Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from this drama. Rae Na. Jae Min, JaeHoo are mine. Jan Di's company is also mine.
Jan Di | Wednesday: 12:45:20 PM
Todai Seafood Restaurant | Shinhwa Mall: Second Floor
"I . . ." Her lips pursed. "Okay . . ." Her head bobbed slowly. A wave of something - she wasn't ready to name it yet - rolled through her body. Jan Di felt giddy and nauseous all at once.
"Are you both ready for dessert?" The waiter asked as he blinked innocently.
Junpyo smiled. "Yes! That would be lovely. And a bottle of your best champagne."
The waiter smiled brightly and bowed before leaving.
"You didn't have too." Jan Di blushed lightly. "That's not necessary."
"Yes it is." Junpyo smiled. You are secretly giving me a chance to get to know my daughter . . . My ttal. You deserve more thanks than you know. "I believe it does, so we shall." He grinned, full lips pulling back and revealing pearly white teeth.
Jan Di smiled. "Well, who am I to say no to my boss." She winked. She crossed her legs at the knee and leaned closer to the table. "I won't get into trouble for drinking with the boss . . . right?" She giggled sweetly.
He laughed.
"Sir?" The waiter held the bottle of wine out for him to inspect.
Junpyo pursed his lips. "An American Pinot Noir . . ." He rolled the name over his tongue. "yes, that will do."
The waiter smiled. He poured a glass for both before setting the bottle on the table. "If you need anything more . . . Please just signal."
"Is it strong?" Jan Di brought the glass to her lips. She sniffed lightly. Her nose scrunched cutely.
Junpyo smiled watching her reactions. "Not big on wine?"
"I don't really drink." Jan Di let her head shake side to side.
Wednesday: 01:05:34 PM | Shinhwa Mall: First Floor: Entrance
Jan Di smiled and placed her purse back on her shoulder. "It was great. Thank you sir." She gave the other a 90 degree.
Junpyo smiled and squeezed her shoulders. "We are equal. I maybe your boss . . . But you know sit on the Board for Shinhwa Corporation."
Jan Di blushed. "Kamsahamnida."
"I hope you have a great day." Junpyo smiled and held the door to the for her. "I will have my secretary call your's to set up a meeting."
Jan Di nodded. "Sure, tell them to ask for Jenna."
"American?" Junpyo questioned.
She nodded. "I found it easier to have an American with me. Considering most of the consumers are American. It made it easy for them to use the website and to call and ask questions. I found it was less frustration when they had someone they could understand completely." Jan Di hiked the tote up higher on her shoulder and smiled that award-winning business woman smile. "Her Korean name is Jae Na."
"That was resourceful." Junpyo nodded his head lightly. "I like that. That will be your first job as a board member. I want to make sure every one of our customers feel comfortable when they call the Shinhwa Service line."
Jan Di smiled brightly. "Okay! Will do!" She giggled and looked down at the thin silver watch on her left wrist. Her lips pursed.
"What?" Junpyo asked.
"I was thinking its a bit early to pick up my ttal . . . but . . ." She trailed off and twisted side to side. "She'd love it."
Junpyo smiled. This was the bubble, innocent, childish side. Or as he was coming to call it: Jannie. His brows furrowed. Where had that come from? Why was he getting attached?
"Well Mr. Goo, I will wait for your call." Jan Di bowed slightly before waving. "Good day."
She shut the door behind as she slid into the black leather seat. Jan Di started the car and backed out of her spot. "Call Jae Na." She called out after waking up Siri.
*ding ding* "Calling Jae Na Mobile." *ding ding*
"Yoboseyo?"
Jan Di did her best to stay calm as she spoke - it was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do . . . so far in her life. "He want's me on the Board of Shinhwa Corporation!" Jan Di squealed.
"OMO! Really?! He wants you on the board?" Jae Na squealed. "Wait! What about Mperial Fashions?" Her brows furrowed.
"He wants to put one of our stores in every single one of his malls!" Jan Di laughed and gripped the steering wheel tightly. She literally vibrated with glee.
"OMO! That's like. . ."
"205 Malls." Jan Di smirked as she filled in the answer for Jenna.
"Wow! That's amazing . . . You said yes right?" Her voice high, nearing hysterical. "Shit on a shingle!" She was loosing it. "Really?"
"Of course!" Jan Di exclaimed. "It would have been suicide not too."
Jae Na laughed. "I was just making sure . . ." She smiled. "Are you going to pick up Rae Na and celebrate?"
