The Yuchae Blossom Read online

  They arrived at the property thirty minutes after they left the market. Most of the hotel’s exterior and surrounding grounds had been completed, including the hot springs and spa. The golf course, tennis courts, three pools, gymnasium and health center, and three on-property restaurants were still under construction, as well as the condominiums. He and Woo-bin walked the grounds together. Just in case he needed a translator. On the roof of the hotel itself, they looked out over Jeju, the beach to the south and Mount Hallasan to the north. Jack had brought the apples with him, and he tossed one to Woo-bin, who caught it one-handed and smiled. Shy, lopsided. Perfect white teeth. He hadn’t seen him fully smile up until now.

  “Beautiful.”

  “Yes.” Woo-bin nodded toward the mountain. “There is a legend that tells of Seolmundae Halmang.” He looked at Jack and smiled again. “Grandmother Halmang, who had 500 children. She was very strong, and she built Mount Hallasan with seven scoops of earth.”

  Jack looked toward the mountain, covered in lush green forest, that reached toward the soft, white cotton clouds that floated past its peak.

  “One day she was making soup for her sons while they were out hunting. As Halmang was stirring the pot, she fell in and drowned. When they returned, they hungrily ate the soup without knowing that their mother had become a part of it… except for the youngest son, who knew. He told the truth to the rest of the sons, and the whole family cried and eventually turned into 500 stones.”

  “A tragedy.”

  “A lesson.”

  “Stones?”

  Woo-bin stood, his arms by his sides, his expression introspective. “Acceptance.” The breeze caught Woo-bin’s thick, dark hair. It made Jack think of a raven’s wings fluttering, settling.

  He finished his apple and tossed the core into one of the construction trash receptacles. “You said last night that you were originally from Jeju?”

  “My mother. Father is from Seoul. We moved to Seoul when my brother and I were very young. There was no work here. My mother taught school. She taught me to speak English.”

  “Your English is very good. She taught you well. Do you get back to Seoul often to see them, your family?”

  He grew quiet. Looking down at the apple in his hand as he turned it over and over.

  “Woo-bin?”

  “Not since I moved back here.”

  “Why? They must miss you?”

  “It’s just my father. And brother.”

  “Your mother?”

  Woo-bin looked up toward the mountain.

  “I’m… sorry, I….” Awkward.

  He tossed the apple back to Jack. “I’m not very hungry, but thank you.”

  Jack caught it with both hands. “Sure.”

  They stood there, neither speaking.

  Jack looked over at Woo-bin. He was very still, seemingly lost in thought.

  “We should probably get going.”

  Woo-bin nodded slowly and turned to him, another shy smile, but Jack could see the sadness in his eyes.

  They headed back down via the stairs in silence and exited the building. As they walked, Jack noticed, for the first time, the number of large boulders that had been deposited postexcavation. Halmang’s family. He watched Woo-bin walking just ahead of him, the way his shoulders slumped slightly. He wished he hadn’t asked him about his family. It wasn’t as if he was really interested. Just making conversation. Jack shoved his hands in his pockets.

  So, why did his stomach feel like it was full of stones?

  Four

  LEE YONG-GEUN was small in stature. And he shook hands before bowing. He didn’t have a pyramid either. Just an admin. And she was beautiful.

  “Good to meet you as well.” Jack returned the bow. “This is my admin, Ms. Argent.” She nodded.

  No gifts. Missy informed him that the general manager did not wish to conduct things entirely in a “traditional manner,” saying that the new South Korea needed to “loosen up a bit.”

  The meeting took place in the temporary operations center built adjacent to the Seawind property. Jack had been shown his office with Missy’s adjoining. The conference room they were meeting in looked out over the water, with sliders that opened onto a garden/seating area. Woo-bin stood quietly off to Jack’s right.

  “So, you’ve seen most of the property, yes?”

  “I have. It’s further along than I expected. And, I have to say, I’m pretty impressed with the grounds.”

