five : fate without misfortune

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A few months  had passed since the fateful encounter with Ms. Joseon, and the promise of a new beginning hung in the air. The hospital corridors, once a haven of routine, now echoed with the whispers of change. As I navigated my daily rounds, the prospect of the unconventional path I was about to embark on danced in the periphery of my thoughts. Mrs. Park's words resonated within me, urging me to follow my heart. Today, I decided, would be the day to take that leap of faith.

After finishing my rounds, I retreated to a quiet corner, phone book in hand. With each page turned, the anticipation swelled. And there it was—Kim Joseon, listed among the myriad of names. My heart raced as I dialed the number, the rotary dial echoing in the quiet room.As the phone rang on the other end, doubts crept in. What if Ms. Joseon had changed her mind? What if this was too good to be true?

A voice answered, elegant and composed. "Hello?"I took a deep breath, my voice steady. "Ms. Joseon, it's Lily. We met a month ago."

A pause lingered, then a warm chuckle echoed through the line. "Ah, Lily. I've been expecting your call. Have you made a decision?"
The weight of the decision hung in the air, but determination fueled my response. "Yes, Ms. Joseon. I've decided to accept your offer."

Ji-eun, overhearing the conversation, couldn't contain her excitement. "Yes! Lily, this is amazing!"Ms. Joseon's voice held a satisfaction that transcended the miles between us. "Excellent, Lily. Prepare yourself. I'll be sending stylists to your residence shortly. I want you both looking impeccable for our meeting."

The confirmation sent ripples of excitement through me. The path ahead was paved with uncertainty, but for the first time in a while, I felt a surge of anticipation for what lay beyond.
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The ambiance of our modest apartment transformed as the stylists worked their magic. Sequins and silks adorned us, the fabric of the preppy outfits designed to reflect a blend of sophistication and approachability. Ji-eun's laughter filled the room as she twirled in her new ensemble, and I couldn't help but join in the infectious joy.
As the stylists put the finishing touches on our looks, Ji-eun grinned. "Lily, we're about to meet the grandsons of a dynasty! This is like living in a fairy tale!" The doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of the stylists.The air was filled with hairspray and excitement as they fluffed our hair into perfect curls and adjusted the accessories that completed our transformations.

The Lily and Ji-eun who had faced the challenges of the Dragon Kang and the hospital now stood as refined versions of themselves, ready to step into the world of the Joseon Dynasty.As we left the apartment, the cityscape unfolded before us, a canvas of possibilities. The ride to Ms. Joseon's mansion was a journey into the unknown, each passing moment filled with a blend of nerves and exhilaration.

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The grandeur of the Joseon mansion greeted us, its towering gates opening to reveal a world that seemed plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. The gardens sprawled in manicured perfection, a testament to a life steeped in privilege. Ms. Joseon, adorned in elegance, welcomed us with a smile that held the weight of centuries. "Lily, Ji-eun, welcome to the Joseon estate." As we entered the mansion, the opulence of its interior unfolded—a blend of traditional Korean aesthetics and modern luxury. Ms. Joseon led us through the corridors adorned with artifacts and portraits, each telling a story of a dynasty that had endured the test of time.

In the luxurious confines of Ms. Joseon's mansion, Ji-eun and I found ourselves in a room adorned with exquisite furnishings, our transformed appearances reflecting the blend of sophistication and charm Ms. Joseon had envisioned. As we waited for the grandsons, a burst of nervous energy and excitement animated the air. In our pretty preppy outfits, we exchanged smiles and whispered words of encouragement in Korean, hyping each other up for the impending meeting with the Joseon brothers. Ji-eun, with her infectious enthusiasm, kept the atmosphere light.

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