AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 03

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Later that same day, Sun-Mi is checking the on-line reports for any information on Young-Mi, when a colleague walks up.

 

"These days there haven't been any accident reports," he tells her.

 

 

Sun-Mi turns her attention back to the computer monitor as Joo-Hee walks into the room and calls Sun-Mi's name to get her attention.

 

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

 

"Come with me," Joo-Hee requests.

 

 

They go to a conference room to talk as the evening's broadcast of the News At Nine is playing on the TV monitor. They sit down at the conference table and watch Lee Mi-Ra on the TV monitor for a few moments.

 

"From this month, the restriction on Chinese travelers will be lifted," Mi-Ra leads the next item.

 

"She's not bad," Joo-Hee comments, hoping to prompt a reaction from Sun-Mi.

 

 

Sun-Mi smiles at Joo-Hee, but says nothing and turns back to watch the TV.

 

Joo-Hee tries again, "How does it feel to be bumped aside by a co-worker?"

 

"If Young-Mi were here, she'd have done better," Sun-Mi gives her opinion.

 

Catching the inflection in Sun-Mi's voice, Joo-Hee probes, "Since Young-Mi disappeared, are things harder for you?"

 

"If I said I felt empty you'd laugh, right?"

 

Joo-Hee regards Sun-Mi skeptically. "Empty? Is that all your work means to you?"

 

 

Sun-Mi smiles again and looks away without another word. Joo-Hee had hit an uncomfortable spot, exactly what Sun-Mi had been pondering herself that day.

 

Joo-Hee sighs, pretending annoyance. "Then that's too bad."

 

Her tone of voice causes Sun-Mi to look curiously at her.

 

Joo-Hee smiles. "Because you're going to be the next London Special Correspondent instead of me."

 

"What?!" Sun-Mi can't believe what she just heard. The London post was one of the most coveted assignments available for a newsreader aspiring for greater opportunities.

 

Joo-Hee ignores Sun-Mi's startled expression and continues, matter-of-factly, as if everything is settled. "If you do well as a Correspondent you may even get a scholarship..."

 

"But, you gave up the News At Nine to go to London," Sun-Mi interjects.

 

Joo-Hee smiles as if she has a secret. "Yeah. Would you believe me if I said something more important came up? It's... umm..."

 

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

 

Sun-Mi's look of surprise turns into a large grin. "Then... with Manager Kim Sun-Dal?" she guesses.

 

Joo-Hee lowers her eyes to confirm the speculation.

 

"Are you serious, Senior?"

 

Joo-Hee nods and smiles at SM, who laughs.

 

"Congratulations! That's great, Senior!" Sun-Mi enthuses.

 

"Thanks," Joo-Hee replies with a smile.

 

 

"But why me?" Sun-Mi wonders aloud, realizing that a decision to go to England will put any plans for a future with Hyung-Chul on hold. "I have very little reporting experience, and to be frank, my English is terrible."

 

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

 

"Still..." Sun-Mi waffles on making a decision on the spot.

 

Joo-Hee guesses, "You're concerned about Hyung-Chul?"

 

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

 

"I'm sure he'll approve," Joo-Hee assures her. "Hyung-Chul always believed women should have as much opportunity as men in their careers. In fact, he was the inspiration behind my career."

 

Sun-Mi is surprised to hear this. "Huh?"

 

 

Joo-Hee smiles as she elaborates. "My first year as an announcer was hard, and as I struggled for success, I was ready to give up everything and marry Hyung-Chul. And then... he dumped me. Pursuing a career was how I avoided dealing with a broken heart, until I finally realized that I didn't need a man as the main focus of my life. You do understand that?"

 

Sun-Mi philosophizes, "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 her decision. "When Sun-Dal came along, something clicked."

 

 

Sun-Mi nods, but questions the logic. "Yet by doing that, doesn't it makes it look to the Management like women let their hearts rule over their heads? That they are more emotional than professional?"

 

"I'm not quitting my job," Joo-Hee makes it clear. "In fact, I may be moving up soon."

 

"Really?" Sun-Mi expresses doubt. "Uncle Sun-Dal always told me be believed a wife's place was at home with the kids."

 

"I made it clear to him, if I had to give up my career, then I won't get married," Joo-Hee confirms emphatically. "As women, we have it twice as hard as men. Unless we stand up for our goals ourselves, they'll never happen."

 

Sun-Mi recalls that Joo-Hee had expressed a similar idea when she had 'interviewed' her during the University Broadcasting Festival Emcee competition. "So you're saying I should stand up for myself, too, with Hyung-Chul, and keep my career?"

 

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

 

"You're right. I should make my decision as soon as possible," Sun-Mi concludes. "Thanks, Senior."