Record of Youth Episode 4

Jin-ju's (senior make-up artist) POV:

It’s a good day and I am here standing at the salon patiently waiting for Professor
Kim. She’s one of our regulars and VIP customers at the salon I’m working for.
“Is Ms. An here today?” she asked while taking her seat. An Jeong-Ha again? I am
the one who’s here but she’s looking for that rookie that has been promoted recently.
“It’s her day off today ma’am.” I answered politely.
“Why didn’t you tell me about it?” her son said looking slightly annoyed.
“Your manager made the call, right? Ms. An is still a junior, so she needs to be
requested beforehand” I replied with a plastered smile on my face.
“Besides, I am in charge of all our top clients.” This is irritating, but I’m not letting it
get to me.
“Let Jin-Ju style your hair today,” her mother said.
“Please wait. I’ll get back to you after Professor Kim,” I said—still keeping my tone
kind as possible. I cannot bear losing my clients again from that wench.
Her mother then told me to get done with her son first, since he will be having a
photoshoot soon.
“Go on, what are you waiting now?” said Professor Kim. His son seems reluctant to
do so.
That’s it. She’s been bewitched by that girl. I laugh while keeping that thought in me.
“Must it be no one else but Ms. An?” I asked him frankly, “I see you value comfort
over competence,” I said—still not minding my words. What’s with her that I am not
capable of doing so, huh?
“You know you’ve been quite talkative a lot lately. It doesn’t seem all that
professional. I wasn’t able to enjoy tea with my son this morning. Could you perhaps
set that up?” Professor Kim said suddenly with a hint of annoyance.
Oh great, am I wrong though?
I better hold my frustration properly next time.
I look back at her and said, “Of course. Please know that I am greatly fond of you.”
She then smiled at me. It was a fake smile.
Jeong-Ha got back to work after her day off even after missing my calls when I said
she should attend a training. I bet she did it on purpose to get back at me for
scolding her many times now. She’s been stealing my clients especially Professor
Kim and her son, Hae-Hyo. I know that it’s unprofessional to get angry, after all it’s
the client’s choice to pick whoever makeup artist they choose to, but I can’t help
myself being mad.
“This is the classic blue I bought. I told you about it the other day.” She said as she
walks her way to me with a makeup palette on her hands.
“That color won’t really work for us.” I replied without giving her a glance.
“I thought our celebrities might need it as it’s a trending color.” Jeong-Ha added.
“Try to find more vivid colors” I said.
“Okay... I’m sorry I missed the training and didn’t answer your calls,” she said with a
low voice.
“I was waiting for you to bring it up. Look at you unabashedly admitting that you
ignored my calls. I knew you wouldn’t come. Of course, you wouldn’t listen to me.
The director and the male clients got your back.”
She’s unbelievable.
“Waah, I have to say that’s a skill too.” I replied trying to suppress my irritation.
“I wanted to be someone who’s always reachable, and that’s how I’ve lived my life. I
don’t like people who are unpredictable. I treat others as I would like to be treated.”
she answered back looking straight at me.
Me too, I want to be treated as I would like to be treated— someone who has a great
value to others, but you take that chance away from me.
“Not answering my calls isn’t that big of a deal. But why are you lecturing me and talk
like you’re better than everyone else?” I respond as I face her, “We just don’t see
eye to eye. Since I am a nice person, I’ll try to be understanding.” I never hated
someone this much.
Just when I was about to give her a big talking, the other employee interrupted,
saying Professor Kim booked an appointment with her.
I envy her. I am in a higher position than her but I see myself low standing next to
my junior. How annoying. Am I really losing to her? If so, then why? I’ve been in this
industry longer than she could. I am more skilled, more experienced. I always smile
and smile to my customers and please them as I could. I always try to satisfy and
impressed them, still, nobody treated me the same way as my clients did to Jeong-
Ha.