Chapter 47: The Mermaid’s Epilogue

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In truth, it was Ma Ling who first spotted Ruiying this time. Tugging at Zhao Yingchun, she said, "Mom, look, it's Ruiying."

It had been a long time since they’d seen Ruiying; Zhao Yingchun hadn’t even seen Shen Xiuzhen, and her calls never went through. She knew Shen Xiuzhen had completely cut ties with her.

But Shen Xiuzhen had lost all her use, so it didn’t matter to Zhao Yingchun.

When Ma Ling pointed out Ruiying ahead, the meeting of the four became inevitable.

Ruiying’s state of mind had improved considerably, so she could now greet Zhao Yingchun and her daughter with a pleasant smile.

Yet things were no longer as before. She no longer naively thought they were decent people.

Ma Ling, however, wore a sour expression upon seeing Ruiying, still unable to let go of the time Ruiying had splashed water on her.

Zhao Yingchun said, "If you have time, let’s talk for a bit."

Ma Ling looked distinctly unwilling, and Zhao Yingchun shot her daughter a glare.

Ruiying didn’t want to involve Rachel in this mess—things were bothersome enough as they were, and she also worried Ma Ling would trouble Rachel.

“Rachel, could you wait for me in the shop? I’ll come find you in a bit.”

Though Rachel was somewhat concerned, Ruiying showed not a hint of fear or timidity, so Rachel left at ease.

Compared to Rachel's family’s business, Zhao Yingchun’s store was a trifling affair. Watching Rachel walk into the glass doors of RS International, Zhao Yingchun couldn't help but feel a faint twinge of envy.

She and Ruiying went to a nearby beverage shop to chat. Ma Ling still pouted, visibly displeased.

Zhao Yingchun first sighed and lamented for a while before finally asking, “Ruiying, how are your parents these days?”

She wore the expression of someone genuinely concerned for an old friend. After all, the two families had known each other for over a decade; Zhao Yingchun often visited, playing the role of close friends with Ruiying’s mother. Yet when Yaliying arrived, she publicly condemned Shen Xiuzhen while secretly stabbing her in the back, all the while acting the part of a confidant.

Ruiying gave a faint smile. “They’re all right, I suppose.”

Zhao Yingchun sighed, “Ah, it’s all karma from the past. Yaliying is a pitiable child, too.”

Ruiying’s face remained expressionless. Yaliying truly was pitiful, and she knew it—but what was the point of Zhao Yingchun saying this to her now? Was she supposed to wallow in remorse?

Since Ruiying said nothing, Zhao Yingchun lost interest and continued, “By the way, I heard Yaliying’s mother is going to have surgery. Did your father pay for it?”

“No. My parents don’t have much money left; I even sold my car—you probably know that.” Ruiying spoke honestly; there was no point in hiding the truth.

Zhao Yingchun did know this; she kept daily tabs on Shen Xiuzhen’s family.

“Then?”

Ruiying suddenly smiled. “It was my boyfriend who paid.”

As expected, Zhao Yingchun’s expression changed ever so slightly.

For women, beyond comparing themselves, there’s always the comparison of their children.

In the past, she couldn’t measure up to Shen Xiuzhen, and that had left her somewhat bitter. To be fair, Ma Ling never quite matched up to Ruiying, either. Now, just when she thought she’d have the upper hand, Ruiying had climbed back out of her slump—and seemed to be doing even better than before. Zhao Yingchun felt a vague sense of unease.

“What does your boyfriend do for a living?” As a senior, and as someone who had once been close to Shen Xiuzhen and still considered herself a friend, Zhao Yingchun felt perfectly justified in asking.

“He’s the president of a cultural company,” Ruiying replied, glossing over the details. She didn’t want to dwell on this—it was rather sensitive.

Just then, Ma Ling interjected, “Oh right, Ruiying, you know that writer Han Ji-eun, don’t you?”

