As Selena stepped into the courtyard, she was struck by the serene beauty of her new surroundings. The modern building, with its sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic, belied the traditional Korean architecture that lay within. The separate residences, reminiscent of the Joseon period, were a nod to the country's rich cultural heritage.
Selena's courtyard house was a tranquil oasis, its spacious interior a far cry from the cramped quarters of her former home in Midtown. Her identity was more complex than she thought it was. This was considered her room?
The small garden, though winter-barren, was a lovely surprise, with its carefully chosen Korean decorative plants and beautiful fountain.
The gentle burble of water and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze created a soothing melody that seemed to wash away the lingering fear and anxiety of the earlier events.
As she entered the house, Selena was enveloped in a warm, golden light that seemed to emanate from the very walls themselves. The interior was a masterclass in understated elegance, with clean lines, minimal but selective ornamentation, and a judicious use of natural materials.
The floors, made of rich, dark wood, seemed to glow with a warm, honey-like light, while the walls, painted a soft, creamy white, provided a subtle backdrop for the stunning artwork that adorned them. The living area was a spacious, open-plan room that seemed to flow seamlessly into the kitchen and dining areas. A sleek, low-slung sofa in a rich, charcoal gray fabric was the centerpiece of the room, surrounded by a pair of elegant, armless chairs in a matching fabric. A stunning floor-to-ceiling window wall allowed the winter sunlight to pour in, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire space.
The kitchen, with its sleek, high-gloss cabinets and sparkling quartz countertops, was a culinary dream come true. A large, central island provided ample space for food preparation, while a sleek induction cooktop and a pair of high-end, stainless-steel appliances made cooking and entertaining a breeze.
As Selena explored her new surroundings, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. This beautiful, tasteful space was massive in comparison to the penthouse the Lowrie's gifted the MacDonalds with. Her family.
It was a far cry from the dilapidated and falling-apart home she had started her life over in. However, that space was still the most beautiful place for her on the planet. It was still her refuge. Selena knew that this beautiful courtyard house would become her sanctuary as the grueling ceremony loomed.
"Selena, would you like us to draw a bath while the chef starts cooking?" asked Ji-Min, her housemaid, as she gently smiled at Selena.
Selena nodded wearily, her exhaustion evident in her drooping eyelids and slumped shoulders. Ji-Min nodded sympathetically and gently took Selena's arm, leading her up the stairs to a large, luxury-filled room that seemed to epitomize relaxation and pampering.
As they entered the bathroom, Selena's eyes widened in wonder. The traditional Korean luxury bathroom was a marvel of modern technology and ancient tradition. A large, sunken tub dominated the center of the room, surrounded by intricately carved wooden screens and plush velvet cushions.
Ji-Min and the other maids quickly set to work, running a warm bath and adding a generous amount of fragrant, rose-petal bath salts. As the tub filled with steaming water, the maids gently helped Selena undress, carefully removing her clothes and jewelry before helping her into the tub.
As Selena sank into the warm, scented water, she felt her muscles relax and her tension melt away. The maids set to work, exfoliating her skin with a gentle, sugar-based scrub, rinsing her off with warm water, and then applying a rich, luxurious body mask infused with the essence of green tea and ginseng.
As the mask was left on for several minutes, the maids began to pamper Selena's hair, washing and conditioning it with a rich, argan oil-based shampoo and conditioner. They then towel-dried her hair, brushing and combing it with a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles or knots.
Finally, they blow-dried her hair, styling it with a round brush and a blast of cool air to set the style. Selena felt like royalty, being pampered and cared for by the attentive maids.
Just as they finished, a huge platter of sushi was delivered to the room, and Selena's eyes widened in delight. She sat down at a beautifully set table, and the maids served her the sushi, along with a steaming cup of green tea.
Selena ate her fill, savoring the delicious flavors and textures of the sushi. As she finished, Ji-Min helped her brush her teeth and then led her to the bedroom, where a bed awaited her. Covered with blankets and sheets of the finest quality and thread count, the feel was incredible on her skin.
Selena climbed into bed, feeling grateful and content. She snuggled under the blankets, and Ji-Min tucked her in, smiling softly. "Sleep well," she said. "We'll be right outside, guarding you."
As Selena drifted off to sleep, she felt safe and protected, knowing that her maids were watching over her. The last thing she remembered was the sound of Ji-Min's soft voice whispering, "We're here. Sleep tight."
The sweet, melodious song of birds outside her window gently awakened Selena from her slumber. She stretched, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night's sleep. As she sat up, her maids, Ji-Min and the others, were already waiting for her, dressed in their crisp, traditional uniforms.
Ji-Min smiled warmly as she approached Selena. "Good morning, Miss," she said, bowing slightly. "Today, we will dress you in a traditional Korean hanbok in honor of your first morning greetings."
Selena nodded, intrigued, as Ji-Min and the other maids began to help her dress. They carefully wrapped her in layers of delicate, silk fabric, securing the intricate ties and fastenings with precision.
