Chapter 1732: People Fear Fame, Pigs Fear Growing Fat

"I'm a reporter from China Youth Daily, Wang Yan. I want to ask you why you're willing to give up your promising future in the capital and travel thousands of miles to come to this plateau…"

"I'm from People's Daily…"

"Guangming Daily…"

"Qinghai Daily…"

"Fan Xinhua News Agency…"

"CCTV filming crew…"

The reporters sat on stools borrowed from nearby villagers' homes, each holding a small notebook, taking notes. There were also those setting up video cameras in the back, holding microphones to conduct interviews. Some were taking photos, circling around with their cameras to photograph Wang Yan.

Behind the reporters were personnel from the provincial, municipal, and county levels, along with some logistics vehicles carrying chefs, cooking utensils, and all kinds of meat and vegetables, starting to cook meals at the neighboring villager's home.

This was to entertain these reporters and personnel from other related units. After all, conditions were poor now, and it was already approaching dinner time. The reporters insisted on rushing over for interviews at the first opportunity, so the county certainly had to entertain them well…

These reporters were very particular, asking questions one by one. Of course, it was also because everyone was asking roughly the same questions—standard, fixed content. As for the personal flourishes, everyone learned from each other, furiously taking notes.

Wang Yan patiently answered everyone's questions, talking about his own mental journey. He spoke little of himself, and more about what he had seen in Mazhi County, comparing Mazhi County with the outside world, discussing the area's strengths and weaknesses.

He had written two articles. One promoted spirit, discussed ethnic unity, and offered reflections on economic construction and development in the western region, full of a young man's passion—he submitted it to Qiushi. The other was a thirty-thousand-word personal account, published in People's Literature, inserted as a special feature.

The reason it succeeded was that it grasped the pulse of the era and was representative. Wang Yan hadn't even received a reply yet, but a huge crowd had already descended upon him.

Some reporters praised Wang Yan's article for its plain language and sincere emotion, saying the Mazhi County he depicted was poor but also beautiful. Following what he had written, they tracked down Director Zhang, Secretary Li, Wangmu, Auntie Baima, Uncle Suonan, and others to chat and learn more. They also went to the temples, chatted with the lamas, and saw all kinds of ritual implements.

They found the small lake not far from the county seat, saw the snow-capped mountain Wang Yan looked at every day, and traced Wang Yan's footsteps to understand Mazhi County. They even wanted to go to Bolamula to deeply experience this perilous highland.

Early the next morning, Wang Yan got up early to practice boxing outside.

"The body is the capital of revolution. I learned some traditional martial arts since I was young, and after practicing for so many years, my physical fitness is still pretty good. I adapted very quickly when I came here, almost no discomfort. When I arrived, I could run and jump right away, just a little bit of dizziness…"

The print reporters only needed to write about Wang Yan getting up early to practice martial arts and keep fit, but the filming crew had to haul their equipment out early in the morning to follow and shoot, and also conduct more in-depth interviews along the way.

Yesterday's interviews had ended late, and the reporters hadn't left—they had all stayed overnight at villagers' homes in the village. The logistics people hadn't left either; they were all government cafeteria chefs who got up early to cook breakfast, preparing local specialty dishes.

The county hoped to entertain these people well, so that they would speak kindly of the place when they returned, spread the name of Mazhi County widely, and attract people to invest there.

After running through two sets of boxing, Wang Yan went to help the chefs make breakfast, showing himself off in every way…

Just then, Dorje came over to find Wang Yan.

"With so many of them going into the mountains, it'll be hard for us to handle, right?"

As the official in charge of Bolamula-related affairs, the task of leading these people into the mountains naturally fell on Dorje. At this moment, he also had no confidence.

After all, with so many people going out together, all kinds of problems would increase. Especially since none of them had wilderness survival experience, and this was a high-altitude area—many had only just adapted to the altitude of Mazhi County. Going into Bolamula meant another few hundred meters higher, which was a test for the reporters.

At the same time, it was also a very severe test of the mountain patrol team's ability to handle various problems.

Wang Yan said: "No problem. Didn't we even get doctors? With so many people and ample supplies, our entire mountain patrol team of over thirty members will be fully mobilized to provide support.

Moreover, we'll just follow yesterday's plan—not going deep into Bolamula, just circling around the outer areas where the Tibetan antelopes appear, and looking at other small animals and such. The main thing is to experience the ecology of Bolamula, and then go see the Sanjiangyuan to prove the ecological safety of the upper reaches and its implications for the people downstream.

