hee nods and smiles.

 

Sun-Mi laughs. "That's wonderful! Congratulations!"

 

"Thank you."

 

 

"But why me? I don't have any field experience. And to be frank, my English is... embarrassing."

 

"Those skills can be learned," Joo-Hee explains, "but integrity can't. I know you'll make a great correspondent."

 

"Still..." Sun-Mi waffles. Accepting the post means putting her relationship with Hyung-Chul on hold -- again.

 

"You're thinking about Hyung-Chul?"

 

"Yes," Sun-Mi admits. "What will he think? Once again, I'll be making him wait..."

 

Joo-Hee's voice softens. "I'm sure he'll approve. Hyung-Chul always believed women deserve equal opportunity in their careers. In fact, he was the inspiration behind my career."

 

Sun-Mi raises an eyebrow. "Huh?"

 

 

Joo-Hee smiles as she continues. "My last year in Uni, I was torn. Should I start my career, or marry Hyung-Chul? And then... he dumped me. I threw myself into work to survive the heartbreak. Eventually, I realized I didn't need a man to define my life. You do understand that?"

 

Sun-Mi nods slowly. "Right. Why should a woman put her future in a man's control? We deserve an equal say! But if that's true, what made you change your mind to get married, and not go to London?"

 

"As the top announcer in Seoul, I didn't need to prove myself anymore," Joo-Hee explains. "When Sun-Dal came along, something clicked."

 

 

Sun-Mi presses her lips together. "But won't management think you're letting emotions cloud your professionalism?"

 

"I'm not quitting," Joo-Hee firmly clarifies. "In fact, I may be moving up soon."

 

"Really?" Sun-Mi frowns. "Uncle Sun-Dal always said a wife's place was at home with the kids."

 

"I told him clearly -- if I have to give up my career, I won't marry..."

 

Sun-Mi recalls those same words from when she, as a university student, had interviewed Joo-Hee years ago. That same fire, that same conviction.

 

Joo-Hee continues, "As women, we have it twice as hard as men. Unless we stand up for our ourselves, no one will."

 

Sun-Mi tilts her head. "So you're saying I should stand up for myself, too? With Hyung-Chul?"

 

"Don't give anyone power over your future," Joo-Hee reiterates. "I learned the hard way. Don't make the same mistake and get hurt like I did."

 

Sun-Mi breathes in deeply. "You're right. I need to decide soon -- for myself."

 

"Great!" Joo-Hee replies. "I'll be supporting you."