Chapter 56: This kid is cool in his arrogance

It really took less than half an hour before Xiao Long, panting, called Fang Xinghe back.

"Young Master Fang! Found him! Found him!"

"No rush. Catch your breath, take it slow..."

"I'm, I'm fine! He's at the Regent Hotel, the one by the station, the hotel owned by Wang Ye!"

"Good, thank you for your hard work. Wait for me to get there."

Fang Xinghe stood up, and Du Yu and Heizi, who had rushed over, also stood up abruptly. Du Yu tucked a dagger into the back of his waistband, and Heizi picked up Fang Xinghe’s leather bag.

"What are you doing?" The leader Fang couldn't help but laugh, waving his hand. "Put the gear down. Our Thirteen Eagles have gone clean now; we’re a study group, damn it, not a gang..."

The boss’s cold joke had the two of them laughing so hard they couldn't straighten up.

"Hahahaha... study... study group..."

"Heh heh heh heh..."

Fang Xinghe couldn't help but laugh either. That editor at the *Jibao* was a genius; once he started his company, he should poach him. Keeping him at the provincial newspaper was a waste.

"Alright, let's go. Let's go see our new friends."

"Right! Go go go!"

A "big-shot" street guy who didn't even have a car. Fortunately, when Du Yu came, he had hailed a taxi to wait at the door, so Young Master Fang wouldn't have to walk.

At that time, the taxis in Nong'an were small Altos. Fang Xinghe had never seen such things in his later life; they looked like toys for the elderly no matter how he stared at them.

Arriving at the destination and getting out, he looked up and saw such a large... four-story building.

Regent Hotel? Good, good, good. It fits the vibe perfectly.

Before he could see more details, Xiao Long darted in front of Fang Xinghe. He wanted to raise his hand but didn't know where to put it, flustered and blushing, finally managing only one shout.

"Young Master Fang!"

Fang Xinghe didn't know how the street guys of this era greeted people, so he took the initiative and reached out his hand.

"Brother Xiao Long, thank you for your hard work."

Xiao Long hurriedly shook Fang Xinghe’s hand, saying repeatedly, "Not hard at all, not hard at all! The area by the station is small, found them in no time!"

"Where are they?"

"Fourth floor, 404!" Xiao Long pointed. Beside the lit window, there was actually a lackey keeping watch.

"Let's go, upstairs."

Xiao Long immediately led the way, with Du Yu and Heizi following behind, flanking Fang Xinghe in the middle.

As they walked, Xiao Long briefed Young Master Fang on the situation.

"We went to the front desks of every hotel and asked one by one. The girls at the hotels here are all familiar with us, so it was easy to confirm."

"Then I had my two younger sisters go and trick them into opening the door. Those two idiots, hearing they were sisters, opened the door immediately. Then the brothers swarmed in and pinned them down right there!"

"Damn, those guys from the capital are different. They have plenty of valuable stuff—cameras, mobile phones, tape recorders..."

Fang Xinghe listened patiently, only asking at this point: "You didn't touch their things, did you?"

"How could we!" Xiao Long shook his head immediately. "Wouldn't that be breaking and entering for robbery? We’re just street guys, not stupid."

"Good, you have brains."

With that casual compliment, Xiao Long scratched the back of his head and giggled, feeling shy again.

Arriving at the fourth floor, they looked up to see three people guarding the corridor—two women and one man. As soon as they saw Fang Xinghe appear, their eyes lit up, and they hurriedly covered their mouths, nearly screaming.

Fang Xinghe nodded at them kindly and, led by Xiao Long, walked into room 404.

Inside the room were four young men and two young girls. When they saw Fang Xinghe, they all stood up at once. Some were nervously rubbing their hands, some subconsciously stepped forward, some were so shocked they covered their mouths...

They were exactly like the young girls of the future seeing their idols in person.

—Perhaps even more exaggerated, because your Brother Fang, even without makeup, was a true top-tier beauty who could unify human aesthetics.

"Wow..."

Amidst the suppressed, light gasps, Fang Xinghe looked toward the beds.

Sitting on the beds were two middle-aged men in their thirties or forties, stripped down to their underwear. They were cowering, showing no signs of having been beaten, but they were clearly terrified.

On the bedside table next to them, cameras, tape recorders, mobile phones, notebooks, and pens were scattered about.

Fang Xinghe understood the situation. With a lift of his hand, Heizi immediately handed him his bag.

"Thank you all for your hard work today."

He reached into his bag and pulled out about two or three thousand yuan, not even counting it, and handed it directly to Xiao Long.

"Brother Xiao Long, take the brothers out for a late-night snack and thank everyone for me. If there's still time after you're done, I'll come and toast everyone."

So street!

