A/N: Without further adieu, here's installment # 13.

Love Conquers All Ways

Chapter 13

Most Koreans who arrive at Incheon International Airport tend to feel joyous upon landing because they're home. For Joong Hee and Mi Young, however, their return home was somewhat bittersweet. After all, they'd just experienced the trip of a lifetime with memories and mementos that would last for years to come. Also, they weren't exactly sure what the future held for each of them. It was under this backdrop that the newlyweds made their way inside the airport terminal.

As they collected their luggage and belongings, they skillfully navigated their way out of the airport and into the parking lot. Of course, finding their car was another matter entirely. Thankfully, they managed to find it with relative ease. After they placed all of their stuff in the vehicle, Joong Hee walked around to the front passenger door and opened it for his bride. She flashed her thankful smile at him for the gesture. Upon reaching the driver's seat, he started the car and soon they were on their way.

During the drive from the airport to Joong Hee's place, they chatted at length about each and every memory that made an impression on them. It seemed that they were barely halfway through their jaunt down memory lane when they arrived at his abode. Home at last!

For Mi Young, it was a surreal feeling upon seeing the place. On the one hand, she had visited there many times. On the other hand, this was her first time as Joong Hee's wife. The realization brought both happiness and nerves to her psyche. Still, with a steeled reserve, she helped her husband get their belongings from the car and into the apartment.

As they entered inside, they set their luggage on the floor and they each made a b-line towards the couch. Once comfortable, they both exhaled sighs of relief and joy that they were finally home.

"I'm exhausted!" Joong Hee said.

"Me too!" Mi Young replied.

"I wonder if there's any food here" Joong Hee wondered.

"If not, then we can order in" she offered.

So, he walked over to the kitchen to see what edible arrangements existed at the moment. Upon seeing only four bags of ramen noodles, one bag of Korean shrimp chips, and tons of bottled water in the fridge, he reluctantly grabbed the chips, two bottles of water, and returned to the couch. He then opened the bag and offered some to his wife along with a water bottle.

"Thank you!" she said.

"No problem!"

As they shared the salted snack, a thought suddenly occurred to Joong Hee.

"Mi Young-ah. I think that we should visit your parents."

"Oh that's right! But, I don't have a hanbok to wear" she worried.

"There's a shop not too far from here that sells them. We should go there right now"

"Sounds good" With that, they made their way of the apartment and just down the block. They were able to find a hanbok that fit Mi Young to a tee. So, they went back to his place to change into proper attire. Then, with gifts and souvenirs in tow, they made their way to see Mi Young's family.

Although it was a familiar trip for both of them, they couldn't shake the notion that it was still the first time they were arriving there as man and wife. But, at least it wouldn't have the drama of the visit when Mi Young introduced Joong Hee as her boyfriend. Instead, they would simply receive the traditional newlywed blessings from the parents. With that in mind, they made their way upstairs. Soon, Mi Young opened the door and announced their arrival.

"Hello! I'm here!" she exclaimed.

"I'm here too!" he echoed.

"Oh, Mi Young-ah. Joong Hee-ah. Welcome back! You're both looking wonderful!" Mrs. Lee beamed.

"Yes, it's really great to see both of you again! Please, have a seat!" Mr. Lee said.

Although the rest of the family wasn't present, it was hardly relevant. After presenting them with the gifts, they each made a traditional solemn bow of respect towards Mr. and Mrs. Lee. In turn, they blessed their children and wished them future happiness and joy in their marriage. After spending some time discussing their honeymoon, Joong Hee and Mi Young knew the time had come for them to go back to their own place. With further well wishes at their ready, they drove back to his place.

After they changed out of their formal clothing, they sat back down on the comfortable couch. They seamlessly continued the remembrances from their Italian getaway. Although it only seemed like a few minutes, they soon realized that it was evening. By now, their stomachs signaled to them that they needed food in a hurry. But, instead of ordering out as they originally planned, Joong Hee offered to make them some ramen noodles. With Mi Young's clear approval, it was only a few minutes before they had their first meal together at home as a married couple. Though simple in taste and preparation, it more than satisfied their stomachs and souls.

They decided to watch some TV after their meal. Upon switching from channel to channel, they happened to catch an interesting item on the national news. Joong Hee was being mentioned in an entertainment spotlight as one of Korea's rising star actors. Although he felt flattered at the attention that he was receiving, he was also reminded that he was currently unemployed. His conflict of emotions did not escape the notice of his bride.

"Joong Hee-shi. Are you Ok?"

"Yeah. Let's watch something else, hmm?" he said.

As the evening turned into night, the time approached for them to go to sleep. For Joong Hee, this was something that he never imagined he'd ever experience. In a previous incarnation, he was all too happy to live by himself in this vast apartment. Now, he was more than happy to share his abode with the love of his life. This included the bed. As they got settled in to sleep, he made sure that she felt comfortable lying on the bed. After all, she'd been used to sleeping on the floor. Any awkwardness at the new sleeping arrangement was overshadowed by their love for each other. With a quick kiss, they said their good nights to each other.

