The sun shone brightly over Seoul as Su Bin Park and Tao Song prepared for a significant milestone in their relationship. Today, Su Bin was meeting Tao's parents for the first time. Tao had been hesitant to arrange the meeting, knowing his parents' traditional views and their tendency to value social status and wealth. However, he wanted his parents to know the woman who had become so important to him.
Su Bin adjusted her dress nervously as she and Tao walked up to the grand house in the affluent neighborhood where his parents lived. Tao noticed her unease and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Don’t worry, Su Bin," he said softly. "I’m with you, and I love you. That’s what matters."
Su Bin smiled gratefully. "I know, Tao. I just want to make a good impression."
When they reached the front door, Tao rang the bell. A housekeeper answered and led them into a lavishly decorated living room. Moments later, Tao’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Song, entered the room. They were impeccably dressed, exuding an air of sophistication and authority.
"Mother, Father, this is Su Bin Park," Tao said, introducing her with a warm smile. "Su Bin, these are my parents."
Su Bin bowed respectfully. "It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Song."
Mr. Song nodded curtly, while Mrs. Song looked Su Bin up and down with a critical eye. "Tao has told us a lot about you," Mrs. Song said, her tone neutral but her expression revealing a hint of disapproval.
They sat down, and an awkward silence settled over the room. Tao tried to break the ice by discussing his work and recent cases, but his parents seemed more interested in learning about Su Bin's background.
"So, Miss Park," Mr. Song began, "tell us about your family. What do your parents do?"
Su Bin hesitated, feeling the weight of their judgment. "My father is a retired schoolteacher, and my mother runs a small grocery store. They’ve worked very hard to support me and my education."
Mrs. Song raised an eyebrow. "A grocery store, you say? That must be quite...challenging."
Su Bin forced a smile, sensing the disdain in her words. "Yes, it is, but they’ve always done their best to provide for our family."
The conversation continued, with Mr. and Mrs. Song asking pointed questions about Su Bin's education, career aspirations, and financial situation. Su Bin answered as honestly and confidently as she could, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were evaluating her worthiness for their son.
After an uncomfortable hour, Mr. Song finally stood up. "Thank you for coming, Miss Park. It’s getting late, and we have other engagements."
Tao looked frustrated but maintained his composure. "Thank you for meeting Su Bin. We’ll take our leave now."
As they walked out of the house, Tao could see the distress on Su Bin's face. "I’m so sorry, Su Bin. I knew this might be difficult, but I didn’t expect them to be so harsh."
Su Bin shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "It’s not your fault, Tao. I just wanted them to like me."
Tao stopped and turned to face her, his expression serious and tender. "Su Bin, I love you for who you are, not for your background or your wealth. My parents' opinions don’t change that."
Su Bin nodded, trying to hold back her tears. "I know, Tao. I just hope they can see what we see in each other someday."
The days following the meeting were filled with tension and uncertainty. Tao's parents had made it clear that they did not approve of Su Bin, but Tao remained steadfast in his commitment to her.
One evening, Tao received a call from his mother. "Tao, we need to talk about your relationship with Miss Park," she said, her tone stern.
"Mother, I’ve made my decision," Tao replied, his voice firm. "I love Su Bin, and I’m not going to let your disapproval change that."
Mrs. Song sighed heavily. "Tao, we’re only thinking of your future. Marrying someone from a modest background could affect your career and social standing."
"My future is with Su Bin," Tao insisted. "She’s the woman I love, and I won’t give her up for anything."
After a long and difficult conversation, Tao hung up the phone, feeling a mix of anger and resolve. He knew that standing up to his parents was necessary, but it didn’t make it any easier.
Despite the opposition, Su Bin and Tao continued to build their life together. They focused on their shared dreams and the support they offered each other. Su Bin began working on her plans to help those who had been wrongly accused, using her experience and Tao's legal expertise to make a difference.
One afternoon, as they were working in Su Bin’s small apartment, Tao received a message from his father. It was short and to the point: "We need to talk. Come home tonight."
Tao looked at Su Bin, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Go. Maybe they’re ready to listen."
That evening, Tao went to his parents' house, prepared for another difficult conversation. When he arrived, he found his parents sitting in the living room, their expressions serious but not hostile.
"Tao," Mr. Song began, "we’ve been thinking about what you said. While we have concerns, we realize that you’re an adult and capable of making your own decisions."
Mrs. Song nodded reluctantly. "We may not fully understand your choice, but we can see how much you care for Miss Park. We just want you to be happy."
Tao felt a surge of relief. "Thank you, Mother, Father. I appreciate that."
"We’d like to get to know Su Bin better," Mrs. Song continued. "Perhaps we misjudged her."
Tao smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "I’d like that too. She’s an amazing person, and I think you’ll see that once you get to know her."
The journey ahead was still uncertain, but with Tao's unwavering support and the promise of a new beginning with his parents, Su Bin felt a renewed sense of hope. Together, they would face whatever challenges came their way, their love a beacon of strength and resilience.
