Prosecutor Princess: Episode 9

Who was expecting a straightforward answer for Hye-ri’s confrontation?

*crickets*

No one.

This episode takes off with In-woo saying that investigating doesn’t suit Hye-ri. But she has evidence. In your face, Stalkie! She shows the photo, expecting some kind of nervous response or an actual excuse, and is deceived. As she lists all the strange coincidences that have put them together in the past – the ski resort, the airport – he doesn’t really listen, instead his mind is busy figuring out what he’ll say to justify himself. At last, when she finishes her monologue, he not only says that he won’t explain anything, but also encourages her to find out what she is curious about, if she is that interested. Hye-ri can’t believe how this guy has the nerve to talk to her like that and is left speechless.

Contrary to that fierce countenance showed in front of Hye-ri, In-woo is in fact worried for being so careless, and when he arrives home, he remembers himself staring at those photos. How could he let this happen? Is Hye-ri making him dumber? He is not liking this; he’s put a hell lot of effort planning this revenge or call for justice, and can’t afford sloppy delays in its achievement.

Meanwhile, Hye-ri is on the phone, talking with Yoo-na and putting all the stuff In-woo bought for her in a box. She sounds super outraged and angry, asking rhetorical questions like who he is and why he is acting this way. Doesn’t he want to explain? That’s unbelievable! She opens the door with her foot (I know, useless detail, but it was so funny!), and goes straightly to In-woo’s apartment with the box.

BUT!

There’s someone watching her! What we know for sure, is that it’s a man. Another creepy man in her life? What is she? A creepy men magnet? Give that girl a break!

Hye-ri rudely throws the box into In-woo’s arms, while shouting like crazy. In-woo is not there, spiritually (?) talking, y’know; he looks at her, still stunned because of the photogate. She says big words about her being a prosecutor and willing to investigate him. Just wait for it, jerk!

Hye-ri returns home, and as she is with her creams and muttering to herself, cameraman shows us a small thingy (keys?) left there. All the mystery cracks me up, she should leave Korea as soon as possible; lots of people are entering her house as if it was a public shelter or something.

Next morning, Hye-ri realizes that she has forgotten to return the gas-bomb-recorder-clock, so In-woo’s voice wakes her up. Why didn’t she return it?

Right at In-woo’s apartment, Jenny inquires about the photogate, being a bit disappointed at his sudden stumbling tendency, which could ruin their case. He tells her not to worry, but she shushes him, saying that he came up with this plan, he should take responsibility for it.

Hye-ri goes and meets Yoo-na, who tells her the story behind the photo (which is different from the one that In-woo had… Uh, editing mistake or did Hye-ri purposely take that pic to confirm the date it was taken?): it was at the café they’re now. Exactly as my partner in crime kaedejun has pointed out, Yoo-na is the audience’s voice, excitingly concluding that it was a Grace’s blessing that those love birds met! Seo In-woo must be in love with Hye-ri, but it’s a one sided love or so she thinks. Hye-ri keeps telling that lots of weird things happened that were related to him, and Yoo-na defends him remembering that she couldn’t make it to the resort, it wasn’t his fault or intention (now we can laugh together, my friends, and imagine the moment in which she’ll recognize Jenny as the wealthy client who made her stay at her job the very same day all of this started). Anyway, Hye-ri won’t admit that she has a fan out there who she called when she was in distress, and blabbers about the airport, the move and the weird clothing. Yoo-na, previously I accused you of being generic and uninteresting, but you’re great at saying what we all think: if Se-joon was so cool for not forgetting about his wife, well, In-woo is really really really cool for being so in love with Hye-ri. What? She doesn’t know the whole story? LALALA I can’t hear you.

At this same moment, Mrs. Ha and his ex are fighting, he wants her to withdraw the accusation but she won’t give up. It appears that the money he gave her to buy the house has a illegal or shady origin, and if the prosecutor finds out, it could be a disaster! Even more, if he goes to jail, does she think that “that man” will let her go? This last threat leaves her troubled and us too… Who is “that man”? She knows that, but we don’t.

Se-joon is now handling a case that involves a former CEO of Brothers Construction Corporation, from the time they started building Nam Woo condominium complex. The man says that they were just subcontractors, so they’re not responsible for any bad construction. Then, who gave them the contract? Former CEO can’t remember, TaeJin or something? With this name, Se-joon investigates all the subcontractors and the winning company which built the Nam Woo complex (could it be Hye-ri’s father be involved? Jenny mentioned Nam Woo condominium while talking to In-woo).