With so many of us going, so many vehicles, so many guns, there won't be any major problems. The main concern is whether they can handle the high altitude. We're not going deep, we can pull out at any time, and we have medical personnel following us. The most basic safeguards are all in place—basically no major problems will occur.

Most importantly, yesterday we fully explained the dangers to them, and they all signed guarantees. After we eat, we'll brief them again—saying it twice should be about enough."

Seeing that Dorje still seemed somewhat lacking in confidence, Wang Yan patted his shoulder.

"Isn't this exactly what we're working toward—getting more people to pay attention to this place? And you've seen it yourself, these big reporters are all interested in the travelogue I wrote, specifically going to chat with Director Zhang and the others. They also said that after returning, they'll mobilize their connections to find some kind-hearted people to donate to our area, caring for women's health.

I said before, once the article was published, people would definitely come to our area. These reporters are just the first batch. After this, more and more people will come one after another. When that time comes, it'll be our Economic Development Company's job—we can charge them money and take them on a trip around the mountains. These people eating, drinking, and staying here will be enough for us to earn for quite a while."

This time Dorje didn't laugh.

In the past, when Wang Yan said these things, he just took it as Wang Yan being young, quick-witted, and fond of wild, unrealistic fantasies. No matter what, he hadn't expected that in such a short time, the things Wang Yan said seemed about to become reality, and he still couldn't quite accept it.

"Dorje! Leader! Relax. We're on the right path. I believe that regarding the situation here, the higher-ups must already be learning about it and paying attention. It just might take some time to discuss and make decisions—many things require time to push forward. Before that, let's just do what we should do.

Honestly, Dorje, you really should have brought Tashi along. I promised him I'd take him to Bolamula, and now we can say it's the safest time for Bolamula."

"Let's talk about it next time. With today's situation, what would it look like if I brought him into the mountains?" Dorje waved his hand, then said no more, turning around to go check various equipment with the other mountain patrol team members.

Many things were insufficient, and the county had dispatched supplies overnight. Not only was Dorje afraid, but everyone else was also afraid. Secretary Chen, County Head Lin, and others were absolutely not going to sleep well.

Wang Yan had just finished cooking when several vehicles came putt-putting over.

Bai Ju got out of the car with Xiao Yan and a group of medical personnel.

"Where are the people? Still not awake?"

"They probably all slept late yesterday, and they've only been here a short time, not used to it yet." Wang Yan considerately made excuses for the reporters, then looked at Xiao Yan. "Have you eaten? I've made plenty, enough for everyone."

"Just had half a bowl of tsampa at home." Xiao Yan watched Wang Yan eating meat buns with wide eyes, then went with Bai Ju to get food.

There was still a lot for breakfast. Although it was supposed to be local specialty breakfast, they had also considered that outsiders couldn't handle such high-calorie food, so they prepared some plain porridge, eggs, and the like.

Xiao Yan sat next to Wang Yan, eating and talking: "This is my first time at your place."

"How does it look to you?"

"It's all the same." Xiao Yan then said, "My mom says you should come to our house for a meal. She says you haven't been to the county seat in a long time, and when you do go, you don't come to our house—you're always at Director Zhang's."

Bai Ju said: "You hear that? If you have somewhere to go, don't freeload at other people's houses."

"What freeloading?"

The one speaking was a man wearing a windbreaker, with a very "Long Aotian" air about him. As he spoke, he sat down next to Bai Ju.

"Nothing." Bai Ju lowered her head to eat, ignoring him.

"Hello, Wang Yan, I'm Shao Yunfei, from the provincial city newspaper."

Wang Yan smiled and nodded: "I remember, Reporter Shao. Today's breakfast is quite bountiful—you should eat more, so you can handle it when we go into the mountains."

"Thanks, I heard you even made these buns yourself. Mm, delicious! You're really talented." Shao Yunfei took a big bite of the bun, burning his mouth and going "sii—haa—", but still didn't forget to praise Wang Yan.

Seeing Wang Yan smile without speaking, he turned to Bai Ju and said, "You're Officer Bai Ju, right? Can you tell me why you're so eager to go into the mountains?"

"I just want to go into the mountains, what's there to ask why? Interview him then, don't ask me." Bai Ju waved her hand impatiently.

"I want to interview everyone, you're all part of the mountain patrol team. I'm different from them—they mainly came to interview Wang Yan. But after I arrived, I found this place is wonderful, and the people here are wonderful too. There's a lot about your mountain patrol team worth digging into…"

Shao Yunfei was talking a mile a minute, already starting to pile on the lofty values.

