Chapter Twelve

 The next day, Director Jin did not attend the morning session. Mr. Lim was not concerned, and he dismissed everyone early. SooYun spent her morning deep in episode three. She took an early break to visit downstairs with the Park twins then went back to work. Warren brought her a light lunch. He knocked and then opened her door. She pulled her earphones off, and he came in and sat down. 

 "You okay, Reb?"

 "Yeah, I'm okay." She replied. She took the bowl Warren carried and opened it up. "So, how's the rewrites coming along? She asked.

 "Pretty good," Warren replied. "You wanna hear the latest?"

 "No, not really," SooYun replied around a mouthful of rice and vegetables. 

 Warren pretended she had not spoken. "The psycho-bitch is forbidden from even coming into the facility parking lot. Gustav overheard the orders, and the Director locked this facility down from even having food deliveries brought in. If we want something we'll have to get a guard to escort us off-site and bring us back."

 "That's a bit much," SooYun remarked. "But I suppose he knows her better than we do."

 "He's protecting you, Reb," Warren told her. "Don't you get it?" 

 "Yeah, I guess I do," She said. 

 Warren rolled his eyes heavenward, "Geesh Reb! You've watched all the K-dramas, don't you see the attempt at romance?"

 She scowled at him. "Shut up!" she muttered.

 He sputtered in an effort not to laugh but ended up doubled over clutching his sides as he roared with laughter. He finally sobered and smiled, "Carry on, Ms. Shin! See you at dinner."

 "Bye!" SooYun flung at him, but she ended up grinning at Warren's attempt to lighten her mood.

 She worked several more hours then she uploaded the third episode to the server. She packed up her laptop and her sketch diary with all of her notes and headed to her flat. The walk was chilly. The late afternoon air felt more like winter to her than early spring. She hurried in and went upstairs to shower. She changed into warm pajamas, then went to her phone and typed in the text number Lim had given her. 

SooYun: I've uploaded the third episode but I'm having a dilemma on the exchange between the temple priest and his commander. The dialog sounds like two women talking together.

LiYul: I am reading it now. Isn't this better? No delay like before. 

SooYun: I'm going to have to get used to "instant messaging" 😊

 LiYul: Why do you think the conversation sounds like two women friends speaking? 

SooYun: It just seems that women talk together differently than men. From a man's perspective, does the dialog between them seem natural?

LiYul: They speak together like they are brothers. Jae-Ho and I often speak together this way. Unless he is trying to annoy me.

SooYun: LOL. So, he knows you so well that he knows which buttons to push? 

LiYul: Yes. He is always trying to annoy me. 

SooYun: What was the most recent instance?

LiYul: He would not tell me which one you were at the airport. I was hoping you were not the one covered in glitter.

SooYun: Wow, that was NOT a good thing to do to you!

LiYul: I foolishly wanted to think that I would know you even in a crowded airport. 

SooYun: Didn't you? You rejected glitter-girl so you must have sensed it on some level. 

LiYul: This is true. With all that was happening, I'm glad Jae-Ho managed to arrange for you to at least be in the car. 

SooYun: When Mr. Lim asked who could drive standard, I was happy I was old enough to have learned how! I enjoyed driving your car. You know, both Warren and Gustav have a huge car crush on your Maserati!

LiYul: You seemed to like the sound of the engine too, didn't you?

SooYun: I did! 

LiYul: If someone were reading this and they did not know who we were – could they distinguish the gender?

SooYun: Except for the glitter girl reference – probably not. 

LiYul: lol. 😊

SooYun: I guess that answers my question – I should stop obsessing over the dialog. 

LiYul: Try not to overthink, your writing is outstanding as always. I will review it and have it ready for you in the morning.

SooYun: Thank you. Have a good night!

[Voice text attached from SooYun]

 LiYul pressed the play function on his laptop and SooYun's voice sounded in his ears through his earbuds. "Have a good night!" For the first time in many weeks, he found himself smiling.

 A week passed and everyone began to settle into a routine. LiYul was in a good mood, and it was due to the chat sessions he and SooYun had resumed. It was in the morning before work began and in the evening before going to bed. Sometimes it was about her work, but most of the time, it was two friends chatting about their day. 