Good news arrives at Hye-ri’s office regarding the car accident. Woo Sung-mi had bought three private insurances for drivers four months before the accident. One would be normal, but three? That’s absolutely strange. Hye-ri does her math: 3 insurances by $ 30.000 each, equals to $ 90.000! Yes! The amount used for the settlement. At first sight, she gains nothing from this; the only winner with the accident was Choi In-sook’s husband, who received $ 1,1 million. The problem is, In-sook’s life insurances were bought 3 and 5 years before, so there’s no abnormality there. Hye-ri asks for the cell phone record and the circumstances in which Sung-mi’s insurances were bought.

Writer In-woo is at his noona’s house, and asking why she withdrew the accusation. She makes up an excuse and implies that there’re hidden motives she can’t share; but he is pushy and will find a good lawyer for her case.

Just as she’s arriving home, Hye-ri sees a man who uses the same shampoo as her. He obviously is the Stalker #2, did he take a shower at her place? Eww. TALKING ABOUT CREEPY. I can handle In-woo because of his unhealthy cuteness, but not another one, who on top of that, belongs to the “sick stalker” category.

In-woo is not in the mood of being cool this night, so when Hye-ri asks him to meet her, he goes with his writer disguise. He is quite serious and hermetic while approaching her. Hye-ri, out of nowhere, wants to know how long he has been liking her secretly, and the reason why he helped her with Se-joon; to which he answers that he did it because she told him not to like her, to be just friends, so she doesn’t have to feel guilty.

Hye-ri: I said those things when I didn’t know anything. I understand how you feel, but this is too harsh and I can’t take it. So, I want to completely clean this mess up.
In-woo: How?
Hye-ri: Move away from here. Although you deny it, I know that you followed me here when I moved, so… Go back.
In-woo: Okay.

Wait… What?

This sudden comply, although it was what she was asking for, leaves her speechless for the second time in the episode. He has that effect on people. She tries to get to her senses, talking about the photo all over again; but he does what he usually does: whatever he wants. Henceforth, he doesn’t explain a thing, and instead, tells her that the famous photo should be his farewell gift, since it’s rightfully his. I love when his motives don’t make sense.

Hye-ri: How is it that it’s yours?
In-woo: You didn’t even know about that picture. So, how could it be yours? Give it to me.

Honestly, that would leave me speechless too. And not in a good way.

Let’s admit that she is disappointed, and while telling to herself that she pities him, she’s denying the fact that she actually doesn’t want him to go.

The following day, Sung-mi’s phone records have arrived, and after some analysis, Hye-ri discovers that there’s a number that was called very often. Who could it be? A lover is the most logical guess; but if they stopped talking four months ago, they must have broken up. Oh, the clues have not stopped coming, though. We learn that the insurance was sold to Sung-mi by an acquaintance of In-sook’s husband, whose number was the repeated one! Everything starts coming clear, and Hye-ri reports her new found data to Se-joon.

The final conclusion, according to Hye-ri, is that Sung-mi and Yoo-chul were lovers who conspired to kill the latter’s wife, and they played the first-time-met people when everyone saw them after the accident. While Se-joon acknowledges that she is pretty good, at the same time wonders where is the evidence. The conspiracy is solid and logical, but they must find the evidence – the phone calls are not enough, as it wouldn’t be an interrogation. She needs his help.

Just as she’s leaving, she has this wonderful idea: what about using the dinner coupon now? He’s startled at first, so she assumes that she’ll be rejected for the bazillionth time with a hysterical giggle. And then…

Se-joon: What would you like to eat?

Mission accomplished, Prosecutor Ma! I feel so happy for her. It was time that she had this date with her prosecutor crush; being treated coldly once more would’ve made her a downright pitiful person.

I’m torn between supporting and condemning what she does next. She goes to Jung-sun’s office and tells her about this change in his behavior, accepting (at last!) her insistent callings for attention. She thinks that she’s doing the right thing, though, being sincere and not hiding all of this from her rival. I understand her reasoning (what’s more, I like and value her honesty), but I don’t know, Jung-sun’s position is awkward, too; she should have handled this with a little more of tact. Sometimes I forget we’re talking about Hye-ri, after all.

