A/N: Without further adieu, here's installment # 16.

Love Conquers All Ways

Chapter 16

People are creatures of habit. Once they settle into a given ritual, that ritual almost becomes a part of who a person is. This explains why habits become so notoriously difficult to break. However, on occasion, events happen that can help someone overcome really bad habits and improve their life in the process.

For Joong Hee, his personality metamorphosis would impress any casual observer. In the past, he would quarrel and insist to the world that he deserved fame and accolades for being an excellent actor. He obtained his starring role on 'Oh My Boss' mostly from his obsequious nature as opposed to his talent. Still, by the time the drama concluded, it became clear that he morphed into a completely different man. The love from his in-laws, and especially Mi Young, helped soften his once hard heart into a loving, caring one. More importantly, his personality went from being self-centered to empathetic.

As far as fame and notoriety, he suddenly found them empty. As he gained recognition from fans for his work on 'Oh My Boss', he found himself growing more uncomfortable with the sudden attention. It reached a point that he wondered if he could ever truly enjoy privacy in his life again. After all, it became tiring for him to wear a mask in public everywhere he went. The press was always looking; it seemed, to associate fake scandals and other tabloid news to him. This explained why he and his wife opted to go overseas for their honeymoon in order to avoid him being recognized. In short, he wondered if his future still belonged in front of the cameras.

His accident offered him an unexpected opportunity to ponder this inner conflict. Although he may have lost consciousness during this time, his unconscious mind still worked under the radar. Upon recovery, he seemed to realize that his missed opportunity with 'Sign of the Times' might have been a blessing in disguise. How? He figured that his career may not rest on doing more dramas but on a slightly different forum. But what forum? Then, one day, he had his answer.

He felt great excitement over a new found possibility. The trick was convincing the right people to make it happen. With that, he made a phone call to someone close and familiar.

"Oh hi, Joong Hee! What's up?" Jung Wan asked.

"Jung Wan, I wanted to know if you're free for lunch today!" Joong Hee responded.

"Yeah, I'm free. Let's meet up later then!"

"Sounds good!"

Later that day, the two brothers-in-law met in a nearby restaurant.

"So, how are you doing? Are you still feeling Ok?" Jung Wan inquired.

"Yeah. Still doing great. No ill effects!" Joong Hee replied.

"That's good. Mi Young's doing well also?"

"She's been terrific as always. How's Hye Young doing?"

"Her practice is getting busier every day, so she's happy about that. But, we're also doing great!"

"That's great to hear, Jung Wan. I'm happy for you!"

"So, what's going on? I know that you didn't call me here to discuss our wives, right?"

"True. I have a business idea that I want to run by you"

"Ok"

"As you know, I was supposed to do a reading for 'Sign of the Times' before I was involved in the accident. I've spent a lot of time lately wondering what I should do next with my career. And my thought is this. Instead of doing more dramas, I want to do a documentary type of program."

"Really? Why are you suddenly not interested in doing any more dramas?" Jung Wan asked in surprise.

"The truth is . . . I've become uncomfortable with the fame that I got from 'Oh My Boss'. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate that the fans liked the story so much and thought well of me and my acting. But, I also feel that I shouldn't be the only one to benefit from all that attention. So, I have this idea for a documentary program."

"What's the idea?"

"A program where I can visit a different place each week. Orphanages, senior homes, small rural hospitals, and any other places like that. I feel that I should use the acclaim I've received as a way to help others"

"That's really different!" Jung Wan mused.

"Also, I want you to help produce this program. I know that you're not happy over there at Gabi. Believe me when I tell you that Mark One is a much better agency to work for. Mi Young and I couldn't be happier to work for them" Joong Hee offered.

"Wow. This is quite a bit to digest!" Jung Wan said.

"I know. That's why I offered lunch today."

"Have you talked with Mark One about this?" Jung Wan asked.

"Not yet."

"What about Mi Young?"

