The restaurant exudes opulence, with sparkling chandeliers casting a warm glow across the room. Rachel sits elegantly at a table, her posture poised and confident. As she glances up from the menu, she catches sight of a man approaching, his stride confident and his demeanor charismatic.
"Good evening, Rachel," the man says, his voice smooth and cultured. "I'm Shin Myungchul. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Rachel offers a polite smile, acknowledging his presence. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Shin."
“Oh please, address me by my given name, Myungchul, or you can even call me Oppa,” He leans in slightly, his dark eyes sparkling with admiration. "I must say, you are even more stunning in person. It would be an honor if you considered my proposal."
Her smile falters imperceptibly as she processes his words. "Proposal? Which? You really haven’t given me any specifics yet? The only thing I have heard is a joint venture."
"Yes, that proposal," he continues, undeterred by her confusion. "I've been following your work closely, Rachel. You're a force to be reckoned with in this industry. Joining forces would be beneficial for both of us."
Rachel's frown deepens subtly. She senses an underlying motive beneath his flattering words. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Myungchul. However, I'm content with my current ventures."
Shin Myungchul's smile remains fixed, but a glint of determination flashes in his eyes. "I understand your position. But think about the possibilities. We could achieve remarkable things together."
Rachel maintains her composure, her mind racing. She realizes this encounter might be more complicated than she anticipated. "I'll certainly give it some thought, Mr. Myungchul. Excuse me for a moment."
With a graceful gesture, she excuses herself, stepping away to gather her thoughts. Troublesome indeed, she thinks, anticipating the complexities that might arise from this unexpected proposition.
Before Rachel excuses herself, Shin Myungchul stops her. “Wait, don’t be so hasty.”
Rachel remains seated waiting for Myungchul to ramble on and finish his pitch.
Myungchul leans back in his chair, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "The geography of your company is well within the range of Chae Group. I am fairly certain your company will be attacked soon from all sides. I come here, offering an alliance."
Rachel raises an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "How?"
Myungchul leans forward, his arrogance unabated. "Marriage."
Rachel's eyes narrow, and she leans back, incredulous. "Marriage? I already have a daughter and a husband."
Myungchul chuckles, rubbing his chin awkwardly. "That's awkward..." He pauses, then adds with a smirk, "But imagine the power and influence we could wield together. A strategic alliance between our unity could be mutually beneficial. Think about it."
Myungchul smirks, undeterred by Rachel's initial resistance. "It is fine, just divorce him, and take custody of the child. I will treat your daughter as my daughter too. If you so choose to accept my proposal, I will help you with all of my power to protect your company. For example, free of cost, I will help you relocate your building to another province or another area here in Seoul nearer to Shin Headquarters."
Rachel narrows her eyes, unimpressed. "Your offer is bad… very bad… The company is… a fleeting thing for me. It is not important enough that I will tie myself to you with marriage."
Myungchul leans back, amused. "Oho~ so you believe you have more value than the company itself, huh? I like strong women who know their worth."
Rachel remains resolute, her tone unwavering. "Think what you like, but I have decided… you are a waste of time. You, Shin Myungchul, and Chae Joochul both came to me using intimidation, yet none of that will work. I have faced far more daunting challenges than any of you can imagine."
Rachel's expression remains stern. "I'll go now, and cleanse my mind of this conversation, Mr. Myungchul." She rises from her seat, leaving Myungchul to contemplate the unexpected turn of events. As she walks away, Rachel can't shake off the uneasy feeling that this alliance proposal might bring more complications than solutions.
Rachel exits the restaurant, not sparing a glance at Shin Myungchul. Beth, her loyal secretary, stands by the door, awaiting her return.
Beth inquires with concern, "How did it go?"
Rachel grimaces as she approaches her waiting car. "Another threat… It is getting annoying, really…" She slides into the backseat.
Beth follows suit, joining her inside the car. "Are we going to lose our jobs?"
The driver, glancing at the rearview mirror, adds anxiously, "Am I going to lose my job?"
Rachel reassures them both, "No, none of you are going to lose your jobs." She leans back in her seat, contemplating the challenges that lie ahead.
