AAE -- Wishes Of The Heart

Chapter 96

written by LoveCR2 -- 2005

edited by All-About-AAE -- 2017

 

"I didn't realize how much good luck I have, until today." -- Jin Sun-Mi

 

 

GNN OFFICE, LONDON...

 

"I was shocked when I heard it, too, last week..." John White looks across his desk at Sun-Mi. "What a tragic accident."

 

Sun-Mi stares down at her hands in her lap as she nervously clasps and unclasps them. Although technically on holiday, she'd come for her last visit to the London office wearing a classic Dior navy skirt suit, sheer nude hose, and Chanel black suede and patent cap toe 100mm heels, with an off-white blouse, single strand pearl necklace, and solitaire pearl studs.

 

"It was no accident, it happened because of me," she corrects his impression.

 

John looks at Sun-Mi with concern. Even with makeup, her face is wan and lined with exhaustion. The vibrant, determined, and confident woman of just a week ago sits listlessly, exuding uncertainty and hopelessness.

 

"It's useless to blame yourself for what happened," he disagrees. "Feeling guilty won't change anything."

 

"I know, but I can't help thinking that things could be different, if only..."

 

She sighs, and then comes to the reason for her visit, "Sir, if it's possible, I'd like to decline the New York Special Correspondent."

 

Curious, he leans forward to ask, "Why do you want to do that?"

 

"You gave me the post because Director Yoon asked you for a favor, right? Not because of my abilities."

 

 

Unexpectedly, John stands up and looks down at her, his face stern...

 

"It's true that Director Yoon called and asked for a favor," John admits. "But do you think anything can happen at this company just because of one person? Don't the opinions of the entire management team, and even the viewers, carry some weight, too?"

 

Intimidated under his intense glare, Sun-Mi replies feebly, "Yes, but..."

 

"You really want to give up New York? Then hand in your resignation, too," he orders bluntly. "There's no place on this team for someone who lacks confidence in the Company's decisions."

 

Sun-Mi looks up and clarifies her intent, "But I don't want to be given any special preferences..."

 

"Tell me who claimed you got special preferences, and I'll set that person straight," he replies forcefully.

 

"Actually, it was no one," she admits, "I just assumed..."

 

"Then I'll set you straight!" he declares.

 

She looks away. "That's not necessary... it doesn't really matter, if I resign, does it?"

 

"I thought an investigative reporter would value truth over speculation, Special Correspondent Sun-Mi Jin," he challenges her. "What is it that you came here for?"

 

She looks at him and answers, hesitantly, "Er... of course, the truth, Sir."

 

 

"Good," he smiles, taking his seat again. "When we were evaluating the possible candidates, there were some who regarded you as too young and immature to handle the responsibility. Does that sound familiar?"

 

"Yes," she nods glumly.

 

 

"At first, I was inclined to agree, and we ruled you out," he discloses, "But then Director Yoon called and asked me to reconsider, as a favor, claiming he wanted to settle his conscience. It's not common for a man to speak like that, so of course I listened. He told me he'd once thought you were too naive and immature, and always regretted that mistake."

 

Sun-Mi is astonished. "Director Yoon... he said that?"

 

"So I asked some of your colleagues who they'd recommend, including themselves," John explains. "It seems that you've impressed a lot of people favorably by your sincerity. Even the leading candidate gave you a positive recommendation over himself. When I took this back to the committee, the decision was unanimous to send you..."

 

Hearing this moves Sun-Mi to tears, which she quickly wipes away in embarrassment.

 

"I'm thinking that when I report this, there may be some disappointment," he concludes. "But it is your decision to make."

 

She thinks over what he said, and then apologizes, "I'm sorry that I spoke rashly. If it's not too late, can I take it back?"

 

"If anyone asks, I'll deny you said anything," he affirms.

 

"Thank you for a second chance," Sun-Mi gives him an appreciative smile. "I won't make this mistake again."

 

 

"Now that this is settled, is there anything else while you're here?" he asks.

 

Sun-Mi takes a deep breath, and replies, "Sir, would it be too much... to ask for a favor?"

 

"What is it? Go on.." he prompts

 

"I'd like permission to travel to Seoul first, enroute to New York," she tells him, "I've just realized I made a big mistake and need to settle my conscience too..."

 

"I think that can be arranged," John agrees as he opens a desk drawer, and hands her an air ticket.

 

She opens the cover to see that the ticket is to New York, via Seoul. "How did you know?" she gasps incredulously.

 

"When I heard about Hyung-Chul's condition, I took the liberty to presume," he explains.

 

Grateful tears wet Sun-Mi's eyes. "Thank you. This means so much to me! I don't know what to say..."

 

"If you can give my regards personally to Hyung-Chul," he replies, "that will be saying enough."

 

"I'll do that," she promises.

 

"I'm sure you have a lot to do, leaving early, so I won't keep you," he says, standing up to see her off.

 

Sun-Mi quickly stands too...

 

 

"One more thing, you might buy Jang Hon-Yong a cup of coffee," he hints as he extends his hand. "Good luck, Sun-Mi."

 

As they shake hands in farewell, she remarks, "I didn't realize how much good luck I have, until today..."

 

 

AN HOUR LATER...

 

Sun-Mi is waiting outside the Arirang restaurant, when the familiar green Austin Healey Sprite, top down, pulls up and stops. Seeing Min-Cho with his wind-blown hair, sunglasses, and carefree smile waving at her, she is reminded of the first time they met, only about nine months ago...

 

"That was quick," she remarks.

 

"Getting a text that includes, 'something very important to tell you' is a good motivator," he answers as he gets out and circles the car.

 

"I have lunch," she tells him, drawing attention to the canvas bag she holds.

 

"Your Auntie's special kimbap?" he guesses, opening the car door for her. "Yum!"

 

"Is there anything better for a picnic?" she agrees, her eyes sparkling as she anticipates savoring the taste.

 

"You didn't say the Queen was coming with," he remarks at her dressy attire. "I'd have put on a jacket and tie..."

 

As he offers a hand to help her get down into the car seat, she smiles at the image of him in his rugby jersey and faded blue jeans with a formal jacket and tie.

 

He closes the car door securely, asking, "By the way, where to?"

 

"I'll give directions as we go," Sun-Mi answers ambiguously. "Today, we'll be taking the scenic route..."