  “Thank you. We doubled the workforce in order to complete all structural, exteriors, and landscaping ahead of schedule.” The general manager glanced over at Woo-bin, then back at Jack. “What do you think of the hot springs and spa? It’s fully operational.”

  “That I haven’t seen yet, but I plan on making use of it. I’ll get out there one of these nights coming up.”

  “Good. Bring Ms. Argent. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it as well.” He smiled at her. It made Jack think of a cheetah sizing up a meal. If it bothered Missy, she didn’t let on.

  Yong-geun looked over at Woo-bin again. “Is he… with you?”

  “He’s my driver slash valet.”

  He regarded Woo-bin, then, “Cha daegi.”

  Woo-bin bowed and left, closing the door quietly.

  “What did you tell him?”

  “To wait outside with the car.”

  Jack looked at the general manager, one eyebrow raised. “I can handle my employees, General Manager Lee.”

  “If that were so, your driver would be with the car and not following you around like a maengmogjeog-euro saranghaneun imo.” He laughed and patted Jack’s arm. His admin smiled and nodded.

  Jack looked at Missy. She turned her head, slightly smiling, her eyes saying—let it go.

  “And that means?”

  “A doting auntie.” He laughed again.

  “Ah. I see. Well, yes. He is—attentive. But still, General Manager Lee, I will dismiss my employees when I see fit. Yes?” Jack smiled.

  He looked at his admin and then at Jack. “Of course. I meant no offense.”

  “Oh, none taken. I just prefer to manage my own staff. I appreciate the thoughtfulness.” Jack nodded.

  The general manager nodded in return, less jovial. The room felt a bit cooler.

  “After lunch we will go to the baths in Jeju City. Dinner will also be in Jeju City.”

  “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, General Manager Lee, but I’m not really dressed for a trip to a bath. If I had known I would have brought—”

  Missy had, at that point, opened her briefcase, showing Jack his suit—board shorts—thank God—and a black two-piece for her.

  “Ah. It appears that I do have a swimsuit.” He turned and glared at Missy. She winked. “Ms. Argent is invaluable.”

  “I imagine she is.” Cheetah grin.

  She smiled politely, averting her eyes. God, she was good at this shit. Raise, definitely.

  General Manager Lee stood. Cue. They all followed suit. “Shall we go?”

  Two cars. Woo-bin alone in their car as they all rode together in Yong-geun’s. The baths were, interesting. Very clean. Nothing really close to it in the US besides expensive spas. Here it was a common practice, daily for some. Dinner was also pleasant, except for several less-than-appropriate comments.

  “So, Jack, you have a family. I understand you lost your wife some years back, yes?”

  “I did.” He didn’t feel like story time.

  “Ah.” Yong-geun appeared to be considering something.

  “I have a family as well. My wife, Mi-cha, and three sons. You have a son.”

  “I do. His name is Lucas, Luke.” I need to skype him. Tomorrow.

  The waiter came by with another round of soju. When did the calculating cheetah order this?

  “It is good to have sons. Daughters are important, but sons are the gajog yusan.”

  Jack looked at Missy.

  “The family legacy.”

  Yong-geun’s admin nodded.

 
“Ah.”

  “You’re single now, and you’re still young, Jack. I am sure there are many women who would gladly bear you handsome sons.” A quick glance at Missy and then to Jack—a wink and a smile. Are those pointed canines? And, presumptuous much? He wondered what was going on between Yong-geun and his admin. She was constantly looking at him as though she would roll over and get pregnant at the drop of his pants.

  He barely stifled a laugh. “Thank you, General Manager Lee.”

  “Jack. You are a higher-ranking official in the company, and I understand that Americans don’t generally stand on formality, so, when we are not in the company of higher-ranking officials, call me Yong-geun or just Yong if it is easier. I am already calling you Jack.”

  Dinner went on like that for another two hours and then, yes, karaoke. A favorite Korean pastime. Apparently, Lee Yong-geun had a favorite karaoke bar/club that he frequented. Surprisingly, he had a fairly good voice, as did Missy. Is there anything she can’t do? And of course his turn came, no escaping it. And he made the mistake of letting Yong-geun pick his song. Barry Manilow—“Mandy.” God….