Rachel, still mulling over the encounter with Shin Myungchul, directs the driver, "Headquarters, please. To our building."
Beth, seated beside Rachel, can't help but voice her concerns, "Do you think something like in K Dramas will happen to us? You know, suddenly being attacked by thugs or ambushed by mercenaries?"
Rachel chuckles at the comparison to drama scenarios. "It's possible, but more likely impossible, Beth. The losses it would incur for the perpetrators are not something they'd risk. In this world, such barbaric methods are not just backward but self-destructive. If people are going to use violent methods in this era, they have to be very sophisticated about it."
Beth nods, a bit reassured by Rachel's pragmatic perspective. As the car moves through the city, Rachel contemplates the intricate web of power dynamics that surround her, aware that the challenges she faces require a careful and strategic approach.
Rachel wraps up the remaining tasks for the day and addresses her team, "Good work, everyone!" The office buzzes with a sense of accomplishment as she bids farewell and heads out.
She hops onto her motorcycle, weaving through the city to reach Sunshine Kindergarten. As she arrives, she spots Evandel in the midst of a lively conversation with her classmates. The children chatter excitedly, their energy infectious.
Rachel overhears Evandel, in the midst of her storytelling, boasting, "I have a Freeze Ray that can even freeze a whole cactus!" Her wide-eyed listener nods with rapt attention, clearly captivated by the tale.
Rachel smiles at the sight of her daughter, having fun.
Rachel sighs as she watches Evandel captivate her classmates with tales of a Freeze Ray. The memory of that early morning, discovering the sci-fi gadget and testing it on a cactus, flashes in Rachel's mind. It was a humorous experiment, but the gravity of the situation hits her now.
She knows she needs to have a stern conversation with Hyon Hyung about the inappropriate gift. Rachel can almost imagine Hyon, perhaps naively, reasoning that child soldiers carry AK-47s, so a non-lethal freeze ray should be okay. However, Rachel firmly believes it is never okay to hand a dangerous weapon, even a non-lethal one, to a child.
Later that day, she resolves to address the issue with Hyon Hyung, ensuring he understands the severity of the situation and the potential consequences of such irresponsible actions. The safety and well-being of the children, including her own daughter, are non-negotiable.
Rachel goes down from her motorbike. "Evandel! Come here, sweetheart!" she calls out.
Evandel's head perks up, and she waves to her classmate, shouting, "Goodbye!" She sprints toward Rachel, her face lighting up with excitement. "Mommy, mommy!" she exclaims, reaching Rachel with outstretched arms.
Rachel grins, bending down to scoop Evandel up into her arms. "Hey there, my little explorer!" she says, hugging her tightly. With Evandel in her arms, Rachel walks to the motorbike.
Once settled, Rachel places Evandel snugly into her designated spot on the motorbike. As Rachel secures their helmets, she asks, "Ready for an adventure, Evandel?"
"Yay, mommy! Adventure!" Evandel cheers, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
With everything set, Rachel starts the engine and drives away. Evandel, perched before her, takes in the surroundings with wide-eyed relish. She points excitedly at familiar landmarks, exclaiming, "Look, Mommy, that's the ice cream shop we passed yesterday!"
Rachel chuckles, "You have a great memory, Evandel. We're getting closer to home!"
Throughout the ride, Evandel continues to spot familiar places, guiding Rachel with her observations. "Mommy, the big park! We're almost there!" she declares with enthusiasm.
Rachel smiles, enjoying the precious moments with her daughter. The wind rushes past them as they approach their home, creating a symphony of adventure and joy for the mother and daughter on their journey.
As Rachel and Evandel arrive at their humble two-story housing, a delightful aroma wafts through the air. Evandel sniffs the air and exclaims, "Mommy, I smell something yummy! Is it dinner time?"
Rachel smiles, "Yes, it's dinner time, sweetheart. Let's go inside."
Excitement bubbling within her, Evandel dashes toward the door, shouting, "Food! Food!" Her little voice echoes through the quiet street.
Rachel calls after her, "Evandel, wait! Remember to be polite and not shout."
But Evandel is too caught up in the anticipation of a delicious meal. "I'm hungry, mommy! Let's eat!" she giggles, ignoring Rachel's reprimand.
