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墨書 Inktalez
Strange sounds never ceased, and every time Anna heard them, she felt a chill run down her spine. She had imagined countless possibilities of what could be happening in the attic. But no matter what it was, what she needed most now was to see it for herself.
Another sleepless night. This must be what exhaustion feels like.
"He has a flight at 8:45 PM the day after tomorrow," Kai's words echoed in her ears again. Tomorrow night, she really wanted to see him, to tell him to just wait a little longer.
But she couldn't. Everything now required restraint; even in pain, she had to endure.
The summer night passed quickly. Just as she had barely closed her eyes, the sky began to brighten. Checking the time, it was just past four in the morning. She was completely awake, but it was still early for work, so Anna lay there in bed.
Footsteps came up the stairs. At this hour when everyone should be asleep, Andy quietly came upstairs again to check if Anna was awake before slowly walking toward the attic door.
Why did he have so many secrets to keep from her? Why let her come back? Anna had once struggled with this question, but now she understood. Just as Andy said, he wanted everything: career, power, money, love, and of course, family—something everyone needed.
And Anna was merely a piece of the puzzle that fulfilled all of Andy's ambitions; without her, it wouldn't be complete.
Andy stayed inside for a long time—about an hour—before coming out. Only after confirming he was downstairs did Anna slowly open her eyes again.
Barefoot, she carefully walked to the door. Through the crack, there seemed to be a unique scent lingering in the air. Upon closer thought, it resembled the fragrance of the perfume Jung Kook always wore but was still different.
Sleepiness vanished completely until the sound of the bell rang out.
"What’s going on? Do I smell weird?" Ji-hyo looked at Anna with confusion as if sniffing herself.
"Sister Jihyo, do you know much about perfumes?"
Ji-hyo thought for a moment and replied, "I guess so. Why? Are you looking to buy some perfume?"
"Do you know what kind of perfume Jung Kook wears? Do you know the formula?" Anna asked.
Ji-hyo was surprised that Anna would ask such a strange question and said, "How could I possibly know that? But... if you ask about Jung Kook's perfume type, you should be able to find out the formula. But why do you want to know?"
Anna smiled apologetically and said, "It's nothing, I'm just curious. I think the scent is quite unique."
"Ah, it's really strange that you like men's perfume," Ji-hyo remarked.
The Task Force suddenly became a bit restless; seeing the expressions of the female staff, they knew that another handsome male artist was about to arrive. Sure enough, the two looked over and saw Lee Joon-gi, Hong Jong-hyun, and Kang Ha Na, all dressed up and waiting seriously for the filming to start.
"Wow, he's really handsome," Ji-hyo exclaimed.
"Who is it? Is it Mr. Kang Ha Na?" Anna also looked over.
"I'm talking about Mr. Lee Joon-gi," Ji-hyo replied with a smile.
"Anna, check the audio devices. We're about to start the opening shoot," Miao PD said to Anna.
"Oh, okay," Anna responded.
After a brief farewell to Ji-hyo, Anna hurried over to confirm that each person's audio device was working properly. Of course, as she passed by Jung Kook, she also asked him about the perfume he was using. Jung Kook was surprised and was thoroughly teased by Lee Kwang-soo nearby. Anna shot him a glance but ignored it.
After confirming everything was in order, Anna ran over to Miao PD's side.
"Miao PD, all audio devices are functioning properly," Anna said.
"Good. Wait here for a moment; you'll guide the opening shortly," Miao PD instructed.
"What?" Anna was surprised. Not to mention that she had been making mistakes lately, the opening seemed simple but was actually an extremely important part that directly affected the atmosphere of the entire show.
"Dong Wan told me about your ideas; everyone thinks they're great. Dong Wan has included them in the plan as well. Also, for next week's Return to the Original Intent Special, you and Dong Wan need to put in some effort," Miao PD said.
Anna sighed and lowered her head, saying, "I'm really sorry, Miao PD. I'm not suited for such an important task right now, but please give me some time to adjust."
Miao PD thought for a moment and said, "Alright then. If you have any good suggestions, make sure to bring them up in time. The ratings have finally seen a miraculous slight increase. And still, you'll be in charge of the opening."
Anna considered it for a moment, nodded, and said, "Okay. Thank you, Miao PD."
Chapter 158: I Seem to Have Seen You
I asked about Jung Kook's perfume, which is a long-established cologne from CALO. However, its scent is different from other colognes; not only does it have distinct ingredients, but it also includes Fir, Rosemary, and Benzoin Resin.
