Taner stood dumbfounded, the word just now still echoing in her head.
Five minutes ago
"I'm I speaking with miss Lu Taner?" a woman asked.
"Yes, who's asking?".
"I'm a nurse from the hospital, doctor Su Woobin asked me to contact you, your dad condition is in a very critical condition... I'm afraid he won't make it if we don't perform the surgery immediately". The woman replied calmly.
"WHAT!" the phone fell from her hand.
Present
"Taner are you OK?" Jiseok asked shaking her from her thoughts. Tears poured out from her eyes.
"Jiseok...my...my...dad....he...."
"Calm down and speak clearly". He gave her water to drink. She took a deep breath, "My dad is gonna die if I don't pay for his surgery, please can I go home now...my dad....". Taner sat on the ground crying, she couldn't control herself anymore.
"Why is all this happening to me? What wrong did I do? Everyone I love just keeps leaving me.... Why?? First seok, now my dad? What wrong did I do? I'm so tired.... I don't have the strength anymore... I'm tired... I give up... Congratulations life i admit defeat!! You won!!". Taner screamed cry her heart out. All her life, she's been content with what she has. They say after rain comes the sun but, she doesn't really see any sun now. All she sees is the endless rain. She tried to remain strong, but this is the limit. At this point she is ready to do anything to get the money.
"As much as I enjoy watching you self blame yourself, I think it's more wise for you to rush back home". Jiseok said calmly masking his pain.
"You're definitely right". Taner stood up immediately, "Please excuse me". She rushed out of the room. Jiseok stood there motionless as he watched her leave with his unreadable face. He took out his phone and quickly made a call.
"Yo Rodri, never thought you missed me so soon". The person from the other line said laughing.
"Enough of your jokes, I need you to get every info you can on Lu Ling".
"Yo Rodri, you've been asking me to do a lot of digging, what are you up to?" Sammy replied.
"You have two hours". Jiseok said and ended the call.
"Asshole". Sammy cursed as he stared at his screen. He immediately got to work.
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Korean, City Z
"Mom". Taner ran to her mom immediately she entered the hospital.
"My poor innocent baby". Jiwoo cried as she hugged her tightly. "Mummy's really sorry she's useless and can't help you..... Please forgive mum".
"Mum please don't blame yourself... It's not your fault". She wiped her tears, "See I'm okay and perfectly fine, I'm now a secretary to one of the richest and most powerful man in the world and I can gather enough money to pay for dad treatment, so don't worry.... Please stop crying mom". Taner gently wiped her mom's tears. Jiwoo looked at her daughter apologetically, she couldn't bring herself to tell her. She hugged her tightly.
"Promise me that no matter what, never tell anyone about your powers or your real name. Promise me!"
"I promise mom".
Jiwoo hugged her daughter tightly. No matter what, will never allow any harm come to her baby. She will make sure she protects her and hide her from her parents.
"I'll go see godfather Woo bin".
Jiwoo nodded her head and watched her go.
In the office,
"Taner I really want to help you and do the operation but I can't, you really need to pay the complete money". Woobin said dejectedly.
"Can't you just start the treatment with the down payment, I promise I'll pay everything once I have the money". She pleaded.
"I really want to help you but, sadly I'm not the one performing the operation.... Somehow the hospital got to know I'm close with you guys and took me off the operation, so I'm helpless like you".
"How long does my dad have without the operation?"
"One week".
"I promise to get the complete money before the one week is up". Taner got up determined and rushed out.
_____________________
"Well well well.... Look who decided to show up". Mia catwalks down staring at Taner.
"Hey Mia". She greeted sheepishly.
"What do you want?" Mia asked coldly as she sat down staring at her.
"I know I really fucked up this time and I'm really sorry. I have been so busy with the business trip that I completely forgot to call you. I'm really sorry... I'm a bad friend...a very bad friend... You can punish me or do whatever you want to me but please don't ignore me and cutoff all ties with me.. You are the only friend I have and I can't bear to lose you too.... Please". Taner completely broke down crying. Mia was shocked and immediately ran to hug her. She has never seen Taner cry like this and it was so sad to watch. She forgot all her grievances and hugged her crying too.
"You know I can never stay mad at you for long.... I want you to know I'm always here for you.... Come to me for help... I'm ready to help you...."
"I promise I won't shut you out from now on... I will come to disturb you and cling to you like glue". Taner said hugging her. They both laughed. Taner told her about her father's condition.
"I'm so sorry, here this is two million, add it to the money you have, It's the least I could do".
"Thank you so much Mia, I really own you one. I promise to return your money to you when I receive my salary".
"Silly girl, I don't want your money, I want you to treat me with your salary". Mia smiled. Taner was moved to tears and hugged her tightly.