Scarlet Strings.

Projecting Pictures

As she fastened a delicate necklace around her neck. The day had started later than planned. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her materials for the meeting, her mind now focused and clear. Exiting the bedroom, she made her way downstairs, the sound of her heels clicking softly against the polished wood floors.

Scarlet descended the grand staircase, her heels clicking softly against the polished wood floors. The mansion was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, casting intricate patterns through the ornate windows. As she approached the kitchen, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, a testament to the household's bustling morning routine.

Entering the kitchen, she was greeted by the sight of the maids diligently preparing breakfast. Upon noticing her presence, they paused momentarily, offering polite bows. Scarlet acknowledged them with a nod and a warm smile, appreciating their dedication.

In her haste, she retrieved a bowl from the cupboard and poured herself some milk, adding a generous helping of cereal. She began eating quickly, mindful of the time and her impending meeting with Ha-neul. The maids exchanged curious glances, perhaps unaccustomed to seeing her in such a rushed state.

As she took another hurried bite, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway, accompanied by a sharp voice speaking in Korean. Scarlet's heart skipped a beat, recognizing the distinct tone of Ha-joon's aunt, Mrs. Kang. She swallowed hard, the cereal suddenly feeling dry in her mouth.

Just as Mrs. Kang was about to enter the kitchen, one of the maids intercepted her, speaking in respectful tones. "Mrs. Kang, your son is on the line," she informed, her English tinged with a Korean accent.

Although Mrs. Kang's grasp of English was limited, she understood the mention of her son, Ha-neul. Her stern expression softened slightly, and she nodded, allowing the maid to lead her to the phone.

In the study, Mrs. Kang picked up the receiver, her face lighting up as she heard her son's voice. "어머니, 잘 지내세요?" (Mother, how are you?) Ha-neul's voice resonated warmly through the line.

"아들아, 잘 지내지. 너는?" (I'm well, my son. And you?) she responded, her tone filled with maternal affection.

"저는 잘 지내요. 오늘 스칼렛 씨를 만날 생각에 너무 설레요." (I'm doing well. I'm very excited to meet Ms. Scarlet today.)

Mrs. Kang's eyebrows arched in surprise. "스칼렛? 그녀의 이름이 스칼렛이에요?" (Scarlet? Her name is Scarlet?)

Ha-neul chuckled softly. "예, 어머니. 스칼렛 씨는 제가 호텔 프로젝트를 위해 언급한 디자이너예요." (Yes, Mother. Ms. Scarlet is the designer I mentioned for the hotel project.)

A wave of realization washed over Mrs. Kang, but she chose to remain silent about the coincidence. "아, 그렇구나. 그녀는 아주 재능 있는 디자이너라고 들었어." (Ah, I see. I've heard she's a very talented designer.)

"네, 맞아요. 오늘 회의에서 많은 것을 논의할 예정이에요." (Yes, that's right. We have a lot to discuss in today's meeting.)

"잘 되길 바란다, 아들아. 어머니는 항상 네 편이야." (I hope it goes well, my son. I'm always on your side.)

"감사합니다, 어머니. 그럼 이따가 뵐게요." (Thank you, Mother. I'll see you later.)

As Mrs. Kang hung up the phone, a contemplative expression settled on her face. The intertwining of personal and professional relationships was becoming more intricate than she had anticipated.

Meanwhile, Scarlet, having finished her breakfast, glanced at the clock and realized she was running late. She quickly gathered her belongings and made her way to the front door, her mind already focused on the upcoming meeting with Ha-neul.