  They rode back in separate cars. He assumed Lee Yong-geun had plans. With his admin.

  “I thought this night would never end.” His head had begun to pound. His glass had been constantly full. Yong-geun.

  “It wasn’t bad. I had fun. Soo-na is nice.”

  “That’s because you can sing. I have the pitch of a sinking ship. Who’s Soo-na?”

  She looked at him. “Were you there? I introduced you twice. GM Lee’s admin.”

  Jack looked at her shoes. She had taken them off and tossed them near her bag. “Not wanting to toss those out?” He nodded toward the car window.

  “No. Favorites.”

  “I’m taking the day tomorrow. I won’t be able to get up, A, and B, I want to do some sightseeing. Get acquainted with the area.”

  “Okay. I’ll clear your schedule.”

  “It needs clearing? Really? We’ve been here two days, and already I’m booked?”

  “Well, just prelims for upcoming meetings, functions, etc. You’ll need to meet the management team beginning of next week.”

  He nodded, laying his head back on the headrest. He cracked the window. “I am going to be so fucking hung over tomorrow.”

  “Drink water. Here.” She handed him a bottle from the little cooler she had brought.

  He took it and swallowed a large gulp. “Are you, like, a witch or something?”

  She laughed out loud. “No. My grandmother could always predict the sex of a baby, but that’s the extent of the paranormal abilities in the Argent gene pool. Why?”

  “You are always ahead of the game, prepared, on top of things. I’m just… impressed. You are invaluable. Glad, who was it again that was supposed to be you?”

  “Nora Rand.”

  “Glad Rand couldn’t make it.” He smiled and, resting his head again, turned to look at Missy.

  Her eyes were closed.

  He did the same and fell asleep to the easy sway of the car as Woo-bin drove them home.

  Five

  HE MANAGED to get himself up and showered and to the breakfast table by 9:00 a.m.

  “Is Woo-bin up yet?”

  Choon-hee didn’t answer as she placed a plate in front of him—eggs over easy, steak, and a bowl of rice on the side. Chopsticks as well as a fork and spoon were laid out at the head of his plate. He looked at her. She nodded and turned to go back to the kitchen. A somewhat Western breakfast. Unexpected. “Choon-hee—”

  She stopped and turned, regarding him, eyes narrowed. She wasn’t tall, maybe five feet, two inches with her silver—mostly silver—and black hair tied up in a bun, and she was dressed in the traditional uniform worn by house staff—white shirt buttoned up to the collar, long black dress and a white apron.

  “Thank you.”

  Her look softened.

  Jack’s head felt like it was under construction, and someone was jackhammering just above his left eye.

  “You drink too much with general manager last night.”

  “I did.” He rubbed his temples. How did she know?

  “Ms. Argent call earlier. She sound like the dead.”

  Ah.

  She continued on back to the kitchen.

  Jack looked at the chopsticks. Not even gonna attempt that. As he picked at the eggs, Choon-hee returned and placed a bowl of something in front of him. It smelled wonderful. Scallions. Garlic. And he could see beef and what looked like cooked egg. He looked at Choon-hee.

  “Soup to chase hangover. Haejang-guk. My mother make for my father breakfast. He drink too much. Always.”

  He tasted it. It was delicious. He continued with relish. She watched him for a bit and then cleared the rest, taking it back to the kitchen. When he was finished, he brought the bowl back to her. Choon-hee took it from him, frowning and mumbling to herself.

  “What?”

  “Make me useless.”

  “Because I carried a bowl to the kitchen?”

  “Your job to eat what I cook. My job to cook and clean.” She was pointing at him with the spoon, bowl in her other hand.

  “Okay, okay.” Jack raised his hands in surrender.

  “Go dress. That kid waiting for you. Ms. Argent speak to him, and he been ready for hours.”

  “Ready for what?”

  “I look like I Ms. Argent?”

