Chapter 17
The Mysterious Girl
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News of Hoang Kim's accident quickly spread throughout the city, with major media outlets and national television stations scrambling to report. The giant screens suspended on tall buildings temporarily stopped showing advertisements, replaced by footage of a female reporter reporting from in front of the hospital. After greeting the national audience, the female reporter said in a voice filled with emotion:
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"Yes, dear viewers, this morning at 7:45 AM, track and field star Hoang Kim suffered a serious traffic accident. Next is the eyewitness's account."
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The female reporter pointed her microphone at the man beside her:
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"Sir, could you please elaborate?"
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Millions of viewers stared intently at the screen, listening to every description of the accident from the eyewitness:
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- Perhaps I was the only one who witnessed all of it from beginning to end. Hoang Kim was driving home fast, but then suddenly turned his car around and was hit by a truck…
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The female reporter interrupted in surprise:
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"How did you know Hoang Kim was going home?"
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The man deliberately slowed his speech to stay on television longer:
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- The accident site wasn't far from Hoang Kim's home. I guessed he was going home.
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The female reporter continued to press:
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"So, did you personally see how Hoang Kim got injured?"
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The eyewitness seized the opportunity to show off his contribution in rescuing Hoang Kim:
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- The car was on fire, and I and everyone else had to pull Hoang Kim out of the car. His situation was extremely tragic; he was injured all over, his head covered in flowing blood, and in too much pain to say a single word!
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The female reporter intended to end the interview, but the eyewitness was reluctant to leave the camera's lens and hoped the national audience would remember his face, so he pretended to remember something important:
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"I almost forgot, the first person to help Hoang Kim was a young girl. She was very worried about Hoang Kim. It looked like that girl was his girlfriend, or at least secretly in love with him!"
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The female reporter secretly rejoiced, having "hunted down" the most sensational news. She was stunned:
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"Hoang Kim is a world star; every girl adores him. I'm also Hoang Kim's fan. Perhaps she was just an obsessed fan."
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When fangirls heard that Hoang Kim was with a young woman when he had the accident, everyone became jealous of this lucky girl. Many girls flew into a rage, with waves of jealousy surging, claiming to be Hoang Kim's woman:
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- I am Hoang Kim's 'wife.' Who allowed that whore to be with him...
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Others howled like crazy:
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- Hoang Kim is my 'husband,' why would you dare to seduce him, you prostitute..."
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- If I catch you, your face will be splashed with sulfuric acid, you bitch...
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The 'wives' of the world cursed while listening to the eyewitness's description:
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- Hoang Kim is the dream lover in every woman's heart, and that girl gently cared for him. - The eyewitness swore, firmly stating it was as certain as a nail driven into a pillar - Hoang Kim was about to faint, and the ambulance hadn't arrived yet. She cried, mentioning Hoang Kim's mother, hoping this national hero could wake up!
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Fangirls shouted loudly because the eyewitness revealed a detail:
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- That girl said she was Hoang Kim's close relation and requested the doctors allow her to accompany him in the ambulance to provide spiritual encouragement!
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The female reporter frowned, asking if the doctors agreed? And the eyewitness nodded in confirmation:
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- She might be waiting outside the emergency room.
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The female reporter bowed slightly, expressing gratitude to the eyewitness. The man, with a hint of regret, watched the camera turn back to the female reporter:
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"Yes, the doctors are doing their best to save him. The severity of his injuries is currently unclear. We hope our national hero can recover soon. As for the person who might be Hoang Kim's girlfriend, who exactly is she? We will bring you the latest news as soon as possible!"
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Explosive news about the mysterious girl was as hot as Hoang Kim's accident. Newspaper media secretly rejoiced, more excited than if they'd picked up gold. They immediately wielded their pens, their keyboards flying, to snatch headlines for the front page.
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From online newspapers to print newspapers, from mainstream media to gossip tabloids, they were secretly weaving a dream-like romantic story between Hoang Kim and this girl, a story where the couple had to clandestinely date to avoid outside prying.
