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Feeling the hand on her neck tightening in the darkness, Anna couldn't tell if it was the fear of suffocation or the pain reflected in Park Chan-yeol's eyes that almost made her tears fall again.
"Anna Zheng..."
Anna continued to smile, though her laughter was somewhat twisted due to the pressure on her neck. She slowly raised her arm to hold Park Chan-yeol's hand that was gripping her, applying pressure in return.
Park Chan-yeol was stunned and released his grip.
Anna fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.
Park Chan-yeol grabbed her shoulders and helped her up, his immense strength making Anna feel as if her shoulder bones were about to be crushed.
"Are you crazy? Anna Zheng, what happened? You can tell me. Why do you always act like this?!" Park Chan-yeol exclaimed.
"Because during the time I've spent with you, I've come to realize that no matter what happens, telling you is pointless. I finally understand that from the very beginning, we were never from the same world. You live in the glamorous spotlight while I will always exist in the dark, unknown background. I don't want to keep hearing you secretly call me from a corner. Why should my feelings be hidden? I've had enough, so let's end it here."
"This is why you insisted on waiting for me today? Just to tell me this? Is this what you've figured out?"
Anna met his gaze and replied, "Yes. What did you think?"
"Why? Why? You're lying; you're not like this."
Anna coldly smiled and said, "Park Chan-yeol, why are you so self-righteous? Do you think all women in the world should revolve around you? That it's only right for them to live and die for you? Is it what you want for them to endure everything for your sake? I've had enough, Park Chan-yeol."
"Fine, what if I stop being an artist? Stop being a singer! Not step on stage or act, just stay by your side! I thought you would understand; I thought you could understand!"
"You think... it's always been what you think. From the beginning until now, it's been like this. Park Chan-yeol, I'm tired; I don't want to play along anymore."
"Play? Do you think we've been playing all this time?"
"What else could it be?"
Park Chan-yeol smiled faintly, shaking his head.
Anna unfastened the ruby necklace around her neck and placed it in his palm, smiling slightly.
"This gem will find a more suitable owner, and that person is not me. Chan-yeol, let's end it here."
Her heart ached as if it were bleeding, more unbearable than any pain she had felt before. Anna dared not look at Park Chan-yeol's wounded expression; she feared she would no longer be able to act or smile.
How despicable, Anna Zheng, truly despicable and a failure.
Turning away, she left without looking back at him. However, the confused shout from Park Chan-yeol behind her made Anna Zheng's tears flow uncontrollably.
"Why! Anna Zheng, why!"
Anna also wanted to know, what was it all for? Was it because of work? Because of Jang Bo-Yeon? Because of the exhaustion during this time? She couldn't understand.
Because neither of them realized when it had begun that a gap had gradually formed between them due to some misunderstandings. They thought that their love, having survived life and death, would remain unshaken. Yet, any relationship requires careful nurturing and maintenance; otherwise, it cannot withstand the test of time and erosion. The issue with Jiang Baoyan arose precisely because this gap was noticed. If not for this gap, everything that followed would not have existed. The relationship between them and Anna's determination to protect this love were completely shattered by this unintentional 'butterfly effect.'
The car drove silently through the night, which remained as quiet as ever, except for Anna Zheng's heart-wrenching cries inside.
Kwang-soo naturally did not ask anything. The moment he saw Park Chan-yeol from afar in the car, all his previous questions were answered; however, the timing of this revelation coincided perfectly with the end of everything.
Everyone encounters someone they love deeply in their youth but often separates for various reasons. Ultimately, these reasons boil down to two points: either meeting the right person at the wrong time or meeting the wrong person at the right time.
Even when parting is inevitable, one must remember to say goodbye properly to that person and thank them for giving unforgettable memories that cannot be replaced. This memory will continue to weave into the fabric of time ahead, becoming an intriguing puzzle. One should wait patiently with sincere expectations for time to reveal an unexpected answer at a specific moment.
A month passed—neither long nor short—and many things happened during this period. Lee Kwang-soo was rumored to have secretly started dating someone and had to clarify things to quell the gossip. The Running Man team hired some new members, whom Anna would finally meet when she went to work today. Zheng Andy thrived in his new position, becoming a new symbol of power in Korea. Exo finally released a new album that quickly topped the charts, while Jang Bo-Yeon's group MESE debuted and often performed alongside EXO. However, along with this news came rumors about Park Chan-yeol and Jang Bo-Yeon.
Jung Kook said it was a common publicity tactic used by their company.
Anna smiled lightly, noncommittal.
"Anna, why have you lost so much weight?" Miao PD said with a smile, "Welcome back." Then he introduced the new staff to Anna: "This is the FD who has been resting at home for a while, Miss Anna Zheng."
