Serenade of Shadows: A Redemption

Souls clash

Three days after the interview, the disheartened Tsetseg found herself assisting her friend, Eun Ji, in her bakery—a familiar refuge where she often lent a hand in managing the operations.

"Tsetseg, can I ask you something?" Eun Ji inquired hesitantly. "Hmm, for sure," she nodded at Eun Ji, curious about what was coming.

"Ummm... spill the tea, has anyone caught your eye lately? Got any crushes?" Eun Ji probed playfully. "What's with the question? I'd spill if there was someone," she blushed.

"But why this sudden curiosity? Got a crush, Eun Ji? Seriously? Spill the beans! Who's the lucky one?" Tsetseg teased, her curiosity piqued.

"N-no, I was asking you. I don't have any crushes right now," she denied.

"Alright! So Tsetseg is flying solo. Definitely need to update my brother on this," she mused to herself. "Eun Ji ah, you were totally in your own world," Tsetseg nudged her friend. "What's cooking in that brain of yours? You're sounding all mysterious," Tsetseg eyed her playfully.

"Ha! Nothing much, Tsetseg ah. By the way, any updates on your interview? It's been three days, right?" she asked, glancing at her phone.

"Ahh, Eun Ji ah, like I said, I'm not holding my breath for good news from that interview. Let's just forget about it," she sighed, a touch of resignation in her voice.

"Araso! Now, don't let it dishearten you," she consoled Tsetseg.

__ __ __ __

"OH MY LORD! MY GIRLS!" Tsetseg exclaimed from her room, sounding utterly astonished. "What happened?" the girls rushed to her room, their concern evident.

"Jae In ah, Eun Ji ah! Look at this," she showed her phone to them, trembling with excitement.

“Subject: Congratulations, Tsetseg!

Dear Tsetseg,

Exciting news! You've been selected as the Public Relations Manager at Doogo Chains. Your skills and enthusiasm stood out, and we can't wait to welcome you on board.

Our HR will be in touch soon for the onboarding details.

Congratulations again!

Best,
Doogo Chains

---

The phone screen illuminated with the message. "Oh my god! Tsetseg ah! You got the job finally," the girls yelled in excitement.

"I can't believe this, girls! I thought I wouldn't get this job. Thank you, Lord," Tsetseg exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and gratitude.

She received the email in the afternoon but only checked it later in the night. Happiness surged within her, but mingled with it were thoughts of the CEO and the potential interactions that might unfold in the future. Having previously declined his proposal for dating, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of confusion and excitement about her impending role. She consoled herself, affirming that she would maintain a strict focus on her job and not allow these thoughts to hinder her progress.

While the girls were reveling in Tsetseg's first victory, a sudden ring of the doorbell disrupted their celebration. Jae In, with a flutter of anticipation, went to check the door. To her surprise, it was Kang Heesik, Eun Ji's brother. Through the peephole, her heart raced at the sight of him. "Ahh, Sunbae."

She quickly adjusted her hair and dress before opening the door. "Sunbae! Come in. You've arrived at the perfect time," she greeted him with a warm smile. "Ahh, is it so? What's going on?" He walked in and asked, removing his shoes. "I dropped by to give this fresh kimchi made by my mother.”