Han Ji-eun’s fame had grown lately with the popularity of "The Heirs," and her earlier works had been picked up by magazines for publication.

Ruiying didn’t know what Ma Ling was getting at, but she nodded. “Yes, we’re friends.”

Ma Ling, who had been sour, now rolled her eyes and said, “Then introduce us!”

She had tried to latch onto Yaliying, but before she could learn much, Yaliying moved and stopped going to the TV station. Suddenly, an idea struck her—Han Ji-eun! Besides, she remembered that Ruiying’s boyfriend seemed to have some connection with publishing.

Ma Ling immediately perked up, her eyes blazing as she fixed her gaze on Ruiying.

Zhao Yingchun chimed in, “Yes, you should introduce Han Ji-eun to Ma Ling. Let her learn a thing or two. This girl really wants to write. Oh, and by the way…”

She added, “We’ve all read your travelogues—they’re very well written.”

Ma Ling curled her lip, utterly unimpressed.

Ruiying noticed her expression, feeling a surge of annoyance.

“All right, I’ll pass your number to her,” Ruiying replied, quickly taking her leave. Ma Ling made a point of insisting she pass the message to Han Ji-eun.

Ruiying relayed the matter to Rachel, who burst out laughing in exasperation. “Please don’t bring trouble to Han Ji-eun. Her emotional IQ is low; she can’t handle Ma Ling.”

·

Two days later, Yoo Myunghyuk returned to Seoul. His business trips usually lasted at least three days, but ever since learning Ruiying had decided to accept him, this gentle gentleman could hardly wait to come home.

That day, Ruiying was at work, unaware that Myunghyuk would return early. He’d texted her just the day before, saying he had to stay in Busan for a few more days.

But as Ruiying was editing an article, she heard someone exclaim, “Hey, isn’t that President Yoo?”

The women around her began to chatter excitedly.

After all, the company was in the cultural industry, and most employees were familiar with the higher-ups’ faces—especially Yoo Myunghyuk. Young, handsome, and wealthy, he was every woman’s dream of the perfect bachelor.

Ruiying glanced out the window; Myunghyuk’s car was parked below.

Her office was on the second floor—a cubicle by the window. Myunghyuk knew this.

Soon, she received his call, asking her to come out. His tone was mysterious, as if he had a surprise for her.

Ruiying felt a bit embarrassed; she didn’t want her colleagues to know about her relationship with Myunghyuk so soon. After all, she didn’t work for his company, and their companies were competitors. It felt awkward.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.

She tidied her things, made an excuse about going downstairs to buy something, and hurried out.

When Myunghyuk answered her call, Ruiying asked him to wait in a more secluded spot.

He felt a hint of displeasure at that.

But seeing Ruiying’s radiant smile, his annoyance instantly melted away.

“Do you not want to see me?” he teased.

Behind the company was a small square, a facility for the nearby residential complex. The two of them strolled there together.

Ruiying took his hand, realizing she might have been too blunt just now. “No, it’s not that. I just don’t want my colleagues to find out. It wouldn’t be good.”

Given the competitive nature of their companies, she didn’t want her coworkers to think ill of her.

“I understand,” said Myunghyuk, squeezing her hand. “Are you really planning to stay at this company long-term?”

Ruiying nodded. “I like the atmosphere here. I don’t want to make any changes for now.”

Though it had only been two days since they’d last seen each other, both felt it had been far too long—such was the feeling of new love. Their clasped hands were reluctant to part.

“Shall we cook together this afternoon?” Myunghyuk turned to her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “What would you like to eat?”

Ruiying thought for a moment, then smiled. “Let’s make hot pot ourselves. Didn’t you bring back hot pot seasoning from China last time?”

When they’d traveled home together, Myunghyuk had mentioned he’d brought several packs—some for his parents and some left at home.

“Then this afternoon, let’s go grocery shopping first. I’ll pick you up by car.”

Ruiying nodded.