  Jack laughed, shaking his head. He regarded her. She went to the sink, deposited the bowl, and rolled up her sleeves. “Choon-hee.”

  “Mmm?”

  “You can cook traditional meals for me. Whatever you like.”

  She nodded.

  “Okay, then.” He turned to leave, and as he did, he caught her reflection in the window. She was smiling.

  Woo-bin was waiting by the car, leaning against the driver’s side door, reading.

  “Anything interesting?” Jack stood at the backside passenger door, dressed in a pair of jeans, a casual collared light blue shirt, and charcoal blazer.

  Turning quickly, Woo-bin dog-eared the page he was on and nodded. “Ray Bradbury. The Martian Chronicles.”

  “I read it. I really like Bradbury.”

  “You like science fiction?”

  “I do. So, what did Ms. Argent suggest I see today?”

  “I have a list.”

  “Oh? A… long list?”

  He smiled. Shy, lopsided, bangs sweeping across his forehead as he dipped his head. “Not terribly.”

  “Well, guess we should get started, then.”

  They visited the Teddy Bear Museum, Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Cheonjeyeon Falls, Jeju World Cup Stadium, Sinyoung Cinema Museum, and the Sangumburi Crater. Woo-bin used Jack’s cell phone to take pictures of him, and Jack used it to take pictures of teddy bears and flora and the crater for Luke, but not much else. He wasn’t really a picture taker, collector.

  They got something to eat and a coffee at the café at Sangumburi. Woo-bin was insistent about picking up the tab, but Jack paid for both of them. He assured Woo-bin that he would expense it.

  “Did you go to college?” They were both sitting on a bench in the sun, finishing their coffee.

  “No.”

  Jack noticed Woo-bin was watching a group of guys his age horse around as they piled into an SUV. One of them looked his way, lingered, and smiled.

  “If I may ask, what did you study, Seonsaengnim?”

  “Business management with a minor in computer science.” The guy looking at Woo-bin made eye contact with Jack and then looked back at Woo-bin. Blond. Jack couldn’t make out the language. It sounded Nordic. Someone in the back seat reached out and pulled him in, slamming the door.

  “What would you study if you did go?”

  “Music.”

  “Do you play something, an instrument?”

  “Guitar.”

  “Really? Who taught you?”

  “My mother’s friend. Another teacher at the school where she taugh
t.”

  Jack looked past Woo-bin toward Mount Hallasan. “I want to go there.”

  Woo-bin followed his gaze. “If you like, there is a short trail we could walk that has a view of some of the smaller islands.”

  “Okay. Sure.”

  They were walking back to the car.

  “Do you still play?” Jack asked.

  “Yes. I practice every day.”

  “I haven’t heard you.”

  “I don’t play in the house. It is usually very early. I don’t want to wake you or Choon-hee.”

  “Ah.”

  The ride to the Eoseungsaengak Trail took forty minutes. They hiked in silence. Woo-bin kept a respectful distance behind Jack, which after the day they had spent, felt a bit odd, but they hadn’t really done much except get in and out of the car. Having a valet was just not something he felt he could get used to. He really should just get a company car and drive himself. Wouldn’t Woo-bin be happier with another job with the company, doing something he might enjoy instead of driving/following me around all day? Jack was sure he wasn’t enjoying any of this. He himself found it awkward.

  “We are almost at the end, and the sky is clear, no fog, so you should be able to see the Chuja Islands.”

  They reached the summit.

  “There.”

  Jack walked closer to the edge of where the trail ended and the escarpment dropped off sharply. The view was stunning. The various shades of green below created a rolling tapestry of emerald, deep forest, and jade all the way to the seashore.

  “Flowers?” Jack was pointing to a field of soft pink contrasted by surrounding bright yellow, rippling in the breeze.

  “The pink are camellia and the yellow, yuchae.”

  “Well, they’re—” And he lost his footing. The next thing he knew he was on his back on top of Woo-bin with Woo-bin’s arm around his waist. Jack hastily pulled himself free, getting to his feet. “What the hell, Woo-bin?”