"The Interview" (Continued)
Kim Taehyun's fingers danced across his iPad, jotting down notes. Ji Yoon couldn't see the screen, but the subtle smile on his face hinted at approval.
The judges conferred in hushed tones, their faces stern.
Lee Ji-Hoon leaned in, whispering, "Sir, what do you think?"
Kim Taehyun nodded curtly, his eyes never leaving his iPad.
Park Soo-Young whispered to Choi Min-Ho, "Her background is rough, but that passion..."
Choi Min-Ho nodded, jotting down notes.
The whispers ceased as Kim Taehyun's gaze returned to the next applicant.
"Next, please," Park Soo-Young called out.
A young man, dressed impeccably, stood up. Ji Yoon glanced at him, noticing his confident demeanor.
"Name?" Kim Taehyun asked.
"Jang Do-Young," the young man replied, his voice smooth.
As Jang Do-Young presented his credentials, Ji Yoon's eyes widened. Seoul National University, top of his class, internships at renowned companies... His résumé shone.
However, as he began to answer questions, a subtle arrogance crept into his tone.
"I've always been exceptional, and I know I'll excel here," Jang Do-Young said, smiling smugly.
Kim Taehyun's expression turned skeptical.
"Tell me, Mr. Janv," Choi Min-Ho said, "how do you handle constructive criticism?"
Jang Do-Young chuckled. "Criticism? I'm always right. If someone criticizes me, they're just jealous."
The room fell silent.
Kim Taehyun's eyes narrowed. "Thank you, Mr. Jang. That's enough."
With a dismissive nod, Kim Taehyun scribbled on his iPad.
The judges exchanged knowing glances.
Park Soo-Young stood, her voice firm. "Thank you for coming in today, Mr. Jang. We'll be in touch."
Jang Do-Young's confidence faltered as he realized he was being dismissed.
As he left the room, Ji Yoon sensed a mix of relief and curiosity.
What just happened?
Why was that young man, with his impressive background, rejected?
And what did Kim Taehyun write on his iPad?
Ji Yoon's heart raced with anticipation.
The wait continued.
Next, a timid woman stood, her hands shaking as she introduced herself.
"I-I'm Lee Ah-Rim," she stuttered.
Ji Yoon's heart went out to her.
Lee Ah-Rim held up a small bag. "I brought my tools – thread and needle."
Kim Taehyun's eyebrow arched. "Proceed."
With trembling hands, Lee Ah-Rim pulled out a piece of fabric and began to embroider.
The judges watched, mesmerized, as intricate patterns emerged.
Choi Min-Ho leaned forward. "Ms. Lee, how did you learn this skill?"
Lee Ah-Rim's voice gained confidence. "My grandmother taught me. I've been sewing since childhood."
Park Soo-Young asked, "No formal education?"
Lee Ah-Rim's eyes dropped. "None, ma'am."
Kim Taehyun intervened, "Education isn't everything. Show me what you can do."
Lee Ah-Rim's hands moved deftly, weaving a stunning design.
The room fell silent, awe-struck.
Kim Taehyun's gaze locked onto Lee Ah-Rim's hands, competence radiating from every stitch.
"Thank you," he said finally, his voice firm.
The judges nodded, impressed.
Lee Ah-Rim's eyes sparkled, hope rekindled.
As the interview concluded, Kim Taehyun dismissed them.
"Thank you, ladies. We'll be in touch."
Ji Yoon exchanged glances with Lee Ah-Rim, both unsure of their fate.
As they left the room, Ji Yoon whispered, "You're amazing."
Lee Ah-Rim smiled shyly. "Thanks."
In the waiting room, Ji Yoon pondered.
Kim Taehyun sought competence, not just credentials.
Her chances?
Uncertain.
But one thing was clear: Kim Taehyun's standards were sky-high.
"New Beginnings"_
Three days passed, and Ji Yoon's excitement hadn't waned. She stared at her phone, 6:56 AM, as a message flashed:
"Congratulations, Yoon Ji Yoon! You've passed THE FASHION's interview. You're to report to work immediately."
