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墨書 Inktalez
On this day, a rare sunny weather, when Park Chan-yeol appeared, his white jacket seemed to radiate a soft light, captivating Anna. Although it was just light and shadow, it felt as if there was a fragrance, and with a gentle sniff, a delightful aroma filled the air.
"Anna, I want to take you to meet my parents," Park Chan-yeol said with a smile.
However, Anna clearly saw a hint of worry in the corners of his eyes and brows, though she couldn't discern the reason behind it.
"Chan-yeol, where were you last night?" Anna didn't directly respond to Park Chan-yeol's words but instead asked what she wanted to understand.
"I... I was just sleeping in the dormitory. What's wrong?"
Anna lowered her head and smiled lightly. "It's nothing, just wondering why you didn't call me."
Park Chan-yeol seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "I was too tired and fell asleep."
"Oh, I see..." Anna bit her lip, raised her head, smiled, and extended her hand. "Can you give me your phone?"
"Why?" Park Chan-yeol asked in confusion.
"Just to use it."
Park Chan-yeol handed his phone to Anna.
"Doesn't your phone have a password?" Anna noticed that Park Chan-yeol's phone unlocked with just a swipe.
"No need for that; I don't have any secrets in there," Park Chan-yeol replied with a smile.
Anna browsed through his call history from yesterday and smiled slightly as she deleted her own call from last night. An hour before that strange call came in, Jang Bo-Yeon's name appeared on the screen.
"What are you fiddling with?" Park Chan-yeol asked.
"Nothing much, I set a password for you, it's your birthday," Anna said with a smile as she handed the phone back to Park Chan-yeol.
Since you said it, I believe you, so let what you said become a reality.
"By the way, why are you suddenly in such a hurry to take me to meet your parents?" Anna asked.
Park Chan-yeol put his phone back in his pocket and replied, "I've wanted to take you for a long time."
Anna pondered for a moment, "What if your parents don't like me?"
"I just want to inform them," Park Chan-yeol said.
"Why do you say that?"
Park Chan-yeol smiled helplessly and said, "Anyway, everything I've done since I was a child has never gained my father's approval. As for my mother... just consider her as my mother."
"What?" Anna asked, confused.
"Because she is not my stepmother; she's actually quite nice. It's just that I can't really connect with her; there's always some awkwardness," Park Chan-yeol explained. "Come on, let's get in the car."
The direction the car was heading felt familiar; it was the same direction where Park Anqing had someone pick Anna up before. When Park Chan-yeol stopped the car, Anna could even see the small house in the distance where she had met Park Anqing.
As Anna got out of the car, the courtyard before her was also a traditional residence, but it appeared particularly clean and spacious—more like a wealthy family home than a farmer's yard.
"Young Master, you're back," a middle-aged man with a beard approached Park Chan-yeol to greet him.
"Long time no see, Uncle Wen," Park Chan-yeol replied.
Anna felt that this man looked familiar; it wasn't until she heard him speak that she remembered seeing him before when he was following Park Anqing.
But at that moment, both Uncle Wen and Anna pretended to act as if it were their first meeting, greeting each other.
"Hello, Uncle Wen."
"Hello."
"Is my dad home?" Park Chan-yeol asked.
"Master just finished breakfast and is in the living room having tea with Madam," Uncle Wen replied.
"Okay, I understand." Park Chan-yeol took Anna's hand and walked straight inside. Anna glanced back at the expressionless Uncle Wen and silently followed Park Chan-yeol's footsteps.
When they reached the door, Park Chan-yeol did not seem like he was returning to his own home; even knocking on the door felt like a decision he had to make after careful consideration.
Knock knock knock~~ His knuckles tapped against the wooden door frame.
"Come in," a voice from inside said. Anna recognized it as Park Anqing's voice.
Pushing open the door, Park Anqing sat beside the coffee table in the center of the living room. Opposite him was a woman who looked to be around forty years old, her thick black hair elegantly styled in an updo, dressed in traditional, understated attire. Her every smile and frown exuded warmth and grace.
"Dad... Mom," Park Chan-yeol hesitated slightly when addressing her.
"You're here, Chan-yeol! It's been such a long time since we've seen you," the woman said with a happy smile. "And this is?" She looked over at Anna behind Park Chan-yeol.
"This is my girlfriend..." Park Chan-yeol began to say but was interrupted by Park Anqing.
"Girlfriend?" Park Anqing chuckled and said, "So this is your girlfriend? You brought a woman like this to meet us?"
"That's right," Park Chan-yeol replied calmly and confidently.
Park Anqing glanced at Anna, raised his cup, took a sip of tea, and then set the blanket aside.
"Since she is so good, let me have a private conversation with this young lady," Park Anqing said.
