A/N: Thanks to all of you still following this story. Without further adieu, here's installment # 18.
Love Conquers All Ways
Chapter 18
The next morning saw Joong Hee wake up feeling more refreshed. After all, he had no strange dream to interrupt his sleep this time. But, he realized that today was an important day – he and Mi Young were scheduled to meet with Director Choi. As he got up out of bed, he went into the bathroom to wash up. Upon completing the mundane ritual, he spotted his wife in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
Per usual, he waited until it was safe before he enveloped her in one of his back hugs. Despite the numerous times he did this, Mi Young still never tired of it. In fact, it became something she looked forward to each morning.
"Good morning, my beautiful bride!"
"Good morning, my handsome husband! Breakfast is almost ready! Just hold on for a few!" she beamed.
"No problem. Take your time." With that, he sat in his dining room chair and took the opportunity to stare lovingly at his wife. As promised, she served a simple breakfast of eggs, sausages and toast. After enjoying their morning meal, they prepared for their latest outing. Soon, they were in the car heading for Mark One's studio.
As they arrived at the studio, they couldn't help but feel mixed emotions. After all, this was the first time that they'd set foot in there since Joong Hee's accident. Also, the project that they had in mind may not go over well with the Mark One brass. Still, they put on a brave face, got out of the car, and walked hand in hand inside.
As they made their way around, they were bombarded with well wishes and welcomes from their colleagues. They couldn't help but feel thankful for the support and goodwill they were receiving. Soon, they made their way inside Director Choi's office. He received them warmly and had them sit in the visitors' couch for good measure.
"Well, Joong Hee. Again, it's a real shame that you couldn't get to do 'Sign of the Times'. But, I hear that there are a couple of dramas currently in production that might be great fits for you." Director Choi started.
"Director Choi, before you go any further, I have something I want to tell you" Joong Hee implored.
"Ok. What is it?"
"I really have no desire to do dramas anymore. But, I have an idea for a program that I'm really excited about!"
"Ok. Let's hear your idea." Director Choi said in total surprise.
"I'd like to do a weekly documentary program. I'd be visiting a different site every week – places like orphanages, senior homes, and rural hospitals. I want to highlight some good people doing wonderful things in our country. What do you think?"
At first, Director Choi just sat in complete shock. But, after hearing Joong Hee's idea, he found himself intrigued and then amenable to what Joong Hee suggested.
"Wow. This is quite a change. But, I like it. I like it a lot! In fact, I'm going to present the idea to some of the networks. But, Joong Hee, are you really sure that this is what you want? The TV audience may have a hard time reconciling you hosting a documentary instead of starring in a drama"
"Yes I'm sure, Director Choi. I had an amazing run with 'Oh My Boss'. But, it's time to turn that good fortune to better use. Besides, my wife will be with me every step of the way"
"Indeed. Are you excited about this too, Mi Young?"
"Yes, I am. I really hope the idea gets a shot!" she said.
"Well, again, I'll pitch the idea with my friends at the networks. Then, I'll let you know what comes from it. In any case, it's great seeing you both healthy and happy. I hope to call you with some great news" With that, the couple said their farewells to Director Choi and returned home to await word.
It seemed like an eternity, but it only took a couple of days before Director Choi gave Joong Hee a call.
"Hello Director Choi! So, did you hear back from the networks?"
"Yes. That's why I'm calling. Congratulations, Joong Hee! KBN has agreed to pick up on your idea. We have a show!"
"Really?! Seriously?!"
"Yes, it's true. As soon as they can get a team in place, filming can start in a few weeks"
"That's great news, Director Choi! Thanks for the call. Talk to you later!" Soon, he and Mi Young jumped up and down in pure excitement. They couldn't believe that their idea would soon become a reality.
"This is wonderful! I'm so happy right now, Joong Hee-shi!"
"Me too!"
"So, are you going to call Jung Wan?"
"Ah, that's right! I need to call him and Pastor Yoo. We need to get all of our ducks in a row as quickly as possible"
He first called Jung Wan and told him the great news. As expected, Jung Wan happily agreed to leave Gabi and sign on with Mark One. As far as Pastor Yoo was concerned, he came up with a list of places which he emailed to Joong Hee. With these resources along with Mark One's full support, a new show launched on KBN TV within a matter of weeks.
"Hello, I'm Ahn Joong Hee. And this is 'Helping Hands, Helping Hearts'. This is a weekly program that will shine a spotlight on those who are doing great work for others in this country. Whether it's a nursing home, a blood bank center, or an orphanage right here in Daegu, we want to show humanity at its very best. It should be a fun journey. I'll hope you'll join me for the ride!" With that snappy introduction, Joong Hee began his first foray into documentary television.
