AAE -- Twists of Fate

Part 1 -- Chapter 26

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

The glass side entrance door off the MBS main lobby slides open. Hyung-Chul steps through the doorway, Joo-Hee a pace behind him. Outside, everyone is focused on the photo shoot in progress, so they step onto the patio unnoticed.

 

"Young-Mi has a half-dozen interviews this week," she observes. "Why would HR want you to appear at this one?"

 

Hyung-Chul shrugs. "Apparently someone owed someone a favor. The payback is giving JoongAng Ilbo an exclusive on this year's Gala emcees." He grins. "I'm just here as a backdrop for the star of the show."

 

"Huh Young-Mi?"

 

"Yes. The committee agreed unanimously that she's the perfect choice to raise the profile of both the Company, and the Gala."

 

"Like they said about me a few years back, when I took my turn," Joo-Hee notes wryly. "Who's her co-emcee?"

 

"Me."

 

"You?" Her brow lifts. "I thought you hated doing these formal affairs."

 

"That was before. Now I'm willing to do my part for charity."

 

Joo-Hee narrows her eyes. "You're sure there's not a more personal reason?"

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"I've noticed you're giving Young-Mi more attention lately."

 

"Don't start writing your own dramas, Joo-Hee. I'm just trying to make Young-Mi feel comfortable on the management team. My heart is still with Sun-Mi."

 

"If you say so. But it's not being disloyal to Sun-Mi to accept reality and move on. Young-Mi is turning out to be a different person than I thought she was. You two would look good together. Don't hold back out of pointless hope."

 

They join the audience watching from near the vending machines. With slight bows, the line shifts to make space for the latecomers.

 

 

When Young-Mi sees Joo-Hee, she dips her head respectfully. But as Hyung-Chul steps up beside Joo-Hee, Young-Mi's face lights up.

 

The photographer notices the change. "Announcer Huh? Let's redo that last shot."

 

She turns to face him. "Huh?"

 

"That smile -- it's magical. You just glow. I want to capture it."

 

Young-Mi instantly blushes.

 

"Hold it." The camera clicks.

 

Feeling the warmth in her cheeks, she puts up her palms to hide them. "I'm afraid I've ruined your picture."

 

"Not at all. You've just made my day," he assures her, taking another shot. "Let's continue. Tilt your head and look to the left..."

 

 

Joo-Hee nods her approval. "Isn't Young-Mi simply charming? She takes to the camera naturally, like a seasoned celebrity."

 

"I thought you opposed mingling the News with personal acclaim," Hyung-Chul points out.

 

"Times are changing. Celebrities are looked upon by many as authorities now. It doesn't hurt for the face of MBS to be as beautiful and stylish as she is personable and intelligent."

 

"You're not concerned the increased media attention might go to Young-Mi's head?"

 

"It's easy for an announcer's ego to get in the way of delivering the news," Joo-Hee admits. "But Young-Mi's shown she's different. On the news desk, she projects a humility and sincerity that shine beyond mere beauty. That's what the viewers see and want more of."

 

He chuckles. "That's high praise, coming from you."

 

She shrugs. "I'm the one who mentored her, and provided the makeover that made a gem sparkle," she says matter-of-factly. "Shouldn't I be proud of my work?"

 

Hyung-Chul returns his attention to Young-Mi as she strikes another pose. "You're right. She certainly is dazzling."

 

Joo-Hee smiles. "I'm glad we agree -- you need something to brighten up your life these days."

 

 

Young-Mi and Ji-Sun sit down again at the table. Young-Mi takes a sip of water from her glass.

 

"This is the question many are wondering about," Ji-Sun opens. "As one of the most visible single women in Korea, do you have a boyfriend?"

 

Young-Mi looks down and covers her mouth with her hand. "No, I don't have one... at the moment."

 

"I see. What qualities do you look for in an ideal man?"