Jan Di's lips pursed. "That's what I was thinking. Though it's a bit early."
"What!" She scoffed. "Just do it . . . Grab some icecream . . . Pick up some dinner and go home. Take baths, put your pajamas on and have a good night." She sifted through the stuff on her desk. "You have an early meeting tomorrow with the seamstress from Department B . . . Along with making plans for merging with Shinhwa Corp."
Jan Di groaned. "Okay . . . after all of that . . . taking the rest of the day off sounds good." Her shoulders sagged. Jan Di hadn't realized how stressed she was over that meeting.
Jae Na laughed. "You have a good day boss! Tell Rae Na that I said hey."
Jan Di smiled. "Will do, will do." She clicked the Bluetooth headset. She pulled the piece out of her ear and set it in the cup holder. Flicking on the radio she hummed and proceeded towards Rae Na's school.
JP | Wednesday: 01:10:25 PM
Junpyo smiled and waved good-bye. That had went so much better than he had hoped. Then he could have ever prayed for. She was amazing. Brilliant, so very talented, and passionate.
"Annyeong Sir." JaeMin greeted softly with a deep bow.
Junpyo nodded. "I want to sit in the front today." A smile covered his lips as he glanced at the elder man before him. "I know rare. But . . ." He shrugged. "I feel different today."
JaeMin chuckled softly. "Right away." He held the passenger door open and waited for his master to step inside. "I'm glad you feel good sir." Her dark eyes twinkled softly.
"Can we follow her?" Junpyo asked softly. He brought his lower plump lip into his mouth and worried it. His brows furrowed. Was it okay to do that?"
Jae Min frowned. "Why sir?" His head tilted slightly as he placed the seatbelt in position.
Junpyo glanced at the driver - his old friend - before looking back at car they were following. "I believe she's going to get my daughter." His voice was light, quivering.
The elder man nodded. "Of course." He glanced at the younger in the passenger seat. "You never have to ask sir." A soft smile graced his lips. "You've turned into a very good young man. I believe you'd make a good father."
Junpyo looked down at his hands, before staring at the pearl Buick Enclave. A family car. "She took precautions when she chose the car, right?"
Jae Min nodded. "It's a very good car if you have a child." He smiled. "A safe car - she's a good driver too."
"Okay," He whispered while bobbing his head slowly. "Good." His dark brown eyes stared at the car in front of him. "She was nice, JaeMin." Junpyo's lips pursed in thought. He shifted to his right and leaned his head against the window as they followed - at a respective pace. A long sigh left his plump lips. "I asked her to join the Board."
Jae Min smiled. "She's a bright young woman. I believe she would help your company go much father than your father could have hoped for." His eyes sparkled witha youth that was well past his time. "Verp proud father, he would be too."
Junpyo nodded slightly. "She has many sides to her too."
"You regret meeting her?" JaeMin questioned softly.
His lips pursed. Regret? He shrugged. "Sort of. She seems like a good person." His brows furrowed.
"Sir . . ." JaeMin trailed off. "Do you regret finding your daughter?"
Junpyo's lips pursed. His brows furrowed. Did he regret finding his daughter? His ttal? His little girl? "Never." That wasn't what was catching him. Capturing his heart and holding it hostage.
JaeMin nodded once more. "What are you going to do sir?"
He heaved a loud sigh. "At this moment . . .?" His shoulders slumped. "I don't know. I want me little girl." His brows furrowed.
Jae Min smiled. "But you're not as heartless as you pretend to be?"
"No," Junpyo smiled. "You know me a little too well, JaeMin."
The elderly man chuckled. "That is my job sir."
"Take me home JaeMin."
Jaemin glanced at the young man beside him. He moved to open his mouth - to protest. He closed it and swalowed before speaking. "Yes sir."
Junpyo's lips pursed. "What's on the itinerary for tomorrow?"
Jae Min glanced at the young master in the rear-view mirror. "Meetings. You pushed most of them back to spend the time with Jan Di. So you have meetings, sir."
Junpyo blew out a long sigh. "Araseo . . . take me home. I'm going to bed early. Tomorrow will be long."
"Yes sir."
***
JD | Wednesday: 01:25:58 PM
Jan Di giggled as Rae Na sang along to the song on the radio. It was her new favorite - Stand Up by J-Min. And she couldn't real blame her. It was a good song - good beat, uplifting words.
The two sang along - off key and laughing.
"Mommy! What's for dinner?" Rae Na asking while catching her breath from giggling. Her icy blue eyes danced prettily as she smiled.
