Sitting across her boss, Sumin waited patiently as her boss reviewed the documents in hand. Her boss is a hard and demanding boss, yet fair. She raised her bar high, pushing her team to deliver exceptional work, but they've learned a lot through the process. And when a good work is delivered, she will not shy away from compliments. Her boss is a hard and demanding boss, yet fair. She raised her bar high, pushing her team to deliver exceptional work, but they've learned a lot through the process. And when a good work is delivered, she will not shy away from compliments.   She had requested a meeting to submit a formal request for transfer to Seoul Office at the end of her contract. Although this was just a formality, Sumin can't help but felt guilty. Over the last few months, her boss had indicated on several occasions about extending her stay in Hong Kong. Sumin has not indicated her interest, just simply smiled in acknowledgment. Therefore, this request could be a surprise.   Ms Lam put the document on the table, raised her eyes and contemplated the young woman across the table. From the very beginning she had liked Sumin and had brought her under her wings. She had no regrets because Sumin was not only intelligent, she was also industrious and focused. She has potential to go far in the company.   “You are aware that the exposure at head office is better and more beneficial for your career growth?” Ms Lam bluntly pointed it out.    “Yes Ms Lam.” Though the voice was soft, it was firm, clearly indicating that she had thought through thoroughly.   “Then explain yourself!”    Keeping her gaze level, Sumin explained her plans to gain exposure in a wider area. At head office, the jobs are more specialised, giving them in depth knowledge of that specific functions. However, at the branch office, the job functions are wider giving her opportunities to learn more during a relatively shorter period. However, she noted that there will be missed opportunities of working in interdepartment projects.   After further discussion, her boss finally relented and agreed to submit her request.     During lunch, Sumin told her close friends about her earlier meeting. They were shocked as they had forgotten that Sumin was on an expatriate contract and never thought of her moving away. Over the past years, the five of them have developed very strong bond.   "You know the bosses really like you. Ask them to extend the contract. I'm sure they will agree," Freddy suggested. The rest of them nodded in agreement. Sumin is known as a high flyer in the company because of the quality of her work. There were a lot of jealous whispers of her being Ms Lam protege and CFO's blue eyed girl. Nevertheless it never escalated much because, the same whispers also acknowledged her ability.   Sumin gave a hesitant smile before shaking her head slightly. "I don't want to extend."   "Why?" Anna wailed.    Jin Goo nodded. "Yeah, why not? You are doing well at work, and I thought you have settled down quite comfortably in Hong Kong."   Shifting her glance from one friend to the other, she was filled with gratitude. These are friends that indeed made the adjustment to a new environment of a different culture easier, hence making her stay in Hong Kong so much more pleasant. The friendship and companionshop alleviated the longing she has for her family and friends back home. She reached out to Anna and Suet Ying, clasping their hand and smiled gratefully at each one of them. She told them that with their friendship, she has not only grown accustomed to Hong Kong but actually liked her stay. And the work has been hard and tiring, but worthwhile and rewarding. However, she missed home, her family and her friends in Korea. It was also never her intention to stay beyond the 3 years contract.  Reluctantly her friends accepted it and they promised to keep in touch and visit her. Sumin promised to visit them too.   That night, Sumin shared with Yerim her friends' reaction to her decision. Although she had expected her friends disappointment on her decision, but she still felt melancholic about it. They've been so much a part of her life for the past couple of years.   Yerim watched her friend, gazing downward as she played with her noodle. Her body was hunched and movements were measured. She was a picture of despondency.   "Hey, I understand your feeling right now. They were your friends and family in Hong Kong. Of course it is difficult to leave them. But your family here wants you back. I want you back. We missed you too. And you know.. someone will swim the East China Sea if he needs to, just to bring you back," she reminded Sumin.   Sumin scoffed at the ridiculous notion. But she appreciated Yerim's attempt.   "I know. It still doesn't make it any easier to leave here too."   "Sumin, you sure you don't want to move in back with me? I love to have you back," Yerim reinterated. She had made the offer several times, but was declined.   Biting her lips, she paused for a moment. It would have been wonderful to move back with Yerim. They were good housemate; they accorded each other privacy, and enjoyed doing things together. They were better than most sisters living together. But Yerim has a lived in boyfriend. The dynamics would have changed and Sumin doesn't think she can be comfortable in the same house with a guy. Also, after living on her own for more than 2 years, she enjoyed the solitariness.    "I love to live with you too, but I've developed some habits after living alone that I don't think I shall torment you with."   "What habit that I can't take? Do you walk around in the house or something?"   Sumin burst into laughter at Yerim's ridiculous suggestion. Her laughter was infectious that Yerim joined her shortly. Yerim wasn't going to push it because she knew that her boyfriend was one of the main reason that Sumin is refusing. She had even contemplated to ask her boyfriend to move out, but Sumin had been appalled at the suggestion and insisted she would still not move back with her.   After the girls have quietened down, Yerim suggested that Sumin rent a place at her building or somewhere nearby. But Sumin wasn't very keen on the location. It was near their old campus but quite a distance from where she is likely to work. And she also wanted somewhere near a train stop since she will not be driving.   "And I'm thinking of buying instead of renting," she mentioned.   When there was no reaction to her comment, she peered up to Yerim had leaned back against her chair, arm crossed with a contemplative smile on her face.   "What?"   "The company must be paying you a lot."  Yerim remarked.    Sumin shook her head. "My accommodation here is paid for by the company and I do get some allowances since I'm here on a overseas posting. It was enough for me so I have been sav