Ji Yoon's heart skipped a beat. She shrieked, jumping out of bed, her blanket flying off.
"I did it! I did it!" she exclaimed, tears of joy welling up.
She rushed to Kim Ha-Na's room, bursting in. "Ha-Na, I got the job!"
Ha-Na, already dressed and sipping coffee, beamed. "Congratulations, Ji Yoon!"
They hugged, twirling and laughing, their excitement infectious.
"Be on time, Ji Yoon," Ha-Na reminded, still grinning. "You don't want to make a bad impression on your first day."
Ji Yoon nodded, determination etched on her face. "I'll work hard, support Dad and Ji Hoon's education and medical expenses."
After a quick shower, Ji Yoon danced in the bathroom, her feet tapping out a happy rhythm on the tile floor. She slipped on the wet floor but laughed, getting up, unscathed.
Ready to start her new life, she hailed a cab and arrived at THE FASHION building early, 7:20 AM. The sleek glass façade gleamed in the morning sun.
In the lobby, she approached the receptionist from interview day. "I passed," Ji Yoon whispered, barely containing her excitement.
The receptionist, Mrs. Lee, congratulated her warmly. "Welcome to THE FASHION, Ji Yoon. You'll do great."
An announcement echoed through the lobby: "All new employees, I repeat, all the new employees, please report to the 60th floor for orientation and grouping."
Ji Yoon's eyes widened, taking in the modern lobby. She spotted an elevator and hurried toward it.
A man in a stunning blue suit entered the elevator, his broad shoulders and chiseled features unmistakable. Kim Taehyun.
He swiped his card, and the doors slid open. "78th floor," he said, his deep voice commanding.
As the doors began to close, Ji Yoon darted in, her heart racing. "Annyeongseyo!" (Good morning!)
Kim Taehyun didn't respond to her greetings. "This elevator isn't for two people. Step out."
Ji Yoon's eyes flashed. "Then you go out, I'm in a hurry."
She pressed the 60th-floor button.
The elevator paused, Kim Taehyun's gaze still fixed on his phone.
"Looks like we're sharing," Ji Yoon muttered, her heart racing.
"New Beginnings" (Continued)
Ji Yoon hastily pressed the 60th-floor button, eager to start her new job.
However, Kim Taehyun's swift gesture overridden her selection, replacing it with the 78th floor.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Ji Yoon exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice.
The elevator paused, stuck on the conflicting floor selections.
"Seriously?" Ji Yoon muttered, tapping her foot impatiently.
Kim Taehyun remained silent, eyes fixed on his phone.
Ji Yoon's annoyance boiled over. "If I'm late getting to the 60th floor, I'll make you pay! Is this your company or something?"
She shot him a sideways glance, not noticing his stunned expression.
"I'm employed here, just like you! Stop being wicked!" Ji Yoon declared, her hands on her hips.
Kim Taehyun's gaze snapped up, surprised by her audacity.
Their eyes met, and for an instant, Ji Yoon's determination faltered.
Those piercing brown eyes seemed familiar.
But she shook off the feeling, focusing on her goal.
"Come on, press the 60th floor! I don't have all day!"
Kim Taehyun's expression darkened, his jaw clenched.
With deliberate slowness, he pressed the 60th-floor button.
The elevator lurched, finally heading toward Ji Yoon's destination.
As the doors opened on the 60th floor, Ji Yoon rushed out.
"Finally! Make sure we never meet again, if you ever show your ugly face in front of me, I will deal with you, elevator jerk!" she exclaimed, turning back to face the elevator.
Kim Taehyun stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing.
"You're welcome, I will take that as your way of saying thank you," he said dryly.
Ji Yoon's eyes widened, realizing too late who she had just confronted.
One of the Judges at the interview...
Her eyes met Kim Taehyun's, a spark of recognition flashing between them.
Mortification washed over Ji Yoon.
She spun around, hastening away from the elevator.
"Well, it's not like he's the owner of this company," she muttered to herself.