Rachel chuckles, gently reminding her, "We need to be respectful, even when we're excited."
Evandel reaches the door and swings it open, revealing the source of the tempting smell. "Mmm, something smells so good, mommy! What is it?"
Rachel follows her spirited daughter into the house, saying, "Let's find out, but remember to say thank you."
Evandel, still eager and oblivious to the reminder, continues her exuberant run toward the kitchen. "Thank you, thank you, food!" she sings.
Rachel trails behind, shaking her head with a fond smile. The scent becomes stronger as they approach the kitchen, and Rachel can't help but feel grateful for these simple yet joyous moments with her spirited Evandel.
Rachel steps into the house, carefully removing her shoes and placing them neatly by the door. Spotting a stray slipper, she grabs it and slips it on her foot, padding quietly through the hallway. As she approaches the living room, she notices Evandel's shoes scattered haphazardly.
With a gentle sigh, Rachel bends down, arranging Evandel's shoes neatly in the designated rack. A smaller pair of slippers catches her eye, and she picks them up, anticipating Evandel forgetting to wear one.
Moving toward the source of a delightful aroma, Rachel enters the kitchen. To her surprise, she finds Hyon Hyung and Evandel seated at the dining table, indulging in a feast of empanadas. It's a pleasant deviation from the usual routine, and Rachel can't help but smile at the scene.
"Hyon Hyung, this is a nice change of pace. Did you cook these empanadas?" Rachel asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Hyon Hyung grins, "Yes, I thought we could try something different tonight. I hope you like it."
Rachel pulls up a chair and joins them at the table. "It smells amazing. Thank you for the surprise," she says, reaching for an empanada and savoring the unexpected joy of a shared family meal.
Rachel notices Evandel still padding around in her socks and gently scolds, "Evandel, sweetheart, where are your slippers? It's better to wear them inside."
Evandel looks down at her feet, then giggles, "Oops, forgot, mommy!"
Rachel smiles and reaches for Evandel's slippers. She helps her daughter slide into them, saying, "There you go, much cozier, right?"
"Thanks, Mom!" Evandel chirps, wiggling her toes happily in the slippers.
As Rachel finishes fixing Evandel's footwear, she heads to the sink to wash her hands only remembering now to wash her hands first before eating. Hyon Hyung, noticing her distracted expression, asks, "Everything okay, Rachel? You seem a bit off."
Rachel dries her hands, hesitating for a moment before responding, "Well, you know how things have been at the company. It looks like we're finally catching some heat from the other conglomerates. It's been a tough day."
Hyon Hyung nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'm sorry to hear that. If you need to talk or if there's anything I can do, just let me know."
Rachel appreciates the offer, managing a small smile. "Thanks, Hyon Hyung. Let's enjoy these empanadas for now. It's a nice distraction." The three of them then continue their meal, sharing a moment of comfort amid the challenges they face.
Top of Form
Rachel's thoughts momentarily drift away as she reaches for another empanada, savoring the delicious medley of potatoes, meat, cheese, egg, and jalapeno that dances on her taste buds.
With a contented sigh, Rachel glances at Hyon Hyung and asks, "So, how are your projects coming along?"
Hyon stops eating, his gaze fixed on Rachel. She shifts uncomfortably under his stare and says, "Hyon, don't look at me like that. It's making me nervous."
Breaking from his reverie, Hyon blinks and then grins. "Sorry about that. I was lost in thought. Well, good news on the project front. The Interdimensional Router is finally complete, and I've made contact with someone on the other side."
Rachel's eyes widen with intrigue. "Really? That's incredible! Tell me more."
Hyon leans in, excitement is evident in his voice. "It's a breakthrough, Rachel. We've established communication, and it opens up possibilities we've never imagined. The potential is limitless."
Rachel's nervousness dissipates, replaced by genuine fascination. "That's amazing, Hyon. Congratulations! What's next?"
Hyon resumes eating, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Now, we find a way home. There's so much to discover, and I can't wait to see what unfolds."
The trio continues their meal, the taste of empanadas mingling with the anticipation of new frontiers in Hyon's groundbreaking project. “Seriously, this empanada just tastes the best!”