 When Lim was told of the sessions he was pleased that SooYun had decided to pursue LiYul in a way that made him comfortable. Lim prayed to all deities that things were beginning to return to normalcy. 

 In the morning, the group assembled just before 7:00 a.m. Lim walked in and saw that they were seated in their places. All of them were in good spirits, even Brittany seemed to have settled down. He sat down and tapped the face of his tablet. "I have a slight schedule change for all of you."

 "What's up, Mr. Lim?" Warren asked.

 "You, Ms. Woods, and Mr. Meyer will be accompanying your mentors to the filming of their current project this morning rather than after lunch," Lim told them. "Expect to be gone most of the day. The Director has made special arrangements so, please be on your best behavior while on the set."

 "What about Reb?" Warren wanted to know, and they all looked at her before looking back at Lim. 

 "Ms. Shin," Lim said glancing first at Warren before he consulted his schedule, "and I will be touring Jikjisa Temple. Her project is a period piece and the location of many of her episodes takes place in a Buddhist temple. She will tour to get a feel for the location." 

 Brittany, Gustav, and Warren all were looking forward to their trip and were chatting excitedly as they began to gather up their notebooks. Since the 'talk' SooYun and Brittany had in private, it appeared they had all quieted down and were at least cooperative with one another. The relationship between Warren and SooYun continued to be close but, now he had become less dependent on being around her. Lim liked SooYun and her calm, easygoing ways. She seemed to make friends easily and though she was soft-spoken and empathetic, she could also be firm as she was with Brittany. He also had an abiding respect for her going up against LiYul. She had not given up or given in to him or shown any fear. It was also wonderful to see his best friend engaging with a woman who was his equal on many levels. SooYun also surpassed LiYul and that seemed to intrigue LiYul even more! Lim noticed during their conversations, that LiYul often voiced his admiration of SooYun and stopped short of revealing his true feelings to Lim. He surfaced from his reverie and looked at the stares of those seated around the table. 

 "The transport van will be arriving in --," Lim looked at his watch, "Fifteen minutes. You will be gone from the facility most of the day, so wear your watch and ID tag. You can call if you get separated from the group, and the transport van will come to you."

 Lim adjourned the meeting and Brittany and Gustav hurried to their flats to pick up heavier coats. SooYun fell into step with Warren as they walked out of the facility. He draped an arm around her shoulders casually, "So, Reb how do you like the life of an employed screenplay writer?"

 "I'm liking it," she replied. "It's certainly more intense and demanding than I ever imagined."

 "Yeah, but you love it, right?" Warren asked.

 "I do!" She said.

 "Have fun at your temple," Warren told her giving her shoulders a brotherly squeeze. "I'll catch up with you later, take lots of pictures!"

 "I will. See you later!" she called as they parted, and she went to her flat and he continued further to his flat.

 She pressed the passcode to her door, and it chimed and opened. Inside sitting on the bench just inside the door was a box. She opened the box. In the gold paper tissue was a dark navy blue up-scale hooded coat fleeced lined and deep pouch pockets. The card stated, "To wear on your trip – it will keep you warm." 

 SooYun wondered who had sent the coat, but she appreciated the thought. She slipped it on and snuggled down in the fleecy layers. She collected her sketch journal, extra pencils, and pens and picked up her phone to take pictures. She picked up the card that came with the coat and tucked it into her sketch pocket. Everything went into her canvas courier pouch. It was easier to find items than her backpack. She double-checked that she had everything and as she left, she pulled her ID tag from the hook and draped it over her head. She pulled the door closed and it beeped as it locked. 

 The transport van was parked in front and was beginning to fill with passengers. As she got up to the sidewalk, Warren and Brittany waved to her as they waited for Gustav to get into the van. She returned the wave enthusiastically. Lim walked out the door of the facility, was on the phone, and finished the call, tucking it in the inside pocket of his suit jacket. "You look like a proper tourist, SooYun. I see the jacket is to your liking."

 "It is!" she cheered, "Whom do I thank? It's perfect!"

 She and Lim watched the van leave the parking lot and head out the facility gates. "The Director ordered it. He was concerned that you would be too cold in the jacket you were wearing at the airport."

 "I will be sure to thank him when I next see him," SooYun replied.

 "Which will be soon," Lim told her. He pointed to the black Maserati coming into the parking area. "He's right on time." He clasped her shoulder, "Excuse me just a moment."