"Hello, Senior Anna Zheng, I'm the new post-production staff, Zhang Dongxu," the boy introduced himself.
"Hello, Senior Anna Zheng, I'm the new FD, Han Yufei," the girl introduced herself.
"Hello everyone, there's no need to be so formal. Let's all work hard together and look out for each other," Anna said with a smile.
"Anna, welcome back! I missed you a bit," Park Soo Eun said quietly to Anna sitting next to her.
Anna smiled and replied, "I missed you too."
"You didn't answer your calls and didn't tell us where you lived. It was Brother Kwangsoo who told us you were fine; otherwise, we would have worried that you were home and feeling suicidal," Dong Wan said.
"How could I? I could never bear to leave you all," Anna teased.
"Alright, everyone can catch up later. First, take a look at this; these are the latest game ideas sent by the writers. Please have a look," Miao PD said as he instructed Dong Wan to distribute the documents in his hands to everyone.
After focusing on the documents for a while, Anna was the only one who knew how she had managed to get through the past month. Sometimes she wouldn’t eat or drink all day and wouldn’t even feel hungry. She didn’t want any noise in her house, so she hadn’t watched any episodes of Running Man during that time. Now seeing so many proposals again felt both strange and familiar.
The studio was particularly quiet. Once everyone had finished reading, they began to share their opinions.
"This proposal... summer is just around the corner. Previously, when the cherry blossoms were in bloom, there was a competition themed around them. Now that it's summer, this proposal similar to a music concert really fits the seasonal atmosphere. However, implementing it might be quite difficult, and if not done well, it could end up being too similar to the biannual music festival of Infinite Challenge," Dong Wan said.
Miao PD nodded in agreement.
"What if we change the proposal's invitation of seven guest singers to just two? We could use a team competition format where one team chooses a singer to collaborate with their team," Anna suggested after some thought.
"I think Anna's suggestion is good. We can just change the subsequent games to be in pairs and then design the games accordingly," Dong Wan said.
"But if we do that, there will be fewer songs available for performance, and the celebratory atmosphere might not be as strong," Han Yufei said. Although still somewhat unsure of herself, her suggestion hit the mark.
Anna thought for a moment and said, "Well... how about this? Among the members, like Jung Kook, Haha Brother, and Brother Gary, they are all singers. Even Brother Jae-seok, who is not a singer, has sung many songs. We could let them form their own teams to perform as a celebration after the main game ends. Would that work?"
"If the theme of this episode is a summer music festival, then I think that's feasible," Miao PD replied after some consideration.
"Oh, Anna, great idea! After taking a month off, I thought you might not be sharp anymore," Dong Wan joked.
"This brat, we're in a meeting," Miao PD said with a laugh as he lightly hit Dong Wan. Then he continued, "The general plan is coming together, but many details still need to be designed. Dividing into two teams for competition raises questions about fairness. My idea is that through the earlier competitions, the winning team can impose disadvantages on the losing team during the final singing competition."
"Disadvantages?" Dong Wan asked.
"Yes, we need to find ways to incorporate these disadvantages into the songs without being too abrupt while ensuring it remains funny and that every segment connects," Miao PD explained.
The studio fell silent for a moment.
Han Yufei suggested, "If they lose, maybe they could perform without accompaniment or microphones...?"
Before she could finish, Miao PD rejected her idea, saying, "No, since the main theme is celebration, we need to maintain a certain level of entertainment value. If we do that, it undermines the essence of music and loses its entertainment factor."
"Then we could prepare some special props or costumes that the losing team must wear," Dong Wan proposed.
"We could also come up with some funny or nonsensical words that the winning team can choose for the losing team to incorporate into their adapted songs. This way, when the audience listens later, they'll pay attention to see if those words were included," Anna suggested.
"That works..." Miao PD nodded and said, "As for the songs, we still need guests who are genuinely skilled in music to come and make some adaptations; otherwise, it won't feel fresh."
After discussing for a while without arriving at any better suggestions, Miao PD considered and said, "Let's combine Anna and Dong Wan's proposals. Everyone think of some interesting props and words. Dong Wan, please organize a complete proposal for me later. Anna, help Dong Wan write it up."
"Okay." Everyone agreed.
"Also, for the next episode, we should prepare for this year's Idol Sports Festival since fans are really looking forward to it. Think about which Idols would be suitable. Of course, by 'suitable,' I mean considering their schedules, popularity, and athletic ability. They shouldn't be too far off from our Members' athletic capabilities," Miao PD stated.
