AAE -- Wishes Of The Heart

Chapter 90

written by LoveCR2 -- 2005

edited by All-About-AAE -- 2017

 

"I think you're underestimating yourself, Sun-Mi, so I have a different opportunity in mind." -- GNN President John White

 

 

GNN LONDON OFFICE... MID-JUNE...

 

"I'm always glad to do a favor for a friend, Hyung-Chul..."

 

Global News Network President John White is conversing on his desk phone.

 

"... Next time you're in London, buy me a pint or two, and we'll call it even," John jests. "Let's plan on a..."

 

A knock on the office door interrupts him...

 

"... Someone's here. Gotta hang up now..." he explains the situation. "Keep in touch, okay?... Bye..."

 

 

John puts down the phone and pivots his chair toward the door, as he calls out to his visitor, "Yes?"

 

The door swings open and Sun-Mi steps in. "You wanted to see me ASAP, Sir?" she explains her unannounced arrival.

 

 

When he sees Sun-Mi, John does a double-take. Instead of her everyday business wear, she is wearing a jet black, Herv� L�ger sleeveless bandage dress that swathes her lithe figure like a one-size-too-small glove, with a strapless neckline that dips low, and a clingy skirt that stops short to bare a substantial mileage of lissome leg. Kohl-rimmed eyes, dusk-grey lids, rouged cheekbones, and strawberry red lips give her face a dramatic edge -- the antithesis of her ingenuous, girl-next-door looks.

 

Covering his surprise with a wave of his hand welcoming her in, John deduces, "You came straight from the studio?"

 

"We had a break, and your message said it was very urgent," she explains, still lingering by the door, self-conscious with his attention riveted on her, "Should I go and change first, and then come back?"

 

"No need for that. I apologize for gawking a bit," John sets her at ease. "Please, have a seat..."

 

Sun-Mi breezes in... her jewel-embellished, silver Dolce & Gabbana 110mm stilettos flashy, but soundless, on the executive office's plush carpeting. Taking one of the pair of chairs set squarely in front of his desk, she casually crosses her legs and rests a small silver and black Louis Vuitton handbag on her knee.

 

"I was thinking of the time Hyung-Chul introduced us," John explains after waiting for her to settle in. "You were in dungarees and sneakers, with a red cap over your curls and the cutest smile, looking barely out of grammar school..."

 

Sun-Mi, surprised at his detailed memories, reminds him, "But I was twenty, and a university student."

 

"So I learned, when you chewed me out for talking to you like a kid," John recalls. "Seeing you now is such a contrast."

 

"I good one, I hope," she smiles, then redirects the conversation onto the reason for his summons, "But you didn't call me up just to reminisce..."

 

"I've had good reports about your work, both before and after the joint-venture. Ratings for 'Fashion Today!' are up, not just in Korea, but the Euro markets, too, and our international website," he praises her and then goes right to the point, "You've worked hard and made a name for yourself, and I think you deserve a reward for that."

 

"Thank you, Mr. White," Sun-Mi responds with a polite, Korean dip of her head, and adds modestly,. "But it's just fashion and other feature stories."

 

"It's... not... 'just'... anything!" John jabs his finger down repeatedly on his desk to reinforce his words, reminding her, "Every program is important, or it wouldn't be broadcast."

 

"Yes, Sir," she answers, lowering her eyes, duly chastised. "What I meant was it's not a very challenging assignment for me anymore."

 

"So... what would you consider a challenge?" he opens the door for her suggestions.

 

Sun-Mi takes a moment to think. After Chief Kim's dressing down for being overconfident, she is cautious about setting her ambitions too high. "I've been studying current financial and political issues, and think I'm ready for a small 'hard news' assignment now."

 

"And I think you're underestimating yourself, Sun-Mi," John disputes her self-assessment with a smile. "So I have a different opportunity in mind... How does Special Correspondent, New York sound? Several reporters there recently resigned, and we're rebuilding the staff. It won't be just fashion you're covering; you can go after anything you'd like to take on."

 

Hearing this, Sun-Mi is disbelieving. "Me? But I..."

 

"Don't tell me why you're the least qualified for the position," he admonishes her. "It's already decided, if you're willing to accept. For now, the position is provisional, six months or so, as we make staff adjustments, so there's no guarantee of a long-term post. But if you do well, you'll be considered for promotion to Lead Correspondent at New York, or another Bureau."

 

Sun-Mi's eyes light up in exhilaration even as she is overwhelmed by the offer. "Sir... I don�t' know what to say..."

 

"Try saying you'll accept," John prompts, amused at the expression on her face.

 

"Yes... I'll work harder, and do better! You can count on me," she agrees to the new post enthusiastically.

 

"Good, then it's settled," he confirms their verbal agreement. "Now, any questions?"

 

"First, what about Fashion Today!," she leads off her short list, "I won't have time to do it all myself anymore."

 

"We already have someone set to handle production work here," he allays her concern. "You'll only do segments for North America."

 

"Second, when will I start?"

 

"Tentatively the first week in July," he gives her the probable date. "Can you be ready by then?"

 

Sun-Mi nods. "I only need a few days to pack and settle things here."

 

"Good. I'll inform the Bureau Chief, and he'll arrange for temporary accommodations. After today, you're officially on holiday until you start in New York," John signals his intention that she take some time off for the transition.

 

"Third... does this include a pay rise?" she asks, concerned about her ability to afford her own apartment.

 

"You're being bumped a grade immediately, with a discretionary bonus after 30 days," he lays out the compensation plan. "Anything else?"

 

"Actually, I'm still in too much of a daze to think clearly about everything right now," she admits. "And I have to return to the studio now. Can I get back to you later?"

 

"Certainly, and do stop by my office before you leave for New York," he suggests as he gets up to see her out.

 

 

In her excitement, Sun-Mi reverts to habit, standing and bowing deeply, as she addresses him formally, "Thank you, President White!"

 

John chuckles. "Shall we try this again, English style?"

 

"Oh..." she stands up erect, embarrassed. "Sorry..."

 

He extends his hand and they shake.

 

"Good luck, Sun-Mi," he tells her.

 

"Thank you, Mr. White," she addresses him casually, per his stated preference. "Thank you so much..."