Anna searched for information on these ingredients and finally found that Fir Balsam Resin has a scent that is particularly detested by Lizard-type reptiles.
So that's how it is.
Those two Lizards were not pets raised by Andy; they were another barrier behind that door—a terrifying barrier preventing others from accessing the attic.
"Since filming ended so early, how about going out for a meal together?" Jung Kook suggested.
"Sure!" Everyone responded positively to the suggestion, including Mr. Lee Joon-gi and his two companions who had filmed with them today.
"Jung Kook is treating?" Lee Kwang-soo asked happily.
"Of course. Let's go, and we can invite the Task Force members too," Jung Kook said with a smile.
However, Anna sat aside, staring at the time on her phone screen, unable to look away for a long time because there was only half an hour left until Park Chan-yeol's flight took off.
"Anna, what are you doing? Daydreaming? Get ready to go eat; Jung Kook is treating," Park Soo Eun said as she patted Anna's shoulder.
Anna did not respond; her mind was in turmoil.
"What's wrong with you?" Seeing her unresponsive, Park Soo Eun was startled.
"Nothing." Anna stood up. "I have something to do; I'm leaving first." With that, she grabbed her bag and ignored any remaining work.
She knew very well that arriving at the airport at this time would mean she wouldn't see him; the plane might have already taken off. Perhaps it was precisely because she knew she wouldn't see him that she felt compelled to go.
"Where are you going?" Park Soo Eun called out to Anna's retreating figure.
"What happened?" Yoo Jae-suk asked as he happened to witness this scene.
"Oh, Brother Jae-seok," Park Soo Eun said with a smile. "I don't know, he said he had something to do and left in a hurry."
Yoo Jae-suk sighed. In fact, when he learned that Zheng Andy was Anna's brother, and when he accidentally overheard some things, he probably realized that Anna would have many troubles in the future.
The crowd surged, coming and going, with suitcases filled with worries that couldn't be let go of at some point.
In the international flight waiting hall, it had already started to feel a bit empty. Anna was running hurriedly, even though the big screen had already indicated that Park Chan-yeol's flight was about to take off.
In a daze, it seemed like a miracle had occurred; she saw a familiar figure. However, Anna instinctively hid behind a pillar until she cautiously gathered the courage to peek out and confirm if it was indeed the person she was looking for, only to find that the figure had already disappeared at the boarding gate...
A feeling of exhaustion washed over her. Anna smiled self-deprecatingly and checked the time; it was almost nine o'clock. How could that figure possibly be him?
With particularly heavy steps, she walked to the large glass window. Outside was dark; although there were lights, Anna still couldn't tell which plane on the tarmac was his.
Goodbye; we will definitely meet again.
No matter what kind of relationship we have when we meet next time.
As long as I can see you again, I will definitely find a reason to come back here.
After saying so many hurtful things, please forget them by then... Anna waved aimlessly and said goodbye.
Hey! I feel like I sensed you coming to see me off, but when I turned around, there was nothing. Was it you?
Oh! Although I came late, I think I still saw a figure that looked a lot like you. But without the courage to confirm it, by the time I looked again, it had already vanished. Was it you?
Hey! Through the airplane window, I think I saw your silhouette waving goodbye to me in front of the large glass. Was it you?
Oh! In the night, a small silhouette in front of the window looked just like you. Was it you?
It must all be my imagination; how could you possibly be there?
Let's wait a little longer; at this moment, I should be able to call you my dear friend.
My dear friend, please wait patiently; you will surely return.
After much contemplation, Anna still needs help with this matter, but who could possibly understand it?
If she rashly seeks out a professional, it's very likely that Andy will find out, and that would be disastrous.
Having rested all day, Anna couldn't shake these thoughts from her mind. It wasn't until Kwang-soo called, wanting to invite her out to have fun, that she remembered their previous outing to find Gao Yingmei. Perhaps this time, she should have a chat with him.
"Is there really nowhere else to go besides the bar?" Anna asked Kwang-soo.
"It's private enough here, plus you can drink and dance. There aren't many places like this in Seoul, so of course we come here. Brother Jae-seok is free today too; he'll be coming over shortly. That guy hasn't been out in a while," Kwang-soo replied with a smile.
"You've almost become a regular at Cat's Paw," Anna remarked.
"There are as many artists living in Seoul as there are regulars here. No worries—no matter how wild it gets here, everyone will tacitly forget about it once they leave. That's the beauty of this place," Kwang-soo said.
