This holiday is the most hectic holiday we have arrange so far. Mark, my brother brought Albert with him. Albert is our cousin who had been working with him for a year when he decided to retire as the Chief Engineer. They came since they were meeting with a Dutch shipping company last week. Our youngest James is per usual still enjoying his freedom. He doesn't really have any responsibility yet with the company. But we are not complaining as long as he keeps himself busy with his own restaurant.
Marcus is really getting bigger and more mature. Next year he will be in the lower secondary school already. He had been accelerated twice; I am really proud how smart he became. He's going to be 11 this year and he is already on his last year of primary school. Sometimes, I am worried of how fast his pace is in his education. But then again, I have finished my primary school back then when I was the same age.
The situation in Seoul subsided a little, but a call from Lisa just made me anxious. We were told that Namshin had been snooping around my private life. And that Jae-woo asked for Chris' help to neutralize the situation. I just came from a photoshoot and interview for Tatler magazine. And I will be having another interview when we get back in Copenhagen. I'm happy that Daniel came to the trip, so he will be taking Marcus with him to Camp Nou instead of me. I already called his Dad that my brother will be bringing Marcus back by Sunday.
Daniel had been like a big brother figure to Marcus, it's a good thing that he always comes to Copenhagen, he is living in my flat every time he spends time here. He came to Copenhagen every month to hang around the restaurant and do some research for a new concept to his restaurant.
The interview for TATLER is about unveiling the woman behind The Girl… I agreed to the interview because it looks very poetic. This is my first magazine interview ever. Aside from the journal of Philosophy that I did last year, this is a mainstream magazine. I also agreed for a feature interview with 10mag, it is an online magazine for expats in Seoul, I did it to have a media presence before I can finally confront everyone.
I called Jae-woo that night, just to be updated about what's going on. He had been avoiding me since yesterday. I have a suspicion about what's happening, especially when I found out that he met with his family. Base on my research about Namshin, I know how they have very traditional way of doing things. I heard from Prof Kim about an incident in 1995 that changes the format of the company. He didn't divulge any further and told me to ask to Jae-woo about it.
"Hey, you…" I greeted. We don't have endearment for each other. This is just how we talk.
"How are you doing?" he replied.
"I'll be back in Seoul Saturday morning…"
"What happened? Are you not watching the El Clasico on Sunday?" he knew my schedule well.
"My brother Daniel will be taking Marcus instead…"
"Any problem?" he seemed worried. I should ask you that I uttered myself.
"I just did an interview with Tatler Singapore and I will be doing interview tomorrow with 10mag before my flight in the evening."
"Feature interview? I thought you never do interviews…."
"I should have done it sooner if I knew I will feel this important…" I teased. He didn't say anything. I know he is trying to keep something from me, so I brought out about his meeting with Chris.
"I'm sorry. I didn't expect my uncle to use this opportunity to cause problem for the chairmanship position."
"I'm coming back earlier so we have time to talk before the interview comes out next week…if you have time Saturday evening, we'll talk at the loft?"
"I can pick you up…" he offered.
"Thanks. But someone is already coming to pick me up. I'll see you Saturday."
"I miss you…" he expressed.
"I miss you." I answered.
Soo-ah informed me about Han-nah coming to pick me up. Han-nah will be working part-time with Chris and Chris's assistant in dealing with the media. But Soo-ah already told me the real reason she chose Han-nah. I know Soo-ah will become busy when she becomes a resident at the hospital, and she already thought of Han-nah as a replacement assistant if it happens. I am happy for her, but I know that after this fellowship, I don't really need another assistant in Seoul.
I asked Han-nah to just wait by the arrival gate. Since, I don't have much stuff so it will be easier to just leave immediately. She is still as cheerful as the last time I saw her.
"How was your flight Miss?" she welcomed.
"I slept through it. I was tired." I replied smiling.
"At least you had rest Miss…"
"I can't make you call me just Ara, right?" I tease.
"It's very awkward to just call a senior with their names Miss…"
"I was used to just be called Ara since it's my name anyway. But in the Philippines, I am called Ate or Tita, I think it's eonni and eemo in your language. You can call me eonni, that's cute." I stated.
"It's to address and older sister Miss," she informed.
"I know…Soo-ah never wanted to call me eonni. I have been asking her to do that for 3 years now…" I said.
"Soo-ah is much too polite, I think." She replied.
"How long have you known her?" I asked.
"He and my brother had been dating since Oppa went to ITU, that was 2 years ago. He introduced her to me December that year and when Oppa came back to Seoul they had a tough time. When Soo-ah came home, Oppa introduced her to our parents. I think Oppa is planning to get married this year." She notified. Whoa. I didn't know they have been dating long. And I didn't know they are this serious. Did she just tell me this because she though I already knew? The downside about my relationship with Soo-ah is that she's always looking out for me. It's part of her job. She knows everything about me. But I was too comfortable for her taking care of me that I have never really get to know her more.
"We are here, Miss." She announced when we arrived at the parking of the Loft.
"What time are we meeting today?"
"They are coming at 1pm, so it's in an hour…"
"Do you think you can bring something for lunch?"
"I can do that Miss."