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Chapter 12 - The Choi Family: Part 1
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2021-07-19 00:16:03Soo Min was not very surprised by the passing views, she was in similar residences while solving her previous cases. However, Hyun Woo was clearly surprised by the splendor. In Gwangju he did not have the opportunity to visit such places, so he absorbed these views as long as he could. He only escaped from a light trance when Soo Min nudged him lightly on the shoulder with her elbow. At that time, they found themselves in the living room, where on the equally elegant sofa sat a couple dressed in clothes adequately to the luxury surrounding them. It was obvious that Madam Lee, Choi Ye Eun's mother, was tall even though she was sitting. Her figure was thin, skin was pale and kind of dry, she had black eyes and long black hair, but their dark blue shade indicated that they were clearly dyed. Madam Lee had very little wrinkles for her age, but it was certainly due to cosmetics and rejuvenating treatments. Her small movements were full of grace and she was dressed as befits a fashion designer and an artist. She was smiling broadly and warmly. Madam Lee's husband and fashion house CEO, Mr. Choi, was a fairly large and tall man, with broad shoulders, black eyes and short-cut hair of the same color, but heavily sprinkled with gray hair. Mr. Choi was wearing black leather shoes with white socks, a gray suit, white shirt and black tie with barely visible navy blue patterns, a black briefcase lied down on the couch beside him. His face was angular, with well-defined wrinkles, slightly tanned. Unlike his wife, Mr. Choi's face expression was a bit cold and seemed kind of bored, too. An elegant coffee set was placed on a small table near the sofa - a kettle and 4 cups made of porcelain painted in pink flowers. The only part that did not match this beautiful picture were the two detectives.
- Madam Lee, Mr. Choi...- the housekeeper spoke up.- Detective Kim Soo Min and detective Jung Hyun Woo have arrived.- she announced, pointing on the guests.- Welcome to our house.- Madam Lee greeted them both with a warm smile.- Please sit here.- she pointed to the second sofa located opposite.- Thank you.- Soo Min replied sitting down on the couch, and Hyun Woo sat down right after her.- Would you like some coffee?- Madam Lee suggested, pointing to the cups on the table. When Soo Min nodded, Madam Lee looked significantly at the housekeeper, who immediately filled the cups, even for Hyun Woo although he didn't even move. Soo Min drank some coffee, then focused her gaze on the couple sitting opposite.- My name is Kim Soo Min.- she introduced herself and then pointed to the one sitting next to her.- And this is my partner, Jung Hyun Woo. Forgive him for his nervousness, he was moved from a smaller city.- she explained, and Hyun Woo just bowed slightly and tried to smile.- I understand perfectly. You can feel at ease in our house, detective Jung.- Madam Lee turned to him, sending another warm smile.- Anyways...- Soo Min spoke up.- The "Cherry Blossom Reaper" case has been transferred to us, so we would like to ask you a few questions, Madam Lee and Mr. Choi.- she continued, then looked at her partner for a moment.- Detective Jung, could you take notes?- Soo Min asked him, and he agreed right away, pulling out a notebook and pen, making sure it is writing well. It was obvious that he needed something to focus on and that's why Soo Min decided to entrust him with taking notes.- Could you start the questioning with me?- Mr. Choi spoke up finally.- I would not like to be late for work.- he added flatly.- Of course.- Soo Min agreed.- First, the standard question. Where were you on Sunday evening when your daughter went missing?- she asked then.- I was still on a business trip in China. I came home on Monday around noon, then my wife informed me of the disappearance of Ye Eun.- replied Mr Choi.- Ok. Then maybe you can tell us if you have noticed any strange behavior of your daughter recently? Maybe someone was hanging around her? Anyone suspicious?- she asked immediately, focusing her attention on the man.- I don't remember anyone I wouldn't know, who would hang around my daughter lately.- replied Mr. Choi.- The security guards I hired for Ye Eun also didn't see anything suspicious, otherwise they would have informed me immediately.- he assured.- But of course I can't guarantee that my daughter didn't meet someone like that during her escapes when she was able to get out of the bodyguards sight. Of course, every guard that lost her was immediately fired.- noted Mr. Choi without emotions, as if it w something quite normal.- Are you sure he didn't see anything?