As they worked, Ji-Min explained the process of morning greetings, known as "cha-do" in Korean. "This is an important tradition, Miss," she said. "You will be meeting your grandparents first, and then the rest of the family. You will bow to them, and they will offer you words of wisdom and guidance."
Selena listened intently, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had never participated in a traditional Korean morning greeting ceremony before, and she wasn't sure what to expect.
As they finished dressing her, Selena looked at herself in the mirror. She was amazed at the transformation. The hanbok was a stunning, timeless garment that seemed to radiate elegance and sophistication. She felt like a true Korean princess, ready to take on the day.
Ji-Min smiled, seeming to sense Selena's excitement. "You look lovely, Miss," she said. "Now, let us proceed to the morning greetings. Your grandparents are waiting for you."
With that, Selena took a deep breath, smoothed out her hanbok, and followed Ji-Min out of the room, ready to begin her morning greetings and take her place as a member of the esteemed Noe and Park family.
As Selena followed her maids to the main residence, she couldn't help but feel nervous. The walkway wound its way through a beautiful winter garden, the snow-covered trees and shrubs sparkling like diamonds in the morning light. A serene pond came into view, its surface reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage like a mirror. A delicate bridge, its wooden slats worn smooth by time and weather, spanned the pond, adding a touch of elegance to the already breathtaking scene.
As they strolled through the garden, Selena caught glimpses of the main residence, a stunning Korean palace-like manor that seemed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. The garden looked like the Changdeokgung Secret Garden that she had seen in the guidebook. With its intricate woodwork, tiled roofs, and serene courtyards.
As they approached the main house, Selena's mother, Eun Ho, came into view, a photographer snapping pictures beside her. Eun Ho's eyes shone with unshed tears, her face filled with emotion as she gazed at her daughter.
Selena, elegant and pretty in her hanbok, looked like a true Korean princess. The traditional garment hugged her curves in all the right places, its vibrant colors and intricate patterns accentuating her delicate features.
Her hair, styled in a traditional Korean bun, added a touch of elegance to her overall appearance. Her skin, light and moist, glowed with a dewy radiance as if infused with the gentle morning light.
Ji-Min, her head maid, smiled warmly as she approached Selena. "Miss, as we enter the main house, you will bow to your grandparents, using the traditional Korean greeting, 'jeol.' You will then offer them a slight bow, keeping your back straight and your hands by your sides. Remember to keep your eyes cast downward as a sign of respect."
Selena nodded, taking a deep breath as she prepared to meet her grandparents. She felt a sense of trepidation, but with Ji-Min's guidance, she knew she would make a good impression. As they entered the main house, Selena's heart pounded, knowing that she was about to embark on a next chapter by opening or unblocking the second gift.
As Selena entered the grand, gilded Korean parlor, she was immediately struck by the opulence and majesty that surrounded her. The room was filled with intricate, hand-carved wooden furniture, adorned with delicate, golden filigree. The walls were painted a deep, rich red, and the floors were made of polished, dark wood.
At the far end of the room, seated on a raised, throne-like chair, was Selena's grandmother, Noe Jin-ae. She was a stately, dignified woman with a kind face and piercing, brown eyes. She was dressed in a stunning, traditional Korean hanbok, its vibrant colors and intricate patterns seeming to shimmer and glow in the soft, golden light of the room.
Beside her, standing tall and proud, was Selena's grandfather, Park Gulduk. He was a commanding, authoritative figure, with a strong, chiseled face and piercing, black eyes.
Beside her, standing tall and proud, was Selena's grandfather, Park Gulduk. He was a commanding, authoritative figure with a stern yet refined visage. His hair, once a rich black, is now a steely gray, meticulously groomed to maintain a semblance of his former vitality. His sharp eyes are nestled within deep-set sockets, hinting at the cunning mind that lies beneath. His skin, though lined with the years, is taut and well-cared for, a testament to his wealth and access to the finest luxuries. He stood tall despite his age. He was dressed in a formal, traditional Korean suit, its dark, somber colors seeming to emphasize his dignified, statesmanlike demeanor. A gold Rolex glinted on his wrist, adding a touch of modern elegance to his otherwise monochromatic attire.
"It is almost like he is dressed for a funeral; he does not look very happy," Selena thought. Perhaps he was very fond of McKenna. It was hard for her to accept that she was a member of this family, and she understood that it might be hard for others. Just like she loved Molly and James wholeheartedly, perhaps Grandpa here was the same way?
As Selena approached her grandparents, Ji-Min whispered a final reminder in her ear. "Remember, miss, bow deeply and show respect. Your grandparents are esteemed members of Korean society, and they deserve your utmost deference. Since you've only just joined us, a simple 'Jeol' should suffice."
Selena took a look. She knew it would take a lot for him to warm up to her, so she would pull out all the stops to talk to him. She could lie and say she studied the book in Scotland. Learning Korean initially for her was quite an easy feat; it was an easy-to-understand language. She learned it from Dionne in the week when she first transferred to the Asia Hub. Although it did her no favors.