Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Returning home, she was already exhausted. After taking off her coat, a red gem accidentally fell out and dropped to the floor.
"I still forgot to return it to him..." Anna murmured to herself.
She picked up the gem, cradling it in her palm, and stared at it for a long time before standing up and heading upstairs.
The things she worried about the most always seemed to arrive right on schedule.
The next morning, the headline news prominently featured a photo of Kim Jong Kook.
"Yoo Jae-suk Incident Victim Dead: What Was Kim Jong Kook Doing at the Scene?" The title, along with the content, was filled with malicious speculation. Even in the comments section of online news, there were claims that Gao Yingmei had committed suicide due to the pressure from the Yoo Jae-suk incident and repeated threats from Kim Jong Kook...
"This is really bad," Anna thought as her heart sank upon seeing the news. Now, not only was the Yoo Jae-suk incident unresolved, but Kim Jong Kook was also implicated.
Moreover, another article's headline placed Yoo Jae-suk in even deeper trouble.
"Yoo Jae-suk Incident Victim Commits Suicide Due to Pressure!"
Suicide?
Why would someone want to commit suicide?
Would someone intending to take their own life be in such a good mood to enjoy dessert? Would someone planning to end their life buy a Chanel coat just last night? Why would someone wanting to commit suicide leave the door open??
Unless she deliberately wanted others to discover her intention...
Anna picked up her phone and dialed Kim Jong Kook's number.
"Hey, Jung Kook."
"Oh, Anna."
Jung Kook's voice sounded normal.
"Brother, did you see the news?" Anna asked cautiously.
"I saw it... Don't worry too much; we could have anticipated this outcome, couldn't we? However, this time, Brother Jae-seok is under even more pressure. I heard the police summoned him again."
"It's all my fault... If I hadn't gone to look for Gao Yingmei, you and Brother Jae-seok wouldn't be in this situation." Anna felt deeply guilty.
"This isn't your fault. If Gao Yingmei really wasn't bribed, then that person definitely wouldn't have left her alive. If she died, it would actually benefit that person's plans. So, whether you found Gao Yingmei or not, we would still be in today's situation," Kim Jong Kook said.
Anna didn't respond. She knew he was right, but Kim Jong Kook had indeed been innocently dragged into this. The public nature of the Members' celebrity status had placed a heavy burden of public opinion on them.
What should she do now?
Anna truly had no idea this time. She put on her coat and picked up the car keys from the cabinet by the door that she hadn't touched before. Since arriving, the car sold to Anna had quietly stayed in the garage, but now it could finally be put to use.
At the entrance of Yoo Jae-suk's neighborhood, many reporters were still lurking around. Fortunately, Anna's car was unfamiliar to them, and since she was working behind the scenes, few people recognized her.
Getting in went exceptionally smoothly; this time there wasn't a crowd of people banging on the car windows like zombies.
Now, although Yoo Jae-suk was still out on bail, his freedom of movement had been completely restricted as he awaited police summons for questioning.
Sister Jin-eun came to open the door; it seemed there were already guests inside—Lu Hongzhe...
Anna was not very familiar with him, so she was surprised and politely greeted him.
"Anna, I heard Jung Kook say that you went together to find Miss Gao Yingmei. I really appreciate you doing this for me, but you really don't need to go to such trouble. This time, even Jung Kook got dragged into it..." Yoo Jae-suk's words this time had no fluctuations, but they clearly revealed some frustration.
Anna had never seen him like this.
"No, Brother Jae-seok, you said that no matter what happens, we must strive until the end. I remember your words; how could you forget them yourself?" Anna said eagerly, fearing that Yoo Jae-suk would succumb to despair first, which would make all their efforts truly in vain.
"Yeah, brother, when I was in trouble before, what did you say to me? How come now you can't do it yourself?" Lu Hongzhe said.
"This time..." Yoo Jae-suk sighed and said, "This time is different; you won't understand."
"I know, brother, there are some things you won't tell us, but do you know that Miss Gao Yingmei did not commit suicide?"
"What?!" Lu Hongzhe was surprised.
Yoo Jae-suk seemed to have already guessed this outcome and was not particularly shocked.
"If Miss Gao Yingmei could prove my innocence, then the person who wants to frame me wouldn't let her live peacefully," Yoo Jae-suk said.
"Brother, since you understand this, why are you still hiding it?" Anna retorted.
"Because even if I tell the police, there is no evidence to prove what I'm saying. It would only put everyone around me in danger. You cannot investigate that person," Yoo Jae-suk said to Anna.
Anna was shocked into silence. Although she had thought of this reason before, hearing it directly from Yoo Jae-suk made her realize how formidable this person was.