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These media outlets were like masters skilled at "misattribution" and "fabrication out of thin air." They not only took things out of context but also loved to set up scripts and put words into others' mouths. They would stubbornly fabricate things people never said, and ordinary words were processed by them into shocking headlines. Even after gaining a large number of views, likes, and shares, they were still not satisfied. The vultures dug up and gnawed on the rotting corpses of stories from two years ago:
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"Yes, ladies, gentlemen, and friends, as we have reported, this morning, Hoang Kim suffered a serious accident and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. The first person beside him was surprisingly not his mother, but a girl claiming to be Hoang Kim's close relative. Who is she? Is she an older female cousin, a younger female cousin, an obsessed fan, or Hoang Kim's mysterious girlfriend? In any case, neither we nor you know! If Hoang Kim truly has a girlfriend, the 'Son of the Wind God' will shock the world even more, more surprisingly than his countless records of athletic feats. Two years ago, he sacrificed himself to save the princess sisters of the Hexagon Kingdom. Everyone still remembers the ending of that legendary story. And today, it's the mysterious girl's turn to save the hero's life. It seems that this hero has a special charm with women, especially young and beautiful girls. Well, we'll find out about the person who stood by Hoang Kim in his life-or-death moment. Please stay tuned!"
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Thanh Hang watched the TV news, feeling weak in her limbs, as if her soul was being drawn out. At this moment, the mother had no mind left for the vultures who were tearing at her child's 'corpse,' even though he hadn't passed away yet. She stood motionless for a long time before she tremblingly called a taxi and had the driver take her to Benevolence Hospital.
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The car stopped in front of the hospital gate. Thanh Hang hastily paid, then immediately ran inside. She was instantly surrounded by countless video cameras, still cameras, and recorders. The flashlights of cameras flashed incessantly, and reporters scrambled to ask questions:
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"Do you know Hoang Kim's condition?"
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"Is Hoang Kim's life in danger, madam?"
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Many individuals took an interest and probed about the mysterious girl's situation:
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"Madam, does Hoang Kim already have a girlfriend?"
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"Madam, have the two of them been in love for a long time?"
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"Who is she, a movie star, a famous singer, or Hoang Kim's colleague?"
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With her son's life hanging in the balance, and her head already "pecked" by vultures, the mother answered with annoyance:
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- My son isn't dead!
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Thanh Hang struggled through the crowd and entered the hospital building. The media couldn't overstep the rules, so they could only helplessly disperse and wait. She ran to the front desk:
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- Excuse me, Hoang Kim, where is my son? Is he seriously injured?
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The girl at the front desk nodded slightly:
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- Hm, he's in Operating Room No. 1. Auntie, turn right and go straight down the corridor, and you'll find the room with the light on.
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Thanh Hang expressed her thanks and ran to that spot. She saw a girl waiting on a bench. The girl was staring at the light above the operating room door. Thanh Hang approached. The girl hastily took off her mask, stood up, and bowed slightly:
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"Hello, Auntie!"
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Thanh Hang observed the pretty girl thoughtfully. She had shoulder-length hair, with trimmed side hair that formed crossed bangs embracing an oval face. Her simple appearance was as beautiful as a pristine flower, immaculate to the point of purity. She didn't wear makeup like other girls. Her modest beauty also came from her dignified and discreet clothing, an Eastern standard. This girl was probably the one who had appeared on countless global newspaper front pages. Thanh Hang didn't know what the relationship was between her son and the girl. The mother wasn't rushing to discuss this, but slowly asked:
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- Are you the one who saved my child?
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The girl answered softly, with shyness in her tone:
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- Yes, many people helped him at that time!
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Thanh Hang nodded in thanks and sat down opposite her. Every few seconds, the mother looked up to see that the light was still on, then tiredly lowered her head, her eyes red from crying. She hoped the operating room door would open, yet feared hearing the bad news from the doctor. She was afraid of losing her child forever, of never again hearing him praise her cooking as more delicious than any party.