 

"When growing up, I accepted what society told me was suitable -- tall, handsome, wealthy, or with top career prospects," Young-Mi answers promptly. "But since then..." She shifts her gaze to Hyung-Chul. "I've learned that other qualities matter more. Kindness. Generosity. A sense of self-confidence. And a person who understands me and recognizes my worth."

 

Ji-Sun follows Young-Mi's eyes. "You seem to have someone in mind."

 

Young-Mi smiles. "Yes. There's a man whom I admire a lot."

 

Ji-Sun turns the page of her notebook. "MBS just released notice of your selection as co-emcee for the Annual Charity Gala alongside Director Yoon Hyung-Chul." Her voice sharpens. "How would you characterize your relationship with the Director?"

 

"We share a common desire to make MBS the premier news network, if that's what you mean," Young-Mi replies.

 

"Actually, I was hoping you might speak to the personal aspects," Ji-Sun presses. "I've heard that you and the Director harmonize remarkably well together. Can you confirm that?"

 

Young-Mi flushes lightly. "Well... yes... we've discovered something wonderful happens when we sing together. But more importantly, we both believe strongly in supporting some of the neediest in our society -- children in orphanages -- who are the beneficiaries of this year's Charity Gala."

 

Ji-Sun turns toward Hyung-Chul. "Director Yoon, may we have a photograph of you with Announcer Huh for the official Gala announcement?"

 

Hyung-Chul steps forward as Young-Mi rises. The photographer moves to frame the shot, gesturing to Young-Mi. "Step a bit forward, Announcer Huh, and stand closer."

 

She shifts so her shoulder overlaps Hyung-Chul's, lightly brushing his charcoal gray jacket.

 

"That's it. Smile." The photographer snaps a series of frames. "We're done. You can relax now."

 

Ji-Sun puts her notebook and recorder into her tote. She slings the strap over her shoulder as the photographer picks up his equipment satchel.

 

"Thank you, Director Yoon. Announcer Huh. We'll leave first," she says, offering a formal bow with the photographer before they walk toward the car park.

 

Hyung-Chul turns to Young-Mi. "Good work, Announcer Huh. You handled the interview well."

 

"Thank you, Director. I appreciate that."

 

"Anyone watching the photo shoot would think you're a professional model."

 

"Really?" She laughs lightly. "That's because the photographer guided me through everything."

 

 

Hyung-Chul glances back to where Joo-Hee had been standing, but she has left with the rest of the onlookers. He checks his watch. "It's past lunch time. Have you eaten yet?"

 

"No. I'm famished," Young-Mi admits, then adds lightly, "Interviewing is hard work."

 

"I appreciate you doing this for the Company. Let me treat you in the executive lunchroom."

 

"You must be busy," she demurs. "I'll just eat by myself."

 

"I insist." Hyung-Chul gestures for Young-Mi to walk with him back toward the building. "It can be our first working lunch for planning the Gala activities."

 

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Isn't that the Gala coordinator's role?"

 

"You're looking at him."

 

"How can you take this on, too, with all your other responsibilities?"

 

"By delegating the work to a deputy I trust highly -- and I'm looking at her. What do you say, Announcer Huh?"

 

"On one condition... we each have an equal vote in the decisions."

 

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he agrees. "Is that all?"

 

"Yes." She stops and turns toward him, playfully saluting. "Gala Deputy Coordinator Huh Young-Mi at your service, sir!"

 

They laugh and resume walking.

 

 

"The MBS Charity Foundation has set a high goal for this year's fundraising," Hyung-Chul says. "And orphans are not high on our society's list of pressing concerns. We need to raise awareness first."

 

"Why don't we do a series of feature stories on the current state of orphanages?" Young-Mi suggests. "We can interview staff and volunteers for heartwarming stories to air on Eve's Morning and The Weekend magazine."

 

He nods. "That's an excellent idea. You must have been thinking about this already."

 

"Being an orphan myself, their situation is close to my heart," Young-Mi says, her voice turning solemn. "I truly want to do this for the children."

 

"I'm glad to hear that," Hyung-Chul replies. "Let's make this Gala the best ever."

 

The automatic door slides open, and they walk in side by side.