"However, Miss Anna said that Gao Yingmei did not commit suicide. Why did the police report it as a suicide?" Lu Hongzhe asked in confusion.
Anna said, "I saw Brother Kim Jong Kook that day. The door was half open, the cake had only one bite taken, and her spending receipt clearly showed she had just bought a lot of high-end brand clothes and jewelry... Would someone who is about to die be in the mood to buy these things? Where did she get the money?"
Yoo Jae-suk looked at Anna in surprise and asked, "How did you find out so much?"
"A friend helped me look it up," Anna replied. "I'm also wondering why the police report concluded it was a suicide."
Yoo Jae-suk said, "That's the power of that person; it's a trap without loopholes. Even some people in the police station can be influenced by him."
"What?! Brother, are you saying this person can actually influence the police's case results?"
"Yes, if my lawyer hadn't fought for insufficient evidence and bought me some time, I would have probably been declared guilty long ago," Yoo Jae-suk said.
"Why on earth did you offend such a person... According to how you usually interact with others, that shouldn't happen..." Anna felt increasingly frustrated.
"Many times, those who do not stand on the same front are imagined to be enemies," Yoo Jae-suk said with a bitter smile.
After having lunch, they left Yoo Jae-suk's house. Despite talking so much, Anna felt no relief; instead, she became more aware of her own powerlessness.
"In this case, there is a police officer named Jin Zhongxi. I wonder if Miss Anna Zheng knows him?" Lu Hongzhe asked in the elevator.
"What? Who?" Anna didn't hear clearly at first.
"Jin Zhongxi. He has a younger brother. I've only met him once or twice and haven't interacted much. Miss Anna must know him; I just don't know how well," Lu Hongzhe said.
"Younger brother?"
Lu Hongzhe nodded and said, "Yes, his younger brother is named Jin Jong-in."
"KAI?!"
"Yes, that's him."
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. The two stepped out and stood facing each other. Lu Hongzhe's completely withdrawn and erratic demeanor over the years was now replaced by a weariness that felt unsettling.
"Jung Kook, Dong Hoon, Mingxiu Brother, or other Members, after all, they are all artists. If we're not careful, it could get worse, like Jung Kook's current situation. If we want to investigate further ourselves, then Miss Anna, being behind the scenes, would be much more convenient than us," Lu Hongzhe said.
Anna nodded and replied, "Brother Hongzhe, I understand."
"Seeing Miss Anna so dedicated is truly comforting," Lu Hongzhe said with a smile.
"I just hope this matter can reach a satisfactory conclusion soon so that Brother Jae-seok can return," Anna said with a slight smile.
"Though our meeting was brief, we have a good understanding," Lu Hongzhe remarked.
"Yes, once the truth is revealed, I'll definitely have a drink with my brother," Anna said.
"Alright."
Driving alone on the road again, Anna felt a bit melancholic. She had only met KAI a few times; they weren't close but not strangers either, and they didn't even have each other's contact information. Should she go through Park Chan-yeol to find him? Anna quickly shook her head, dismissing that thought. Not wanting to think too much about it for now, she headed to SBS to pick up her work ID; it would be useful if she needed to enter S.M. Company.
"Oh, isn't that Anna? So leisurely."
Anna turned at the sound and saw Lee Joon-seok mocking her from behind, as if he were watching a joke unfold.
"Yes, I must not be as busy as you, Senior Joon-seok," Anna retorted defiantly.
“Is Miss Anna feeling bored at home and suddenly realized something, so she came to find Miao PD to arrange a new place for you to stay?”
Anna smiled slightly and said, “Senior Lee Joon-seok, you misunderstood. What I meant was that I don’t have time to be self-satisfied like you, flying around like a fly looking for good food.”
“What did you say? Do you dare to call me a fly?! Is that how a junior should speak to a senior?” Lee Joon-seok glared at Anna.
Anna quickly bowed apologetically and said with a smile, “Oh, I’m really sorry. However, first of all, I didn’t say Mr. Lee Joon-seok is a fly. Secondly, I made a mistake; I am the PD of the Running Man Production Team, and Mr. Joon-seok is currently working on another program, so he is certainly not my senior. I apologize again, Mr. Lee Joon-seok.”
“Anna Zheng, don’t use your childishness to express your so-called loyalty while putting us in an unjust position. I’ll be waiting to see the day when Yoo Jae-suk doesn’t come back and how you all will cry and beg to return to do other work.”
“You…!” Anna was about to retort against Lee Joon-seok’s malicious curse when Dongwan suddenly appeared and pulled her away.
“Stop talking, come with me.” Dong Wan led Anna into the room.
Lee Joon-seok stomped his feet in anger but left while cursing.