After giving his excuses to Prosecutor Jin, Se-joon goes out with Hye-ri, who is SO HAPPY, that she seems like a kindergarten child on a fieldtrip to a candy store. Se-joon asks about where they’ll eat, and she tells him to just follow her. He misunderstands her intentions, thinking that they’ll go in separate cars. Separate cars? What kind of date is that? Well, to be fair, Se-joon wasn’t prepared for a date, it was more of an “unbelievable promise with a clingy girl who won’t stop until I do what she wants”. Before dinner, they have to go “somewhere”, she informs.

Oh-God. What is this? Reality TV? In-woo is given a real time report about this (he must have a huge amount of friends), but doesn’t want them to be followed. This chat with Jenny, who was by his side, is a bit chilling.

Jenny: Ma Hye-ri must be doing well with Prosecutor Yoon.
In-woo: Is there anything that Seo In-woo can’t do when he puts his mind to it?

His words don’t have a correlation with his face. He’s worried and hurt (jealous, anyone?), even more that he would admit to Jenny or to himself. Jenny can sense he’s hesitating and lying, and for the moment, she can’t do anything but to be concerned.

Back with our “happy” couple, Hye-ri and Se-joon are enjoying a beautiful afternoon out, under the trees. Se-joon seems a bit agoraphobic, so he just wants to get to the point – let’s go eating and end this madness of a date. Hye-ri is tough, though, not wanting to let him leave, and invites him into her dream: walking down a cherry blossom path while holding hands. She tells him that the holding hands part is optional, and a somewhat odd discussion takes place. Se-joon mentions that he had previously done this kind of walking with his wife, thus putting Hye-ri in a difficult situation. In the end, they just avoid her dream and go for some dinner (don’t worry, kiddo, piggybacking with In-woo under the cherry blossoms was far more sweet!).

They end up in a restaurant on a boat, and Se-joon doesn’t hide his discomfort. Hye-ri says that he can’t have gone there with his wife, since she was there when it opened not long ago. Talking about his wife is not the most convenient tactic, Hye-ri. She had mentioned previously that she had 33 things to do with an eventual boyfriend, so Se-joon asks if this is one of them. “No!” she says, she eats at this kind of restaurants so often that it’s kinda sickening now. The question is, why is she taking him to a sickening place? It was an ex-boyfriend’s favorite. She says that she had many boyfriends, lots of them, so he doesn’t have to feel burdened by her; she has experience in the dating field (yeah, sure). Is this her way of catching a man’s attention? Finally, Hye-ri re assures that her relationship with In-woo is not real, they’re just friends that sometimes, if they’re bored, kiss. It’s-so-disturbing. She’s not eating, she’s just swallowing, nervously talking too-friggin’-much.

Well, that nervousness of her, added to the fact that they’re in a boat, makes her feel seasick, so she rushes out to throw up. Prosecutor Yoon follows her and pats her back gently. Suddenly, he shows us that he knows how to be touched and lovely, and smiles at her for choosing a boat when she is so delicate with the sea movement. She defends herself saying that, back then with her ex, she wasn’t this weak.

Night has come! And they return to the cherry blossoms path, but this time he chose it for her sake. It was her dream to be there, and he’ll help her, so he grabs her hand and goes for it (perhaps he’s having a weird “She is my wife” delusion? I don’t know, I liked this change in his attitude, but I’m afraid that it could be for the wrong reasons).

After this romantic evening (even the vomit had its share of romanticism!), they return home. While at the car, Hye-ri confirms that he hasn’t have to pick her up next morning, to which he teasingly answers that it wasn’t his intention to do it so. Before leaving, Hye-ri updates him, saying that In-woo is not a bad person or using her, as he had implied, it’s just that he liked her. In-woo might not be a bad person, but an omnipotent neighbor sure is, since he’s watching from his balcony, patiently and in the shadows.

Next morning, Hye-ri’s about to have breakfast when she finds out that some vegetables are missing. Stalker #2 must have had a healthy breakfast, too!

At work, Prosecutor Jin is totally uncomfortable around Hye-ri and Se-joon, who behave as if they had done some illegal thing. They just went out, for God’s sake! However, Min-suk, being as cool as always, tells Hye-ri that if two prosecutors date, one must get transferred. They’re so gossipy!

