Truly, it all began on a night filled with cherry blossoms.....
...Their delicate petals dancing on a gentle breeze under the radiant glow of the full moon....
Mei Lin stood, her black locks cascading like a silken waterfall down her slender shoulders, her features alight with a soft radiance that seemed to rival the very luminescence of the moon above...
It was the time of Song Dynasty, (Northern Song 960–1127)
"Young lady lin...let's go..it's already time for dinner let's go" Says Jia Li
Mei Lin said 'yes' to her and went along with her..
While walking, Jia Li asked, 'What were you doing there so late at night? And you still have to pack...
"Nothing special just I was enjoying the night view of this place last time" While sighing said Mei linlin to her....
As Mei Lin packed her bags, a mix of frustration and resignation filled the room.
She hadn't planned to leave this place, but circumstances had forced her hand.
She was being sent to Korea, whether she liked it or not. Her best friend, Jia Li, watched her with a dramatic gasp.
"Nooo!" Jia Li exclaimed, clutching her chest in mock despair. "Who will I gossip with now? Who will I steal snacks from?"
Mei Lin let out a half-hearted laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, please. You're more worried about the snacks than me! But seriously, Jia Li, I'm being shipped off to Korea, not by choice but by force and you know that already."
She was doing this to enjoy her last moments with Mei Lin
Jia Li's playful grin faltered for a moment and realized the facts that maybe she will never able to see her again,...
"But can i ask u one question young lady please...
Why are you even leaving us alone here :(
"asks Jia
Mei Lin sighed, trying to keep the mood light. "It's a long story. Let's just say the universe—or maybe just my parents—decided I needed a change of scenery. They think it'll be good for me, a 'fresh start' and all that."
"Well," Jia Li replied, trying to lift the mood again, "you are a good source of food… and maybe a little bit of fun. So, Korea, huh? I guess you'll be making new friends to steal snacks from. Or maybe just some good kimchi."
Mei Lin smirked, "Yeah, I'll be drowning my sorrows in kimchi. But honestly, I'll miss your earthling humor. Who else will appreciate my alien jokes?"Jia Li chuckled. "Perfect! Maybe in Korea, someone will finally appreciate your-
' out-of-this-world' sense of humor.""Hey!" Mei Lin protested, though she appreciated the attempt to keep things light. "My humor is universal, Jia Li. Just you wait—I'll conquer Korea with it."
"True," Jia Li said, nodding thoughtfully. "But seriously, why so sudden? Why Korea?"
"I've apparently 'outgrown' this place,"
Mei Lin said, mimicking air quotes.
"Or maybe this place has outgrown me.
My parents think Korea will be a better environment for me… whatever that means.
But honestly, it feels like I'm being exiled."
Jia Li tried to cheer her up with a teasing tone.
"Just make sure it's not the smoke from burning your dinner again. We don't want you getting kicked out of Korea too."
Mei Lin rolled her eyes, "One time, Jia Li.
I burn dinner one time, and you never let me live it down.""Of course!" Jia Li said, her grin returning.
"That's what best friends are for.
To keep embarrassing memories alive forever!"
"Well, in that case," Mei Lin said, feigning seriousness, "I'm leaving just to create more embarrassing memories in Korea.
Maybe I'll become a legend there."
"Good luck with that," Jia Li quipped.
"Just don't forget to send me videos of your failures—I mean, adventures!"
"Oh, you know I will," Mei Lin laughed.
"And don't get too comfortable here without me. You'll miss my chaos."
"Miss it?" Jia Li raised an eyebrow.
"I'll thrive in the peace and quiet. But seriously, Mei Lin, Korea or not, I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Jia Li," Mei Lin said softly.
"But hey, it's not goodbye, just see you later… from Korea."
Jia Li mock saluted her friend. "Safe travels, Captain Mei Lin. Don't forget to bring me back some snacks from Korea!"
"You got it!" Mei Lin grinned, zipping up her bag. "See you,
Jia Li my little servet and besft friend.....
Until our next adventure!"
With that, Mei Lin took one last look around, trying to make peace with the fact that she was being sent to a new country. As she prepared to leave, she knew that no matter the distance, her friendship with Jia Li would endure, even from across the sea in Korea.
Mei Lin's life had taken a dramatic turn the moment she stepped foot in Goryeo.
The world she had known was left behind as she was thrust into a life she had never imagined—sold by her family into the kisaeng house for money.
At first, she had tried to fight it, to rebel against the fate that had been forced upon her.
But as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Mei Lin realized that resistance would lead her nowhere. So, she learned.
She learned the delicate art of dance, the soothing melodies of ancient songs, and how to charm and entertain the rich and powerful men who frequented the house.
Every night was a performance, a carefully orchestrated display of beauty and elegance.
But behind the painted smiles and graceful movements, Mei Lin's heart ached with the weight of her circumstances. Her life had been stolen from her, and now she was nothing more than a tool for the pleasure of others.
The other women in the kisaeng house had all accepted their fates long ago, but Mei Lin's spirit refused to be broken entirely.