Jan Di glanced at the clock. "Isn't it a bit early for dinner?"
"No!" She gasped in a scandalized manner. Rae Na giggled. "I want Kimchi!"
Jan Di smiled. A laugh playing on the tip of her lips. "What type of Kimchi do you want this time?"
"Um?" Her nose twitched as she thought long and short. Rae Na's lips pursed. "Spicy?"
Jan Di nodded.
* * *
JP | Wednesday: 08:01:03 PM
His lips were pursed as he listened to the sound of the ticking clock. The clock was on the far wall hidden from his sight. Junpyo let out a breath and drummed his fingers on the arm of the couch.
"Sir?"
Junpyo turned his head to the smile and sent a fleeting glance to the newcomer. He twisted back around and stared at his comrade. "What Jaemin?" He whispered.
Speaking normally would break the ambiance that surrounded him. An ambiance, he wasn't sure he wanted to break.
"I though you were going to bed early?"
Junpyo heaved another long sigh. So did he.
"Would you like some company tonight?" The elderly man questioned softly. He took could feel the heavy atmosphere that surrounded them.
Junpyo heaved a sigh. Did he want company? His eyes shut. Images and sounds filled his head. He could picture it. A little girl giggling as she played with her dolls. A Umma/Wife sitting on the couch next to him; nestled up against his side with a protruding belly - a son. Both smiling as they watched their daughter happily.
Junpyo shook his head. The images getting jumbled in the process. "Not the company you can give Jaemin."
The elderly man smiled softly. "I'm sorry Master . . . I wish I could do more . . ."
Junpyo waved him off. "Go home to your wife and grandchildren. Go home and cherish them."Because one day . . . they might just leave.
***
JD | Wednesday 09:01:52 PM
"You ready or bed honey?"
Rae Na shook her head stubbornly.
Jan Di pouted. I wonder which birth parent she gets her stubbornness from. "Baby, it's time to go to sleep."
"Just a few more minutes."
"No."
Rae Na whined cutely and pouted. Her full lips pursing softly.
Jan Di bit her lower lip to hold back the smile that threatened to cover her lips. "Come on." She held out her arms and easily lifted her daughter into the safety of her arms.
"Sing me my lullaby Umma?"
She looked down at her happily smiling daughter, sleep slowly beginning to set in.
She stood still for a moment and began to sway back and forth. It was slow, sweet and soft.
As The World Falls Down by David Bowie - it was her new favorite. Rae Na had recently seen the movie The Labyrinth; she'd fallen in love with the Goblin King.
Jan Di hummed softly and bouncing Rae Na slightly. "I'll be there for yoo-oo-oo~"
Rae Na sang along, falling in and out of sleep.
Jan Di softly pushed the door to Rae Na's bedroom open. She continued to hum softly as she pulled the covers back and placed her into bed. She pulled the covers back over the sleeping girl. Jan Di leaned down and kissed Rae Na's forehead. She smiled softly. Sleep well baby. Jan Di paused at the door frame and leaned against it; she watched her daughter sleep. Who would ever want to give you up? Who in their right mind would give up someone so precious as Rae Na?
| Friday: 07:02:25 AM
"Sweet Pea, it will be okay." Jan Di cooed softly.
"I don't want to Umma." Rae Na pouted. Her plump lips pushed out cutely.
Jan Di tightened her jaw to keep from giving in. "Sweet Pea, Umma will come pick you up early."
"Hello Ms Geum and Rae Na." Mrs. Oh called out as she moved towards the two.
Jan Di stood and sent Mrs. Oh a firm look. "Everything will be fine at school today Rae Na. There will be no bullying of any type."
Mrs. Oh's eyes widened as she nodded her head vigorously. "Of course not!" She crouched down in front of the pouting girl. Mrs. Oh took the little girl's arms into her hands and swayed her front to back. "Everything will be great! We are watching Oliver in Company while roasting marshmallows!"
Rae Na smiled softly.
Jan Di rolled her eyes as the corners of her lips twitched upward. Darn puppies get her every time. She thought kittens were okay -"there aren't puppies momma!" - as she had been told many times.
Mrs. Oh stood back up and cooed while gently ushering Rae Na towards the school doors.
Jan Di smiled her business woman smile. The woman had been stupid and her daughter had gotten her. Friendliness was no longer in the picture - it was all a formality now.
"Ms Geum, I wanted to apologize once more."
Jan Di nodded. "Mrs. Oh, you have apologize consecutively for the last few days."