Although it didn't happen immediately, Joong Hee made progress towards gaining employment. He had mutually decided that his time with Gabi Entertainment would end since they refused to extend his contract. Instead, he signed on with a newer, but more promising, agency called Mark One Entertainment. Mark One had already garnered the services of several other leading actors, singers, and entertainers, so Joong Hee fit in like a glove.

Then, a few months later, his new agent called him to give him some wonderful news. He was being offered the lead role in a new family drama tentatively titled "Sign of the Times". Although his initial reaction was one of excitement, he calmly thought his way through the other ramifications of this announcement. He told his agent that he would think it over and call him back.

As he returned home, he found Mi Young browsing on her laptop in the living room. It seemed she was looking for work too. Upon seeing him enter, she went over to Joong Hee and gave him a big hug.

"Welcome home, my husband!"

"Thank you! Mi Young-ah. I have some news for you!"

"Really? What is it?"

"Sit down. I'll tell you shortly".

After he took off his jacket and placed it on a chair, he sat next to her to inform her of the great news.

"Mi Young-ah. I've just been offered the role as a lead actor for a new drama!" he said.

"Really? That's wonderful, Joong Hee-shi. I'm so happy for you!" she hugged him excitedly.

"Yeah. But, I've also been thinking. Since I quit Gabi and joined Mark One, they're going to want to assign one of their managers to help me" he said with concern on his face.

"So? You need a manager. What's the issue?" she asked.

"I've really been thinking this over. I want you to be my manager. In fact, I'm not going to accept this role or any other roles unless you agree to join me!"

As she stared at her husband, she initially assumed that he was joking. But, she knew her man enough to know that he wouldn't jest about something like this. Moreover, she suddenly felt torn about his request.

"Joong Hee-shi. I'm truly flattered and humbled that you want me to manage you again. But, you shouldn't give up on any offers because of me either."

"Mi Young-ah. It's not just about me anymore. I want us to spend as much time together as possible. Don't you want that? Besides, with this arrangement, we'd both be employed."

"I know that Mark One isn't Gabi. But, then again, all agencies have the same things in common. Besides, we went through some really tough times working together on 'Oh My Boss'" she reminded him.

"So, we can take what didn't work, learn from them, and make things right on this new drama."

"Can we really? Can you really promise me that we can keep work at work? Because I don't want to allow work issues to affect us here at home."

"As I said, we learned a lot from 'Oh My Boss'. We can think of this as a new opportunity to show that we can have both a great working and personal relationship together. What do you say?"

After a few reticent moments, she finally said, "I need some time to think this over. Let's not bring it up anymore today"

"That's fair. I have some time before I have to decide on accepting the offer. We can talk about it again later!" With that, they spent the rest of their day on more pleasant matters.

As the deadline neared for Joong Hee for deciding whether to accept the new job offer or not, he wanted to discuss it with his wife to see what she wanted to do. Although he really wanted the role, he also stood by his insistence that he'd only do it if she went along for the ride.

"So, Mi Young-ah. Have you decided yet? About being my manager, I mean?"

"I've thought about it. And I've reached my decision. Yes! I will do it" she said.

"Really? You'll manage me again?" he asked with some surprise.

"Yes. I admit that I still have some doubts, but I know that this opportunity is too good for you to pass up. Plus, I can keep an eye on you to make sure you stay out of trouble"

He knew that she deserved at least a hug for her willingness. After he had offered her a warm embrace, she, in turn, offered him one final warning.

"But, I'm telling you right now. If there are any kiss scenes in this drama involving your character, then you'd better not send me on any errands during filming. The next time you pull that stunt on me, I'm quitting as your manager and you're sleeping on the couch! Understand?"

"Of course. By the way, I never did apologize to you about the spicy chicken errand. I'm sorry, my bride! That was wrong and it won't happen again. I promise!"

With a fake slap of his cheek, they hugged again and looked forward to their new assignments together.

The next day saw the two of them sitting in the office of Director Choi of Mark One Entertainment. He seemed much friendlier than Director Kang of Gabi. Plus, he welcomed the fact that Joong Hee and Mi Young were married yet were willing to work together. With new contracts signed, they officially joined the Mark One team.

As they left the agency office, they weren't sure how the new project would turn out. They did know that they were both employed again. And, as long as they did their jobs, things would work out in the end. After all, they'd already proven what a terrific team they were with 'Oh My Boss'. Now, with love bonding them, the potential for the new drama could be even higher. It's no wonder that they couldn't stop smiling all the way home – together and always.

A/N: What do you think? Please keep the reviews coming!