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A quiet space enveloped her empty feeling. She was used to hearing countless praises every day, with everyone looking up to her and showering her with flattery. But with her son in trouble, the mother needed warm human love, yet received not a single word of encouragement from strangers. She didn't know when the girl had left. Perhaps the girl was busy with chores, or was feeling impatient for some other reason. A clear and elegant voice echoed in Thanh Hang's hazy thoughts:
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- I invite you to drink some water!
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The surgery time was still long, and she worried the old woman would feel tired or even dehydrated from waiting too long. Thanh Hang's throat was dry, and the girl immediately returned with precious care, personally handing the water to the mother. In a distraught moment, a small bottle of water meant a great deal to a lonely person.
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Thanh Hang still didn't know if this girl was sincere or merely trying to attract media attention. She also knew it was wrong to feel distrust towards someone who treated her kindly. It was only because her family had suffered too many tragedies that she unconsciously developed a guarded heart. Thanh Hang bowed her head slightly and accepted the kindness.
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- Thank you!
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The girl comforted softly, with tenderness and firmness in her tone:
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- Auntie, don't worry, your son will definitely be fine!
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Her politeness brimmed with gentle warmth; every word and gesture exuded grace, winning hearts far beyond her mere appearance. She was gentle and attentive in every gesture, her manners effortlessly poised… truly the ideal image of an Eastern woman.
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Thanh Hang questioned why the girl could appear at such a precise moment. The girl claimed to be a relative, yet as a mother, Thanh Hang knew nothing about the identity of the one who saved her son. Generally, after taking an injured person to the hospital, the saviors would quickly leave, but she remained there, showing no intention of departing. The girl's cheeks flushed under Thanh Hang's gaze, and she then awkwardly turned to look towards the operating room.
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Footsteps dispelled the confused air as a man and a woman slowly approached. The man's hair was disheveled, his gaunt face, his cheeks deeply sunken. He yawned occasionally. He wore gray khaki pants, and over his worn-out shirt was a faded, crumpled leather jacket. His appearance resembled a street thug more than a disciplined police officer.
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A woman over 1.7 meters tall approached, her dark hair partially hidden under a purple cap with a phoenix emblem. On her long, slender face, there was a prominent beauty mark near her moist, dark pink lips. She drew her eyebrows a little thicker, with the brows horizontal and the ends gently curving towards the temples, adding a touch of sharpness to her originally gentle deer eyes.
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The purple police uniform slid over her sensual body like waves of passion, clinging tightly, not letting go of the majestic twin peaks. Her dazzling curves extended down to her scorching hot hips, threatening to ignite the super-short skirt and her long, shapely legs. Her rosy skin adorned her sensual figure, creating a stark contrast with the gloomy surroundings.
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The female officer paid no attention to the old-fashioned woman's disapproving frown and completely ignored the young girl's embarrassed expression. She raised her right hand diagonally to her head in a standard police salute.
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- I am Phuong Hoang, a criminal police officer, here to investigate the accident!
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The male officer yawned, then lazily and perfunctorily saluted:
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- My name is Kim, from Investigation Unit Three. Let's talk somewhere else to avoid disturbing the operating room.
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The police initially planned to take both individuals back to the station to ensure witness confidentiality. However, since the girl had already shown her face—and might have been secretly photographed. The officer tutted. He then led the two with hurried steps to a quiet room further away from the operating room.
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Kim closed the door, drew the curtains, turned on the recorder, and took out his notebook to begin the question-and-answer session. Phuong Hoang asked about Hoang Kim's condition. Thanh Hang nodded in thanks and answered her briefly. Phuong Hoang asked the girl:
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- First, please tell me your name and age.
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- I am Hanna Izumi, nineteen years old.
