Chapter 108 - Singing A Song
The seven interns looked at each other wondering who would take the initiative to introduce themselves.
Given Ms Jessica's attitude and personality, they were hesitating to go first as they were not sure what they would be getting into.
Sensing his peers' nervousness, Song Ji Hwan decided to take advantage of this situation and form an impression on Ms. Jessica, may it be good or bad.
"May I go first, or anyone else wishes to introduce themselves?" Song Ji Hwan asked his peers, his eyes travelling over every one of them to get their permission.
Every other intern nodded their heads as they were relieved.
Song Ji Hwan stood up from his seat and bowed them to all.
"I am a movie buff and entertainment industry were something that always intrigued me, so much so that I wished to make a career in it. I do not wish to be in front of the camera but work from behind it. Therefore, on getting an opportunity at this internship, I applied for it. I do not wish to disclose my real identity, so I applied through the secret program. You all can call me Spyro. This name has been originated from Greek which means 'spirit'. I believe I have the spirit to achieve whatever I wish to and I can dedicate myself completely towards my goal. Thus, this name. I hope we have productive weeks during our internship. Thank you"
Song Ji Hwan concluded his introduction by bowing again.
The six other interns were impressed by his confidence and felt more nervous wondering if they can keep up with the new bar this guy has set.
Song Ji Hwan looked at Jessica from the corner of his eye to gauge her reaction but she was sitting there with a straight face and one could not see through her thoughts.
"Next" Jessica's voice rang out in the conference room.
Three people stood up from their seats at the same time and awkwardly looked at one another, after a bit chaos they took chances.
This way all other six interns introduced themselves.
The one surprising thing that came out of these introductions was the fact that all the seven interns present there were using secret aliases, no one used their real identities.
After the introductions, Jessica took them on an induction and explained them the whole schedule of their internship.
The day passed by quickly and it was already the end of the day.
Bidding adieu to his peers, Song Ji Hwan walked to the café where he was dropped earlier and saw the driver already waiting for him.
On the way to his home, he fell asleep as the first day tired him out but there was a faint smile painted on his lips, signifying what a productive day he had.
..
Weekend
It was again the time for fortnightly gathering, this time at the Lee's personal family house.
Lee Myung Soo and Chu Yu Ri got their personal bungalow renovated, so this week they hosted their gathering here instead of the Lee Mansion.
So, only the four core members of Lee family was present here.
"Wow, your house looks even better than before" Song Ji Hwan commented while touring around the big home with Ian and Kiaraa.
"Yeah, my mom was an interior designer and since she started working again, she is doing an even better job at it" Kiaraa said.
"I heard she even did interior designing for a famous sport celeb" Ian commented.
"Yes, that celeb was so happy with mom's work, they even gave us free VIP tickets to their match. Mom and dad attended it" Kiaraa proudly said.
"You must be so proud of your mother" Song Ji Hwan asked.
"Of course, I am. She is doing so well" There was a tinge of pride in Kiaraa's tone.
After the touring, Kiaraa and Ian were about to turn around to head downstairs as they were on the top floor when Hwan interrupted them.
"You guys carry on, the air is very fresh in here, I'd like to stay in the gallery longer"
The top floor was still very empty, the rooms were filled with furniture but they just belonged to future guests. There was a big gallery on this floor from one end of the house to another, letting one enjoy the nature outside.
Song Ji Hwan being a nature lover, made this request as he wished to spend more time on the gallery, which was furnished with couches, garden chairs, swings.
"Fine, but don't stay outside longer, you might catch a cold" Kiaraa warned him and left with Ian.
"Yes boss" Song Ji Hwan went to the big gallery outside and observed the beautiful arrangement.
There was a small garden too on one side of the gallery, which impressed Song Ji Hwan as there were some plants planted there.
It was not overdone; it was very minimalist arrangement but soothing to one's eyes.
'Kiaraa is right, her mom is a great interior designer and knows her job well' Song Ji Hwan impressively thought and sat on one of the comfort chairs to observe the whole gallery.
This gallery was so big that it went beyond his sight as the gallery didn't end from one corner to another but surrounded the whole home.
One can take a walk around the gallery and complete a full round of the house at the same time.
Song Ji Hwan decided to slowly explore this gallery and for now just sat at one spot enjoying the atmosphere.
A breeze of fresh air touched his face and in reflex he closed his eyes, enjoying the nature.
After a few seconds, he heard a faint voice, someone was singing a song.
Assuming it to be his imagination, he ignored it but the song continued and the voice only turned sweeter.
Song Ji Hwan finally opened his eyes and looked around but there was no one present there.
'Are my ears ringing?' He wondered.
The melodious voice continued singing the song.
'Is it coming from this gallery?' He asked himself and stood up from his seat.
Curiosity got the best out of him and he followed the voice.
With every step he took to head towards the source of this voice, the music became louder and clearer.
When Song Ji Hwan finally reached the person, who was singing this sweet song, he was taken aback.
Aera was sitting near the gallery's railing, with her left hand, from her fingers to her elbow, placed on the railing and the right hand similarly placed on the left. Her chin was resting on her right hand as she looked ahead at the nature.
She continued singing her song unaware of Song Ji Hwan's presence as her back was facing him and when he headed here, he didn't make any noise.
Song Ji Hwan was surprised hearing her sing as all these years, he had no idea a great singer was hidden inside Aera.
She was always calm and interacted more with Kim Do Hyun, their interactions were rare and it always involved them just talking to each other.
'What an amazing talent this girl holds. I wonder does anyone is aware of it?' Song Ji Hwan wondered as he never even heard his mother mention this talent of Aera, which was rare as his mother never leaves a chance in praising her.
Song Ji Hwan didn't disturb her and slowly took back a few steps to hide himself and continued listening to her singing.
He didn't wish for her to know that he heard her as he was sure she would be embarrassed and will stop singing.
For the next half an hour, Aera continued singing in her own world while Song Ji Hwan enjoyed every minute of it.
After a while, Aera realized she spent way too much time here, so she headed back downstairs while Song Ji Hwan perfectly hid himself, not revealing the fact that he heard her.
Aera, therefore never knew Song Ji Hwan heard her that day and changed her life for better.
After Aera left, Song Ji Hwan intentionally waited there for a few minutes before heading down.
Once he reached downstairs, he straight ahead went to Sa Da Hye, who was chit-chatting with the other two women.
"Aunt Da Hye, can I have a word with you, it is very urgent" Song Ji Hwan rushed to her.
"What happened suddenly?" His mother asked, seeing him a bit anxious.
"Nothing" Song Ji Hwan answered her but his eyes were begging Sa Da Hye, to come with him.
"But.." Ji Seo Yun was about to speak when Sa Da Hye interrupted her, "It's okay, it must be about some movie or series."
Sa Da Hye then went to a more isolated spot with Song Ji Hwan, who was very anxious to share what he just witnessed with her.
"Yeah, tell me what happened that you look so riled up?" Sa Da Hye folded her hands across her chest and seriously looked at Song Ji Hwan.