Then I took Vladena and Ok Hye-In to different places, and we roamed around the city. In the evening we came back and I told them I would go and meet Jung Da-Jung.
I made my way to Jung Da-Jung's house, drawn to the rooftop where she often retreated when feeling down. Ascending the stairs, I found her there, just as I had anticipated. She was sitting on the step, a bottle of beer in her hand, her gaze distant. I approached and sat down beside her.
She glanced at me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Oh, Vlad, it's you. Are you here to meet Hong Shi-Woo?"
I met her gaze, offering a reassuring smile. "I've already met him. I came up here to take in the view, and that's when I saw you sitting here. I thought I'd join you."
I turned to her, genuinely interested. "How was your first day at the office?"
Jung Da-Jung's face lit up at the question. "It was amazing," she beamed. "I got the news show, and I'll be anchoring it from now on. The first day felt really good."
Noticing a hint of melancholy beneath her excitement, I reached out and took her hand. She looked down, surprised by the sudden gesture. I searched her eyes, concern evident in my voice. "If everything is okay, then why are you up here drinking and looking sad?"
She gave me a gentle smile, squeezing my hand reassuringly. "Adults have their own worries, Kid. You don't need to bother about them. I'm fine, really."
I gently withdrew my hand and settled in beside her, allowing the quiet to envelop us. "The scenery here is really beautiful," I commented softly.
Jung Da-Jung nodded in agreement. "This place is my sanctuary. Whenever I'm feeling down, I come here to calm down and take in the view."
I looked at her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Well, I hope I won't find you here too often. It would mean you're doing much better."
I shared with her the morning I spent with her son and daughter, recounting our practice session together. She listened attentively, her face brightening with happiness at the news.
Standing up, I offered her my hand. "Let's go home. It's getting late." She took my hand, and I helped her to her feet. We descended the stairs together, and I walked her back to her door.
After ensuring she was safely home, I returned to my villa. There, I found Vladena and Ok Hye-In already nestled in bed. I slipped in beside them, one on each side, and let sleep claim me.
The next day, Vladena headed to the office while I drove Ok Hye-In to school. After parking the car, we walked to class together. I glanced at her, reflecting on how her loyalty had grown. She no longer seemed concerned about making our relationship public, a sign of her deepening commitment.
Today, Hong Shi-Ah was having pain in her stomach when we were on the ground. I quickly took her to the hospital carrying her and she fainted. Choi II-Kwon and Ok Hye-In also came with us to the hospital. I pulled out my phone and called Jung Da-Jung telling her that Hong Shi-Ah was in a hospital.
Soon Hong Shi-Ah woke up and saw me sitting near her bed. I looked at her and said " Don't worry you are fine, just need to rest for a while " Jung Da-Jung came in with Ok Hye-In and thanked me.
I also told her that she was fine only then she relaxed a bit. I went out and paid the bill for Hong Shi-Ah. I looked at Jung Da-Jung and saw she was going back to the office.
I turned to Ok Hye-In and said, "Teacher, I'll be taking a day off today." She nodded in understanding. Then, looking at Jung Da-Jung, I added, "Let's go. I'll take you to the office."
Jung Da-Jung hesitated. "No, Vlad, you don't have to skip school to take me to the office."
I took her hand and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's not because of you. I have something else to do, and the JBC building is on my way."
We drove to the JBC building, and after parking the car, I called Vladena. "Sister, I'm here at JBC. Come pick me up." Jung Da-Jung, overhearing the conversation, asked, "Does your sister work here at JBC too?"
I smiled at her. "Yes, she does."
We got out of the car and headed to the building's entrance, which required a security card for entry. Jung Da-Jung looked at me, about to ask if I would accompany her inside when Vladena stepped out of the elevator and walked towards us. Jung Da-Jung recognized her immediately, as she had met the boss of JBC earlier that day.
Jung Da-Jung looked at her boss walking towards her and said, "Boss, you're here."
Vladena smiled at her and then looked at me. "Brother, you're here."
Jung Da-Jung was taken aback. "You two are siblings?" She looked from Vladena to me, realization dawning on her face. "Vladena and Vlad—of course."
Vladena took my hand and led us into the elevator, signaling Jung Da-Jung to follow. We stepped into the office area, where I saw Kwon Yu-Mi and Lim Ja-Young. There was also a striking, tall woman who I later learned was Jin Yeong, Kwon Yu-Mi's superior, and Choi Ji-Na was present as well.
They greeted Vladena warmly, and I smiled at them in acknowledgment. We proceeded to Vladena's office, where I took a seat on the sofa. Vladena joined me, while Jung Da-Jung remained standing. I gestured for her to sit with us.
Vladena looked between us and asked, "Do you two know each other?"
I explained to Vladena, "She's the mother of a friend of mine. I also helped her during Hong Shi-Ah's hospital episode."
Vladena turned to Jung Da-Jung with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, she'll be fine."
Then, switching to a more professional tone, Vladena asked, "Jung Da-Jung, today is your first live anchor show. Are you ready? Do you need anything for the preparation?"
Jung Da-Jung replied confidently, "Boss, I have prepared myself well for the show."
I smiled at her encouragingly. "Best of luck for your live show today."
She thanked me, and after a moment, she excused herself to head to her desk.
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Creation is hard, cheer me up!