"No need for a private talk; I'm just here to inform you. This is the woman I will be marrying in the future," Park Chan-yeol said.
"Oh? Is that so..." Park Anqing sneered. The woman beside him sensed something was off and quickly smiled, pulling on Park Anqing's arm, saying, "Honey, let's talk nicely. Chan-yeol has come to see us after such a long time. Plus, he brought his girlfriend to show us, which proves he still cares about us."
"You are mistaken; I simply don't want you to find excuses to criticize us in the future," Park Chan-yeol said disdainfully.
"Chan-yeol..." Anna gestured for Park Chan-yeol to stop.
"It seems you came today to provoke me," Park Anqing said, looking at Anna Zheng. "Miss, would you mind discussing your relationship with my son?"
"She doesn't need to talk to you," Park Chan-yeol said.
"It's fine, Chan-yeol," Anna interrupted his objection. "Don't worry."
"But it's really unnecessary..."
"Trust me," Anna smiled slightly at Park Chan-yeol. Then she slightly bowed to Park Anqing and said, "Uncle, what do we need to discuss?"
Seeing that Anna showed no signs of timidity, Park Anqing revealed an enigmatic smile—perhaps with some disdain, perhaps a bit of surprise, or maybe even a hint of admiration.
"Alright, you two can step outside. I have some questions for this young lady."
Anna sat down opposite Park Anqing, picked up the teapot, and filled Park Anqing's cup with more tea. The fragrance of tea filled the air; it should have been a pleasant morning.
Park Anqing pushed the blanket away from where Anna had poured tea and then picked up a new cup for himself. He poured a cup, took a small sip, and set it back on the table.
Anna noticed Park Anqing's subtle gesture and already understood in her heart that she had been kept at a distance.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon, Miss Anna," Park Anqing said.
"Yes, I didn't expect it either."
"My intention was that it would be best if we didn't meet again, but Miss Anna, it seems you haven't taken my previous words to heart."
"Because I don't agree with what you said, I can't let those words stay in my heart," Anna replied.
Park Anqing smiled and said, "I think I can understand why my foolish son likes you; you do have some unique qualities... However, my answer remains the same: absolutely not."
Anna smiled slightly and said, "The reasons for not allowing it must still be the same."
"Exactly," Park Anqing said. "But I want to know, Miss Anna, why did you move?"
Anna replied, "You should know better than I do; living in the old place is no longer very safe, so moving to a different location isn't a bad idea."
"Indeed, you've encountered someone quite powerful helping you. Helping? I suppose that counts at this point."
"What do you mean?"
"Miss Anna, you're smarter than I imagined; you should know who I'm talking about. This person who is 'helping' you."
"Are you referring to... Hogga?" Anna exclaimed in surprise. "How do you know this person? Who exactly is he?"
"This has nothing to do with you, Miss Anna Zheng. If it weren't for my foolish son waiting outside, you would have certainly trapped yourself today and wouldn't have been able to leave this courtyard. However, if you want to escape all of this, keep your distance from Park Chan-yeol and also from your Mr. Hojia. Otherwise, if given the chance, I will make sure you disappear from this earth."
"You would kill me? Just because I'm Park Chan-yeol's girlfriend?" Anna asked incredulously.
"Who knows," Park Anqing said with a smile.
At that moment, a commotion suddenly erupted in the hallway, accompanied by hurried footsteps and urgent calls.
"What happened?" Park Anqing's expression gradually darkened.
Uncle Wen opened the door and stood at the entrance, his face still expressionless. "Sir, madam has fainted."
"What?!" Park Anqing stood up anxiously and ran out, not even caring about the spilled tea. Anna quickly followed him outside.
"What exactly is going on?!" Park Anqing asked.
He saw Park Chan-yeol sitting in the hallway, next to the unconscious lady. Park Chan-yeol was desperately trying to stimulate her back to consciousness.
"What is happening?" Anna knelt beside Park Chan-yeol, trying to wake the lady as well.
"I don't know. She just fainted while we were talking," Park Chan-yeol said while continuing his efforts.
The lady seemed to gradually regain consciousness, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw Anna and Park Chan-yeol in front of her, she looked extremely frightened. Park Anqing quickly pulled her close to him.
"What happened?" Park Anqing asked.
The lady hesitated slightly, trying to calm her emotions. She forced a stiff smile and said, "It's nothing. I just suddenly felt dizzy... I'm going to rest in my room." After saying that, she turned and slowly walked toward her bedroom. Park Anqing exchanged a glance with Uncle Wen, who silently followed the lady.
"I have already made it very clear what needs to be said, miss. I believe you know what the best choice is without me having to teach you. You're very smart, and I hope we won't have to meet again," Park Anqing said.
"What are you talking about? What exactly did you say to her?" Park Chan-yeol rushed over to ask.