- Soo Min asked again just to make sure, and Hyun Woo looked at him, finishing his previous notes.- I certainly haven't seen anything suspicious.- Mr. Choi confirmed.- But I remind you that I am a businessman and spend most of my time away from home. I have a lot of work and I certainly missed many issues, especially when it comes to my children's life.- he continued, sighing slightly.- In particular, it was hard to keep up with Ye Eun. She was popular and constantly met some new people. I also know that she had a few psycho-fans, a lot of haters on the internet... I know that because I filed lawsuits against them with my lawyer. My only suspicion may be one of these people. If you want to know their names, please contact my lawyer, he has all the information.- Mr. Choi added finally.- I understand. Your lawyer is currently Jang Chang Woo, father of your daughter's fiance, right?- asked Soo Min, and when Mr. Choi confirmed with a nod, she continued.- And could any of the bodyguards have something to do with the case?- she asked again.- I doubt it.- replied Mr Choi.- I check carefully who I employ. And I'm not just talking about background check, I'm also conducting psychiatric examinations for my potential employees. As I mentioned, my daughter had many psycho-fans. And my son also happened to have a few. That's why I have to be sure that every employee is safe for my family, no matter if it's a gardener or a bodyguard.- he assured.- Besides, I can afford it.- Mr. Choi added at the end.- I see... If you really have nothing else to say, then it will be everything on my part.- answered Soo Min.- So I can go to work finally...- Mr. Choi got up from the couch, picked up the briefcase and looked at the watch on his wrist.- Just in time. In that case, I will say goodbye to you, detective Kim and detective Jung.- he added, then left the living room.Related chapters
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- Okay, now we'll get to you, Madam Lee.- Soo Min said, looking at the woman.- But before that I would like to ask where is your son? We also need to ask him some questions.- she added.- Ah, it just came to my mind that Hyun Sik went to Gwangju days ago... My son has his summer house there, where he can peacefully make his creations.- said Madam Lee, slightly embarrassed that she had forgotten such an important detail.- It's okay.- Hyun Woo said suddenly.- It's Gwangju city in Gyeonggi Province?- he asked, and when Madam Lee nodded affirmatively, continued.- We will go to Gwangju later and talk to him there.- he assured, smiling slightly. One could see that after leaving of Mr. Choi, Hyun Woo regained some good humor.- Exactly.- Soo Min confirmed, glancing at her partner, then focused on the woman.- Your name is Lee Eun Hee, right? Mr. Choi's wife and a fashion designer. And you're a mother of Choi Ye Eun, on Monday you reported her missing at our station.- she ask
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 14 - Lawyer Jang
Before visiting Choi Ye Eun's older brother in Gwangju, Soo Min and Hyun Woo stopped on the way at the office of Jang Chang Woo, lawyer of CEO Choi and at the same time the father of Ye Eun's fiance. After they showed their badges and said why they came, the lawyer's office receptionist - a pretty, tall, slim girl with deep black eyes and long dark brown hair tied in a high bun, dressed in an elegant dark-blue suit with a skirt long a little bit above the knee - asked them to sit on a small sofa in the waiting room, while she called the lawyer Jang.Soo Min observing this girl came to a somewhat gruesome conclusion - Ji Won, because that was the name on the plaque attached to her clothes, would be the perfect material for the next victim of the "Cherry Blossom Reaper". By the type of beauty and age, as she certainly wasn't more than 25 years old, this girl fit the profile of previous victims very well. And certainly this receptionist was not the only girl to suit the preference
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 15 - Ye Eun's Fiance
And in fact it wasn't even five minutes when the door opened and a tall young man walked through them, well-built but definitely less muscular than his father. He had quite luxuriant black hair, but perfectly arranged with a hair gel. His eyes had the unique dark blue color that he inherited from his mother, Kim Yoo Na, born in a rich medical family, was a pediatric oncologist and unfortunately, got cancer herself shortly after her son's birth and died after 5 years of fighting with the disease, being only 32 years old. Chang Ho's face was a real mix of father and mother features, which made him look quite exotic for a Korean. He was wearing a gray suit, a white shirt without a tie and same black leather shoes as his father. Jang Chang Ho was undoubtedly handsome, although it was obvious that he used to party quite hard, which unfortunately left a mark on him in the form of a very emaciated face and strongly visible shadows under the eyes. Also because of that, even tough he was onl