Indeed, even Anna admired the management of Cat's Paw, especially the stunning Boss Lady. Although the artists who come here don't want to reveal their activities, if it weren't for the strict rules established by Cat, there probably wouldn't be so many artists feeling safe enjoying their nights without any pretense.
As they entered the bar, Anna instinctively looked up to see if Cat was upstairs.
"What are you looking at?" Kwang-soo asked curiously.
"Oh, I'm looking for Jung Kook and the others," Anna replied.
Kwang-soo glanced around, trying to spot them amidst the flashing lights.
"Oh, over there! And there's Sister Jihyo, dancing," Kwang-soo pointed out.
Following his direction, Anna saw that indeed, Sister Jihyo was dancing with her usual stiff moves but a radiant smile. No wonder—she was dancing with Choi Min-ho. Ah, she hadn't realized how familiar they were when they came to record the show before.
"Brother Kwangsoo?" A delicate voice called out. Both Kwang-soo and Anna turned to see none other than Lisa from S Group.
Without needing to look closely, Anna knew that Kwang-soo's pupils had already transformed into heart shapes.
“Anna... I...” Kwang-soo said.
Anna glanced at him and directly interrupted, saying, “Alright, brother, you can go. Don't worry about me, have fun.”
As soon as Anna finished speaking, Kwang-soo grinned and walked away with Miss Lisa.
Anna shook her head helplessly.
“Miss Anna Zheng.” The voice was unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar.
Anna looked up in surprise to find the actor Mr. Li in front of her. This was the first time she had encountered Mr. Li since that incident. She had never seen him at Cat's Paw before.
“Hello, Mr. Li,” Anna quickly bowed and greeted him.
Mr. Li smiled and said, “No need to be so formal, Miss Anna. Would you like a drink?”
Anna nodded with a smile. She had originally come here just to chat with Jung Kook, but it probably wouldn't affect anything. She glanced at Jung Kook, who was completely absorbed in his fun, then turned to Mr. Li and said, “Sure, thank you.”
“I’m really sorry about that news. I saw you fainting at the press conference; are you alright?”
Anna smiled awkwardly and said, “I’m fine; it was my fault for being too nervous.”
“Whether you believe it or not, Miss Anna, that incident was not something I wanted the media to leak. I wouldn’t stoop to doing such things,” Mr. Li said.
Anna nodded and replied, “Mr. Li, I know it wasn’t you who said it, and I really appreciate that you were willing to come forward to clarify later.”
“Clarifying such matters doesn’t really help; reporters will just think it's a public relations statement,” Mr. Li chuckled.
Anna sighed helplessly and said, “Yeah.”
“I might have the chance to go on Running Man again; the last time is still fresh in my memory. I never expected that at my age over forty, I would be fooled by a girl in her twenties,” Mr. Li laughed along with Haha.
“Of course we welcome you back! But if you come again, what will we do if there’s another mud game?” Anna joked with a smile.
"I can only jump down now; I can't complain this time," Mr. Li said.
Anna lowered her head and smiled gracefully.
Mr. Li, accustomed to the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, knew that in this circle, any girl with a bit of beauty would be eager to show herself off. If a girl lacked beauty, she would find ways to change herself and push her way to the front, even at extreme costs.
Although Anna was behind the scenes, she had already stepped halfway into this world. When Mr. Li first met her, he thought that with her talent, if she were to step into the spotlight, she might achieve more unexpected rewards.
"Miss Anna, have you ever considered acting in a TV drama or movie?" Mr. Li asked.
Anna shook her head decisively without much thought and smiled, "I wouldn't know how to do that."
"Putting aside whether you can or not, if you want, I can recommend you," Mr. Li said with a smile.
Anna shrugged and replied, "My dream has always been to become an outstanding variety show director. Ideally, I want to be like Kim Tae-ho PD and direct Korea's top programs while collaborating with an excellent host like Brother Jae-seok. Also, if I were to step into the spotlight... well, I haven't really thought about that... but if that day comes, I hope to be a variety star who can work alongside Brother Jae-seok."
Mr. Li laughed heartily and said, "Anna, you are a huge fan of Mr. Yoo Jae-suk."
Anna nodded naturally and said, "Brother Jae-seok has always been like a god to me. So even though I'm just an FD for Running Man now, I'm gradually moving toward my dream."
"However, I saw your Q&A at the press conference the other day; I actually have a small piece of advice for you," Mr. Li said.