 SooYun nodded and watched as the car rolled up and the Director got out to greet Mr. Lim as he joined him beside the car. Once again, they were two expensively dressed Anime characters! She was fascinated by the way they stood facing one another, speaking. Lim stayed apart but they spoke together and even laughed together. She realized she was staring and also realized she had watched way too many K-Dramas! 

 "I see you and Ms. Shin are getting on well," LiYul remarked. "You're quite familiar!"

 Lim grinned at LiYul. He was jealous! "SooYun is becoming the glue holding us all together in the facility. She gets on well with everyone downstairs too – despite the language barrier."

 LiYul was silent. Then he smiled and Lim sucked his teeth warily, "I don't like that look at all!" he told the Director.

 LiYul chuckled. "Good, you're too casual with Ms. Shin."

 Lim narrowed his eyes at LiYul. He saw through LiYul's admonishment and nodded. "Yes, Director Jin. I will apologize to Ms. Shin immediately."

 "You can do that later," LiYul told him. "I have something that needs your attention, so I'll be taking Ms. Shin to the temple."

 Lim smothered a grin with a hand and glanced over at SooYun. "Ah yes, well it is better that the Director of Aquila Studios approach Master Kang."

 Once they had settled whatever they were discussing, they walked over to where SooYun stood waiting on the sidewalk. There was a self-assured, almost arrogant tilt of his head as the Director looked at her. His black hair fell perfectly straight over one eye as he noted she was wearing the jacket. He handed Lim a packet and he took it. Lim turned to SooYun, "I must attend to another project so the Director will be taking you on your tour of the temple."

 SooYun turned stormy blue eyes up at Director Jin. "Oh, Thank you, Director Jin."

 "Jikjisa Temple has been on the list as a potential filming location for quite some time," Director Jin said. His English was perfect! His British accent was crisp whereas Mr. Lim's English was accented with a Korean accent that made the words he spoke slightly furry around the edges. "I am hoping you might be the charm needed to get a signed contract from the temple master, Ms. Shin."

 SooYun laughed lightly. "Well, I don't know how auspicious a charm I'll be, but I'll try!"

 Lim cleared his throat and turned to SooYun, he bowed and patted her shoulder in a friendly manner, "Enjoy your tour, SooYun! Be sure to take lots of pictures."

 The Director studied Lim with narrowed eyes. SooYun. Jae-Ho persisted in calling her by her name and acting very casual and familiar with her. With everyone else, Jae-Ho was very formal. Jae-Ho seemed to delight in annoying LiYul! SooYun's smile was like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. When her smile reached her eyes, they turned a deep fathomless blue and sparkled. "I will, Mr. Lim!"

 "Shall we?" The Director said watching Lim head back into the facility. He gestured to the waiting car. She nodded and walked with him to the passenger side of the Maserati. He opened the door and SooYun got in. Before she could reach back for the seatbelt he had the belt in hand and was leaning in to secure the belt for her. His face was just inches from hers! He was even more handsome up close! She wondered what the texture of his hair would be if she were to run her fingers through it. SooYun felt her face heat at the thought!

 The light floral scent she wore reached him as he leaned in to secure her seatbelt. He breathed it in. He closed the car door and as he came around to the driver's side, he reached into his jacket and put on sunglasses. He opened the door slid in and started the car. He secured his seatbelt and shifted the car into gear. He glanced over at her, what would they talk about? Being together in person was very different from the chat sessions they had. But he had made the decision that they needed more contact. He wanted to be comfortable with her and he was trying everything to overcome the awkwardness he had with her. 

 SooYun was still clutching her canvas satchel in her hands. She forced herself to relax and placed the satchel on the floor between her feet. What would they talk about? She thought, maybe he would not want to speak at all. 

 He maneuvered the car around and sped off through the gates of the facility and began the spiraling descent to the main road. As they stopped at a traffic light, SooYun glanced over at him. It had been so much easier to 'talk' in the messenger app or emails. He was very different in person! So decided to start the process of breaking the ice. "Mr. Lim told me you sent over this jacket. Thank you." She said lightly, "I was unprepared for the chilly spring weather."