"She doesn't know yet either. You're the only one that I've discussed this idea with so far. What do you think?"

"Joong Hee, I'll be totally honest with you. I really like the idea – the concept. And it is the type of program that I could certainly get excited about doing. But, to leave Gabi for this project, which your bosses haven't even approved yet, probably isn't the wisest career move for me"

"Also, are you really sure this is what you want to do next? You should think carefully. I mean, you worked hard on 'Oh My Boss' to get where you are now. The wrong career move could set you back down again. I would hate to see you lose all the good will you've worked hard to get."

"I understand your concerns, Jung Wan. And I certainly didn't mean that I need a decision right now. But, I would like you to think it over. Of course, you should discuss it with Hye Young as well. Still, I feel strongly enough about this that it's the right decision for me."

"If you can get the green light from Mark One and Mi Young, then I'll definitely consider it."

"That's great. I will let you know what they decide after I've talked it over with them. Thanks again, Jung Wan!" With that, they proceeded to enjoy the rest of their lunch get together.

Once he returned home, he found his beautiful wife sitting on the couch watching TV. Soon, he sat down next to her and put his arms around her.

"Where have you been? Did you really let your wife have lunch by herself?" she asked with a cute pout.

"Sorry about that! I actually had lunch with Jung Wan just now."

"Oh really? How's he doing?" she inquired.

"He's doing great. Hye Young too."

"That's good. But, why did you have lunch with him?"

"Business. And that's actually what I want to talk to you about too."

"Ok." Mi Young turned off the TV knowing that he was serious in his request.

"Mi Young-ah. I know that 'Sign of the Times' was supposed to be our initial working assignment together. But, we know what happened with that. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about what I want to do next. And what I've decided may come as a surprise to you. So, please hear me out first"

"Just tell me whatever it is you need to" she reassured him.

"Well, the first decision I've made is that I no longer want to do dramas. In some ways, I felt that missing out on 'Sign of the Times' was a good thing. It helped me figure out what I really want to do now. Mi Young-ah, I want to do a documentary show."

Despite her initial surprise, she continued to listen attentively to his idea.

"I was thinking it would be a weekly program. Every week would see a different place. Orphanages, senior homes, small rural hospitals, and other places like that. I want to put my newfound fame to good use for other people. Also, as my wife and manager, you'd get to join me in visiting all these places. Think of the good that we could do with this kind of program!"

After hearing these words, she immediately understood her husband's vision. She warmed up to the idea. Also, she felt humbled that he felt a different calling for his career and life.

"Joong Hee-shi, I really like the idea. But, have you spoken with Director Choi about this idea?"

"Not yet. I was thinking that you and I could sell him together on the idea. Also, Jung Wan said he'd consider producing this project if we can get the green light from Mark One."

"Really? He'd leave Gabi and join us if they give the green light?"

"Yes. That's why I figured you and I should work together to sell Director Choi on my concept. It'll go well, right? It has to."

"I don't know what Director Choi will say about this. But, I do know what I feel about this!" she said.

"What?"

She leaned in to give a quick peck on his right cheek. She then buried her head lovingly in his chest.

"How did I end up with an amazing man like you?"

"I told you many times. We were meant to be together."

"So, Mi Young-ah. You're really Ok with this? You don't have any regrets about this, do you?"

"No regrets. If this is what you really want, then I'm with you 100% on this. You don't have to worry about that!"

"Thank you!" He offered an appreciation gesture in the form of a long, steady kiss. Within moments, they were expressing their love for each other as only they could do.

"I love you!" Joong Hee said.

"I love you more!" Mi Young responded.

How would Mark One react to Joong Hee's new idea? That's a question to be answered for another day. For right now, they kept their hearts focused on each other. After all, love knows no boundaries. Their love for each other proved stronger than ever. That would carry them through – no matter what the future held.

A/N: As usual, any and all reviews are welcome!