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墨書 Inktalez
"Jiang... Jiang Zhenyuan..." Anna felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, nearly losing her balance. Fortunately, there were some chairs nearby, and she managed to steady herself by leaning on one of them.
"Miss Anna, what happened to you..." The director was startled. At that moment, Anna's face was as pale as death.
"It's nothing..." Anna said, forcing a smile. "Director, can you find out where they are now?"
"Well... I'm afraid I can't..." The director's expression showed difficulty.
"I'm really sorry for the trouble," Anna replied.
"No, it's just that I truly don't know their exact address. From her mother's accent, they should be from Jeolla Province."
"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Director." Anna slightly bowed in gratitude.
"No need to thank me, but..."
Anna didn't listen to the director's next words. She walked out of the dining hall, her mind a chaotic mess. Jiang Zhenyuan, a name that was almost fading from her memory, had suddenly resurfaced unexpectedly. No wonder she always reacted so strangely when she saw her.
But... why was that strange reaction mostly one of intense fear?
Clearly, it was she who had plotted against Anna, luring her into the SBS archive room, nearly leading to her downfall. Why did it seem now that Anna was the one who had caused her to end up like this?
Could it really be related to Anna?
As she sat in the empty car, such thoughts flooded her mind, and Anna shook her head vigorously in denial. However, Andy's words echoed again in her head. Could it be that Jiang Zhenyuan had indeed become like this because of Anna?
Yet, according to what Andy had said at that time, Jiang Zhenyuan should have already been dead. Why was she at that subway station? How did she end up here? And then taken away by her own mother?
Was the person who took her really her mother?
Seeing the terrified expression on Jiang Zhenyuan's face when she met me proves that she must know something. If she knows, why doesn't she choose to call the police or tell someone else?
Why...
"Why did you come here alone?" Lee Kwang-soo got into the car.
Anna snapped back to reality, forced a smile, and tried to collect her thoughts. "It's nothing, just feeling a bit unwell and wanted some quiet."
Kwang-soo looked at Anna's face and said, "Why do you look so pale?"
"It’s probably because I’ve been in the car for too long," Anna replied.
After a busy day, they returned from Busan to Seoul at night. The woman's face had already become a nightmare; whenever she closed her eyes, all she could see was that twisted face and hear the mournful screams. If she really is Jiang Zhenyuan, Anna told herself that she must find her and ask her what was going on.
"It's late; let's go to a bar for some fun. It's been a while since we went," Ji-hyo suddenly suggested in the car.
"Hey... sister, you’re suggesting this because Brother Gary is at the bar, right?" Lee Kwang-soo teased.
"How do you know Gary is at the bar..." Ji-hyo was surprised.
Kwang-soo helplessly raised his phone in front of Ji-hyo and said, "Because Brother Gary texted me too."
"This damn man..." Ji-hyo muttered under her breath.
"If there's nothing else going on, let's all go together and grab something to eat on the way. It's been ages since we had fun," Brother Jae-seok said.
"Sure, let's go together," Jung Kook agreed.
"What about you, Anna?" Kwang-soo asked.
Anna originally didn't want to go, but thinking about how Brother Jae-seok would have to take her home and then make a detour back, which would ruin everyone's mood, she nodded and said, "Let's go together."
It had indeed been a long time since she last visited Cat's Paw Bar. Although she couldn't drink or dance, and could only serve as a backdrop each time, the bar always had a magical power to temporarily sweep away people's troubles.
"Ah... that kid Kwang-soo is still in the news with Anna, yet he runs off to dance with another girl. He really can't change," Yoo Jae-suk teased.
"That's all fake; I don't mind," Anna replied with a smile.
"The news about you two will probably blow over soon. At least nothing major has happened," Yoo Jae-suk said.
"Brother Jae-seok..." Anna hesitated.
"What’s wrong?"
After thinking for a moment, Anna spoke up, "Brother Jae-seok, if one day you find out that, although it wasn't your intention, someone became miserable because of you, what would you do?"
Yoo Jae-suk smiled and said, "Many people might become miserable because of me too, but as long as you know in your heart that you didn't intend to harm anyone, that's enough to bring peace. If you can't find peace, then do your best to make amends. But never think that you truly owe those people anything; otherwise, you'll live in heavy chains and lock yourself away. Do you understand?"
At that moment, Anna felt as if a halo like that of Jesus' arrival was shining behind Yoo Jae-suk, dazzling and blinding her gaze.
Anna shook her head in confusion and said, "I don't understand... but it seems very reasonable."
Yoo Jae-suk sighed, "You'll understand slowly... But don't dwell on these things too much. Right now, Running Man doesn't have an Assistant Director; there's only Miao PD as the head PD and you FD members. The year-end is approaching, and they will select one or two people for the Assistant Director position. You need to work hard and perform well."