 LiYul made a sound in his throat at the mention of Lim Jae-Ho, and as the light turned green, sped off, quickly shifting through the gears, and moving expertly through the slower-moving cars. He was feeling awkward in her company, but there was also a strong familiarity between them, that intrigued and terrified him! "What was the weather like in the state you are from?"

 She smiled. Talking about the weather was how most strangers got acquainted with one another. "The spring in South Carolina can be extreme. It was fairly warm when I left, and when I landed in California, well, it was just hot."

 "It is not unusual to see spring snow showers here in the hills." He said.

 "That must be beautiful," SooYun said softly. 

 "Yes," he answered. The awkward silence grew and SooYun decided to find a subject they could both engage in that was completely neutral. "I did a little research on Jikjisa Temple, it is very old and has the youngest Buddhist Master there. There was even speculation that he may be the reincarnation of Great Master Yu-Jeong."

 "Kang will be delighted to hear that," The Director said glancing in her direction the back at the road. He allowed a slight smile to pull at his mouth. 

 "You know Master Kang?" SooYun asked. She studied his profile as he concentrated on the road ahead of him.

 "We all attended the same high school together," The Director replied. "Kang Nam-Ji, Lim Jae-Ho, and I. When we left for college, Kang went to the Buddhist University, Jae-Ho stayed and attended Korea University, and I went to Oxford."

 She made an exclamation of surprise. "Were you an F4 in high school?" SooYun asked.

 The Director laughed. It was a deep rich sound, he looked over at her and their eyes met briefly. His smile was beautiful! SooYun nearly told him so but caught herself and just grinned back. 

 He had not laughed in a very long time! He remembered during their email exchanges, he had smiled a lot as he began to understand her wry sense of humor. Now that their chats had resumed he was laughing more and enjoying the exchanges even more. He patted his chest a few times to emphasize his words. "You have startled me, Ms. Shin!" He said, laughter still in his voice. "I suppose we were. The fourth in our group, Park U-Rom lives in Australia, his family is in the import and export business. The twins you met are his niece and nephew. Mrs. Park is his sister-in-law." 

 "Was it unexpected that Master Kang found the monastic life more rewarding than a company CEO?" SooYun wanted to know.

 "Not really," The Director said thoughtfully, "Kang was the quiet, thoughtful one in the group. Since he was the youngest in his family, he was left to pursue his dream." He glanced at her again. "Why did you decide to leave your career to come here?"

 SooYun studied the passing scenery out her window for a moment, then out the windshield at the road ahead. "It was an impulsive decision. All I could think about was being set free from the life I was living and being here in a new life." She looked over at him and laughed lightly, "I was already eight years into my job as a senior publicity agent sometimes working fifteen hours a day for weeks on end. Then one day, I was rushing down the hall to a meeting and I woke up in the hospital. The doctors said I was exhausted, and I was placed on a three-month medical leave. While I recuperated, that's when I took the first creative writing class online with Professor Jin. I thought about going back but instead, I extended my leave another three months. I continued with Professor Jin's classes. During those months, we exchanged emails and chatted through the online app. Professor Jin encouraged me to write and encouraged me to pursue my artwork again. When he gave me your email address and I started corresponding with you it opened up whole new experiences. You'll never know just how much you helped me in answering my questions. I never got to tell you this, but I appreciate the time you were able to give me. I learned even more about screenwriting from you. I never expected a job offer to result from it." 

 "You need not think you were ever imposing on my time," The Director told her, staring straight ahead. "You have an impressive writing talent, and my uncle sent me a sample from one of his talented students. I have benefitted even more than you know."

 SooYun bowed her head. "I still appreciate your --."

 "Ms. Shin, stop talking." 

 SooYun gasped, her hand clapping over her mouth. Why was he scolding her? She quickly stole a look over at him and he was smiling. He pointed toward the windshield, "Look at your temple."

 She followed his finger and made a noise that could only be described as a gasp of physical pleasure. He stopped the car so she could absorb the impact of the temple. She leaned forward her smile was joyous. He had not expected such a reaction and he was struck by how his heart responded to her expression of joy! He lightly cleared his throat and drove into the parking area. 

 He parked and turned the car engine off. Pulling his gaze from SooYun, he looked out the window and saw a slender form in orange robes and sandals coming out to meet them. SooYun gathered up her canvas satchel and unbuckled her seatbelt. "Gorgeous!"