“It’s really infuriating; how can there still be such people? Brother Jae-seok was never unkind to him,” Anna said angrily as she sat down in a chair.
“Don’t stoop to his level,” Dong Wan said as he sat across from Anna. “He has now joined another Task Force, but that Task Force has already formed stable relationships and isn’t so easy to accept him back. Moreover, he left Running Man during such difficult times; it’s easy to imagine how they will treat him there. Even if he regrets it now and wants to come back and stick it out together, it’s too late. So all this anger is directed at us and Brother Jae-seok.”
“I see…”
“What are you doing here? Why not take this opportunity to rest well at home?” Dong Wan asked.
“How can I have the mood to rest… But why are you here too?”
“I’m helping Miao PD organize all the videos from the start of Running Man until now. Miao PD said that if Brother Jae-seok returns and filming resumes, we’ll make a highlight reel of these past years’ videos as a warm-up for Running Man's return,” Dong Wan explained.
Anna felt a warmth in her heart; so many people were looking forward to the day Yoo Jae-suk would return.
"Brother Jae-seok will come back safe and sound," Anna said. "Dong Wan, make sure to work on this video; it will definitely be useful."
"Yes, I believe that too," Dong Wan replied with a smile.
After struggling internally for who knows how long, Anna finally decided to step through the doors of S.M. Company.
The receptionist was exceptionally beautiful and helped Anna register as a visitor.
Anna sighed, thinking: This company really showcases beautiful faces right from the entrance...
This was Anna's second time here; the first time, she had only visited the trainee practice room, which was probably three years ago.
The elevator slowly ascended. After pressing the button for the 12th floor dance practice room where EXO was located, Anna stood in a corner, quietly waiting.
When the elevator reached the third floor, the doors slowly opened, and two people stepped inside.
Anna unconsciously looked up and was surprised to see Yunho and Shin Changmin from TVXQ. Her eyes widened instantly, and her body stiffened; she almost forgot to breathe until her face turned red from holding her breath. She gasped for air, fearing her breathing would be too loud, and quickly covered her mouth.
She was so excited that Anna felt a bit embarrassed. She had originally wanted to greet them and ask for an autograph, but she couldn't utter a single word.
They were so handsome...
She couldn't handle it...
Seeing them in person was just breathtaking...
This time it really wasn't in vain...
Anna turned slightly, facing the wall, unable to hide her excitement as she smiled sneakily.
Such a strange behavior finally caught the attention of Yunho and Changmin.
"Miss...?"
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Anna stood up straight as if jolted, yet she still didn't have the courage to turn around.
"What happened? Are you feeling unwell?" Yunho asked.
"No... no..." Anna shook her head decisively, stammering, "I... I just got out of... the elevator..."
Yunho and Changmin exchanged helpless smiles, thinking she was just not used to the elevator environment, and didn't ask further as they exited on the eleventh floor.
Anna finally sighed in relief. Hearing them leave the elevator, she slowly turned around. She leaned weakly against the elevator wall, complaining to herself for not having the courage to say a word to them, feeling quite pathetic about it.
"Isn't that Anna? What are you doing here? Your face is so red!" Zhang Yixing called out from a distance as he spotted Anna approaching.
Anna looked over and saw that at the dance studio's entrance, not only was Zhang Yixing there, but also Park Chan-yeol, who had been talking with him but was now silent.
"I... I just..." Anna thought for a moment; she couldn't possibly say that she blushed after seeing TVXQ, so she said, "It's too hot in the elevator."
"Huh? Was it really hot?" Zhang Yixing asked in confusion.
"Hello, Zhang Yixing... and also, Park Chan-yeol..." Anna bowed to greet them, feeling a bit awkward.
Zhang Yixing smiled and replied, "Hello."
"Hello." Park Chan-yeol responded expressionlessly, saying to Zhang Yixing, "I need to use the restroom," before turning and leaving.
Though it seemed rude, Anna knew it was just the agreement they had. She had anticipated how to handle meeting Park Chan-yeol before coming, but now that she actually encountered such indifference, it caught her off guard.
She would get used to it eventually.
"Chan-yeol has been in a bad mood lately; he always acts like this. Anna, don't take it personally," Zhang Yixing said to ease the situation.
"It's okay," Anna replied with a smile.
"By the way, Anna, what brings you here?" Zhang Yixing asked.
"I'm here to find Mr. Jin Jong-in," Anna said.
"Oh, he's dancing inside. Come with me; I'll take you to him," Zhang Yixing said.
"Okay, thank you," Anna replied.
Seeing Anna come specifically to find him was somewhat unexpected for Jin Jong-in. Noticing her slightly flushed face, he felt a misunderstanding arise and gestured for Anna to follow him to a secluded passageway.