"What? I didn't hear about this!" Anna exclaimed in confusion.
"Think about when Zhao PD and Miao PD were promoted last year," he replied.
Anna thought for a moment and said, "Ah, it seems like it was indeed during winter."
"Every year it's like this; it's a well-known agreement. It's just that Miao PD probably won't be promoted again for a while, after all, he can't leave Running Man right now."
"Brother Jae-seok." Anna smiled apologetically and said, "I came to Running Man not for a promotion."
"I know that, but being in different positions means seeing things differently," Yoo Jae-suk said. Anna felt as if the heavens were about to descend again, so she quickly prepared herself to listen attentively. "Just like when you first arrived, you were only doing some odd jobs, but now you can assist Miao PD. I feel that your abilities have been recognized by many. The things you see will be different. As your abilities improve, your responsibilities naturally become greater. The feeling of recording a show is always different from that of a live broadcast because the host faces a filming machine versus a live audience. When you can reach the position of Assistant Director on a popular variety show, the things you'll have to worry about are far beyond what you can imagine now."
"Brother Jae-seok, being able to be where I am now, I already..."
Yoo Jae-suk interrupted Anna, saying, "Don't say the word 'satisfied.'"
"Huh?"
"Anna, one can be content because those who are content feel happy and won't resort to unscrupulous means or go astray because of it. However, when it comes to your dreams, you must never say the word 'satisfied.' Satisfaction means stagnation, or even falling behind. You should have experienced quite a bit of what the entertainment industry in Korea is like; stagnation means falling behind. Behind you, there are always countless newcomers emerging. If you're not careful, you could become a casualty of some wave; even missing one beat could leave you trailing behind while others surge ahead. At that point, you won't even be able to hold onto your 'satisfied' position. Do you understand?"
"I think I understand some of it now, Brother Jae-seok," Anna nodded. "I'll work hard; don't worry. I'm also thinking that when my abilities reach a certain level in the future, I want to create an entirely new flagship program, and at that time, the host will definitely still be you, Brother Jae-seok." Anna smiled with relief.
"Haha, don't worry; I'm looking forward to that day as well. You must believe that words carry weight," Jae-seok said.
Finally unable to contain himself any longer, Brother Jae-seok ran to the center of the dance floor and started moving. Some familiar artists happily joined him in dancing, leaving only Anna sitting there dazedly. After all, dancing was something Anna simply couldn't manage.
Lee Kwang-soo was already drunkenly leaning against a girl, and Anna glanced at him.
"Are you here by yourself?"
A familiar voice appeared beside her. Anna looked up and exclaimed, "Hogga?!" She was almost startled enough to scream. "What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry," Hogga smiled as he spoke; it was warm in the bar and he was only wearing a clean white shirt, but his hands were still clad in mismatched black leather gloves. "I just came here to have some fun; I'm not here looking for you—just happened to run into you."
Remembering her previous experience of wanting to see him here, Anna asked, "Do you come here often? Was it also you I saw here before?"
"I come here often, but it's been a while since my last visit." Hogga smiled slightly, his black pupils reflecting a mysterious light in the illumination. "Why don't you go dance?"
"I can't."
"How's the house treating you?"
"It's fine, thank you. However, I think I will move out soon."
"Now is not the time."
"Why?"
"As I told you before, wait until Park Anqing leaves or he accepts you." Hogga raised the corner of his mouth.
"I've met him," Anna said, looking down.
"And then?"
"He won't accept me. Also, how does he know you?"
"That's normal; just like I know him."
"Well, it's strange to me. Maybe it's always mundane for you all."
"Not at all, Anna."
"What?"
"You'll find out soon."
Anna smiled weakly and said, "It's quick again... You always say that. At this point, I don't expect anything anymore."
Hogga suddenly frowned, his hand shaking slightly as he placed the wine glass heavily on the table, spilling a few drops of wine from under the blanket.
"What's wrong?" Anna asked.
Hogga slowly withdrew his hand, smiled, and said, "It's nothing... Anna..." He looked at Anna with a strange emotion in his eyes.
This expression made Anna feel uneasy. "What's wrong?" Anna asked again.
"I want to hug you," Hogga said.
"What?" Anna was surprised, her face filled with fear.
Seeing her like this, Hogga chuckled, stood up, and gently patted Anna's head. "You're so scared. Then forget it. I'm leaving; you enjoy yourself."
Anna watched Hogga's departing figure for a long time before coming back to her senses, but Hogga did not leave the bar; instead, he slowly walked up the stairs.
That place? It was clearly where Cat was.
"Who is that person?" Kim Jong Kook, still panting from dancing, ran back to take a sip of his drink and seemed to have spotted Hogga's figure.
"Oh, just someone I know," Anna replied.