 The Director smiled and glanced over at SooYun as he unbuckled his seatbelt. Looking at the temple through her eyes gave him an intense sense of yearning to have her look at him in the same way! When he realized where his thoughts had gone, he chided himself for such schoolboy thoughts! SooYun climbed out of the car and gazed at the temple, letting the colors and architecture soak into her eyes. She closed the car door. 

 The Director opened the car door and slid from behind the wheel. He rested an arm on the roof of the car and waited as SooYun came around to stand at a respectful distance from him. He frowned slightly at her deferential manner. Jae-Ho had instructed them all to give him a wide berth and not get too close. He closed the car door, took his sunglasses off, and tucked them into the inside pocket of his jacket. Kang's smile was serene as he stepped up to them. "Welcome to Jikjisa Temple. LiYul you are looking well."

 LiYul bowed then looked to SooYun, "Master Kang, this is Ms. Shin SooYun. She is here to absorb your temple." 

 Master Kang smiled at SooYun, and she moved nearer and executed a bow that surprised Kang. He reached out to take her hands in his. "SooYun, I have read your work and I have been intrigued by your writing. I hope we get to discuss the storyline more. Come and let me show you around." He drew her to his side to walk beside him, throwing a pleased smile at LiYul, "So, Director Jin do you think the temple will serve your needs as a possible filming location?"

 "If your terms are negotiable, Master Kang," LiYul said falling in step behind Kang and SooYun. "I'm sure Jikjisa Temple will be a very suitable filming location."

 They strolled to the temple and just as they reached the steps, the Director's phone began to ring. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and frowned at it. "I need to take this."

 "Go take care of business, LiYul," Master Kang said, "SooYun and I will go into the temple."

 SooYun followed Master Kang up the steps, and she used the toe of her sneakers to step out of each shoe. She left them on a shelf to retrieve later. She glanced up to the ceiling at the thousands of prayers each visitor had written and were now hanging from red threads. The golden Buddha sat high on the altar, in silent meditation. Offerings were lined up along the floor. Sacks of rice, bags of barley, and other grains joined rows of other boxed and brown paper sacks of other food offerings. 

 Master Kang explained everything to her and SooYun took notes and made quick drawings in her sketch diary. She snapped pictures on her phone of areas the Master pointed out. He took her off to one side and they sat at a low table with cushions placed on three sides. Kang sat slightly elevated on a wooden bench. Another temple priest brought out a tray with a teapot and small simple cups. While they waited for the Director, Master Kang studied SooYun, his black eyes seemingly seeing past the physical into the spiritual core. He grinned. "So, what did you and LiYul talk about on the trip up here? He's never been one for making conversation."

 She laughed and the sound was warm and filled with wry humor. "It began with the weather and ended with philosophical musings on my part."

 He chuckled. Kang, like the Director, and Mr. Lim were all handsome men in their unique way. Kang and Lim were certainly more approachable, and the Director was more mercurial. But SooYun had glimpsed a side of the Director that most had not seen in a long time. She leaned forward, "I managed to make him laugh when I asked if the three of you were an F4 in high school."

 Kang's eyes widened and he laughed in delight. The Director joined them and sat on the cushion across from SooYun, "You've told him about the F4?" 

 SooYun nodded and though he did not laugh, he did manage a faint smile in her direction then feigned offense at Kang's continued laughter. "Jae-Ho sends his regards."

 Kang leaned toward SooYun, "It was Jae-Ho, that was so popular with the young ladies. LiYul was mostly disdainful of the girls who sighed at his passage through the halls."

 SooYun smiled but did not trust herself to look in the Director's direction for fear she would give away what she was thinking. He was not so different now! Master Kang poured the tea and they let it cool for a moment before picking up the cups and sipping pale green tea. It was as SooYun had her head turned away from LiYul that a pale-yellow butterfly fluttered up to land briefly on her hair, then continued on its flight. Kang watched with interest over the rim of his cup as LiYul openly studied SooYun as she turned back and set her cup on the table. 

 The chirp of the Director's phone sounded again, and he reached into his inner jacket pocket. He looked at the phone, and a dark look settled over his face. "Please, excuse me."

