After they entered, they chatted casually as if no one else was around, while the other three retreated to the background, not knowing what to say and could only quietly observe this scene.
Fang Wei’s face stiffened, and a weak voice squeezed out from between his teeth: “How old are we exactly?”
Deng Wanlin stared straight ahead and said softly, “I don’t remember ever having an academic exchange with him.”
Then he suddenly looked at Luo Mapping, who had silently retreated to the side since the reporter entered: “Wait, he’s an internet celebrity, and you are too! I think you’re much better. Go ahead, Mapping!”
Luo Mapping modestly said, “No, I’ll pass. I’m more reserved and would feel shy being surrounded.”
The journalist felt a bit awkward.
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Luo Yingbai didn’t seem to mind and smiled, saying, “I woke up late and didn’t make the bed, how embarrassing.”
The journalist had been in this profession for a long time and had seen all kinds of people. The female journalist was somewhat displeased with Luo Yuanfan. Even if there were personal grievances, making a fuss during someone else’s program was unnecessary.
She decided to simply talk to the two other guys who had been left on the sidelines and ask for their thoughts about Luo Yuanfan, then end the interview.
Fang Wei had never seen such a fool in his life. He had been holding back his words for a long time and was waiting for this moment. As soon as the microphone was raised to his face, he immediately said, “Oh, I get to be on camera too? That’s great. I want to take this opportunity to ask Luo Yuanfan a question.”
The interview needed this kind of interaction, so the journalist smiled and said, “Go ahead.”
Fang Wei looked at Luo Yuanfan and asked directly, “Were you a pig demon in your previous life? Luo Yingbai just brought a few things from home and didn’t share them with you, and you’ve already formed a blood feud with us? When you previously disturbed our sleep, should we poison you?”
Luo Yuanfan: “…” Journalist: “…”
The journalist wanted to take back the microphone, but Fang Wei had been preparing for so long and wasn’t going to let it go. He gripped the microphone tightly, preventing anyone from taking it, and continued, “Don’t pretend to be all loving and affectionate. Bullshit! I’ll tell you the truth right now. He’s only been in our dorm for a week. During this week, he sleeps during the day and live streams at night, constantly complaining about the dorm conditions. Academic discussions are pure nonsense. He can’t even read all the words in our professional books, yet he talks about helping Luo Yingbai…”
He pointed at Luo Yuanfan and said, “Hey, Luo Yuanfan, tell me, what exactly did you help with? Did he eat your food or drink your water? Aren’t you holding a grudge for a week just because we gave you one less chicken egg?”
Fang Wei was like a human cannon. After finishing his speech, he felt relieved, while Luo Yuanfan’s face turned green. The journalist and cameraman were stunned, unable to say a word.
This interview opportunity was hard to come by.
He had wanted to establish his authority in front of his dormmates but ended up being scolded in front of the journalist. He was furious and, without thinking, rushed to punch Fang Wei.
Fang Wei exclaimed “Oh!” and rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight, but was held back by Deng Wanlin. The charging Luo Yuanfan was pushed back several steps by Luo Yingbai’s outstretched arm. Shocked and angry, he said, “Are you bullying me just because you outnumber me? Senior bullying a junior, have you no shame?”
At this point, Reporter Liu could no longer stay silent. Although she knew Luo Yuanfan had low emotional intelligence, he still had connections. If this interview ended up in a fight, her own job would be even more precarious.
Her smile disappeared, and she signaled the cameraman to stop Luo Yuanfan, frowning and saying, “You young men are too impulsive. People in their twenties fighting over such trivial matters looks terrible.”
Reporter Liu paused, then said neither softly nor harshly, “We came here to interview not just Luo Yuanfan, but also for your school’s honor. You’re still students, and constantly causing trouble might affect your graduation. Let’s restart the interview. Everyone organize your thoughts and try to get through it in one take. If not, we’ll have to do it again, wasting everyone’s time.”
She was clearly taking advantage of the students, invoking the school’s name to pressure them. Her underlying message was either to cooperate and praise Luo Yuanfan or face consequences.
Even Deng Wanlin frowned, saying, “I’ve never heard of an interview being mandatory. We’re not even being reported on. Isn’t this going too far?”
Luo Yuanfan coldly laughed beside him, “This is how far it goes. What can you do to me?”
This was truly a terrible teammate. Although Fang Wei’s words were harsh, they weren’t entirely wrong. Reporter Liu wanted to glare at him but heard Luo Yingbai ask, “I’ve been listening. Is the interview theme ‘Multi-channel Employment and Entrepreneurship for Campus Students’?”
Reporter Liu looked at him and said, “Yes.”
Luo Yingbai said, “I suggest you don’t do the interview. You should leave now.”
Luo Yuanfan glared at him, but Luo Yingbai remained calm: “To be frank, Luo Yuanfan’s academic performance is not outstanding, and his quality and character are very poor. He is not suitable to be a reporting subject. If you use him for the program, it will only have a negative effect.”
Luo Yuanfan angrily said, “You’re slandering me. You’re all just jealous!”
Luo Yingbai didn’t argue: “Whether I’m jealous of you or not, these facts are true. You don’t need to ask in the dorm. If you go to your previous dormitory or ask your classmates, the answers will be the same.”
Luo Yuanfan was momentarily speechless.
Luo Yingbai’s lips curved with a hint of a smile as he turned to the reporter: “The reason you’re going to such lengths to pave the way for someone who isn’t exceptional is likely because you owe someone a favor, wanting to boost and create momentum for him. But with a personality like Luo Yuanfan’s, even if a report temporarily establishes a positive image, his true nature will be revealed when he gains more attention. Your publication has always been known for fairness and positivity in the industry, but I’m afraid this report will become a black mark in your history.”
Luo Yingbai’s words carried no anger, but the reporter felt dizzy and her thoughts drifted. She had also noticed Luo Yuanfan’s low emotional intelligence. If she were to do a lengthy interview praising him now, she might get implicated if he caused trouble later. As the reporter hesitated, she saw Luo Yingbai open the dormitory door and say coolly, “Since you’re not interviewing, please leave.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t interviewing,” the reporter thought, but still moved her legs and slowly walked out of the dormitory.
Luo Yuanfan was dumbfounded and hurried to catch up: “Wait! What does this mean?”
The reporter didn’t look at him: “Sorry, today’s events are too chaotic. I need to discuss this with my supervisor.”
“By the way,” Luo Yingbai spoke from behind, stopping and turning back, “Let me tell you something. When entering someone’s dormitory to take photos, you should first ask the owner’s permission.”
The reporter’s face burned: “Your counselor has already agreed.”
Luo Yingbai said calmly: “The counselor doesn’t live in this room. Their agreement is useless. If you want consent, remember to ask us next time.”
The reporter had nothing more to say and turned to leave.