"As for athletic ability? Yonghwa, Nichkhun, or Yunhao might be too strong. If we add someone like Kim Dong-jun among the Idols, our Members won't stand a chance," Dong Wan remarked.
"Miao PD said, 'Moreover, they have already participated in the Idol Sports Festival too many times. This time, I want to invite some fresh faces.'"
"However, we cannot underestimate Brother Jae-seok and Jung Kook's abilities. Every time before, we thought the Idol team would definitely win, but they were instead suppressed by the Running Man members," Anna said.
"Let's invite EXO's Park Chan-yeol and MESE's Jang Bo-Yeon to participate. In terms of popularity, they are definitely at the top right now. They just released a new album and have just debuted, plus they have high-profile gossip surrounding them," Dong Wan said.
Anna's expression stiffened, and she remained silent.
"Are we in a love letter? If we invite them, we can only choose one. Otherwise, the other idols will just be supporting characters. The Idol Sports Festival should focus on individual abilities for the main spotlight, not lovelines," Miao PD said. "Everyone should submit their preferred candidates to Park Soo Eun first, and then Sook-eun will handle the invitations."
"Understood." Anna and everyone else agreed, but she silently hoped that no matter who came, she just didn't want to see him.
She had never cried so heartbreakingly in front of others before. When she saw Lee Kwang-soo again, Anna felt a bit awkward, but that feeling was quickly shattered by Kwang-soo.
"Hey, Anna Zheng, you look as thin as a little chick!" Lee Kwang-soo exclaimed with wide eyes. "Look, every time I bring you delicious food, you don't even see me. Guess it's karma."
Yoo Jae-suk, who originally wanted to greet Anna together, was completely amused by Kwang-soo's words.
"Kwang-soo, how can you talk to a girl like that? What do you mean by little chick?" Brother Jae-seok couldn't hide his amusement.
Anna shot a disdainful glance at Lee Kwang-soo and then looked at Brother Jae-seok and said, "Brother Jae-seok, you don't need to repeat that, and you're laughing way too happily."
"After work today, I'll treat you to something good," Kwang-soo said.
"I'm not going," Anna replied while flipping through her documents.
Seeing Anna being so cold towards him again, Lee Kwang-soo chuckled and said, "Ahh, this is the familiar Anna Zheng that has returned."
Anna helplessly shot him another glance.
Yoo Jae-suk smiled and said, "Anna, we've been unable to reach you for a month. Jing'en is also very worried. He heard you were coming to work today and specifically invited you over for dinner at his place tonight."
Hearing the invitation from Sister Jingeun, Anna smiled and said, "Alright, thank you, Brother Jae-seok, and Sister Jingeun."
"I'll go too," Kwang-soo said. "Brother Jae-seok, is that okay?"
"Of course! I'll ask Kim Jong Kook and the others if they want to join us," Brother Jae-seok replied. "But Jing'en will have to prepare more food."
Anna laughed happily and said, "Great, let's all go together."
"Get ready for filming!" Dong Wan shouted from over there.
After saying their goodbyes, everyone returned to their positions. The members had already lined up in front, chatting to warm up, checking their final preparations as they waited for the cameras to roll.
"Senior Anna."
A timid voice came from beside her. Anna looked over to see Han Yufei. Anna smiled and said, "Oh, Miss Yufei, what’s up? Is there something you need?"
Yufei blushed. She was petite with long hair, a round face, very fair skin, and small eyes that looked particularly friendly. However, her personality was a bit reserved; she always seemed cautious when speaking at meetings and would lower her head with a rosy face.
"I've been here for more than half a month and have heard the seniors talk about you, Senior Anna. They say you are smart, beautiful, and very capable. After getting to know you these past few days, I really like you," Yufei said as if it took a lot of effort to express those words.
Anna felt a bit shy and smiled. "With experience and effort, anyone can become capable. Let's work hard together, Miss Yufei. By the way, how old are you today?"
"I'm 24 years old," Yufei replied with a smile.
Anna said, "Then we're the same age! From now on, let's drop the formalities; just call me Anna."
"Okay, thank you, Anna."
"Let's do our best together, Yufei."
"Ah, it's almost time to start filming! What are we chatting about? The props are ready over there; hurry up and check them!" Park Soo Eun's voice suddenly came from behind.
Yufei quickly lowered her head in fear, said goodbye to Anna and Simple, and silently went to check the props.
Anna looked at Park Soo Eun helplessly and smiled, "It seems this newcomer will have to endure some training from Sister Park, right?"
"Beneficial and harmless," Sook-eun replied with a smile.
"Yes, I can relate..."
"But this Miss Yufei doesn't have as thick a skin as someone else; she's too timid, making me almost feel sorry for her," Sook-eun said.