 SooYun saw the concern in Kang's eyes as the Director stalked off to take the call. He sighed resignedly, "LiYul for all his privileged upbringing has had a very difficult life. But it is good to know that all his difficulties will be changing soon."

 SooYun watched as the Director paced in an agitated manner as he listened to the caller and then stopped to speak. Master Kang smiled as he observed the connection between SooYun and LiYul evolve before his eyes. He touched her hand lightly with his fingertips, "Would you like to visit the inner sanctuary with me? We can offer prayers up to those with us and those we are waiting to be reunited once again."

 She nodded. "May I bring my sketch diary?" She asked hopefully for permission.

 "Of course," Master Kang said. "Perhaps you will let me see what you have drawn so far?"

 "Yes," SooYun replied. "Your opinion would be greatly appreciated."

 They got up from the table and Kang nodded toward LiYul as he stopped his pacing and looked back toward the temple. He saw they were continuing their tour. He lifted a hand in Kang's direction and turned away so his longtime friend would not see his anger. 

 Kang issued SooYun past the drop shades and into a shadowy area of the temple. The glow of hundreds of candles on either side of the golden Buddha who sat in contemplation gave the illusion that the Buddha was moving slightly in the rhythm of slow breathing. Kang handed her a stick of incense. She went to the small brazier and held the stick in the flames until it sparked. She drew it from the flames, held it upright, and let it burn out. A spiraling blue smoke rose from the stick. She closed her eyes and bowed before the golden Buddha. She prayed for peace in the hearts of those around her. She thought of her parents and let tears come as she wished them well. She prayed for inner calm and understanding. She also prayed for the Director and that whatever pain he had in his life would leave him. She stuck the incense stick into the sand along with the other burning sticks, bowed once more, and backed away before turning to join Master Kang where he waited. 

 They walked out together, and he looked at the sketch diary she held, "Would you mind if I looked at your work?"

 She handed it over and Kang carefully opened the pages, there were brown pockets with leaves, ticket stubs, and a wrapper of a mint from the airplane, and stuck to the opposite side of the pocket was a green stickie note with LiYul's comment on her episodes. Then he turned to the drawings of LiYul and Jae-ho. He smiled in appreciation. "You've captured them perfectly!" He pointed to the sketch of LiYul, "Korean Titan. Has he seen this?"

 SooYun glanced at the figure she had drawn and then looked out to the pacing figure of the same man. "I hope not," she replied. "I think he might be offended."

 "Oh, I doubt that very much," Kang replied looking at LiYul as he paced and continued to talk on the phone. He continued to study her drawings and thoughts. He stopped as he saw a drawing of himself. Kang looked over at SooYun, she had captured that spiritual intensity that his masters had noted during his training. He reached for her pen, and she handed it to him. He jotted down his cellphone number next to the sketch she had drawn. He handed her diary and pen back. "Call me anytime," He told her. Then he reached into his sleeve, "I want to give you something to remember about your visit here." He drew out a knotted and bead bracelet. He slipped it on her wrist next to her watch. 

 "Thank you, Master Kang," SooYun said fingering the complex series of knots, "I will wear it always."

 "Now you still have time to see the pagoda and the iron gong," Master Kang said. "While I finish my business with LiYul, you can 'absorb' for your screenplay." He pointed up a trail on the opposite side of where LiYul was standing watching them. 

 "I'll make it quick, you'll let the Director know where I've gone?" SooYun asked.

 Kang saw LiYul coming toward them. "I will tell him." He opened his arms in an invitation to embrace. She stepped into his arms, and he hugged her. "Come back soon and visit with me." He told her and they parted. She hurried off.

 LiYul stepped up to Kang, "Is embracing a woman even allowed?"

 Kang reached into his sleeve and drew out the contract. "SooYun convinced me to sign your contract." He handed it to LiYul. 

 "I suppose you're going to tell me she's my White Lotus?" LiYul asked, he met Kang's eyes.

 "You already know the answer to that. She is a beautiful soul, LiYul." Kang replied. "You should take very good care of her." 

 LiYul looked at the contract and back at Master Kang. "You always did have a soft spot for blondes, Nam-Ji."

 Kang laughed. "It was good to see you, LiYul. I have the commissioner of tourism to meet and more contracts to consider."

 LiYul bowed. "My thanks, Master Kang."