The restaurant exudes opulence, with sparkling chandeliers casting a warm glow across the room. Rachel sits elegantly at a table, her posture poised and confident. As she glances up from the menu, she catches sight of a man approaching, his stride confident and his demeanor charismatic.
"Good evening, Rachel," the man says, his voice smooth and cultured. "I'm Shin Myungchul. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Rachel offers a polite smile, acknowledging his presence. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Shin."
“Oh please, address me by my given name, Myungchul, or you can even call me Oppa,” He leans in slightly, his dark eyes sparkling with admiration. "I must say, you are even more stunning in person. It would be an honor if you considered my proposal."
Her smile falters imperceptibly as she processes his words. "Proposal? Which? You really haven’t given me any specifics yet? The only thing I have heard is a joint venture."
"Yes, that proposal," he continues, undeterred by her confusion. "I've been following your work closely, Rachel. You're a force to be reckoned with in this industry. Joining forces would be beneficial for both of us."
Rachel's frown deepens subtly. She senses an underlying motive beneath his flattering words. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Myungchul. However, I'm content with my current ventures."
Shin Myungchul's smile remains fixed, but a glint of determination flashes in his eyes. "I understand your position. But think about the possibilities. We could achieve remarkable things together."
Rachel maintains her composure, her mind racing. She realizes this encounter might be more complicated than she anticipated. "I'll certainly give it some thought, Mr. Myungchul. Excuse me for a moment."
With a graceful gesture, she excuses herself, stepping away to gather her thoughts. Troublesome indeed, she thinks, anticipating the complexities that might arise from this unexpected proposition.
Before Rachel excuses herself, Shin Myungchul stops her. “Wait, don’t be so hasty.”
Rachel remains seated waiting for Myungchul to ramble on and finish his pitch.
Myungchul leans back in his chair, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "The geography of your company is well within the range of Chae Group. I am fairly certain your company will be attacked soon from all sides. I come here, offering an alliance."
Rachel raises an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "How?"
Myungchul leans forward, his arrogance unabated. "Marriage."
Rachel's eyes narrow, and she leans back, incredulous. "Marriage? I already have a daughter and a husband."
Myungchul chuckles, rubbing his chin awkwardly. "That's awkward..." He pauses, then adds with a smirk, "But imagine the power and influence we could wield together. A strategic alliance between our unity could be mutually beneficial. Think about it."
Myungchul smirks, undeterred by Rachel's initial resistance. "It is fine, just divorce him, and take custody of the child. I will treat your daughter as my daughter too. If you so choose to accept my proposal, I will help you with all of my power to protect your company. For example, free of cost, I will help you relocate your building to another province or another area here in Seoul nearer to Shin Headquarters."
Rachel narrows her eyes, unimpressed. "Your offer is bad… very bad… The company is… a fleeting thing for me. It is not important enough that I will tie myself to you with marriage."
Myungchul leans back, amused. "Oho~ so you believe you have more value than the company itself, huh? I like strong women who know their worth."
Rachel remains resolute, her tone unwavering. "Think what you like, but I have decided… you are a waste of time. You, Shin Myungchul, and Chae Joochul both came to me using intimidation, yet none of that will work. I have faced far more daunting challenges than any of you can imagine."
Rachel's expression remains stern. "I'll go now, and cleanse my mind of this conversation, Mr. Myungchul." She rises from her seat, leaving Myungchul to contemplate the unexpected turn of events. As she walks away, Rachel can't shake off the uneasy feeling that this alliance proposal might bring more complications than solutions.
Rachel exits the restaurant, not sparing a glance at Shin Myungchul. Beth, her loyal secretary, stands by the door, awaiting her return.
Beth inquires with concern, "How did it go?"
Rachel grimaces as she approaches her waiting car. "Another threat… It is getting annoying, really…" She slides into the backseat.
Beth follows suit, joining her inside the car. "Are we going to lose our jobs?"
The driver, glancing at the rearview mirror, adds anxiously, "Am I going to lose my job?"
Rachel reassures them both, "No, none of you are going to lose your jobs." She leans back in her seat, contemplating the challenges that lie ahead.