Anna grabbed his arm, signaling him not to get angry.
"Uncle, I understand everything you said," Anna said respectfully.
"I came here today just to tell you that this is the woman I want to marry, and this is also my respect for her. I don't need your acceptance because as long as I accept her, that's enough. Let's go." Park Chan-yeol took Anna's hand and turned to leave.
"Wait," Park Anqing said slowly.
Park Chan-yeol did not stop and continued walking towards the door, not hearing Park Anqing's next words.
The car started moving at a frightening speed. Anna remained silent; she understood that as a man, he needed to vent some repressed anger. That was his father, an unavoidable bloodline and fate.
With a sudden screech of brakes, the tires left dark marks on the ground before stopping by the roadside. Park Chan-yeol opened the car door and walked to the empty wilderness, shouting aimlessly. Anna slowly got out as well, walking to stand beside him, gently embracing his body and the heart that was extremely unsettled at that moment.
"Don't be angry," Anna said.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought you to see him. I didn't expect him to react this way, but I should have anticipated it. He denied everything about me, let alone you... What exactly did he say to you?"
Anna smiled slightly, resting her chin on Park Chan-yeol's shoulder. "No matter what he says, I won't listen. Because I only listen to you."
"Anna..." Park Chan-yeol held this woman tightly in his arms. It was empty here, no one around, only the autumn wind rustling through the desolate grass and trees. They belonged only to each other; as long as they embraced and listened to each other, that was enough. "He always denies everything about me—my dreams, my career, my hobbies, my persistence. He even makes me feel like my very existence is a mistake."
"How could that be? To so many people, you are the most precious gift; they are grateful for your presence in this world. I am grateful too because it was he who brought you into this world that allowed me to meet you," Anna said.
What could be more heartwarming than this? Because of your existence, we met; therefore, we should be grateful.
"Thank you, Anna," Park Chan-yeol said after a moment of silence. "Anna..."
"Yes?"
Park Chan-yeol smiled and said, "It's nothing... Let's get back in the car."
"Okay."
Back in the car, the bad mood finally began to dissipate little by little.
"By the way, that lady...?" Anna asked.
"Oh, her name is Han Yoon-soo. She is my stepmother. My biological mother passed away when I was young, and she married my father over ten years ago. Although she treats me well, as I mentioned before, we just can't get close," Park Chan-yeol said helplessly.
"I see... But why did she faint just now?" Anna asked.
"I don't know. We were just chatting when she suddenly collapsed. It really startled me," Park Chan-yeol said.
"What were you two talking about?"
"She seemed to have a good impression of you. We talked about some things regarding us, and then while we were chatting, she fainted. But her health isn't great, so it might not have anything to do with our conversation," Park Chan-yeol said.
"I also think she seems kind... But I feel like she doesn't really like me."
"Why? When we were chatting, she said she liked you a lot," Park Chan-yeol asked with a smile.
Anna thought for a moment and replied, "Well... it must be a woman's intuition."
"When did you start believing in intuition?" Park Chan-yeol joked. "By the way, when will that 'fake relationship' with Brother Kwangsoo end? I saw more photos of you two leaked online last night."
Anna smiled slightly and said, "Are you jealous?"
Park Chan-yeol replied, "What would I be jealous of? Everyone knows it's fake."
"It should end soon because we agreed that those photos from yesterday were intentionally taken for the last time. After this, there won't be any more news about us."
"That's good," Park Chan-yeol murmured softly.
"What?" Anna didn't hear clearly.
"Nothing... By the way, where are you going on your day off in a couple of days? I don't think I can make it that day to accompany you," Park Chan-yeol said.
"You don't need to accompany me. I'm going to a welfare home in Busan with Brother Jae-seok and the others," Anna replied.
"A welfare home?"
"Yes, Brother Jae-seok has always been involved in charity work, which is a good thing. I want to do my part as well," Anna said.
Returning to Yangshan Welfare Institute again, Anna didn't expect so much time had passed. Back then, she wanted to learn more about that strange woman, but so many things had happened in between that it took until now for her to come back.
Anna looked at the two checks in her hand; one had a huge amount written on it, while the other was for a much smaller amount. After thinking for a moment, Anna put the smaller check into her bag and handed the larger one to Brother Jae-seok.
This money came from Jin Yu Cheng helping to sell that villa.
"Anna, where did you get so much money?" Jae-seok asked in surprise.
Anna smiled lightly and said, "Brother Jae-seok, this is money earned by Andy. I wanted to take out a portion first to do some charitable work. I've kept some aside as well, hoping it can be useful later."
Jae-seok nodded, immediately understanding Anna's intention. Perhaps she just wanted to make amends for Andy's past mistakes.
