Chapter 6
I woke up because of the alarm from my phone. I rise from bed even though I’m still sleepy. Today is the day where I will look for craft shops that I can add to my study. I also wanted to ask Penelope so that she could offer her father's business. Now that I think about it, Penelope doesn't need to have a job because her family has a company, but I don’t have any idea of her lifestyle before. There are many things to do, but I only have limited time, so I need to move even though my body and mind like rest.
I yawned and rushed to shower and wear my new uniform. I plan to eat breakfast today, so check my bag and make sure that my gift to Yumi is inside. I leave my room and go to the dining room to eat.
The servant was shocked when she saw me sit in the dining area. There's food on the table, and I quietly eat it alone. I finished my food without talking, and I saw her wide eyes after making sure that I didn’t say any nasty remarks regarding her cooking. Before, I used to use all the adjectives to criticize her, but it changes now. I have no time for petty discussion. I thank her and now go to the entrance. I saw the driver waiting for me outside the house. I hopped in, and we arrived at school.
I walked to the hallway and looked forward to seeing Yumi today. There’s a smile on my face while I go to our room. It's a new feeling that I am early, and there’s no student inside yet. I plan to go to the library after the third period to search for a book about making crafts. It’s better to ask for a professional than to follow my own pace. I know that I’m doing good, but I’m still lacking.
“Good morning.” a voice came outside the classroom, and I saw Yejun with his natural poker face. He goes to me and sits in the chair in front.
“Good morning.” I said and hid my phone.
“You're early today.” He said and looked at the empty classroom.
“Yeah. I’m waiting for Yumi.” I said and awkwardly shifted my gaze.
“Are you going to the hospital today? You’re early too” I asked him because the silence is giving me a hard time.
“Penelope will be absent at school today, and she told me to ask permission from the teacher. I came early because of that. I will go to the hospital later. If you’re going to visit, tell me, and let’s go together.” He said in a monotone tune.
“I’m sorry. I won’t be visiting now because I’m busy. I need to find a shop today.” I told him as bait so he can tell it to Penelope later.
“What kind of shop?” Yejun asked me with interest.
I grin and look at him.
“I plan to sell my craft design, and I’m looking for a manufacturer.” I told him enthusiastically. There’s a hint of excitement in my face, and I like to lure him into being interested so I can convince Penelope to join me later.
My face turns sour when I realize that my evil side is showing again. I fixed my expression after reflecting. I look at Yejun, who’s listening to me seriously.
“Well, that’s only a plan. I’m not that good at creating designs, and I need to study crafting more. I will look for books later in the library.” I told him. I was feeling embarrassed, bragging about my skill. When in the past, my confidence was higher than Empire estate… but it changes now.
“I can help you through.” He said out of the blue.
I stare at him, trying to check if I did hear it wrong. His deep black eyes are also looking at me. I cough after a minute of staring at each other. There’s the familiar heat inside my heart, bringing the pain in my chest again.
“Why?....” I asked and got flustered.
“I mean, you have a competition that is going on.” Now I remember that contest. Yejun is preparing for that, and I don't want to involve him directly in my plan. I just need him to tell Penelope later.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Jia.” He said, and a delightful grin arose on his lips.
“I think about it.” I said and stood up. I received a text from my sister, and she told me to call her. I excuse myself to Yejun and leave the room.
I dialed my sister's international number. I feel so nervous since we have initially not been so close, and she's cold to me. I don't know how to communicate with her, but I think this is an opportunity to be near or just be typical sisters. I want to whine with her or talk to her just like normal siblings.
"Hello? Jia?.." She accepted my call, and my heart skipped a beat after hearing my sister's voice.
"Bella eonni... This is Jia." I said nervously without my voice cracking.
"Ohh, Yeah. How are you?" She asked me while her voice is more affectionate now.
"I'm fine... Eonni... Uhm. How about you?" I asked her awkwardly. I close my eyes and breathe. I scratched my head. I saw some students walking at the entrance. There's more time before the class will start, but I felt so rushed.
"I... I need your help, Bella eonni." I told her. I'm in the fourth-floor building, and the cold breeze is making my skin paler. I let out a sigh. It's been a few seconds, but I don't hear any response from the other line. I started to feel anxious.
"I-I'm sorry..." I unconsciously whisper. I felt the cold while thinking of the better thing to say aside from apologizing."It's been long since you asked me something, Jia. I'm glad you did... Asked me anything. I will help my little sister." My moist eyes started to spark after hearing my sister.
"Thank you." I whisper sincerely.I told my sister half of my plan and wanted to create crafts designs and sell them. She told me the basics about opening the business and how I need some professional help, and she recommended our employee, Mr. Choi. She also tells me to call her if she has questions. I agreed with her and ended the call. My heart is whole, and I feel overwhelmed by the emotions I only experience now. I regret ignoring my sister in the past. I'm glad it went well for now.
Since it's still early, I decided to go to the library. I went back to the classroom, but I didn't see Yejun inside. He must be in the faculty room asking for permission of absence for Penelope. I quickly get my bag and walk my way to the library.
End of chapter 6.