"Then sister, please go easy on her," Anna said with a smile.
Sook-eun chuckled and said, "Let's see how she performs." However, her tough exterior quickly softened as she walked over to help Han Yufei with the props.
"Anna, don't just stand there. Go check all the filming camera positions and confirm with the members about their filming cameras. Once everything is confirmed, let me know so I can inform everyone, and then you can go directly to the clapperboard," Miao PD instructed.
"Okay," Anna replied.
Today's recording had a small mishap. Even though BADA had collaborated with Kiseong Jeong at the 2011 West Coast Highway Song Festival for Infinite Challenge, and the lyrics of the song "Only I Can Sing This Song" were written by Gary, when she saw Gary today, she mistakenly identified him as ZICO... The members, guests, and staff all found it hilarious.
When she heard "Only I Can Sing This Song" back in 2011, Anna Zheng was just a student working part-time to pay for school and merely a small fan of Yoo Jae-suk's variety shows. Shows like Infinite Challenge and Running Man were just dreams and goals for her. She remembered imagining who Gary might have been thinking about when he wrote those lyrics while BADA sang them with deep emotion. Was he thinking of Sister Jihyo? Such innocent yet somewhat clumsy fantasies.
However, after returning to the Task Force a month later, Anna felt that something seemed to have happened between Sister Jihyo and Brother Gary because their interactions on the show had become increasingly scarce. The previously natural and intimate exchanges suddenly disappeared, which felt strange.
Brother Stone often had to go home to be with his wife and kids, so it was normal for him to miss their gatherings. However, today, Brother Gary, who almost never missed anything, was absent.
"Brother Gary? Why isn't he here?" Anna asked Ji-hyo, who was sitting next to her.
"I don't know," Ji-hyo replied indifferently.
"Sister Jihyo, did you two have a fight?" Anna whispered.
"Of course not," Ji-hyo said.
Anna secretly tugged at Lee Kwang-soo's shirt next to her.
Unexpectedly, Kwang-soo, completely oblivious, exclaimed loudly, "What's wrong? Why are you pulling my shirt?"
Anna looked frustrated and awkwardly smiled back at Jung Kook and the others, saying, "Oh, you have something dirty on your shirt."
Kwang-soo lifted his shirt and said, "Really?" Then he put his arm around Anna's shoulders and said, "Thank you, Anna."
Anna disdainfully shrugged his long arm off.
"The dishes are ready; everyone dig in," Sister Jin-eun said as she brought the last dish to the table.
"Okay, Sister Jingeun, you should sit down and eat with us too."
"Sure," Jing'en replied and sat down next to Jae-seok.
Yoo Jae-suk led everyone in raising their glasses and said, "Let's all welcome Anna back."
"Okay."
"Thank you, everyone," Anna said with a happy smile. Listening to the sound of glasses clinking together and seeing the genuine smiles on each of their faces was the happiest moment for Anna in over a month.
"After watching that press conference video, I have to say, Anna, you were amazing. I was worried you wouldn't handle it well, but you answered so well," Haha said.
"That was all just for show; I was actually really nervous. I ended up getting so anxious that I had stomach cramps and fainted. It's so embarrassing to think about," Anna said with an embarrassed smile.
"Yeah, it really surprised me at the time; I thought there had been a terrorist attack or something when it suddenly happened," Jae-seok joked with a laugh.
Everyone laughed happily, but Kwang-soo, who seemed very hungry, was clearly not in the mood and kept his head down eating.
"Delicious, Brother Jae-seok is really lucky," Kwang-soo said, chewing on a piece of kimchi pork belly roll, his lips glistening with oil.
"Why aren't you drinking today, Kwang-soo? Ji-hyo isn't drinking either?" Haha joked, saying, "Aren't you two always out until you're drunk?"
Kwang-soo replied, "I can't. I have to drive Anna home later."
At this statement, everyone at the table exchanged glances in silence. Anna nearly buried her head in her rice bowl.
Haha was the first to laugh, saying, "What’s going on with you two?"
Anna quickly waved her hands and shook her head in excitement.
"Hey, Haha Brother, we're just friends, friends~," Kwang-soo said.
"Oh, I saw Kwang-soo with an actress yesterday. You know, the one from that drama airing on Thursdays. You guys still don't know what Kwang-soo is like," Jung Kook said.
Anna looked at Kim Jong Kook with gratitude.
"We're just not each other's type," Kwang-soo said.
"Yeah, it's a relationship that couldn't even survive the end of the universe," Anna added.
Yoo Jae-suk and Roh Jeong-eun exchanged smiles, and everyone moved on from the topic.
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