Determined

What little energy Si Yoon had left had been drained by the funeral. Upon her return home, she was quite tired and her mind was a chaotic mix of sadness and acceptance. She carried a great deal of burden due to her father's debts and his passing.

She saw several men hanging about her door as she got closer to her apartment. She felt instantly uneasy in their company, and a feeling of dread descended into her gut. Their somber faces confirmed her suspicions when she identified them as creditors.

"Are you Kang Si Yoon?" As she got closer, one of the men asked in a cold voice.

 "Yes," her voice firm despite a flutter of nervousness in her chest. "What do you want?"

"We're here to collect the money your father owed," the man stated firmly. "It's 5 million won, and it's past due."

Si Yoon inhaled deeply as she made an effort to remain composed. "I am aware of the debt. However, I need some time to organize things. I need to arrange the money because my father died away recently."

The man's expression hardened. He took a step forward "Do you think we care about that. We need that money now."

"I can't pay it all at once," Si Yoon said firmly. "Give me six months. I'll pay the debt amount monthly. Please, I just need a little time."

The men exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed with her plea. The leader stepped forward, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Six months is too long. We need assurances. What if you are unable to pay?"

Si Yoon squared her shoulders, refusing to back down. "I promise I'll pay. I'm starting a new job soon, and I'll make sure you get your money. But I need those six months. Otherwise, I can't give you anything."

The men looked skeptical, but the leader seemed to consider her words. After a tense moment, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Six months. But you'd better not miss a payment, or we'll be back." The leader walked up to Si yoon and looked at her from top to bottom while saying, '' If not the amount, you can pay us back in other ways too".

 Si Yoon felt disgusted by his gaze but nonethelessly she replied, "I won't miss a payment."

The men began to walk away, their presence serving as a constant reminder of the weight of her responsibility. Si Yoon opened her door and entered, not feeling really at ease in her comfortable, familiar surroundings. She closed her eyes, leaned against the door, and took a long, trembling breath.

She was already under a lot of stress, which was increased by the burden of her father's debts and the fight with the debt collectors. She realized that these following six months would be critical and that giving up would not be an option.

Si Yoon started making plans because she was determined to fulfill her vow. To pay off the debt, she would put in endless hours of labor, give up her time and energy, and do whatever it needed. Reluctance or self-pity have no place here. She now had to pay for her father's errors, and start a new chapter of her life.

Si Yoon sat at her tiny kitchen table, thinking about her future, as the early morning light streamed through the curtains. Her determination had been strengthened by the encounter with the debt collectors. She was aware that it would be impossible to reconcile her full-time job requirement with her university coursework. She reluctantly made the decision to put her academic pursuits on hold until she could settle her father's debts.

Si Yoon made up her mind and started searching through job advertisements in an effort to find a career that would give her a reliable salary. Her gaze fell upon a job posting for a front desk employee at the city's most renowned hotel, the Echelon Hotel. The position appeared ideal as it paid well and offered stability.

After submitting her application, she was overjoyed to get a call for an interview. She dressed carefully the day of her interview because she wanted to look well. Though the Echelon Hotel's grandeur was overwhelming, she forced herself to be brave as she moved across the striking lobby.

Everything went well throughout the interview. Si Yoon was enthusiastic about the chance and felt secure in her answers. For the first time in days, she allowed herself a little grin as she walked out of the hotel.

Seated behind his massive mahogany desk, Woo Hyun gazed out the window, taking in the skyline of the city. The ideas racing about in his head were hidden by his icy exterior. He was a guy of few words, content to hide his true feelings and motivations behind an air of composure.

His ever-scrupulous manager, Jae Won, came into the office carrying a folder. "Sir, I have some news," he stated in a firm, businesslike voice. "Kang Soo, the man who owed us money, has passed away."

With a silent exhale, Woo Hyun maintained his expression. "I see," he said in a neutral tone. Though not shocking, the information made his preparations more difficult. Woo Hyun intended to leverage the enormous amount owed by Kang Soo to his advantage.

Jae Won went on, "There's something else," and passed over a list of candidates for the job of receptionist. "These are the candidates for the new receptionist role."

Woo Hyun cast a quick glance at the list, narrowing his eyes at a name he recognized, Kang Si yoon. A sly smile crossed his lips as he reclined in his chair, the components of a fresh strategy starting to come together.

"Arrange a meeting with her," Woo Hyun said in a calm, authoritative manner. "I want to discuss her potential role personally."

With an understanding of his boss's motives, Jae Won nodded. "I'll arrange it right away."

Si Yoon returned home from the interview, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She hoped to hear back from the hotel soon, knowing that securing the job was crucial for her plans. As she prepared dinner, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Hello, this is Kang Si Yoon," she answered, her heart racing.

"Good evening, Ms. Kang. This is Jae Won from Echelon Hotel. I'm calling to inform you that you've been shortlisted for the receptionist position. Mr. Woo Hyun would like to meet with you personally to discuss the role further."

Si Yoon's heart skipped a beat. A meeting with Woo Hyun? The name was familiar, but she couldn't place it. "Thank you. When would Mr. Woo Hyun like to meet?"

"Tomorrow morning at 10 AM, if that works for you."

"Yes, that works. Thank you," Si Yoon replied, her mind already racing with questions and concerns.

As she hung up, Si Yoon felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach. She knew this meeting could be crucial for her future, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than a simple job interview.

Setting: Woo Hyun's office, Echelon Hotel, next morning.

Woo Hyun sat in his office, his expression inscrutable as he awaited Si Yoon's arrival. The morning light cast sharp shadows across the room, mirroring the calculated thoughts running through his mind. He was intrigued by Si Yoon, and this meeting was the first step in a plan only he fully understood.

When Si Yoon arrived, she was greeted by Jae Won, who escorted her to Woo Hyun's office. As she stepped inside, her eyes met Woo Hyun's cold, calculating gaze.

"Ms. Kang, please have a seat," Woo Hyun said, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth.

Si Yoon sat down, trying to steady her nerves. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a job interview.

"Thank you for considering me for this position," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Woo Hyun studied her for a moment before speaking. "Your resume is impressive, but I'm more interested in understanding why you want this job."

Si Yoon hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I need the stability and income this job offers. I have debts that need to be paid off, and I'm willing to work hard to fulfill my obligations."

Woo Hyun leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "And what are you willing to do to secure this position, Ms. Kang?"

Si Yoon felt a chill run down her spine at his words, sensing a deeper meaning behind his question. She met his gaze, her determination unwavering. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, within reason, to prove myself and earn this opportunity."

A faint smile tugged at Woo Hyun's lips. "Very well. I believe we can come to an arrangement that will be mutually beneficial. I'll have Jae Won finalize the details."

As she left the office, Si Yoon couldn't shake the feeling that she had just stepped into something far more complicated than she had anticipated. Woo Hyun's intentions remained a mystery, but she knew one thing for certain: her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.