Myunghyuk pulled her gently into his arms, and her head rested on his shoulder.

It was a peaceful afternoon, the breeze soft and gentle.

Myunghyuk cherished this hard-earned happiness, yet he couldn’t help but wonder how to make Ruiying finally let her guard down.

“Myunghyuk,” Ruiying’s voice was soft, tinged with a hint of coyness. “Thank you.”

He stroked her hair, not knowing what she was thanking him for, but willing to wait for her to speak.

When Myunghyuk didn’t answer for a while, Ruiying straightened up and saw him smiling warmly at her.

He was always so gentle. Ruiying murmured, “About Yaliying… thank you for paying for her surgery.” She called Yaliying ‘sister,’ though she herself wasn’t sure how she felt about it. “Thank you for covering the cost.”

They weren’t married yet; their finances were separate, and the surgery must have been expensive. Ruiying felt uneasy and powerless.

Myunghyuk flicked her forehead lightly, making Ruiying shut her eyes.

The atmosphere was so perfect—letting it go to waste would be a crime.

He leaned in and softly pressed his lips to hers.

Ruiying trembled slightly, and Myunghyuk smiled, kissing her again before pulling away.

After all, they were in a public square; they couldn’t go any further.

His fingers brushed her lips. She opened her eyes, her gaze evasive at first, but eventually meeting his.

“If I ever do anything wrong in the future, you must tell me,” she said.

All this time, Myunghyuk had been pampering her. Ruiying knew she had many shortcomings, but she wanted to work on them for the sake of their relationship.

He embraced her. “Silly girl, you’re already wonderful.”

·

That evening, Ruiying and Myunghyuk made hot pot together. The soup base was pre-prepared; though it didn’t quite match her memories, it was still delicious. They enjoyed their meal and shared some red wine.

But come bedtime, things became awkward—would they really share a bed?

Watching Myunghyuk make the bed and fetch her a quilt, Ruiying’s heart pounded. She’d had some wine, her head was spinning, and even the air seemed laced with its scent.

Her cheeks gradually flushed.

When he finished making the bed, Myunghyuk saw her sitting on the edge, nervously at a loss.

…

It was almost impossible for him not to make a move.

But he knew better than to rush—he didn’t want to scare her away.

So he kissed Ruiying and said, “Take a shower and get some rest. I still have work to do and will sleep downstairs. If you need anything, just call me.”

Ruiying mumbled her assent, and only after he left did she flop onto the bed, rolling about in embarrassment. “Ah, how mortifying!”

It took her a long time to calm down. Eventually, sleepiness set in, and after a bath, she burrowed under the covers.

Even after lying there for over half an hour, she couldn’t sleep. It was late, and she couldn’t call her mother, so she rang Rachel instead, recounting everything that had happened and all her wild imaginings—earning a round of teasing.

Thinking about how long Rachel and Kim Won had been together, Ruiying asked quietly, “Have you and Kim Won… you know…?”

Rachel was silent for a long moment, then deftly changed the topic.

Ruiying giggled under the covers for ages.

She and Rachel chatted for a long time. When Myunghyuk came upstairs again, she had just hung up.

He knocked gently, and Ruiying hurriedly hid her phone.

“Go to sleep early. There’s work tomorrow,” he said.

Ruiying nodded. “Oh, by the way, Rachel said we should all go on a group date for Valentine’s Day.”

He tucked her in and turned off the lamp. “All right, a group date.”

He leaned down and gave her a goodnight kiss. “Goodnight.”

She closed her eyes and smiled. “Goodnight.”

Author’s note: Finally caught up—no missed updates! (~ o ~)~zZ Tomorrow the mermaid’s story ends, and there’ll be a four-person date, a sort of mini-epilogue. Then we’ll start on Kim Samsoon. By the way, are there any supporting female characters you’d like to see? Ones I haven’t written about? (I’ve written too many K-dramas!)