As Yujin stepped out from Woo-jin’s room, closing the door gently behind her, Mrs. Choi was already walking down the hallway towards them, wearing an elegant silk dress and a warm smile. She clapped her hands softly to get their attention.
“Woo-jin, Yujin, come along—get ready quickly,” she called out happily. “We are going out for dinner tonight. Your father is already waiting for us downstairs. He said it’s a special night to celebrate how well you have settled in, Yujin.”
Yujin’s face instantly lit up. Her eyes sparkled with pure joy—she loved going out with her family, and every time they did, it felt like another reminder that she truly belonged here. She nodded eagerly and hurried to her room to change into a pretty, soft pink dress that fell just to her knees, pairing it with simple, neat shoes. Woo-jin changed into smart casual clothes, looking as handsome and composed as always. Within minutes, both were ready and rushing down the grand staircase together.
Downstairs, Mr. Choi stood near the front doors. He smiled proudly as he saw them coming. “Perfect timing. Let’s go.”
They stepped out of the mansion and walked toward the driveway. Yujin stopped abruptly, freezing in her tracks, her mouth falling open in surprise. Parked in a row were not just one, but three large, sleek black luxury cars, gleaming under the streetlights. Drivers stood by each door, waiting respectfully.
She turned quickly to Woo-jin, her voice filled with amazement and curiosity. “Brother Jin… every time you go outside, so many black cars follow along with you? It’s like a royal parade! Is this normal for you?”
Woo-jin chuckled softly at her shocked expression, opening the back car door for her. He helped her step inside before sliding in next to her. “Yes, it is normal for us, Yujin. Our family runs big businesses and holds a high position in this city. These cars and guards travel with us just to make sure we are always safe, wherever we go. It’s just how things work for us—nothing to be surprised about. You will get used to it soon enough.”
Yujin looked out the window as the convoy smoothly moved onto the main road, cars gliding side-by-side, clearing the way. She nodded slowly; she was learning every day just how powerful the Choi name really was.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the finest restaurant in the city—grand, bright, and exclusive, with golden lights and soft music floating through the air. The staff welcomed the family with the highest respect and guided them straight to their private reserved table near the large glass window overlooking the city view.
They sat comfortably, menus in hand, but Yujin barely glanced at the food list. Her mind was busy thinking about something she had wanted to ask for days. She shifted in her seat, then leaned closer toward Mrs. Choi, her voice soft and polite.
“Mother… I need to ask you something important,” she said, twisting a strand of her long dark hair between her fingers.
Mrs. Choi put down her menu immediately and reached out to hold her hand, stroking it gently. “Of course, sweetheart. You can ask me anything, anytime. Go ahead.”
Yujin took a small breath and spoke clearly. “I want to cut my hair short. I want a new look, much shorter than this.”
Mrs. Choi looked at her daughter’s long, glossy dark hair that cascaded beautifully down her back. She smiled tenderly. “But why, my dear? Your long hair suits you so well. It flows like silk and makes you look very elegant and beautiful just the way it is.”
She paused, seeing the determination in Yujin’s eyes, then continued softly. “But… if this is what you truly want, then it is completely okay. I will never force you to stay the same or change against your will. You can cut it as short as you wish, style it however you like. It is your hair, and it is your choice. I will love you just as much no matter how it looks.”
Yujin beamed at her answer, feeling relieved and happy. “Thank you, Mother. I think short hair will make me feel lighter… like leaving all the heavy past behind me completely.”
Mr. Choi nodded from across the table, supporting her decision. “A fresh start. That sounds wonderful. After dinner, we will go straight to the best salon in town.”
Soon after finishing their delicious meal, the family drove to the most famous salon in the city—one visited only by celebrities and wealthy families. As soon as they entered, the top stylist rushed over personally, ready to work carefully on the daughter of the Choi family.
Yujin sat tall in the styling chair, looking at her reflection in the large mirror. Her long dark hair framed her face beautifully, but she knew this change would mark a new chapter of her life. She gave the stylist a confident nod. “Please make it short and neat, just above the shoulders, clean and sharp.”
As the scissors started working, cutting away the length, Woo-jin stood leaning casually against a pillar nearby, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her the whole time. He watched strand after strand fall to the floor, transforming her appearance little by little. He didn’t look away once; he admired her courage to change and her calm grace. He already knew she was pretty, but he felt this new style would suit her perfectly.
Within half an hour, the work was done. The stylist stepped back and turned the chair slightly toward the lights.
There sat Choi Yujin—her hair now cut into a stylish, sharp bob that framed her face perfectly. It was smooth, neat, and suited her features so well that it highlighted her striking eyes and fair skin even more. She looked bright, fresh, and incredibly beautiful—like a dark rose blooming differently but just as lovely, shining with confidence.
Woo-jin’s eyes widened. He let out a low whistle and smiled broadly. “Wow… I knew you were beautiful, Yujin, but this look… it makes you glow even brighter. You look absolutely stunning.”
Mr. Choi walked closer, resting a hand proudly on her shoulder as he looked at his daughter’s reflection. His face lit up with pure fatherly pride and happiness. He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, his voice full of warmth.
“My daughter is so beautiful now. More beautiful than any diamond in the world. You shine from the inside out, Yujin. This haircut is not just a change of style—it is the mark of a brave girl stepping fully into her new life as a true Choi.”
Yujin smiled back at her family in the mirror, her dark eyes twinkling happily. She ran her fingers lightly through her new short hair—it felt light, cool, and free. She felt like she had finally cut away every chain from her old life. She wasn’t the girl from the hostel anymore. She wasn’t the mysterious dark girl people whispered about. She was simply Choi Yujin—beautiful, protected, loved, and stronger than ever.