Chapter Eleven

 SooYun finished her revisions on episode two and loaded it up to the server. When that was finished she headed to her flat. In her kitchen was a supply of Ramen noodles. She prepared the noodles and while they were steaming she picked up her phone and opened the chat app. She saw that Director Jin was also online! Was he waiting for her? Before she would type anything the Director opened with his usual text response.

Director Jin:?

SooYun: I've uploaded the second episode.

Director Jin: Are you all right?

SooYun: I'm okay. I have to admit, she's kinda scary!

Director Jin: Yes, she is. You will not be bothered again by Min-Ji. I promise you, I will not let her near you again.

SooYun: Then I won't think about it anymore. Are you feeling okay? 

Director Jin: I am fine. I have periodic bouts with severe headaches, but I have recovered with the help of a caring friend.

SooYun: You have to admit, you thought the hand warmers were a bit odd, right?

Director Jin: Yes, but it worked! I will not doubt you again. Where did you learn this technique?

SooYun: My mother had severe headaches. It was from the treatments she received. We tried several things and one night I hit upon heating her hands and feet while keeping her head cold. It confuses the brain signals somehow, makes the headache less painful, and allows the pain medication to go to work.

Director Jin: Were you with your mother through her illness?

SooYun: No, she sent me away to stay on the farm with my Uncle Robert and Aunt Bertie. I stayed with them through most of high school.

Director Jin: My mother did the same to spare me from seeing her illness. I was sent away to study at Oxford. My Uncle Cho-Sol wanted me to come to the United States to study, but my mother insisted I go to the same university as my father.

SooYun: Were you very lonely at Oxford?

Director Jin: I was in demand. A Korean boy with money in a prestigious university is a bit of an anomaly. I was treated well. What was your college life like?

SooYun: I think it was very different from your experiences. We were living in South Carolina by the time I was in college, so I worked my way through the first two years and managed to keep my grades up to receive a scholarship that helped pay for the last two years. My dad was an aerospace engineer in the army, so I got help there too.

Director Jin: My father was in the military too. He retired and went to work in a laboratory. I don't think he was a very happy man now that I look back on my memories of him. 

SooYun: It's hard to understand parents who conceal their feelings to protect their children. In the end, it only is painful for the child. 

Director Jin: We are suddenly very morose! Let me ask you something, are you happy to be here?

SooYun: I am VERY happy to be here!

Director Jin: I am sorry that I could not greet you properly. I wanted to get to know you, but I was in too much pain.

SooYun: Mr. Lim explained some of what was happening that evening. We will have other opportunities to talk. I hope we can still have these sessions. I've missed you. 

Director Jin: I've missed you too. Seeing you in person is like meeting someone you've known in another life. You are familiar yet so unfamiliar. 

SooYun: Maybe we should just start over and get to know one another in person. Though Director Jin in person, is very intimidating! 

Director Jin: I do not mean to be, in truth I am jealous.

SooYun: You? Jealous – who on earth are you jealous of?

Director Jin: I am jealous of Jae-Ho and especially of Mr. Grisham. 

SooYun: Mr. Lim is trying to create an environment that we are familiar with. I think it's difficult for him to straddle the two cultures. I know he disapproves of Warren and his off-hand attitude.

Director Jin: So, I do not have to be concerned that Jae-Ho or young Mr. Grisham will steal you away from me?

SooYun: !!! Goodness no!

Director Jin: 😊 It is very late, you should be asleep. 

SooYun: I know I am being selfish right now I would rather talk to you than sleep.

Director Jin: I am very flattered! But you need your rest and I need to review your second episode.

SooYun: I hope you find it entertaining. 😊

Director Jin: I look forward to reading it. Goodnight, Ms. Shin.

SooYun: Good night, Director Jin.