Kim Jong Kook sat down and poured another glass. "He looks somewhat familiar."
"What?" Anna asked in confusion.
"It seems like I've seen him somewhere before, but I can't remember where."
"Have you seen Jung Kook?"
"I don't know, I think I have," Kim Jong Kook smiled and said, "Hey, Anna, didn't you say he was someone you knew? Why are you asking me instead?"
Anna felt a bit awkward and laughed, saying, "Yeah, how come I'm asking you? It's just that I really don't know anything."
It wasn't until she got home and lay down on her bed that Anna finally calmed down and had time to sort through the puzzling events of the past few days.
Why did Park Anqing know about Hogga's existence, and why did Hogga seem to care about Park Anqing?
Why was that strange woman Jiang Zhenyuan? Didn't Andy say she was already dead? Was the person who took her really her mother?
Why did Park Anqing also say to keep away from Park Chan-yeol and Hogga?
And what about that strange Lady Han Yoon-soo? If Anna wasn't mistaken, there must be some kind of grudge she held against her. But they had only just met...
Anna felt overwhelmed; it hadn't been long since her carefree days, and now a whole bunch of troubles surrounded her that needed solving. Why was she stuck in this strange cycle? Where did it all begin?
Anna really wanted to ask Jiang Zhenyuan in person what had actually happened. The fog around her was thick, and she could only helplessly feel her way through it. When did life start becoming so complicated and full of obstacles?
But thankfully, her dreams remained unchanged.
Just like Brother Jae-seok said, she couldn't be complacent. It had been a long time since she sat down to think about her dreams; every day she was tangled up in other matters. It had been ages since she had a good talk with her own 'original intention.' Now at twenty-something, Anna Zheng realized that her journey towards her dreams had been much less smooth than Brother Jae-seok's. However, because of this, she had also developed some inertia.
It was essential to keep moving forward towards the destination of her dreams without rest.
Moreover, she now had an additional motivation: she needed to reach the same height as Park Chan-yeol, standing side by side with him. Only then could she confidently introduce herself to those who admired him.
Just as she was thinking about this, Park Chan-yeol's name appeared on her phone screen. Anna smiled; even the strongest women could be fickle. In that moment, sweetness filled most of her heart, warm and needing no more words.
"What did you talk about with your little friend?" Cat took a puff of smoke while sitting on an exquisite chair.
Hogga sat down, looked at his gloved hands, and helplessly raised the corner of his mouth.
"It started hurting again, really not the right time," Hogga said.
"I heard they have already met. The show you've been waiting for should be starting soon."
"By then, she will probably hate me to death."
Cat smiled slightly, stood up, and walked to the window, looking at the people below indulging in their revelry, as well as Anna, who was sitting alone, lost in thought.
"Are you in love with her?" Cat asked, extinguishing the half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray beside him.
"Why are you asking that again?"
"Just curious," Cat replied, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.
"Her stable life is destined to be ruined by me. There will be no love between us; only resentment will remain."
"I'm not asking about between you two; I'm asking about you," Cat said.
Hogga shifted his position, leaned back against the sofa, tilted his head back, and remained silent.
"Do me a favor," Hogga finally said after a long pause.
"What is it?"
"I want to know more specifics about the old man's condition. Also, find an appropriate time to let him know," Hogga said.
"Alright, I understand." Cat looked at Hogga and asked, "Did Frank's medicine work for you?"
Hogga smiled nonchalantly, "It's okay, I guess."
"You can wait a bit longer."
"I can't wait anymore. If he doesn't die a proper death, it would be too easy on him."
"You're still like this."
"Yeah, I can't change."
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Miao PD completely handed over the post-production of the recording video of the Father of Comedy, Mr. Li, to the post-production department. This was the first time he took a completely hands-off approach. Anna could probably imagine how frustrated he must have felt to do something like this. However, since it was Running Man, Miao PD still instructed Dong Wan to keep an eye on things.
The most challenging part of each creative meeting was that once there was an idea, they could then design other segments of the show. However, good, feasible, and innovative ideas were the hardest to come by.
Sure enough, everyone started to lower their heads and ponder deeply again. The show's creativity could often be drawn from many aspects: movies, television, the artists themselves, stories, anecdotes, anime, life experiences, and the show itself... and so on. Therefore, what writers did most every day was to connect various aspects to the show; FD and PD also had to think about it because good ideas had nothing to do with the department they belonged to.
"We are currently discussing next week's recording while also thinking about the upcoming Year-End Special and Christmas Special. Each of you can write down your thoughts so we can all review them together later," Miao PD said.
"Okay, understood," everyone replied.
"Also, headquarters has decided that this year we will promote two personnel from FD within our Task Force as Assistant Directors for Running Man. Work hard; it will be decided at the beginning of the year. Don't let me down," Miao PD said with a smile.