Mrs. Oh blushed. "I know." She looked down at her hands, lacing and unlacing them. "I just . . . you kept her out Tuesday." She smiled slightly. "I know she came back Wednesday through today. I just still feel bad."
"She stayed at home Tuesday because I wanted to make sure she was truly ready to come back. She gets back on her feet quite quickly. My girl is a big girl." Jan Di replied. "She's fine. Do your job correctly and there will be no issues."
Mrs. Oh bowed quickly. "Of course."
"Have a good day and stay sane. marshmallows and children usually equal disaster." Jan Di smiled sweetly. She's wasn't a mean person - she couldn't do it. But, she damn sure would be more business like.
Mrs. Oh laughed. "True."
"Good Day." Jan Di bobbed her head before turning and leaving.
***
JP | Friday: 09:04:20 AM
Junpyo heaved a sigh. He needed to calm down. But he couldn't. She was coming. His skin itched. His heart raced. His breath hitched. His cheeks flushed. Junpyo blinked and braced himself on the side of his desk as he grew light-headed.
"Sir?"
Junpyo shook his head. "I'm fine Jae Ni."
His secretary nodded. "Okay sir. I'll be at my desk if you need me."
Junpyo nodded. "If one of the guys come by . . . or a Geum Jan Di, or Amara King - show them in, right away."
She bowed deeply. "Yes sir." A wide smile covered her lips as she paused at the door. "She has a little temper on her."
"Does she?" Junpyo looked up.
Jae Ni giggled. "She got very cold? When I called her on her cellphone. She doesn't give out her personal cellphone number to anyone business related." She smiled sweetly. "A firecracker - I like her." She bowed once more. "I will let you know when she arrives."
Junpyo paced in front of his desk. Why was he so nervous? Tea. I need some tea. It'll help soothe. Junpyo walked over to the little mini -mini- kitchen he had connected to his office. He pulled out a cup, tea bags, sugar, and a stainless steel tea kettle. Junpyo placed the tea kettle under the small sink faucet. He filled it with water before setting it on the one of the two eyes of the mini stove.
Minutes later Junpyo was blowing on the steaming tea in the porcelain tea-cup. He needed something that was going to relax him. His left leg bounced. Junpyo was getting nervous.
"Mr. Goo?" Jae Ni questioned as she knocked, opening the door. "A Ms. King is here - you told me to let her in the right away."
Junpyo nodded quickly. A warm buzz filled his body. She was here.
"I'm sorry I was late." Jan Di smiled. "Rae Na didn't want to go to school." She shook her head. Jan Di heaved a small sigh and straightened out the wrinkles in her women's dress suit.
Junpyo shook his head. "Everything okay with her?"
Jan Di nodded. "She's just a little moody in the morning, doesn't really like being the early bird." She smirked. "Though my little ttal is witty, albeit mean, enough to get the worm, even if she is the last one to arrive." Jan Di laughed while shaking her head.
Junpyo chuckled and did his best to hide the smile threatening to split his lips. She was just like him. That was a very good thing.
"So, where would you like to start?"
Junpyo smiled. He bowed slightly while showing her the medium-sized sitting area that was off to the side of the actual office desk and two sitting chairs that faced the desk. "Over there with a cup of tea."
Jan Di bowed slightly and nodded. "That sound acceptable. What part are we going over today?"
Business Woman. Amara. This was Amara.
Junpyo smiled. He handed her the steaming cup of tea before walking back over to his desk. He shifted the papers on his desk around. "Let's start with you . . . where would you like to open your first store within my malls." He grabbed a couple of papers and his laptop before walking to sit across from the woman in the arm-chair.
She hummed in thought. Her legs crossed at the knee while she opened her briefcase.
Junpyo set the papers down before placing his laptop on his lap. He opened up a new file and began to set up her account.
"Well," Jan Di's lips pursed. "Personally, I would like to start with only one mall. I want to make sure, people here are that willing to buy, before doing a mass opening."
Junpyo nodded. "Okay." He licked his lower lip as the nerves and wires in his brain connected, switched, and reconnected. "Let's start you in the main mall in Seoul." His lips pursed in thought. "If you do well, I want your name and brand in every store I own."
"Ok," Jan Di gulped. This was huge. Her head bobbed, mimicking a bobble head. "O-okay."
"Nothing to fear. When I want something, go after it till I get it, and then I do everything in my power to keep it." Junpyo smiled, a businesslike smile.
Jan Di nodded. She didn't doubt that, not for one second.
So? What'cha think? Reviews please!