Regarding the Nam Woo complex case, there is a bankrupted company involved, but there’s something more, so Se-joon keeps on investigating it. The first step is to interrogate the CEO of said company, Go Man-chul. He’s contacted by the prosecutor’s office and what he does next is calling the person at whom every path is heading: Mr. Ma. The meeting between Man-chul and Prosecutor Yoon is settled for Monday.

The lawyer that In-woo offered Ha Jung-ran, was Jenny, who cancelled the lawsuit. She says that the two cases must get combined, because otherwise, Hye-ri will settle it with a fine. What’s more important is that if Jung-ran’s case is resolved by Hye-ri, Man-chul’s case won’t end up in her hands. In-woo tells her to wait until Man-chul surfaces.

Now, we get to a nice moment sharing a bit of Prosecutor Jin’s life. The recent developments in Se-joon and Hye-ri’s thriving relationship destroyed her self-confidence; so she leaves work early to take a look at her wardrobe (she’s already transforming herself into Hye-ri!). Her clothing collection consists on lots of suits and… A white informal dress. She puts it on, changes her hairstyle, takes her glasses off and looks cuter than ever. That cherry blossom path is her next stop, showing the world that she can be feminine without betraying her essence! I liked her previous style, though, but I also have to admit that compared to Hye-ri, she was justabit unattractive and dull.

Suspense kills us at Hye-ri’s house. She enters and feels that something’s off. Things are out of their places, the TV channel has changed, and A CREEPY MAN IS INSIDE HER UNDER COUNTER CABINET. She does what every woman would do: call In-woo. He comes to her rescue, and finds the guy.

In-woo and Hye-ri go with Stalker #2 to the police station, where he explains that he lived there while she was out, performing a weird redistribution of wealth by himself. He also states that it’s the 21^st century’s way, to share the living space, leaving the love birds and us startled. I mean, what the hell? Please, writers, I don’t understand the need for this ridiculous sub-sub-sub-plot. Perhaps making it clear that Hye-ri still thinks of In-woo as her benefactor and caretaker? Or that when she’s in need, she forgets about Se-joon and wants her cute neighbor to help her?

Thanks to Stalker #2, Hye-ri and In-woo have a chat at the kiss spot. He urges her to leave that apartment, she doesn’t carpool or date, what’s the point? There’s a point, one that has proven to be a total success. Hye-ri dated Se-joon; and after hearing this report, In-woo plays the surprised non-omnipotent guy part and confirms that he’ll move, since she doesn’t need him anymore. He is about to leave but she stops him – maybe… he hired creepy guy??? It’s surprising how she’s becoming more and more aware of his real character, even if it’s just unconsciously. In-woo feels offended and storms out. Is he upset because of the distorted image she has of him? Or because he’s also stalking and using her and is becoming disgusted at the reflection the mirror is giving?

As long as the status quo is mantained (or “until In-woo’s real intentions come clear”), Hye-ri can’t bear being in bad terms with In-woo, he’s always been there for her and she’s starting to like him. So, she’s been thinking about her request, and bumps into In-woo to tell him that it is not so necessary for him to move – it’s enough liking someone, making him move is too harsh. He quickly takes this chance to abandon his cold position, stating that he won’t move. As she’s leaving, he looks at her, feeling guilty for betraying her trust in such a way.

Upon hearing this piece of news, Jenny is surprised at Hye-ri’s innocence, believing In-woo and letting him off. He’s really mastered his ability to read her mind, too. Why could it be that she’s so different from her father?

In-woo: All children are a different face of their parents. They only appear different. Ma Hye-ri is Ma Sang-tae’s father.

You broke my heart, In-woo, you broke my heart. Tell me you don’t mean what you’re saying, so I can forget that evil glance of yours while talking about Hye-ri.

Cut to Sang-tae’s home. He’s having a tense discussion with Ae-ja. They look worried as he explains that he wanted to marry their daughter earlier, so they could have strong family ties which could’ve helped them at hard times like these. Sang-tae knew that this crucial day would come, and didn’t prepare himself accordingly. He even tells her that she should take responsibility now, since they’ve raised an independent woman who is single. What’s happening here? Hye-ri’s mum reaction is scarier that her husband’s, since she seems really shaky.

Se-joon’s investigation has turned on every party involved’s yellow lights, and Man-chul is shown packing to run away.