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 16 - New Clues
- Okay, let's move on.- Soo Min interrupted, not wanting to hold a discussion, which rather led to nowhere.- Was there anyone else besides Seo In Sung? You mentioned earlier that there is more than one person you suspect.- she asked him another question.- Yes, there is someone else.- Chang Ho confirmed, nodding slightly.- This might be a shocking theory, but please, I hope at least you will listen to me carefully.- he asked, looking first at Soo Min and then at Hyun Woo.- Of course.- Soo Min confirmed.- Please continue, we are listening.- Hyun Woo nodded in agreement, preparing to write more notes.- In that case, I will say that I also suspect Choi Hyun Sik, Ye Eun's older brother.- Chang Ho announced and, as he expected, it caused quite a shock to the faces of both detectives.- Detective Kim, detective Jung, I warned that this might be surprising. But let me explain why he seems suspicious to me.- he continued.- At the beginning, when I met Hyun Sik, I
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 17 - The Long Trip: Part 1
( *Aish - expression with similar meaning as 'damn it'.**Ageyo - a term used to refer to someone or something looking very cute/adorable. )Before Soo Min and Hyun Woo got into the car and went on the road, they entered a nearby restaurant to eat something.The time was perfect for a meal, and they both agreed they were hungry. Even before they sat down at the table, they decided that this time they would split the bill in half.- Sunbae... I have a question.- Hyun Woo spoke up when they already placed the order.- I'm listening.- Soo Min replied, focusing her eyes on him.- When we said goodbye to lawyer Jang, I noticed something strange.- Hyun Woo began a little uncertainly.- Sunbae, promise me first that you will not be angry. I don't want to offend you or anything, I'm just curious.- he assured her.- Ok, I promise.- replied Soo Min.- Keep talking.- she encouraged him.- I noticed that you s
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 18 - The Long Trip: Part 2
The road from Seoul to Gwangju wasn't too long, so by car usually it took less time, but as they unfortunately set off in the afternoon, traffic slowly began to form, besides, they had to stop at a gas station along the way. That's why driving to Gwangju took them almost an hour, and all this clearly upset Soo Min. Hyun Woo tried to relax the atmosphere a little by joking around, but it didn't help much. Fortunately, when they finally reached Gwangju, Soo Min clearly brightened.- All right, you will continue to lead from here Hyun Woo. After all, it's your city.- she said, stopping in the parking lot by the cafe.- But first I'll buy something to drink. Do you want something too?- Soo Min asked, looking at him.- Iced Americano please.- Hyun Woo replied, switching to the driver's seat.- Okay, wait here, I'll go alone. It will be faster this way.- said Soo Min, picking up the wallet from her purse. - And remember, when you will drive later, don't go crazy. This car be
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As they slowly reached deeper into the forest, they saw a gray stone wall three meters high, which enclosed a fairly large area just before the dense forest in the back. Maybe less than a meter before the gate, the forest path turned into a gravel driveway. The gate was huge and also three meters tall, all made of metal, in a slightly darker shade of gray than the wall around. The very modern looking surveillance camera was located where the wall was in contact with the metal frame of the gate. The camera has moved right away when their car drove on a gravel part of the road.- I don't see any intercoms...- Hyun Woo spoke up, scanning with his eyes the gate and parts of the wall nearby.- What are we supposed to do? Knock?- asked Soo Min, a little bit annoyed.At the same moment she said it tough, the gate clicked slightly and began to move automatically, disappearing behind the wall and opening for them a way inside. Hyun Woo moved the car forward again and felt clea
Last Updated : 2021-07-19Blossom Tears Chapter 20 - Choi Hyun Sik