"I understand, Anna. But you should give this directly to the Director."
"Why?"
"Because even if this gesture is executed on behalf of someone else, it should still be done in that person's name. That way, your hopes may be fulfilled."
Yoo Jae-suk said, placing the check back in Anna's hand. Anna looked at the check, smiled slightly, and said, "I understand, Brother Jae-seok."
Yoo Jae-suk patted her shoulder reassuringly and noticed Lee Kwang-soo approaching. This time, Jung Kook and Sister Jihyo were also heading over together.
"You all came so early?" Lee Kwang-soo asked.
"Let's go, get in the car," Yoo Jae-suk said, then turned and got into the specially arranged seven-seater vehicle. The group set off quietly against the autumn breeze.
"Why didn't Brother Gary come along?" Lee Kwang-soo asked Ji-hyo with a smile.
"Why would he need to come?" Sister Jihyo replied somewhat shyly.
Anna found her reaction amusing and secretly covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. When Ji-hyo noticed, he pretended to glare at Anna sitting next to him. "Hey, what are you laughing at?"
"Nothing... just thought it was funny," Anna replied.
"It's fine; Ji-hyo can represent Gary's feelings all by himself," Kim Jong Kook joked from the passenger seat.
"Hey, Jung Kook, I don't want to represent him," Ji-hyo said sulkily.
Yoo Jae-suk chuckled and said, "During this week's recording, there was a moment when Gary and Ji-hyo ran into each other during a break. It was so awkward that you could feel it in the air... Can you all not be so obvious?"
"Brother!" Ji-hyo was left speechless and could only huff in frustration while staring out the window.
As they chatted and laughed along the way, what initially seemed like a long journey passed quickly. A year had gone by, and Yangshan Welfare Institute appeared unchanged. The weather was nice today, and it was almost lunchtime; most of the people in the welfare institute were outside enjoying the sun.
Some individuals who were mentally and physically capable recognized Yoo Jae-suk and his companions and stood up happily. However, due to a prison-like iron fence separating them, most could only stand behind it with joyful expressions. Some were unable to stand at all and remained seated.
Jae-seok and his friends greeted those individuals respectfully, but since some were mentally challenged patients, they quickly moved with the director to the staff area of the welfare institute to avoid causing any disturbances.
Anna was carefully searching, trying to find the figure of that woman, but she did not see her. It seemed that the last time she encountered a stranger, she was so excited that she probably didn't want to come out and enjoy the sunshine with everyone.
After inquiring about the current situation at the orphanage and completing the registration and handover of all donated items and debts, it was just in time for lunch. Jae-seok and the others helped distribute the ten boxes of oranges they had brought.
Anna looked around in the dining hall where everyone had come to eat, but still did not see that woman.
"What are you looking for?" Kim Jong Kook noticed Anna's distracted demeanor.
"Jung Kook... Will everyone come to the dining hall for meals?" Anna asked.
"Not necessarily. If there are patients who have difficulty moving, their meals should be delivered to their rooms," Jung Kook replied. "Why are you asking? Are you looking for someone?"
Anna nodded and said, "Yes, I am indeed looking for someone."
"Who could you be looking for here? It wouldn't be your friend, would it?" Jung Kook asked in confusion.
"Not exactly. It's just someone who came here before, and I found it a bit strange," Anna said. "Let me go ask the director."
"Okay, go ahead," Kim Jong Kook said as he took the basket of oranges from Anna.
"Thank you, Jung Kook," Anna said as she walked over to the busy director.
Seeing Anna approach, the director paused her work and asked, "Is there something you need, Miss Anna Zheng?"
"Director, I would like to ask you something," Anna said.
"What is it?" the director inquired.
"It's about the woman on the top floor of Building B who was seriously injured. Where is she now? I would like to see her."
"Oh? I remember that Miss Anna seemed particularly concerned about that lady when she came before."
Anna nodded awkwardly and said, "I was indeed a bit worried. May I ask where she is now? Can I see her?"
The director smiled and replied, "That lady has already been taken away by her family."
"Taken away by her family?" Anna exclaimed. "Where did they take her?"
"She was picked up by her mother. As for where they went, they must have gone home together."
"Are you sure it was her mother?" Anna asked.
The director noticed Anna's anxious concern and seemed a bit puzzled. "Miss Anna, why do you ask that?"
Anna then realized she had overstepped and smiled, saying, "I'm sorry, I just..."
The director laughed heartily and said, "It's nothing... But it really was her mother; the identity information has been verified. Moreover, judging by that lady's reaction, she seemed willing to leave with her mother."
"Director, may I ask what her name is?" Anna inquired.
"Actually, it's quite embarrassing. I only learned her name on the day her mother came to find her," the director said. "Her name is Jiang Zhenyuan."
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