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The three unexpectedly glanced at Hanna. Thanh Hang was the most surprised; she hadn't expected Hanna wasn't from the Prehistoric Kingdom. Phuong Hoang then asked:
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- Are you from the Sun Kingdom?
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Hanna nodded in confirmation. Phuong Hoang got straight to the point:
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- Please describe the specific details of the accident.
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Thanh Hang silently swallowed every word. Not until the truck collided with the car did she realize many suspicious points. Hoang Kim was never the type to drive recklessly; her son's mental state must have been disturbed in some way. She didn't believe he was immediately hit as soon as he turned the car.
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Ordinary days might just be coincidences, but from last night until now, the family had experienced a series of unusual events. Thanh Hang could hardly believe this was just an accident, but she had no evidence to expose the most suspicious person. Even if she had evidence, she would have to choose to hide it, lest future generations suffer disaster along with the culprit.
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Thanh Hang was so heartbroken that tears poured down. She gripped the chair tightly until her fingernails broke. Phuong Hoang frowned and asked with concern:
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- What's wrong?
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Thanh Hang trembled all over as blood dripped from her fingers to the floor. Hanna frantically ran to find bandages and cotton. The police watched Thanh Hang suspiciously. The two officers exchanged glances; Kim noticed that the previously bewildered deer eyes had suddenly brightened, while Phuong Hoang discovered the owl had awakened from its sluggishness. They were always this excited whenever they found a new clue.
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Phuong Hoang waited for Hanna to finish the first aid before attempting to calm the disturbed woman. She spoke in a steady tone:
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- It seems you know an important clue about the case, but you don't dare to speak out. Please don't be afraid; the police will protect your family and witnesses!
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Hanna looked at Thanh Hang in surprise. The mother thanked the girl for taking care of her. Hanna bowed slightly in response, only to hear Thanh Hang shake her head and say to the police:
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- You two are too sensitive. I want to catch the person who caused the accident more than anyone. Why would I hide anything?
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Thanh Hang's attitude was firm, denying everything. The police couldn't force her, so Phuong Hoang could only try to get more clues from Hanna:
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- Can you recall the color or other features of the truck?
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Hanna closed her eyes and, after a strenuous effort to remember, said:
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- The vehicle had no license plate, no brand, and was completely covered in thick canvas.
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Kim and Phuong Hoang were surprised by the girl's sharp observation. The situation at the time was sudden, and the truck fled quickly, yet Hanna still had time to notice crucial details.
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The two officers silently deduced that the culprit carefully used a truck without a license plate or brand, completely covered it with thick canvas to ram Hoang Kim—this wasn't strange. The oddity lay in this: Hoang Kim didn't suffer the accident earlier, nor later, but on the very day the police station was down to just two officers—because for days now, the force had been tied up investigating a major transnational case.
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People in this line of work must remain suspicious, so it was hard to believe such a coincidence, as if the culprit knew the future in advance and ambushed their prey.
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Even more coincidental, just half an hour before he was hit by the truck, the street surveillance cameras suddenly malfunctioned. Concurrently, a series of car accidents, scuffles, and brawls occurred in areas far from Hoang Kim's accident site, forcing traffic police to devote all their efforts to dealing with these violations.
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Coincidences followed coincidences... when... all members of the Red Flag Hall and Venus Tower in the Eternal Capital region received a special mission: half of them were to transform into mercenaries for foreign military forces, responsible for liberating areas afflicted by terrorism, oppression, and invasion; the other half, under the guise of overseas travel, were to scout and spy for secret intelligence for the Prehistoric Kingdom government.
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The area where Hoang Kim's accident occurred was temporarily completely vacant at the time, providing the perpetrator ample time to commit the crime. The perpetrator was able to escape to an uninhabited area and also quickly destroy evidence. Perhaps they used a vehicle that was both sturdy and durable, but its design was like a Formula One car, easy to disassemble and reassemble.