Anna knew it was best not to let others know about that matter, so she obediently followed him.
Jin Jong-in felt somewhat anxious; compared to his confident performance on stage, he had no idea how to reject someone's confession.
"Mr. Jin Jong-in, I have something I want to tell you..." Anna cautiously began as she noticed his unease.
Unexpectedly, Jin Jong-in interrupted Anna, saying, "You don't need to say anything; I already know."
"What?" Anna said with a smile. "If you already know, that's great! Can you agree?"
"No."
Her previously joyful mood plummeted. Anna pleaded, "I'm begging you, please agree to this. I won't make any excessive demands; I just want to..."
"Miss Anna, such things cannot be forced," Jin Jong-in replied.
"During the break, we can just meet for a few casual words," Anna urged.
"But I already have someone I like; I don't want to give her the wrong idea," Jin Jong-in said seriously.
Anna was taken aback, looking at Jin Jong-in in confusion. "What does this have to do with the person you like?"
"I am a devoted person. Even if Miss Anna thinks it's fine, I cannot accept it," Jin Jong-in explained.
Seeing his serious expression, Anna finally understood that they had been misunderstanding each other all along and laughed.
"Miss Anna..." Jin Jong-in found her reaction somewhat strange.
"What I meant to say is that the person I want to meet is your brother, Mr. Jin Zhongxi," Anna said with a smile.
"What? Miss Anna isn't here to confess...?" Jin Jong-in realized he had misunderstood the situation.
Fearing he might feel awkward, Anna smiled and said, "Didn't you already say last time that you didn't like me? Why would I pursue you relentlessly?"
"Ah... I see... I'm really sorry..." Jin Jong-in smiled apologetically and then continued, "But, did you have something to discuss with my brother?"
Anna did not intend to hide her purpose, so she said, "I heard that Mr. Jin Zhongxi is in charge of the Stone Brother Case, and I wanted to understand the situation."
"But doing that is against the regulations, I'm afraid..."
"It's okay, please trust me. I won't reveal a word to the outside world, and I believe that even if we meet, Mr. Jin Zhongxi knows what he can say to me and what he cannot," Anna said.
Jin Jong-in paced back and forth, deliberating for a long time before nodding and saying, "Alright, I promise you, but I still need to get my brother's consent first. If there’s any news, I will contact you."
"Okay, really, thank you so much," Anna said gratefully.
When Park Chan-yeol returned from the restroom to the dance studio, Anna was already nowhere to be seen. He picked up a bottle of water and sat down, taking a big gulp. Wu Shixun and Zhang Yixing smiled mysteriously as they sat next to him.
"You missed something while you were gone," Wu Shixun said excitedly.
"What?" Park Chan-yeol asked.
"Jongin and Anna went out to talk privately and haven't come back yet. Also, Miss Anna blushed when she saw him," Wu Shixun said.
"She was already blushing when she arrived; it wasn't just because she saw Jongin. However, I do think they might have some secret," Zhang Yixing chimed in while resting his chin on his hand.
"What nonsense are you talking about? What does it have to do with you two...?" Park Chan-yeol looked at them helplessly.
"But isn't Jongin interested in that other person?" Wu Shixun said.
"Anna is also very pretty; maybe he could be moved by her affection and change his mind," Zhang Yixing remarked.
"What kind of infatuation?"
Zhang Yixing said, "You came all the way here, doesn't that count as infatuation?"
Just then, Anna and Jin Jong-in walked side by side to the door. They quickly closed their mouths and put on polite smiles as they looked at them.
Anna glanced at Park Chan-yeol, then bowed and smiled as she said goodbye, "Sorry to disturb everyone, I’ll be leaving now."
Wu Shixun and Zhang Yixing stood up to return the gesture, smiling as they bid farewell. Park Chan-yeol remained seated without responding. Sehun and Yixing felt he was being rude and tugged at his arm. Only then did Chan-yeol slowly stand up, give a hasty bow, and say, "Take care," before going to turn on the music and practice his dance alone.
Anna forced a bittersweet smile, while the other three felt the atmosphere had become somewhat stiff.
"Then I'll be leaving first. Please take care of things," Anna said as she bowed to Jin Jong-in at the elevator door.
"I'll do my best."
Just as Jin Jong-in returned to the door of the dance practice room, he was suddenly grabbed by the neck. A strong arm made him unable to help but plead for mercy.
"I surrender, I surrender," Jin Jong-in said, trying to kick Sehun and Yixing but they nimbly dodged with playful grins.
Park Chan-yeol also turned off the music and sat down to one side.
"Come on, tell us everything! Did you confess? What happened?" Zhang Yixing and Wu Shixun bombarded him with questions.
Comment 0 Comment Count