While all these events are unfolding, Hye-ri is questioning In-sook’s husband. He affirms that the first time he met Sung-mi, was the day of the accident. PLOP! Lier! Hye-ri is burning with indignation as she throws the phone calls record on the table. He justifies himself saying that he covered that info up because it would sound too coincidental that his ex had an accident, killing his wife. What’s more, they broke up four months ago. Hye-ri starts guessing and her final conclusion is that he killed her wife at home and framed it as a car accident (If she was already dead, there wouldn’t be that much blood on the road, would it?). He keeps on denying it. She has to continue her investigation; her evidence is not enough.

It’s the turn for the evil ex to be questioned. It’s at least curious that she moved the injured person by herself, not calling an ambulance or the police, even when she claims that it was the fastest thing to do. She goes all cynical, laughing at the accusations being made, and Hye-ri takes this as a personal offense to her position. She pushes the suspect a bit more, but Sung-mi won’t talk. Once again, she needs stronger evidence than what her guts are suggesting.

After talking to this upsetting pair of criminals, Hye-ri meets Se-joon at that room where they always chat about cases. He’s smiling at her anger, as in “She’s growing up” (aaawww, really, his smile is charming here). Discussing the case, they share an eureka moment: although the accident occurred in a CCTV free zone, she can check the ones from the stores on that road, to confirm that they were together in the car. Oh, Se-joon, you’re so proud of her! So, she has to watch every single CD from those stores, and it’s not an easy task, but she’ll do it for the sake of justice!

The vast chain of contacts of In-woo informs him where Man-chul is hiding; consequently he orders Jenny a careful control over his movements, nothing more. While he was still on the phone, he notices a seemingly dizzy, swaying Hye-ri arriving home. He attempts to call her by her name, but remembers that Jenny’s still listening, so he hangs up and goes to her rescue. She’s sleeping at the entrance of the apartment building, so he wonders if she’s sick. She asks about the photo, saying that if he doesn’t explain, he should stop acting as if he knew her. In-woo offers no answer, just a question – should he move? She can’t stand on her feet so, after catching her when she nearly fell, he accompanies Hye-ri on her way to her apartment.

Surprise! Mum’s at home. At first, she tries to hide, but when she hears that In-woo calls Hye-ri “sweetheart”, she can’t help it and faces them. In-woo you’re meeting your in-laws! Too bad they’re the people you hate the most in the world…

Hye-ri tries to explain that they’re not a couple (this is becoming a habit, huh?). He absolutely loves her attempts at being serious and conflicted about this usual misunderstanding. Ae-ja has scheduled a date for her daughter, and the wedding is already settled too! What??? Hye-ri doesn’t want it, she has two gorgeous men flying around her! So, mommy changes her focus, interrogating In-woo, who is delightful and very polite, putting her in his pocket when he addresses her as “mother”. He sure knows how to manipulate a feminine opponent! She holds his hands, being truly sorry about his motherless life.

This misunderstanding has become a real situation in mommy’s mind.

Ae-ja: Why do you like Mr. Seo?
Hye-ri: Mom, he… Seems like a Superman.

That sentence added to his adorable face while waiting for her answer, are just delicious.

Seeing her mother’s confusion, she explains. He always appears and helps her, he’s there when she needs him… Her mum is so excited about their story! More, more! Okay, he’s entertaining and comfortable; he’s a great person (isn’t this a bit pitiful? Her future deception troubles me a lot).

In-woo’s guilt is disturbing him; Hye-ri tells him that she didn’t mention Se-joon because of what he’d told her about the responsibility of handling a man and his scares. Did she take his words that earnestly? He has that influence on her?

He can’t think in anything else, not even in his so much planned maneuvers. Jenny notices it when they’re at a bar, drinking, and urges him to delve deeper into their main object, Hye-ri. Manipulating too much? Jenny wonders why today he is so troubled, did something happen?

In-woo: Jenny, I want to stop.
Jenny: What?
In-woo: I don’t think I can do it anymore.
Jenny: Are you talking about Hye-ri?
In-woo: Ma Hye-ri is so… so bird brained. I can’t do it because she’s too easy.
Jenny: What are you talking about?
In-woo: I keep fooling her, yet she keeps on trusting me. She discerns the sincere words I’ve said at times amongst everything else. She keeps on picking out my sincerity. I’m going crazy, Jenny.

Jenny is blind with anger and beyond shocked. What is it that he wants to do with Hye-ri?