Chapter 104: Entertainment Reporter

The heavy truck slid down the slope, gathering speed with a deafening roar, hurtling forward like a man-eating beast.

Huang Guangzong was already in a state of agitation, and by the time he heard the sound, the truck was nearly upon him. Terror gripped his soul, and he let out a desperate, piercing scream, his body instinctively curling into a protective posture. He threw himself onto the ground, hands clasped over his head.

With a thunderous crash, the heavy truck slammed squarely into his luxury sedan. Although the truck’s speed wasn't extreme, the sheer force of the impact instantly crushed and deformed the car. Miraculously, Huang Guangzong survived. Lying beneath the wreckage, he had been clipped by the front right wheel; his arm was shattered—a complex fracture, to be sure—but his life remained intact.

The truck came to a stop, blocking the road and causing an immediate traffic jam. Passing drivers stopped and stepped out to check on the victim.

Huang Guangzong’s final line of defense had been his man, Xiao Wu, and this bulletproof, blast-resistant vehicle. This moment would have been the perfect opportunity to assassinate him, but the scene was too crowded. As a mercenary who valued her own life above all else, the female assassin held a philosophy where her own preservation far outweighed the importance of eliminating the target. Thus, she slipped away quietly, leaving only the thought that Huang Guangzong’s time had not yet come. Had Liu Jingye known of this, he would have applauded her clever handling of the situation, though he might have wished for a bit more professional integrity.

Refusing to go to the hospital, Huang Guangzong hailed a taxi with his mangled arm, his face as pale as parchment. He knew that the Grim Reaper was hovering nearby, ready to snatch his soul at any moment, but he was not ready to die. Even if it meant bowing and scraping to completely surrender to the Japanese, he would do whatever it took to preserve his life.

Meanwhile, Liu Jingye had just returned from the mountains. After a refreshing shower that washed away the sweat and left him feeling revitalized, he felt as though his physical state was gradually returning to its peak.

"Summer is officially here, and with the peak tourist season arriving, why is my inn still dead?" Liu Jingye looked around the empty house. "Let the Vietnamese and the Japanese bastards tear each other apart; I came back here to enjoy a peaceful life."

"I should go drum up some business. If my parents return smoothly and decide to go through with their expansion plans, I need to be ready to handle it."

Liu Jingye stretched, grabbed the sign from the courtyard that read "Bijiamei Inn," followed by the slogan "Escape the city's noise and bustle, linger among green hills and clear waters." Rural inns and farmhouses had become increasingly popular this year, so he hopped on his motorcycle, ready to head to the airport to solicit guests.

As a coastal tourist city, millions of visitors arrived every year during this season. The airport was bustling, with domestic and international travelers flowing in and out. Taxi business was booming, and staff from major restaurants and hotels were busy scurrying about, fighting for customers.

Liu Jingye carried his sign and swaggered into the airport arrival hall, heading to the designated area for hotel greeters. Nearby, many others were waiting to pick up guests, some holding flowers or garlands, others with cameras and video equipment.

"Oh? Is this a fan club here to pick up an idol?" Liu Jingye looked curiously at a few young men nearby holding a banner that read "Goddess, I Love You." It lacked a name, but given their fanatical expressions, it was clearly some big star.

Liu Jingye blended into the crowd, holding his sign high. Soon, a bustling group emerged—travelers who had just disembarked. His competitors instantly perked up, and Liu Jingye raised his sign higher.

"Damn it, are small inns really that unappealing?" Liu Jingye muttered indignantly, watching the crowd pass by without a single person even glancing his way. "So much for 'returning to nature' and 'valuing health and green living'—it's all nonsense. People go on vacation to show off and indulge; fancy hotels with gourmet food are their choice. Those who truly love the countryside rarely go on vacation, and those who don't go on vacation mostly live in the countryside anyway!"

Just as Liu Jingye was venting his frustration, a commotion broke out nearby, sounding like a fight. He leaped out of the crowd to look. A few men in suits and dark sunglasses, despite the sweltering heat, were surrounding a man and a woman. On the periphery stood a tall man in a white shirt and black trousers, also wearing sunglasses; he projected an aura of arrogance and dominance, hands in his pockets, watching the scene with cold indifference.

"Hand over the camera! You are invading our privacy; we can sue you at any time!" one of the men in suits shouted.

The woman in the crowd defended herself: "Let's talk this over. Can you stop trying to grab things? We weren't filming you, just the person next to you."

"I don't believe it. Give us the camera so we can see." Even as he spoke, the man didn't hesitate to reach for the camera in the woman's arms, his hands wandering in a way that clearly wasn't aimed at the device...

