C H A P T E R  2

Re: Translator Opportunity!!

Hello Minlee! My name is Sumin, the head stylist at SM Entertainment. We were filtering through students to become the next generation of translators, and we noticed your exceptional work. This talent at such a young age is remarkable, and for that we would like to offer you a two year internship as an English translator at SM! This is a very rare and very amazing opportunity, and we really hope you would be able to join us in Seoul. I was born in California so with me, I am sure you will find it easy to transition, learn, and adjust into the Korean culture and lifestyle. We will cover your costs, all you need to do is come and showcase your abilities! If you are interested, please respond within the next two weeks. I look forward to your reply!

Regards,

Sumin Yoo

I could not believe my eyes. A part of me was feeling stunned, as if someone had just punched me in the gut with a happiness glove. A mix of exhilaration, euphoria and sheer panic rapidly infiltrated my whole body, and I sprinted to the phone to call Leiyah. Of course, you can suggest that my reaction paled hers in comparison. She was insanely ecstatic, but her tone became slightly more depressed as we continued to squeal.

“Minmin...you know that even if you go, I can’t...I must stay in Canada for one more year so that I can become a citizen. And my grades aren’t as top notch as yours, you know my strict parents would never approve--I hope yours do, though. Minmin, you have to go, okay!?!? Your talent and the true surrealness of this offer is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so go and enjoy it for the both of us. As your best friend, I will happily stay here, root for you, and continue to show you off to my friends, hehe. And anyways, what’s the point of me bothering if it’s not my JYP Jackson?? Have fun with your channie loverboy, kekekeke”

Fast forward to today, where I am still laying on this snug bed. After a few minutes of scrolling through social media feeds, my cell phone starts to ring; It’s Sumin. I rush down the flights to meet her outside and carry my luggage to my dorm. I only have 3 suitcases(Sumin said that I’ll be provided with everything except for clothing), so it was manageable for both of us to lug them into my room without any additional assistance. After we complete the hoisting, we both jerk ourselves onto the bed to catch our breaths.

“Liking Korea so far?”

“Uh-huh. It looks a bit different from the city architecture in Toronto, but everything is pretty much the same. I think I’ll adapt quickly.”

“That’s good! Did you get a chance to eat anything yet after your flight?”

“Well...not exactly.” I laugh faintly.

“Not on my watch. Lets go for cafe food. My treat! We need this time together so I can disclose your activities for your stay here. We have so much to talk about, I think I’ll have to take you out for the entire week! Let’s go.”

Sumin takes my hand and leads me to