Soo Min and Hyun Woo entered the room and looked around. It housed several tables full of various cutting and sewing utensils, also for drawing designs. One of them also had a quite large sewing machine. The largest of them also contained materials of various colors and templates for cutting out various pieces of clothing. There were several mannequins in the center, but most were covered with black sheets.- I already have several projects practically ready, so I had to cover them, since all my projects till the release date are the fashion house secret.- explained Hyun Sik probably noticing their curious looks on covered mannequins.- Detectives, please sit down.- he pointed to a small sofa located on the other side of the room, in the very corner. He himself took the armchair located opposite.- Maybe you would like something to drink?- he suggested, looking at them both rather uncertainly.- There is no need. We came here for a specific purpose and it would be better to
Last Updated : 2021-07-19
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- Joo Young calmed down, but Ye Eun began to have nightmares and was afraid to approach her brother. She wanted to tell father about it.- Madam Lee replied after taking another sip of coffee.- I told her that she can't tell anyone about it, because it's just such a disease and her brother has already recovered from it. Ye Eun was such an innocent and extremely naive child, believed in everything I told her, so she believed in this too. Ye Eun stayed away from her brother for a while, but after a year she seemed to have completely forgotten about it and normally accosted him, encouraging to play with other children. As they both grew up, she even caught a great contact with him, he spoke to her more willingly than to anyone else. I was very happy about it and I forgot what Joo Young used to do. I was so proud of him, of his academic performance, and then the results of his work. He made such wonderful creations that I was very happy to give him the place of main designer in our fashi
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- I don't want to believe that you could have done it all yourself. I think someone helped you, at least with some of these things.- added Soo Min, looking at him closely.- Apparently I'm not just a genius at fashion design.- Joo Young replied, his face turning serious.- You think I couldn't do it all? Why? Do you doubt my intelligence?- he asked kind of reproachfully.- I'm saying I did everything myself. I know it may be hard to believe, but I learn really fast, much faster than others. If you ask at the schools I attended, they will confirm my words. I have always had the best academic record and heard many times people calling me a genius. But to me it was natural and I never understood what all these delights were for.- he explained.- Well, if you say so, I will not pursue this topic anymore.- Soo Min surrendered, seeing that even if her suspicions were right, and he was lying, she would not be able to get any information about a possible helper out of him.- We alrea
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- What about the KIA car that belonged to your father? How did you get it?- Soo Min asked, curious about this part of the story.- As for this car, when I took it from the junkyard, I didn't necessarily think about the plan.- Joo Young confessed.- I just liked this car and I didn't want it to be destroyed. When I was a child, I asked if my father would give me this car when I get older, but he said no, he would like to buy me a car more worthy of an heir to a huge fortune. Then CEO Choi added that I should not think about such old junk.- and as he said it, one could see the disappointment on his face.- It seems funny now, but as a child, I felt very hurt. So later, when I found out that my father had instructed Secretary Lee to take the car to the junkyard and see it destroyed, I had to do something. Since I knew how much Secretary Lee wanted to be friends with me, I called him and asked to run an errand that I was supposed to handle myself. Later I called the junkyard and aske
Blossom Tears Chapter 72 - Final Confession: Part 1
Soo Min entered the interrogation room and sat down at the table in front of a man who until recently was called Choi Hyun Sik.- Lee Joo Young-ssi...- Soo Min called him by his real name, though she had a hard time getting used to the fact that this was his name.- At the last interrogation you told us about your childhood again, but now I'd like to hear the full story of how you carried out your mission.- she said, quite cautiously to encourage him to speak. Soo Min could see clearly that he was angry with her for approaching him like that while they were talking in the basement of his house. He felt clearly deceived and spoke to her very reluctantly, but she still wanted to get the whole truth out of him. Joo Chan offered to help, assuring Joo Young would sing everything nicely after one interrogation with him, but Soo Min preferred to personally interrogate the "Cherry Blossom Reaper".- I already told you everything, Soo Min. Don't you remember?- he spoke to her comple