Rachel, still mulling over the encounter with Shin Myungchul, directs the driver, "Headquarters, please. To our building."
Beth, seated beside Rachel, can't help but voice her concerns, "Do you think something like in K Dramas will happen to us? You know, suddenly being attacked by thugs or ambushed by mercenaries?"
Rachel chuckles at the comparison to drama scenarios. "It's possible, but more likely impossible, Beth. The losses it would incur for the perpetrators are not something they'd risk. In this world, such barbaric methods are not just backward but self-destructive. If people are going to use violent methods in this era, they have to be very sophisticated about it."
Beth nods, a bit reassured by Rachel's pragmatic perspective. As the car moves through the city, Rachel contemplates the intricate web of power dynamics that surround her, aware that the challenges she faces require a careful and strategic approach.
Rachel wraps up the remaining tasks for the day and addresses her team, "Good work, everyone!" The office buzzes with a sense of accomplishment as she bids farewell and heads out.
She hops onto her motorcycle, weaving through the city to reach Sunshine Kindergarten. As she arrives, she spots Evandel in the midst of a lively conversation with her classmates. The children chatter excitedly, their energy infectious.
Rachel overhears Evandel, in the midst of her storytelling, boasting, "I have a Freeze Ray that can even freeze a whole cactus!" Her wide-eyed listener nods with rapt attention, clearly captivated by the tale.
Rachel smiles at the sight of her daughter, having fun.
Rachel sighs as she watches Evandel captivate her classmates with tales of a Freeze Ray. The memory of that early morning, discovering the sci-fi gadget and testing it on a cactus, flashes in Rachel's mind. It was a humorous experiment, but the gravity of the situation hits her now.
She knows she needs to have a stern conversation with Hyon Hyung about the inappropriate gift. Rachel can almost imagine Hyon, perhaps naively, reasoning that child soldiers carry AK-47s, so a non-lethal freeze ray should be okay. However, Rachel firmly believes it is never okay to hand a dangerous weapon, even a non-lethal one, to a child.
Later that day, she resolves to address the issue with Hyon Hyung, ensuring he understands the severity of the situation and the potential consequences of such irresponsible actions. The safety and well-being of the children, including her own daughter, are non-negotiable.
Rachel goes down from her motorbike. "Evandel! Come here, sweetheart!" she calls out.
Evandel's head perks up, and she waves to her classmate, shouting, "Goodbye!" She sprints toward Rachel, her face lighting up with excitement. "Mommy, mommy!" she exclaims, reaching Rachel with outstretched arms.
Rachel grins, bending down to scoop Evandel up into her arms. "Hey there, my little explorer!" she says, hugging her tightly. With Evandel in her arms, Rachel walks to the motorbike.
Once settled, Rachel places Evandel snugly into her designated spot on the motorbike. As Rachel secures their helmets, she asks, "Ready for an adventure, Evandel?"
"Yay, mommy! Adventure!" Evandel cheers, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
With everything set, Rachel starts the engine and drives away. Evandel, perched before her, takes in the surroundings with wide-eyed relish. She points excitedly at familiar landmarks, exclaiming, "Look, Mommy, that's the ice cream shop we passed yesterday!"
Rachel chuckles, "You have a great memory, Evandel. We're getting closer to home!"
Throughout the ride, Evandel continues to spot familiar places, guiding Rachel with her observations. "Mommy, the big park! We're almost there!" she declares with enthusiasm.
Rachel smiles, enjoying the precious moments with her daughter. The wind rushes past them as they approach their home, creating a symphony of adventure and joy for the mother and daughter on their journey.
As Rachel and Evandel arrive at their humble two-story housing, a delightful aroma wafts through the air. Evandel sniffs the air and exclaims, "Mommy, I smell something yummy! Is it dinner time?"
Rachel smiles, "Yes, it's dinner time, sweetheart. Let's go inside."
Excitement bubbling within her, Evandel dashes toward the door, shouting, "Food! Food!" Her little voice echoes through the quiet street.
Rachel calls after her, "Evandel, wait! Remember to be polite and not shout."
But Evandel is too caught up in the anticipation of a delicious meal. "I'm hungry, mommy! Let's eat!" she giggles, ignoring Rachel's reprimand.