"What is it?" Anna asked.
"Miss Anna, if you get the chance, try stepping into the spotlight. Trust my judgment; being in front of the camera suits you better than being behind it," Mr. Li suggested.
"Mr. Li, you're really joking..." Anna said shyly as she lowered her head and smiled.
Mr. Li interrupted her and said, "I'm not joking, Miss Anna. I debuted at 18 and have survived in this industry for nearly 30 years; I believe I have some insight into people."
Anna remained silent; what Mr. Li had said today was something she had never considered at all.
"About that matter, I owe you a favor. So if you ever have thoughts in that direction in the future, I'll definitely help," Mr. Li said with a smile.
Anna could only smile and nod politely in thanks.
After chatting for a while, since she was the junior, Anna felt a bit awkward to leave first despite having other matters to attend to. It wasn't until Mr. Li received a phone call that Anna finally found the opportunity to slip away to the dance floor and look for the already lively Kim Jong Kook.
When Anna suddenly grabbed his arm, Jung Kook was clearly taken by surprise.
"Anna?!" Jung Kook exclaimed as he recognized her.
"Jung Kook, come with me for a moment," Anna said, pulling him out of the dance floor and over to the booth where Yoo Jae-suk was resting.
Seeing Anna bringing Kim Jong Kook over, Yoo Jae-suk smiled and asked, "Oh, Anna, Jung Kook, are you two tired from dancing?"
"No, Anna pulled me over," Jung Kook replied, confused.
"I have a question I want to ask Jung Kook," Anna said.
Sitting on the sofa, Yoo Jae-suk handed two already prepared drinks to Anna and Jung Kook. After dancing for a while, Jung Kook must have been thirsty; he picked up a glass and took a couple of sips.
"Jung Kook, do you know how to collect fingerprints and make sure that this fingerprint can unlock a fingerprint scanner?" Anna asked.
"What?!" Both of them were astonished, with Kim Jong Kook even spitting out the drink he had just taken.
"Anna, what are you trying to do?" Yoo Jae-suk asked.
"Yeah, with such a question... what are you planning? You’re not thinking of stealing from a safe or something, are you?" Kim Jong Kook wiped the spilled drink from his mouth.
"No," Anna replied. "In short, I'm not trying to do anything bad; you both have to trust me."
"Then what is it that requires something like this? Anna, are you getting into something dangerous again?" Yoo Jae-suk still felt uneasy about what had happened last time.
"I don't know... sigh, I don't even know how to explain this," Anna said.
"But why would you think to ask me such a question?" Jung Kook wondered aloud. "Why not consult someone more professional?"
"Anna said, 'Because it can't be, this matter cannot be known to anyone, and if I hire a professional, it is very likely that someone will find out.'
Kim Jong Kook and Yoo Jae-suk exchanged glances.
'Anna, about the last incident with Brother Jae-seok, you seemed to have found out a lot, and your methods were quite dangerous. What is it this time?' Jung Kook asked with some concern.
'I have my reasons for doing this...' Anna said, lowering her head.
Yoo Jae-suk sighed and said, 'Anna, if this matter is related to Mr. Zheng Andy, although you are relatives, I still want to advise you to be careful.'
Anna and Kim Jong Kook looked at Yoo Jae-suk in surprise. Anna was surprised by Yoo Jae-suk's deep understanding of the situation, while Jung Kook was astonished by the unheard-of relationship between them.
'Anna, you are Mr. Zheng Andy's relative? The newly appointed chairman of Century Group?' Jung Kook exclaimed as if he had just heard a shocking secret.
Anna silently nodded. 'He is my twin brother.' Then she asked Jae-seok, 'Brother, when did you find out? How did you know?'
Yoo Jae-suk thought for a moment and replied, 'Actually, before my incident happened, there were a few communications where Jin Yu Cheng did not appear but was instead with Mr. Zheng Andy. Although he is young, his thinking is extremely meticulous. From his behavior during our interactions, I could tell that Mr. Zheng Andy possesses a composure and ruthlessness beyond his years. But at that time, I didn't know he was your brother until later... As for why I felt this matter was related to him, perhaps it was precisely those interactions combined with the frequent practices with EXO recently when Mr. Wu Shixun mentioned you, Anna, and then brought up the topic of Andy. The Andy he referred to was completely different from what I knew. After the incident with EXO occurred, I began to suspect there might be some connection...'
'What on earth are you all talking about?' Jung Kook was thoroughly confused."
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