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Kim and Phuong Hoang noticed the unusual expression on Thanh Hang's face. The two immediately tacitly confirmed that their analysis of hidden motives behind the accident was correct. However, Thanh Hang consistently refused to reveal the truth, forcing the police to turn to another method of investigation.
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Kim scribbled furiously, his black-rimmed owl eyes glancing sharply at Hanna:
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- What's your relationship with Hoang Kim?
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Thanh Hang wanted to ask but always felt it was inconvenient. Hanna's demeanor was dignified, always polite and proper. She also disinfected, medicated, and bandaged Thanh Hang. Every gentle movement made Thanh Hang feel Hanna was treating her like a close relative.
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The police asked a seemingly difficult but actually simple question, one that only required a "I'm a friend" answer. But upon hearing it, Hanna suddenly blushed.
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Hanna was shy because she had impersonated Hoang Kim's relative, or perhaps out of concern for eavesdropping onlookers. Those people had already begun to whisper and take photos and record videos through the gaps in the not-fully-drawn curtains. Thanh Hang deemed that subtle reason the most plausible. The lively girl was now stammering, and Thanh Hang helped Hanna explain:
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- She is my son's friend!
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The black-rimmed owl eyes remained fixed on Hanna:
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- Why are you hesitating, and why are you blushing?
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The onlookers' whispers angered Phuong Hoang and Kim. Minutes earlier, Kim had ordered everyone not to disturb them. However, the doctors hesitantly cleared his throat but still came. Patients also gradually gathered, inadvertently putting pressure on the witnesses. Phuong Hoang was annoyed and had to forcefully demand that they delete all photos, recordings, and privately shot footage. Many argued discontentedly:
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- It's my phone, I have the right!
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- Do you all like to discuss law with the police? - Her cold, sharp gaze swept over everyone present as she continued - Taking photos and eavesdropping has already violated citizens' rights. And as an accident witness, she enjoys privacy rights even more.
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Her tone suddenly rose, intimidating the gossips with a loud roar:
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- If you don't delete everything and leave immediately, I'll arrest you for obstructing a public officer!
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Like a fierce deity, Phuong Hoang forcefully demanded that everyone must delete all content before being allowed to leave. As the crowd gradually dispersed, the atmosphere finally eased a bit. Kim continued the investigation with another question:
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- Auntie, you said Hanna is your son's friend. But the media reported that she claimed to be Hoang Kim's close relative. I don't understand this?
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Thanh Hang noticed that whenever Hoang Kim was mentioned, Hanna always seemed embarrassed, her cheeks slightly flushed. Hoang Kim had never hidden anything from his mother, including romantic relationships. She remembered that her son had never mentioned dating anyone. Perhaps Hanna harbored an unrequited love for Hoang Kim.
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As a celebrity, it wasn't unusual for her son to be admired by girl. But what was strange was that Hanna had already given her a long-lasting sense of closeness, which confused Thanh Hang.
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Thanh Hang thought for a moment and gave a self-deprecating smile. After all, this was her first time meeting Hanna, and she couldn't yet determine the girl's identity and personality. She muttered softly to herself, feeling that she was perhaps too sentimental. Maybe it was because Hanna had saved her son that she developed a special feeling for the girl. Not wanting her benefactor to face any trouble, Thanh Hang firmly countered Kim:
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- I think police officers should understand newspapers better than anyone, shouldn't they? - Thanh Hang said in a shooing tone - Since you believe the media more than me, then go ask them. Why are you interrogating us?
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Thanh Hang vented the resentment she had suppressed all night on those who liked to dig for details:
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- I feel like I'm being interrogated. We aren't criminals, but your questions are so unpleasant!
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Thanh Hang had helped Hanna out of a difficult situation twice, and Hanna was filled with gratitude for her. She gave her auntie a grateful smile, and this politeness turned into the highest respect. Thanh Hang's tough attitude gave Hanna a bit more confidence:
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- The doctor said Hoang Kim was on the verge of death, and he needed a relative's mental support to regain the will to live. So I had no choice but to impersonate a relative, and only then did the doctor let me get in the car. Auntie said I was Hoang Kim's friend to help me get out of trouble!