Rachel chuckles, gently reminding her, "We need to be respectful, even when we're excited."
Evandel reaches the door and swings it open, revealing the source of the tempting smell. "Mmm, something smells so good, mommy! What is it?"
Rachel follows her spirited daughter into the house, saying, "Let's find out, but remember to say thank you."
Evandel, still eager and oblivious to the reminder, continues her exuberant run toward the kitchen. "Thank you, thank you, food!" she sings.
Rachel trails behind, shaking her head with a fond smile. The scent becomes stronger as they approach the kitchen, and Rachel can't help but feel grateful for these simple yet joyous moments with her spirited Evandel.
Rachel steps into the house, carefully removing her shoes and placing them neatly by the door. Spotting a stray slipper, she grabs it and slips it on her foot, padding quietly through the hallway. As she approaches the living room, she notices Evandel's shoes scattered haphazardly.
With a gentle sigh, Rachel bends down, arranging Evandel's shoes neatly in the designated rack. A smaller pair of slippers catches her eye, and she picks them up, anticipating Evandel forgetting to wear one.
Moving toward the source of a delightful aroma, Rachel enters the kitchen. To her surprise, she finds Hyon Hyung and Evandel seated at the dining table, indulging in a feast of empanadas. It's a pleasant deviation from the usual routine, and Rachel can't help but smile at the scene.
"Hyon Hyung, this is a nice change of pace. Did you cook these empanadas?" Rachel asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Hyon Hyung grins, "Yes, I thought we could try something different tonight. I hope you like it."
Rachel pulls up a chair and joins them at the table. "It smells amazing. Thank you for the surprise," she says, reaching for an empanada and savoring the unexpected joy of a shared family meal.
Rachel notices Evandel still padding around in her socks and gently scolds, "Evandel, sweetheart, where are your slippers? It's better to wear them inside."
Evandel looks down at her feet, then giggles, "Oops, forgot, mommy!"
Rachel smiles and reaches for Evandel's slippers. She helps her daughter slide into them, saying, "There you go, much cozier, right?"
"Thanks, Mom!" Evandel chirps, wiggling her toes happily in the slippers.
As Rachel finishes fixing Evandel's footwear, she heads to the sink to wash her hands only remembering now to wash her hands first before eating. Hyon Hyung, noticing her distracted expression, asks, "Everything okay, Rachel? You seem a bit off."
Rachel dries her hands, hesitating for a moment before responding, "Well, you know how things have been at the company. It looks like we're finally catching some heat from the other conglomerates. It's been a tough day."
Hyon Hyung nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'm sorry to hear that. If you need to talk or if there's anything I can do, just let me know."
Rachel appreciates the offer, managing a small smile. "Thanks, Hyon Hyung. Let's enjoy these empanadas for now. It's a nice distraction." The three of them then continue their meal, sharing a moment of comfort amid the challenges they face.
Top of Form
Rachel's thoughts momentarily drift away as she reaches for another empanada, savoring the delicious medley of potatoes, meat, cheese, egg, and jalapeno that dances on her taste buds.
With a contented sigh, Rachel glances at Hyon Hyung and asks, "So, how are your projects coming along?"
Hyon stops eating, his gaze fixed on Rachel. She shifts uncomfortably under his stare and says, "Hyon, don't look at me like that. It's making me nervous."
Breaking from his reverie, Hyon blinks and then grins. "Sorry about that. I was lost in thought. Well, good news on the project front. The Interdimensional Router is finally complete, and I've made contact with someone on the other side."
Rachel's eyes widen with intrigue. "Really? That's incredible! Tell me more."
Hyon leans in, excitement is evident in his voice. "It's a breakthrough, Rachel. We've established communication, and it opens up possibilities we've never imagined. The potential is limitless."
Rachel's nervousness dissipates, replaced by genuine fascination. "That's amazing, Hyon. Congratulations! What's next?"
Hyon resumes eating, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Now, we find a way home. There's so much to discover, and I can't wait to see what unfolds."
The trio continues their meal, the taste of empanadas mingling with the anticipation of new frontiers in Hyon's groundbreaking project. “Seriously, this empanada just tastes the best!”