Chapter 7The library is empty. There's one receptionist at the entrance who smiled at me after I entered the room.I went to the shelves and saw a book with the title Master of Korean Tradition. I opened it and saw photos depicting step-by-step knot instructions. I checked it out and found out that the book only has common designs. I checked another book and many of the designs are for making traditional Korean ornaments. I learned by reading them and plan to create a picture in my head.The books are quickly filling up on the table after I decided to make notes for every helpful information. I really need to quickly start it but I have no time to do it since I only have 99 days left. I sighed thinking I have so much work and I need someone else's help. A forbidden image comes out in my head but I quickly erase it. He offered help but it's not time yet for him to get involved. I plan to ask for Haru's help instead and with that thought, I quickly co
Chapter 8"Yumi, Are you busy today?" I asked, looking at her while we're at the music club. I just recently submitted a form to join here and Yumi is an old member. Even before she told me to participate in this club but I always refused her. It's also my chance to watch for Yejun and Penelope.I sat at the piano chair while Yumi was beside me playing. She shifted her head and looked at me."I'm not busy after this." She said and we looked at the door that opened.Na Hyuk enters the room and surveys the area. He saw Yumi and me at the piano and he stayed his gaze at me."Na Hyuk, I've been waiting for you," Yumi said and gave the paper to Na Hyuk.He frowns after checking the paper that serves as my application for joining the club. Then he looks at me. I awkwardly cling my arms to Yumi and turn my gaze to the Music club president.Na Hyuk is a very serious person. He is tall with a deep set of black eye
Chapter 9We stayed silent after, and I focused on reading the schedule, but my phone suddenly rang. I checked my phone and saw the number of my parents' secretary Ms. Shin. I answered the call while massaging my temple."Ms. Jia?" A voice of a woman from the other line."Hello, Ms. Shin." I greeted her"Are you home?" She asked in a polite voice."Uhm. Not yet. I'm still in school." I said to her, trying to sound calm."I understand. Your parents will be back tonight, and they want to have dinner with you." She said in a formal tone in addressing my parents."Alright. I will be home before dinner." I said and was about to end the call, but I waited for her reply.Ms. Shin is my parents' witty secretary. She handles most of the transactions and meetings of the CEO, and she's excellent in her job. In the past, I'm not aware of her presence and not interested in her, but she was mostly the pers
Chapter 10The outside window is dark. In the past, my parents were strict but affectionate towards me. It changes now because every time I do something applaudable, they won't praise me anymore. They became so busy that they neglected me. It started when I was nine years old. They are mostly abroad and rarely call me. One time I asked my suitor why my parents aren't calling me anymore and she said that because they were busy at work and I need to do better for them to praise me and call me. I waited for years and even for Christmas but they won't come. Same with my sister who studies abroad and leaves me alone. I remember tons of holidays and receiving gifts from Ms. Shin but the name of my parents. It's always obvious that it was her who gave me gifts since my parents don't know what I like.I bitterly smile remembering it. Even if I bullied and killed people they will ignore it and blame the victim. It's weird that I think of this now when in the past, I
Chapter 1198 days23:43:02I startle after seeing the clock reminder. My 99 days are already done. I haven't even started my plans yet! I mess up my hair because I haven't done anything that's nearly my goal!"Hey, are you okay?" Yejun called for me and a scorching heat started in my chest after I met his eyes.Ohh, Is this time? I forgot about it till now! I gritted my teeth and tears started to form in my eyes. It's not even an hour since the day started! What is this?!"Uhm, Yejun, I think I need to go back now. I'm already sleepy." I said and endured the pain while talking to him.
Chapter 12"Why did you come here?" I asked Haru while walking in the hallway. When we were on the stairs, Haru suddenly clicked his finger and our location changed. We were already at the casual dining place of a famous hotel in Incheon. Our school is located in Seoul so I just look at him with disbelief!The ambiance is authentic and I can see the modern architecture of the hotel. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere. I naturally walked inside and sat in the dark color chair to dine while Haru followed me smirking arrogantly. I frown and look at him with indifference."So, why are we here?" I asked Haru but we're interrupted by the waitress who was giving us menus."It's my treat to you dear because you survived the first attack." Haru said in a deep voice.He tilted his head and looked at the waitress who was shyly looking at him. I sigh and let him flirt with the poor girl. I get the menu and choose what food to orde
Chapter 13We went to the nearest coffee shop and I let Juno order for them. He knows their taste and for the first time, I was glad that he joined me. I chose amerikano because I can't drink chocolate while the rest like it. Yejun and Juno have the same order as me."Why didn't you like chocolate? Are you an old person?" He said that even though he also ordered the same drink as mine."Are you saying that to yourself?" I asked him while drinking."This day is Friday. I don't need chocolate drinks." He mumbled and walked straight to the stoplight.I didn't mind his bubbling and just waited at the street light to turn red. We walk to the pedestri
Chapter 14"Pardon for intrusion." Penelope said when she entered my room."You can sit wherever you like." I smile and put my bag and coat in the corner. I also turn on the heater because my room is freezing.Penelope looks awkward and just sits in the corner of my room in a daze. The maid knocks on the door and I open it."Thank you." I said when she entered my room and put the tray of food on the small table. I waited for her to go out before I called for PenelopeI saw Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Chapchae, Chicken soup, Kimchi and rice. I got hungry after smelling the food.