Landing in Your Inbox

84 - a day of rest

"About time you finally visit us!" Young-ae made her sit to her right as an honorary guest. "Did your husband drive you here? Why, that is a lovely shirt. Did you make it?"

Myeong-sun laughed, looking down to her blue floral-print shirt made of a light cotton poplin blouse with puffed blouson sleeves and smocked detailing. She paired it with a pair of old jeans that made it look like an effortlessly chic ensemble. "I don't have time to sew lately. This top is a gift from a friend who owns a fashion boutique. And yes, my husband did. He will be back later for dinner."

"That's a pretty blouse! It's so nice to see your family after so long." Young-ae motioned for Ok-geum to pass the tray of cakes.

"U-pil was so happy to see his friends. He keeps talking about them." Myeong-sun smiled fondly.

"My Eun-byeol kept asking about him. They were best friends." Ok-geum picked up the tray and handed it over. "How is life in Osan?"

"They are still best friends. As with Ho-yeong and Nam-sik. U-pil won't ever forget his first friends in school and it will stay that way." Myeong-sun made sure to tell Wol-suk and Young-ae who were both pleased and visibly touched to have their sons be mentioned. "Life is busy nowadays but I can say that we've finally settled down. Thank you, Ok-geum." She nodded her thanks to her friend who made sure she was fed.

"What's keeping you busy? Oh you mentioned having a new scholarship project?" Young-ae had her hands on the bag of chips again.

"Oh yes, I had an opportunity with my friend, the fashion boutique owner." Myeong-sun picked out an almond cake. "She wants to support some of the older children and send them to private schools."

"Who is this fashion boutique owner? She must be well-off." Young-ae mused.

"You know Seri's choice?" Myeong-sun scanned her friends' faces.

"Seri's...." Ok-geum almost choked. "You mean Seri of Seri's choice herself??"

"That's her." Myeong-sun confirmed. "We have a common friend. She's been helping the foundation."

"You don't say this is Yoon Seri, heiress of Queens Group??" Young-ae couldn't hide her surprise.

But it shouldn't come as a shock, Young-ae after all was the sister of the Korean Airways chairman. The Mas were a family dynasty as much as the Yoons were, but the latter owned so much more. Then the name 'Yoon Seri' carried—or rather commanded—a larger-than-life reputation that put her in the same line as big-name celebrities. The woman was rich as she was powerful, glamorous and beautiful.

"My my, Myeong-sun has been busy rubbing elbows with the VIPs." Ok-geum spoke in awe.

Myeong-sun chuckled at the reactions. "It's her, but she is really just a person like all of us and she loves to help."

"I use their moisture essence. It works wonders..." Wol-suk shared in a bid for relevance.

"Is she as beautiful in person as in the magazines?" Ok-geum asked. "She attended this charity gala in Milan and she was stunning..."

"I don't really pay attention to the news but she is pretty. The children in the foundation think so and I trust their tastes better." Myeong-sun replied.

"She could be, but no one holds a light to our Young-ae for me." Wol-suk declared with a hand to her chest.

"Oh for sure!" Ok-geum enthused.

"Oh stop it you all!" Young-ae laughed, a modest hand to her cheek as though to cover herself from blushing.

Myeong-sun didn't disagree. "Young-ae is looking younger every year....Ah before I forget." She reached into her bag and handed out envelopes with their names written on them. "I know this is still a while, but please save the date."