As he spent time talking with the orphanage director, some volunteers, and even some orphans themselves, it was readily apparent that Joong Hee was in his element. He looked like a natural when it came to interacting with the various individuals involved. Yes, some of this could be attributed to television editing, but the reality was that his newfound empathy projected well on screen. In short, he looked and felt happy.
Behind the scenes, Mi Young performed her role as his manager flawlessly. She seemed to pick up right where she left off when she managed Joong Hee on 'Oh My Boss'. As she watched her husband play the role of TV host with ease, her smile grew with each passing minute. She couldn't be more proud of him even if he became President of Korea.
"That will wrap up this first episode here in Daegu. I hope you'll join us next week at this time for 'Helping Hands, Helping Hearts'. I'm Ahn Joong Hee. Good bye!" With that, episode 1 of the program came to its conclusion.
"Cut! Wrap! Great work, Joong Hee!" shouted the director. He let out a deep breath in relief. Although he looked like he was in command, he actually had considerable butterflies in his stomach the whole episode. Soon, the entire crew came out to greet and congratulate him on the great work he did. Finally, Mi Young joined the crew.
"You were amazing! That was a great show!" she beamed with pride.
"Really? I was so nervous. I wasn't sure that I'd make it through!" he confessed.
"Well, you did it. I can't wait to see how next week will be."
"Awesome work, Joong Hee! I really had no idea that you had this in you!" Jung Wan offered his personal congratulations.
"Thank you, Jung Wan. I'm really glad that you're working with me. You're doing a great job too!"
Korean viewers also seemed to like the new role for Joong Hee as the program finished first in its time slot. It seemed too good to be true. Once again, Ahn Joong Hee was on top of the world.
"Hello, I'm Ahn Joong Hee. And this is 'Helping Hands, Helping Hearts'. This week we're in Incheon visiting a nursing home. We're about to meet some remarkable people. Here we go!" He displayed his relatability to people of all ages as he highlighted the elderly and their caretakers with an honest dignity. With him as host, the program possessed a great balance of charm and reality at the same time. With two episodes completed, the show was already a ratings hit as the audience couldn't get enough. More importantly, they extended their appreciation in the form of monetary and other types of donations.
Joong Hee's stature within Mark One grew with each successive episode. The feedback on social media was overwhelmingly positive. His colleagues gained more respect for him with each passing day. Most importantly, he was a huge hit in the Lee household. It seemed that Grandma and Mrs. Lee, in particular, really enjoyed his star turn. He could scarcely believe the accolades pouring in for him.
Mi Young could scarcely believe it either. She marveled that she was looking at the same man that once barged into Gabi's studio and demanded a role in a drama. Thanks to her experience, she found it much easier to manage Joong Hee now. Consequently, she got to witness firsthand a quality TV program being put together week after week. Also, she truly enjoyed meeting all of the people highlighted on the show. It made her appreciate the life she had that much more.
As the program grew in popularity, Joong Hee's popularity also rose in direct correlation. Although he was flattered by the constant requests for interviews and extra appearances, he still did his best to keep his life private as much as possible. How ironic was it that he quit dramas because of his acclaim from 'Oh My Boss' – only to find even more acclaim from 'Helping Hands, Helping Hearts'?
A quick glance at the calendar alerted Joong Hee to a significant occasion coming up. It would be his 2nd wedding anniversary in a couple of days. However, it would be the first anniversary that he could actually enjoy with Mi Young since he was in no condition to celebrate his actual 1st anniversary. He pondered how he would commemorate the special day. After much consideration, he settled on an option that, while not original, would still thrill his wife. It had to be a day that they would never forget.
A couple of days passed by. As he woke up on his anniversary day, he felt an extra jolt of happiness in his spirit. He knew that Mi Young shared his sentiment. After they finished their breakfast, they sat next to each other on the couch. After a few moments, they both said with their uncanny synchronicity.
"Happy anniversary! I've got a surprise for you! You first!" After laughing also in unison, they agreed to let Joong Hee go first.
"Mi Young-ah. Don't make any plans for tonight. I've booked reservations at the JoonMinBak again."
"Really? You mean the whole restaurant?" Mi Young asked.
"Of course. I only want the best for us on our special day. Happy anniversary, sweetheart!"
She gave him a quick kiss in appreciation. Then, it was her turn.
"Joong Hee-shi. I've got something for you too. And I think it's even bigger than your surprise." she teased.
"Really? How is that possible?"
"Well, I think it is. It's good that you're sitting down for this."
"Now you've really got me curious. What's your surprise?"
After a quick breath, she steadied herself.
"Joong Hee-shi."
"Hmmm?"
"I'm pregnant!"
Indeed, it was fast becoming a day they'd never forget.
A/N: As usual, any and all reviews are welcome!
