Chapter 8

From the Window

2012

The Jetlag is killing Sulli…Headache….

Sulli has just gotten home from her flight from the US. She just submitted her completed documentary to her Boss and then handed her resignation letter effective immediately. It’s not that she didn’t like working for the ABC (American Broadcasting Company), she really wanted to stay. She likes her work. It’s exciting! But she can’t stay…she needs to go home to Korea…

Sulli laid in bed and tried to get sleep

“I need to visit Dad in the hospital…” thought Sulli. Her Dad is the main reason she had to be back in Korea. He’s not as strong as he used to be. And though she still doesn’t want to handle their family business, the last call she had with her Dad broke her heart…It seems her Dad missed her already from the years that she wasn’t home.

Sulli sat up and took her coat.

“And then I need to go to the magazine company to meet my new Boss there.” Thought Sulli listing the things she has to do for the day

“And then I need to go to Top Hill University. The chairman needs to know that I am not interested to be Luceat’s adviser.” Said Sulli

Sulli went out and took a cab going to the hospital. She saw her Mom with her Dad.

“Sulli, you could’ve told us you’re coming home!” said Sulli’s Mom surprised.

“I wanted to surprise you both.” Said Sulli

Sulli’s Dad is on the bed and reached his arm so that he can hug Sulli. Sulli hugged her Dad tight.

“I’m home Dad.” Said Sulli

“For how long?” asked her Dad, Ralph

“I…plan to stay this time…I got a job in Seoul’s hub.” Said Sulli

“You wanted to work there since you were small.” Said Ralph.

“Yeah…I did…Dad I’m sorry but I still don’t think I can do business…” said Sulli

“That’s fine…as long as you’re here. I asked your cousin to help out with the business.” Said Ralph

“Did she say Yes?” asked Sulli

“She’ll give me an answer in 2 weeks... So should be fine.” Said Ralph.

Sulli hugged her Dad again. “I’m sorry I keep being a disappointment to you.”

“You might be surprised to know how proud I am of you.” Said Ralph.

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Sulli went to the Seoul’s hub. She entered the building.

“Hi Miss, I need to see Mr. Chansung Hwang” said Sulli to the receptionist.

“Do you have an appointment with him, Mam?” asked Receptionist.

“Actually he was expecting to talk to me via call today because he thought I’ll still be in the US. But I have now arrived so I wanted to see him personally.” Said Sulli

“Let me check first with his secretary, Mam.” The receptionist dialed some numbers in the phone and talked with someone.

“He’ll be down here in a minute, Mam.” Said the receptionist.

“Thank you.” Said Sulli

The building is so large…as expected of Seoul’s biggest publishing company.

Sulli did not need to wait long. In just a few minutes she saw a handsome man walking towards her. Sulli took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Whenever she sees a good looking person paying attention to her…she normally needs to calm her nerves and remind herself that they are not interested in her.

“Hi..you must be Miss Sulli Choi. I didn’t know you’ll be here in Korea. I would have prepared everything.” Said Chansung

“Huh?” Sulli is confused.

“Oh..I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Chansung Hwang.”  Said Chansung

“You?!” Sulli can’t believe it.

“When I talked to you via phone…and even in mails…you sounded like you’re…older.” Said Sulli

The way Chansung talks and emails is so senior management that Sulli thought he’s going to be really old.

Chansung chuckled.

“I get that reaction a lot.” Said Chansung “I’m glad to finally meet you in person. Even before I made an offer to you, I have already seen some of your work in ABC. I’m impressed. I hope you can also bring it here.”

“I’ll try my best…I have also seen some of your work. My favorite is the one about the nuclear power plant.” Said Sulli

“Which one again?” asked Chansung

“The nuclear powerplant where you really gave details as to the health risks it has. It was really compelling. I felt really bad that it wasn’t publicized the way it deserved to be.” Said Sulli

“Oh…that is my first published work…”said Chansung

“Interesting…that was only published in a  cheap newspaper in New York. Top management did not even pay attention.  But up until now,   I consider that one of my best works.” Thought Chansung

“Really? You did a really good job there.” Said Sulli “You said you’ve seen my work…which one?” asked Sulli

Is this manager just bluffing or is he saying the truth that he really saw her works?

Chansung knows when he is being tested. And he’s always ready for it.

“I liked your work about the Brazilian Millionaire.” Said Chansung

Sulli made an article about how lavish the lifestyle was of a Brazilian Millionaire while his workers do not get the right salaries.

“Oh…That’s actually my first published work.” Said Sulli

There was a moment of silence. And then suddenly Sulli and Chansung’s eyes met. And then they can’t stop themselves from laughing.

“I did not intentionally looked for your first work to be honest. That was really the article that caught my attention.