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Hanna turned to Thanh Hang, bowing as per etiquette:
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- Thank you, and I'm sorry, Auntie!
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Hanna always behaved with humility and politeness regardless of the situation. Thanh Hang felt that this girl was likely raised in a strict and well-educated family environment. She realized that she wasn't being overly sentimental, but perhaps too suspicious. Thanh Hang smiled faintly, a hint of apology emerging in her heart, because she had once suspected Hanna.
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- I must thank you and sincerely apologize! It's because you saved my son that you encountered all these troubles!
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Hanna felt a surge of warmth in her heart when she heard Thanh Hang's affectionate words, and she responded with a tender smile. Thanh Hang looked away to avoid the deepening blush on Hanna's face.
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- We have nothing more to say. - Thanh Hang said in a harsh voice - You two should leave. I'm truly so tired...
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Phuong Hoang handed the notebook to Hanna:
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- If this is a murder case, we need your phone number and address to ensure the witness's safety.
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Hanna wrote it down in the notebook without hesitation. The police said goodbye and left, once again leaving a quiet space for the two women. She and Hanna returned to the operating room together. Thanh Hang chatted with Hanna to calm her own emotions, trying to prevent herself from losing control and going crazy due to excessive grief.
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- Have you been waiting since this morning?
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Thanh Hang deliberately acted rudely to test Hanna, wanting to see if her kindness was genuine or feigned. Hanna didn't show the slightest reaction, nor did she look upset. Instead, she replied calmly:
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- Yes, I'm waiting for the surgery results!
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Thanh Hang increased the difficulty:
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- Why are you so concerned about my son?
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Thanh Hang employed a gauge of human nature to probe Hanna's thoughts and test her self-esteem. A hint of melancholy appeared on Hanna's face; that emotion hidden deep within the sorrow was... a fragile heart. Thanh Hang's intuition told her that Hanna's fragile heart wasn't born from being hurt. Thanh Hang gently looked up, her embarrassed gaze falling on the operating room light. Once again, Once again, Thanh Hang avoided probing the girl too much... when... Hanna quietly clasped the pendant engraved with an angel spreading its wings, as if those wings were shielding and guarding that fragile cherry blossom. She smiled faintly, guessing that inside the pendant might be her son's photo… and... someone.
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Silence lingered in the air until a sudden phone ring broke it. Hanna heard her best friend's urging voice on the other end:
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- Where are you? The interview time is almost here!
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She started suddenly, looked up at the clock, and saw it was almost 9 AM. Only 20 minutes remained until her company interview. Because she was worried about Hoang Kim's condition, she had actually forgotten this important appointment today.
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Hanna quickly estimated that a taxi could reach the hospital in about 5 minutes, and driving from the hospital to the company would take 10 minutes, leaving her with 5 minutes of buffer time. The problem, however, was that she had to find a way to avoid the the group of reporters at the hospital entrance.
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She put on her mask and calculated in her mind that if the media stopped her, she'd use visiting family as an excuse. After careful consideration, Hanna told her best friend on the phone:
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- I'm on my way right now!
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After Hanna hung up the phone, she exchanged phone numbers with Thanh Hang. After a series of tragedies, Thanh Hang finally found some comfort. The mother, full of excitement and emotion, listened as Hanna said:
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- I have an urgent matter and need to go! Goodbye, Auntie!
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Thanh Hang hadn't yet shaken off that sense of melancholy when she heard Hanna leave a meaningful remark that made her fall into thought:
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- Time will answer your questions, Auntie!
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Thanh Hang watched the small figure disappear from sight in contemplation. Everyone has their own life. Hanna had feelings for Hoang Kim, but she couldn't stay with him forever. The mother still couldn't bear to leave Hanna. She was still longing, wondering if there would ever be another chance to meet that gentle, lovely girl again. Only time could answer that question.
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