CHAPTER 2
Min-Jun was surprised to be approved for an interview the next day.
They will be picky for sure, but I just need to convince the interviewer, or the owners of the house, that they need me.
He woke up rested and started to prepare slowly, without haste.
He ironed his pants and a white cotton shirt three times that morning until he was content.
After that, he brushed his teeth, washed his face and finished with his five-step-skin-care routine.
The final thing was to sit at the table, enjoy his breakfast, and morning coffee.
Before it was time to leave, he got dressed and fixed his hair.
He checked every detail in the mirror and when he was satisfied, he headed for the door to put on his shoes.
On this occasion he decided to take a taxi; he didn’t want to get lost by accident and thus be late.
He was surprised that he remembered the address as he dictated it to the driver.
After about twenty minutes, he arrived at his destination. He stepped in front of the building and double checked the number. When he was sure he was in the right place, he rang the bell. The door buzzed and he pushed them forward. In the hallway, he found another door and knocked on it.
“Come in,” he heard female voice echoing from the other side.
When Min-Jun opened the door, he saw a woman sitting at the table in a room that seemed like an office.
“Mr. Han?”
“Good morning. I’m here for an interview.” Min-Jun made a small nod.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Elena Glover, Wilton’s family assistant. Please have a seat.” The woman pointed at the two chairs in front of her table.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re giving me the chance,” he added with a smile and seated himself.
“You’re welcome,” she said and nodded, and the corners of her lips turned upwards.
Min-Jun found himself getting increasingly anxious even though the woman radiated warmth. Her blue eyes looked curiously back at him, but he was unable to utter another word.
I’m supposed to shine too, but I feel like I’m not fit for the job. What’s wrong with me?
The woman placed her hands on the wooden surface and spoke first: “So, young man, tell me what brought you here?”
“W-well…” Min-Jun started but felt his voice waver. He had a feeling like he had forgotten everything he had planned to say. “I’ve been looking for a job and stumbled across your ad. And…”
“Yes? What specifically attracted you to this particular job?”
Money.
Min-Jun froze and suddenly decided he should throw out of the window all the stories he had made up to avoid an honest answer.
“I need the money.”
The woman’s lips stretched into a wider smile. “I see. Well, it’s understandable. We all need money.” Despite her smiling face, she continued to look at him piercingly, her glasses shining in the sunlight, while she waited for him to speak more.
It’s a test. Min-Jun’s inner voice whispered. This must be some kind of test.
But what was the right answer? Honesty?
Did he have anything to lose if he decided to be honest?
Min-Jun looked at the table and rubbed his hands together before continuing, “As I was scrolling through the job ads, the amount you were offering caught my eye, so I clicked, and when I read what the job entails, I decided to call.”
“Do you think you are the right person for the job?” Elena asked, but her tone didn’t sound mocking or judgmental.
“I have to admit, I have never done this type of work before, but I am determined to give my best as in any other job,” he paused and looked up.
“Go on. I’m listening.”
Min-Jun swallowed and tried to think carefully about what to say next, but nothing came to mind. He tried to suppress his nervousness, but his palms continued sweating. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this nervous. Things were going well, he thought, but he still felt jittery.
“I decided to find a decent job. Not that I was aiming for high paying jobs; I just wanted to work somewhere where I would be at least somewhat respected as an employee. The last three jobs I’ve had, I’ve not enjoyed.
” Min-Jun finally started getting control of his anxiety.
“This was the reason for me to try something completely different and step out of my comfort zone.”
“I understand. And you’re right. This is a different type of job entirely, and the requirements are on another level.
I decided to give you a chance, even though I told you over the phone that we were looking preferably for middle-aged, or older women.
Not that I don’t believe you wouldn’t have done a decent job. ”
“I understand.” Min-Jun nodded, and added, “but I really wouldn’t mind this kind of job. I came here to study. I’m far away from my family, my home, and my parents are not very wealthy. It would help me immensely if I could get a good job.”
“What are you studying?” The woman asked with interest.
“English. For now. I also plan to study design, if I’m lucky and everything goes well.”
“I see. I hope it all goes to plan. Do you want to add anything more? Or do you have any questions?”
“I… I would love to add that I love cleaning. I have an eye for detail, and I enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.”
When he paused, Elena said, “Well then. But if we hire you, we will have one requirement.”
Min-Jun's shoulders tensed. “Yes?”
“As I already told you, we are looking for a maid, preferably
middle aged or older woman. But if it happens, that we hire you, you would be expected to wear a uniform... Designed for women.”
Min-Jun blinked a few times, not sure if he got it right. “You mean I’ll have to wear a dress?”
“That’s right. We will order one tailored for you, but only when we are sure that you will stay with us long term,” the woman confirmed with a grave expression. Min-Jun expected her to burst out laughing and tell him it was a joke, but the time ticked away and her expression didn’t change.
Min-Jun shifted in his chair and said, “Okay.” He thought he might be able to endure it for a few days or weeks.
Wearing a dress won’t kill me, no?
“Fine then. I’ll let you know if you’ve been chosen. I’ll give you a call. I have more interviews today, so it’ll be tomorrow at the latest.”
Min-Jun nodded, still puzzled about that unusual requirement. But then he decided he could tell the woman everything he had on his mind.
I know I wasn’t persuasive enough for her to choose me. I should add something… Anything. I need the money.
He bowed his head and bit his lip. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to say something more.”
“Sure. Go on.”
“I want to get a job where I wouldn’t have to interact with a lot of people. The less the better. Because… I… I lost my previous jobs precisely because of that. Some people are... not very nice.” While still looking at his lap, he finished with: “I’ve had some quite unpleasant experiences.”
“But this kind of job is offered in many places. We’re not the only ones searching for a maid. It’s not good to rely only on one offer,” Elena replied.
“You are right.”
“I still need to hear back from my employer. He’ll be the one to decide who to hire.”
“Of course.” Min-Jun looked up and forced a smile.
***
Min-Jun threw himself on the bed and stared at the ceiling. After a while he sighed and rolled onto his stomach, unmotivated to do anything. But after about a half of an hour of staring at the empty space, his phone rang.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket; sure, it was his mother calling. But the number he saw on the screen wasn’t hers.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Han?”
Min-Jun sat up, thinking he hadn’t heard correctly. “Yes?”
“Congratulations. I’d like to offer you the job. Tomorrow is Saturday, I hope you don’t have classes? Would you be able to come so we at least make you familiar with work conditions and sign the contract?”
Min-Jun blinked a few times. “Huh?”
He couldn’t believe what he’d heard. But it sounded like Elena.
“I said, young man, you’re hired.”