Liu Jingye’s anger flared instantly. It wasn't that he liked meddling, but this wasn't just meddling—it was a personal matter.

"Ah! Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow..." One of the suit-clad men suddenly let out a series of wails. His wandering hand had been caught by Liu Jingye, who gripped his wrist and bent it backward until it was almost at the breaking point.

"Get lost!" Liu Jingye snorted, flinging the man aside. Then, he swung his arms and used his elbows to knock two more suit-clad men flying.

The last remaining man lunged at Liu Jingye. "Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong!" As he spoke, he tried to hide his arm behind his body, throwing a short, subtle punch toward Liu Jingye’s stomach.

"Heh, playing dirty, are we?" Liu Jingye scoffed. Aiming for the opponent's nose, he delivered a sharp headbutt. He lunged forward, his body arching; the man’s punch missed his stomach, but his nose collided directly with Liu Jingye’s rock-hard forehead.

This was true combat—every part of the body could be used to attack, defend, or dodge simultaneously. The man clutched his nose and howled, blood streaming through his fingers as he collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

"Are you all right?" Liu Jingye turned to the woman who had been surrounded. She was clearly frightened, clutching her camera tightly, and only raised her head when she heard his voice. She was a rare beauty, with bright, intelligent eyes and a delicate complexion; though her long hair was slightly disheveled, it couldn't hide her natural elegance.

"Why are you here?" Chen Yuxin was startled to see Liu Jingye in the midst of the crisis, but then she felt as if she had encountered family, nearly throwing herself into his arms with relief.

Liu Jingye pointed to the sign at his feet. "Soliciting business."

Chen Yuxin smiled slightly, smoothing her hair to look less disheveled—a woman always wants to look her best for the one she likes.

"Who the hell are you to hit people?" The men in suits gathered around again, looking menacing.

Liu Jingye spread his hands. "And who are you? Harassing women and trying to commit robbery in broad daylight!" He purposely raised his voice, drawing the attention of passersby as the crowd began to grow.

The suit-clad man snapped, "She was taking secret photos..."

"Shut up!" At that moment, the young man with his hands in his pockets spoke coldly. "Let's go!"

He turned and left without a moment's hesitation. The suit-clad men, clearly subservient to him, followed immediately. One of them, still clutching his bloody nose, glared at Liu Jingye with resentment before reluctantly departing. It was clear that the young man didn't want to cause a scene in public and was remarkably decisive.

Liu Jingye frowned slightly. "Who is he? He seems afraid of being photographed, like he’s afraid of being recognized."

Chen Yuxin shook her head. "I don't know either, but I wasn't trying to sneak photos of him. I don't know who is so arrogant that they’d try to snatch a camera—even a superstar wouldn't... Oh no, Xiao Wang, hurry, it's time!"

Remembering something, Chen Yuxin called to her colleague—the man who had been surrounded with her—and the two of them rushed toward the arrival gate with their camera and video gear.

"She's always so energetic," Liu Jingye said with a wry smile, following them. At the gate, hundreds of people were waiting with banners and flowers, most of them men, all anticipating their "goddess."

"Hey, don't tell me you're a paparazzi now?" Liu Jingye asked in surprise.

Chen Yuxin kept peering into the crowd, replying impatiently, "I'm a legitimate reporter; I've just been temporarily assigned to the entertainment section."

"Aren't you a news anchor and reporter? Why the entertainment section?" Liu Jingye asked, puzzled.

Chen Yuxin sighed. "It's because of that online report about the Secretary-General. Although he's been suspended and is under investigation, it's only temporary. The results haven't been announced, which means Zhao Xue'an still has a chance to return to his post. I posted that report using the station's computer, and my boss found out. He’s a coward, afraid of Zhao Xue'an’s retaliation, so he moved me from my original post to entertainment news. But I believe Zhao Xue'an will definitely fall, and I’ll be transferred back soon."

Liu Jingye smiled. "Entertainment news isn't bad. You get to interact with stars. Don't you girls love those handsome idols?"

Chen Yuxin gave a dismissive laugh, looked at Liu Jingye, and her face suddenly turned red. She whispered, "I don't like those pretty boys. I like a real man—a hero who hides in the shadows, isn't afraid of power, and upholds justice."

Liu Jingye was stunned, feeling as if she had just confessed to him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Seeing him standing there like a wooden stake, Chen Yuxin huffed, then beamed. "Oh, by the way, my parents called today. They said they've already met your parents. They hit it off immediately and are currently touring the area together. The marriage proposal arrangements are going smoothly, too. Congratulations, good news is coming soon!"