Hearing this news, everyone clearly became a bit excited; everyone knew that moving from FD to PD was a qualitative change.
It seemed that this time's Christmas Special and Year-End Special plans needed to be well prepared.
"Anna, someone is looking for you," said Park Soo Eun, who had just returned from the restroom.
Anna looked puzzled and glanced at Miao PD.
Miao PD nodded and said, "Go ahead, the rest is about next week's program planning. You can join us again when you come back."
"Okay, thank you, Miao PD," Anna replied as she stood up and walked toward the door.
In the corridor, near the staircase, there was a lady standing with her back turned. Anna felt she looked somewhat familiar but couldn't quite place her. So, she slowly approached her.
"Hello, may I ask who you are?" Anna said.
The woman finally turned around, and Anna was taken aback to see Han Yoon-soo, Park Chan-yeol's stepmother, dressed in elegant modern attire but still exuding grace and warmth.
"Oh, hello," Anna instinctively bowed in greeting.
"Zheng... Miss Anna?" Han Yoon-soo smiled somewhat stiffly.
"Yes, I am Anna Zheng," Anna replied respectfully.
Han Yoon-soo's eyes slightly reddened as she turned away to compose herself before smiling again and saying, "Don't be afraid. No one knows I'm here; I just wanted to ask you something."
Anna was confused by Han Yoon-soo's strange behavior but remained humble and said, "Alright. Please follow me to our lounge."
"Okay, okay," Han Yoon-soo said with a smile.
Anna brought a glass of water and placed it in front of Han Yoon-soo. Han Yoon-soo held the glass and kept her gaze fixed on Anna's face, unable to look away, which made Anna feel a bit uncomfortable.
"May I ask why you came to see me?" Anna inquired.
Han Yoon-soo seemed to realize that her behavior had made Anna a bit uncomfortable, so she took a sip of water and placed the cup on the table.
“Anna... Miss, may I ask what your father's name is?”
“Eh?” Anna was puzzled.
“It seems a bit rude to ask such a question,” Han Yoon-soo said, lowering her head in embarrassment.
Anna looked at the woman in front of her, who was over forty but well-preserved. Indeed, her behavior was always somewhat strange, yet Anna couldn't bring herself to feel annoyed. Instead, she could sense her gentleness and caution.
Anna smiled lightly and said, “No, it’s not rude. My father’s name is Zheng Yingjae. He passed away a few years ago.”
“Oh... I see.” Han Yoon-soo's expression was calm yet unpredictable. “Then, over the years, how have you and... no, how have you been?”
Anna thought for a moment, then smiled freely and said, “I have a twin brother. Our mother died shortly after we were born, and our father drank every day. When we were little, our grandmother took care of us. After she passed away, it became just my brother and me taking care of each other. It seemed tough back then, but looking back now, it doesn’t seem like much.”
“Your mother... died?” Han Yoon-soo asked.
Anna nodded and said, “Yes, she did.”
Tears nearly welled up in Han Yoon-soo's eyes; she lowered her head quickly to stop them.
“Madam, are you alright?” Anna asked in confusion.
Han Yoon-soo forced a smile and said, “It’s nothing. I just think it must have been difficult for you at such a young age. So... where is your brother now?”
“He...” Anna thought for a moment and really didn’t know how to talk about Andy, so she said, “He is currently in Italy.”
“Is he working there?”
"Maybe." Anna smiled helplessly.
Han Yoon-soo nodded and said, "That's good." She looked at Anna, hesitating a bit. "Miss Anna, if... if your mother hadn't died... would you resent her?"
"Eh?" Anna didn't understand what she meant.
"Maybe it's better that she died," Han Yoon-soo murmured.
Anna smiled awkwardly and said, "Actually... you guessed right, my mother just left home after giving birth to us and never came back. But if I always think like that, remembering the tough times over the years, it's hard not to feel resentment. It's better to consider her as someone who is no longer in this world because she couldn't be with us. That way, I won't feel resentful."
Before she finished speaking, Han Yoon-soo's tears finally couldn't be held back any longer, dripping onto the table. This startled Anna.
"What's wrong with you?" Anna quickly grabbed a tissue and handed it to Han Yoon-soo.
Han Yoon-soo took it, her lips trembling slightly. "I'm sorry..."
"What?" Anna asked.
"It's just... I'm sorry for bringing up these unhappy things again," Han Yoon-soo said.
"It's nothing. Those hard days are behind me, and I rarely bring it up. I felt you were very kind, so I told you. It's all in the past now," Anna said with a smile. "But I've made you cry; I'm really sorry."
"Anna." Han Yoon-soo suddenly grasped Anna's hand as if carefully examining her face. "Anna, if you're willing, can you consider me as your mother from now on?"
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