“Yes, as long as you’re okay, I’ll promise you anything.” Getting out of the car at the hospital, Shen Yixuan shouted for a doctor.
“I’m sorry…” Zhuo Ling whispered, her hand gently brushing past Shen Yixuan’s face.
Watching the doctor push Zhuo Ling into the operating room, Shen Yixuan anxiously paced outside, praying she would be okay. When the surgery door opened, the doctors emerged with grave expressions.
Shen Yixuan rushed forward, grabbing a doctor: “How is Ling’er?”
“I’m sorry, we did our best,” the doctor could only apologize.
“Impossible, you’re lying, right?” Shen Yixuan refused to believe it and rushed in to see Zhuo Ling lying motionless on the bed, her pale face and bloodless lips.
With each step, Shen Yixuan recalled Zhuo Ling’s every smile, her cleverness, her mischief, her bravery… Why did their distance feel so close, yet made her feel she had walked so far…
After Zhuo Ling’s burial, Shen Yixuan quit the organization and entered the business world, becoming cold-blooded, ruthless, and unpredictable.
Chapter Five: Scolding “Xiao Ling!” “Here!” Luo Yaling raised her hand high, looking innocently at the editor’s stern face. This was Luo Yaling’s new identity – “Xiao Ling”. She came to China under this name, having escaped there. After just a few days, she ran out of money and didn’t want to alert anyone. She decided to take matters into her own hands and found work as a “reporter”. She found it interesting, challenging, and a way to earn money. “What nonsense have you written? A report about respecting the elderly, loving the young, and unity? Do you think you’re some kind of saint? Such a boring piece won’t gain readership.” The editor’s big belly shook with anger. “But I…” “Look carefully, we need explosive news like which business group acquired which company! Don’t you understand?” The editor tossed aside Xiao Ling’s draft and pulled out several others to read to her. “Editor, readers can’t always handle spicy news, so I prepared a cool, refreshing side dish!” Luo Yaling quickly smiled, adjusting her thick-framed glasses. Now she was dressed like a standard old maid, hair pinned, thick-framed glasses on her slightly upturned nose, heavy makeup, without any accessories.
Side dishes will be prepared by others; no need for you to do it.”
“Editor, I actually had an explosive insider scoop to report, but unfortunately…” She had one, but it was ruined by that guy—not her fault!
“Don’t try that with me. I’m telling you, Xiao Ling…”
The editor sighed. “I know you’re serious, but you’re missing that little something. Fine, I’ll give you a chance. I’m assigning you this interview.”
“Have you heard of Xuanling Group?”
“Mm, vaguely, but didn’t pay much attention. Hehe!”
“Xuanling Group is going to collaborate with some company. Go investigate which one.”
“This…” She had worked hard to become a member of Sky Magazine. While interviewing celebrities was no problem, she hated dealing with business people.
“What are you hesitating for? I’m just asking you to do an interview, not asking you to kill someone. Stop with that expression.”
“Editor, that’s not what I meant! I just… don’t want to interact with business people!”
“If you can’t even complete such a simple task, you might as well quit being a reporter.” The editor laid down the law.
“I never said I wouldn’t do it. Why are you talking to me like this?” Luo Yaling pouted in dissatisfaction.
“Won’t you go otherwise?” The editor scoffed.
With the editor’s harsh words in her ears, Luo Yaling felt helpless as she returned to her seat after closing the door.
“Got thoroughly scolded by the editor,” teased Wang Qing, sitting next to her.
“Qing Jie, am I really that bad?” Luo Yaling questioned, unable to grasp why, despite her hard work, she still couldn’t land an exclusive story. The editor’s remarks made her doubt her suitability as a reporter. She propped her head up, deep in thought.
No! If she, Luo Yaling, wasn’t suitable, then most reporters should reconsider their careers. She couldn’t lose confidence; she needed to pull herself together. She couldn’t let the editor or Qing Jie look down on her. She had to be cautious but determined.
“The editor’s mouth has always been venomous. Don’t take it to heart, Xiao Ling,” Wang Qing consoled her.
“But the editor wants me to interview Xuanling Group’s CEO. I’m worried my abilities are limited and I won’t be able to get anything out of him,” she admitted, feeling particularly insecure about facing seasoned business professionals.
The idea of failure echoed in her mind. “Xiao Ling, if you want to make a name for yourself, you must visit important people. Now is a great opportunity you absolutely must not miss. The old editor assigned this task to you, showing that he trusts your adaptability.”
Wang Qing spoke earnestly to Luo Yaling, encouraging her by patting her shoulder.
“Qing Jie, thank you. I will work hard to complete this task,” she replied confidently.
Wang Qing acknowledged her determination, noting that the original person assigned to interview Xuanling Group had been repeatedly rebuffed, leaving the job to Xiao Ling, who was less aware of the situation.
“I’ll call the CEO right away to arrange a meeting,” Luo Yaling decided, realizing she could no longer avoid the business world.
“Take your time; I have something to do,” Wang Qing said before leaving.
Fifteen minutes later, Luo Yaling angrily hung up the phone, frustrated that she couldn’t even reach the switchboard. Tiankong Society was persistently harassing her despite being rejected multiple times.
She refused to give up and grabbed her notebook, recorder, and camera, determined to arrange a meeting with the CEO.
I, Luo Yaling, will personally ensure this happens.
Chapter Six: Confrontation
“I’m sorry, our President Shen is not available. Miss Xiao, please leave.” The receptionist was unfriendly. They had already stated that the president would not accept interviews, yet she persisted.
“Miss, how do you know your ‘company’s’ President Shen won’t accept an interview if you haven’t reported upstairs?” Luo Yaling emphasized “your,” as if the CEO was their exclusive property. She wanted to challenge their disdainful demeanor.
“Miss Xiao Ling, I’ve told you several times. The president is very busy and has no time for your interview. Please leave!” The receptionist was more direct. She felt it was inappropriate for the president to meet someone like Luo Yaling, especially given the risks involved.
Luo Yaling decided it was time for drastic measures: “Actually… I’ll be honest with you. I’m here to interview President Shen about something extremely important that could affect your company’s fate!” She leaned in, winked, and smiled mysteriously, speaking cautiously as if afraid others might overhear.
“This…” The receptionist hesitated.
If something serious was happening and the president found out they blocked it, they’d be in trouble. But was it true? They narrowed their eyes suspiciously at Luo Yaling: “What is it?”
Luo Yaling pushed her glasses up and gave a “you’re an idiot” look: “Didn’t I just say it was extremely important? How could I casually tell you? If I could tell you casually, it wouldn’t be important, understand?” She rolled her eyes, clearly implying “Are you stupid?”
“Miss, this is a dangerous and urgent matter. If you don’t report upstairs, be careful about your Xuanling—” Luo Yaling deliberately elongated her words, preparing to walk away.
“Miss Xiao, please wait a moment.” The receptionist whispered to a colleague, then made an internal call. Let’s see you still chatter and block me, Luo Yaling thought, celebrating as she watched the receptionist get ready to dial.