Bai Ju said: "Are you going to eat or not? 'No talk at meals, no words at sleep'—don't you know that?"

"Unwilling to be interviewed? It's fine; you're just not used to it yet. You find me rather unfamiliar, so you might feel constrained and too embarrassed to speak. Once we're better acquainted, it will be fine."

"Who's acquainted with you? Wait, are you eating or not? If not, scram!" Bai Ju glared at Shao Yunfei, her face a mask of disgust.

Shao Yunfei did not argue with Bai Ju, but turned instead to Wang Yan: "After learning more, I believe you should be the second-in-command of our Mountain Patrol Team—oh, no, to be precise, of our Mazhi County Economic Development Company. I'd like to apply first; afterward, I wish to stay and produce a special feature on our Mountain Patrol Team."

"From the persistence of our Deputy County Head Duo to the steadfastness of the Mountain Patrol Team members, from Mazhi County town to Bolamula, from the cattle and sheep raised by herders to the wild animals within Bolamula, I feel there is much here worth reporting. The common people love to read such things."

"Just think: many people have never left the city where they live. Our side of Mazhi County is wonderful; we have scenery if you want scenery, culture if you want culture, and wild animals if you want wild animals. Publishing more stories about this place will allow more people to pay attention to the situation here."

"Wang Yan, don't take offense if I speak plainly. Things look lively for you now, and they will certainly remain lively for a while, but so many events occur across the nation every day. It won't be long before this wave of popularity passes. Can you keep posting articles like 'Seeking Truth' every single day?"

"Furthermore, after this recent crackdown, indeed, hardly anyone has entered Bolamula. Yet wildfires never burn out completely; when the spring breeze blows, life sprouts again. As long as there is profit to be made, as long as it earns more than hard labor, and as long as oversight is insufficient, people will still find loopholes."

"What does this have to do with you?" Bai Ju stared at him, eyes wide.

"I am a reporter; I can write articles. Then everyone's gaze will remain fixed here, never forgetting this place. Whether it is the government or society at large, resources will inevitably flow in."

"Not to mention anything else: we journalists plan to contact charitable organizations and kind-hearted individuals to donate a batch of toilet paper and sanitary pads to the plateau. That is a tangible benefit."

"I have also heard that the Mountain Patrol Team's funding is very tight. Perhaps then more special funds will be allocated, kind-hearted individuals will step forward to rescue wild animals, and donations will be made to the Mountain Patrol Team."

"What you say makes perfect sense." Wang Yan nodded with a smile. "However, I truly am not any 'second-in-command.' Even if I were, this matter is not for me to decide. You must still speak with Duo Jie and County Head Lin."

"You are just being modest. How influential your words carry weight now! If you spoke in Tianduo City, people would listen."

"We are all simply doing our jobs. I merely happened to write an article at just the right moment. Having achieved no real merit, I must not forget my proper place."

Munching on a large steamed bun, Wang Yan muttered, "You really must go to Duo Jie and County Head Lin. However, based on my understanding, they will not refuse; it is basically as good as settled."

"Then I shall take it that you agree," Shao Yunfei said, feigning innocence.

"How can you be like this?" Bai Ju, having understood Shao Yunfei's slick intent, spoke up in defense of Wang Yan.

Wang Yan nodded. "Indeed, this lacks propriety; it seems as though I am assigning tasks to my own superiors. Reporter Shao, your intentions are malicious."

Shao Yunfei had not expected Wang Yan to be so direct, yet he felt no embarrassment.

"Rest assured, I will definitely not misspeak. I certainly wouldn't harm you, right?"

"That is not necessarily true," Bai Ju snorted.

"Once we interact more in the future, you will understand."

Beside them, Xiao Yan secretly slapped Wang Yan's thigh under the table, her excitement at watching the drama up close overflowing...

Once the reporters had awakened and eaten a relatively hearty breakfast, Duo Jie explained once more the dangers within Bolamula, fully discharging his duty to inform them.

Afterward, once everyone had rested, a massive convoy of several dozen vehicles rolled majestically into Bolamula.

Along the journey, everyone was in high spirits; when making camp, they even began to sing.

This is the advantage of having many people: a dangerous no-man's-land appeared almost like a bustling tourist attraction.

Drinking milk tea, gnawing on dried meat, gathered around the bonfire, they laughed and chatted, creating quite a lively scene.

The members of the Mountain Patrol Team even treated everyone to a chorus sung in an ethnic style.

"On Jin Shan in Beijing, radiance shines in all directions~"

The song, simple and unadorned, echoed across the vast, boundless snow-covered plateau...

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