"The Kimchi and Cassava Kiss" is a warm and funny story about finding unexpected connection across cultures. Amara, a bright and ambitious physiotherapy student from Nigeria, lands a dream scholarship to study in Seoul. To make ends meet, she takes a job as the PA to Kwon Taeyang, a sharp and successful CEO who, despite his captivating looks, has a reputation for being difficult. Their first encounters are a clash of personalities and backgrounds, filled with misunderstandings and Amara's internal eye-rolls at her demanding boss. But as they navigate the daily chaos of work and life in a bustling new city, small gestures and shared moments chip away at their initial resistance. It's a tale of how two very different people, brought together by chance, might just discover that beneath the layers of kimchi and cassava lies a surprisingly delicious connection.
Chapter 1 The Harmattan Wind and a Seoul Dream
It was almost celebratory to watch the harmattan wind, which is normally a dry, dusty companion, scrunching palm fronds against the window outside Amara's window. She clutched her phone, her heart doncing in the air, in some crazy dance of joy and shock. Her laptop screen was still open with the email for her scholarship to Seoul National University, still glowing in the small bedroom that was being built in Otu, Anambra. Physiotherapy was going to take her much farther than she ever dreamed.
With shaking fingers, she scrolled through her contacts and found Ifunanya's name. Her best friend, who she'd been dating since the turbulent teenage years of their secondary school days, just moved to Seoul a year ago for her master's degree. If any one would be able to bear the majesty of this news, it was Ifunanya.
We answered the phone twice and the only sound she could hear was the laughter of Ifunanya. "Amara! My Sunshine! How are you? "And even more important, her laughter filled the room.
"Ifunanya guess what? " Amara's whisper was a breathless wildfire of excitement.
There was a thump of playful suspense at the other end "Don't tell me... you finally perfected your recipe for jollof? "
He laughed pure, unstrained laughter, "Better! Much, much better! I got it, Ifunanya! The scholarship! Seoul National University! "
A shriek made its way down the phone line. Ah! My girl! I knew it! I told you! This is amazing, Amara! I'm so happy for you! Ifunanya's excitement ran through the phone and Amara's smile lights up.
They talked for a while and Amara pointed out that the first time she got the email, you know the strange shock that had gradually turned into excitement, Ifunanya asked her about visa applications, flights, and Korean wrath, just in case.
As the two of them began to wind down, a bit of funnyness started to enter Ifunanya's voice and she began to whisper something into her ear, "So I suppose about this new phase of your life here in Seoul... I could have run across something that would make your transition a little... easier.
Amara's eyebrows shot up, even though Ifunanya couldn't see her. "Oh? Easier how?"
"Well," Ifunanya drawled, "my neighbor works for this massive tech company here, Innovate Korea. Apparently, their CEO is in desperate need of a new personal assistant. The last one, let's just say, couldn't handle his... 'unique' management style."
Amara's initial excitement cooled slightly. Juggling a demanding physiotherapy degree with a potentially nightmare boss wasn't exactly her idea of an easy transition. "A CEO's PA? Ifunanya, I'll be studying full-time. I don't know if I'll have the time."
"Think of the money, Amara!" Ifunanya countered, her voice persuasive. "The pay is supposed to be really good, enough to give you some breathing room beyond the scholarship. Plus, the hours are flexible, you can work around your classes."
Amara chewed on her lip, considering. The scholarship was generous, but Seoul was known to be an expensive city. A little extra income would definitely be helpful. "What's the catch?" she asked, a familiar suspicion creeping in.
"Okay, so my neighbor did mention... he's a bit intense. Demanding. Maybe even a little rude," Ifunanya admitted, then quickly added, "But! And this is a big but, according to her, he's also... well, picture your favorite K-drama lead. Tall, handsome, the works."
Amara snorted, despite herself. "Ifunanya, you and your dramas. Looks don't magically solve problems."
"Maybe not," Ifunanya conceded with a chuckle. "But it certainly doesn't hurt the view while you're organizing his impossible schedule, right? Think of the networking too! You never know who you might meet. And honestly, Amara, you're one of the most resilient people I know. If anyone can handle a grumpy CEO, it's you."
Amara sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. Ifunanya had a way of making even the most daunting prospects sound like an adventure. "So, what exactly would this entail?"
Ifunanya's smile grew wider. "Let's just say you'll be earning your pay. Meetings, conference calls, and travel. You'll need to be organized and on your toes at all times. Who knows? Both of you might start falling in love slowly and then get married"
Amara chuckled and replied, "You watch too much K-dramas, madam."
And just like that, amidst the celebratory harmattan winds of her Nigerian home, Amara's Seoul dream began to take an unexpected turn, one that involved demanding schedules, a potentially rude but undeniably attractive CEO, and a side hustle she hadn't even imagined. The prospect was both terrifying and strangely exhilarating.
Chapter 1 The Harmattan Wind and a Seoul Dream
19/04/2025
Chapter 2 Of Spicy Noodles nd New Beginnings
20/04/2025
Chapter 3 Of A Formidable First Impression
20/04/2025
Chapter 4 Workwear, Sightseeing and Scheduling Shena
20/04/2025
Chapter 5 The CEO's Perspective
20/04/2025
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