Mr. Choy asked Il-sun as soon as her friends had been taken away. They were in his office, and his charm had been restored.“What’s champagne?” she asked.“I can’t believe a beautiful woman like you has never tried champagne,” he said, producing a bottle from a small refrigerator behind his desk. “Don’t the men up North know how to treat a lady?” He untwisted the wire restraint and removed the cork from the bottle with a loud pop. “All the most sophisticated ladies drink champagne,” he said, pouring golden, bubbly liquid into two tall-stemmed glasses.“Thank you,” she said, receiving a glass. She was wary of Mr. Choy, but also curious. She lifted the glass to her lips and sipped. The liquid was sweet as it passed over her tongue and tickled in her throat as it went down. After she swallowed, it left her mouth feeling tingly and dry. It was wonderful.“With your looks, you can go far in this business. I have a feeling about you, Il-sun,” said Mr. Choy“You do?”