The two reporters looked up in astonishment, their faces full of shock, their eyes filled with suspicion—*Holy crap, Fang Xinghe, did you really unify the Nong'an underworld?!*

*Looking at your boss-like demeanor, I definitely don't believe you haven't got a few lives on your hands...*

His posture was so elegant, his movements so natural, his language so seasoned—one look and he didn't seem like a good person at all.

When the two brothers thought back to the interview with Wang Deli, where the guy had been crying and snotting, their hearts suddenly jumped into their throats—*Momma! This guy wasn't lying; Fang Xinghe really is that kind of crazy little bastard who would bury you if you disagreed with him!*

Their vision darkened, their hearts tightened, and the two brothers began to tremble like chaff.

As for Xiao Long, having such a large stack of RMB shoved into his hands, he felt a mix of being flattered and hesitant, both emotions blending into confusion: "Young Master Fang, this... I... we just did a small favor for you..."

"When you trouble friends, you should show gratitude."

Fang Xinghe waved his hand, cutting off Xiao Long’s not-so-firm refusal, and ordered in a tone that brooked no questioning: "Give the extra to the younger brothers and sisters, and tidy up your personal image. You’re all handsome guys and beautiful girls, why make yourselves look so sloppy?"

Where had these kids ever seen this before?

Two of the young girls were on the verge of tears.

The others, who had originally wanted to crowd forward to greet Fang Xinghe and get close to him, now felt ashamed of their appearance and didn't dare move.

But they weren't angry because of it; instead, their hearts were full of emotion—*Young Master Fang complimented me! My mom has never cared about me like this!*

In fact, this was the essence of President Fang’s tactics.

He didn't want to be pestered by a group of brats, nagging him with questions, hanging on his neck or legs.

But, since people had helped him wholeheartedly, he couldn't treat them with a cold face, right?

Therefore, showing friendliness while maintaining distance was a test of emotional intelligence and execution—your Brother Fang would fight if he didn't agree, would confront anyone, and could be fierce as anything, but that didn't mean he lacked emotional intelligence.

On the contrary, when needed, his perception attribute could be converted into quite a bit of emotional intelligence.

"Don't worry, Young Master Fang!"

Xiao Long nodded vigorously, extremely solemn: "Everyone who helped today will get some. Doing things for you, I can't let them lose out even if I don't take any myself!"

Fang Xinghe reached out and patted the other's shoulder: "Alright, go have fun, we'll be in touch."

Xiao Long glanced at the two reporters and hesitated: "Do you need me to leave two brothers to keep them pinned down..."

"No need, just chatting, it won't come to that."

Fang Xinghe smiled lightly, which only made the two reporters even more terrified.

*What kind of hellhole is this?*

*What kind of hellish situation is this?*

*Fang Xinghe, do you know you're about to break the law?!*

The young men and women retreated in a flurry. They hadn't dared to breathe loudly in the room, but as soon as they were out the door, they were chattering away.

Fang Xinghe vaguely heard the two "tiger girls" complaining to each other again.

"Why didn't you go up again?"

"I didn't dare..."

"Useless thing! You were talking so tough before, but when you got close, you went soft like a wilted cucumber!"

"I, I really had weak legs..."

"Damn! Wasted another good opportunity!"

"You, you, you're still blaming me? You were so awesome, why didn't you go up?"

"I have weak legs too, damn it!"

That was so righteous, it was hilarious.

However, their companions didn't mock them; instead, they chimed in one after another.

"Right, right, right, Young Master Fang in person is just insanely awesome. I only dared to steal a glance at his profile; I didn't dare look him in the eye at all!"

"His aura is stronger than those underworld bosses!"

"He really made me dizzy with his handsomeness. Damn, how can there be such a handsome man?"

"As soon as I saw him, I panicked. Damn, I didn't even dare to get close, afraid I'd suddenly, suddenly... damn! How did that saying go?"

"Young Master Fang is really righteous... for such a small thing, he gave so much money!"

"Brother Long, from now on you're my own brother. When can you call Young Master Fang out for a meal?"

From Xiao Long back to Brother Long, he puffed on a cigarette, patted the stack of money in his palm, and looked at people sideways.

"Eat what? Look at your sorry states, all sloppy. I'd be embarrassed to take you to eat with Young Master Fang!"

"Later, I'll give you 200 each. When you go back, all of you tidy yourselves up!"

"We're not the same as before. We're people who have done things for Young Master Fang. From now on, you must pay attention to your personal image, understand?"

"Understood! Oh yeah!"

Hearing they could get as much as 200, the kids cheered, excited to death.

Still standing at the door, not having walked inside, Fang Xinghe couldn't help but shake his head and smile, finding this group of kids interesting.

Don't look at the fact that he only lived to 25 in his past life and is only 14 now; the difference in experience and the vast gap in knowledge determined who was the kid and who stood out as exceptionally superior among adults.

"A cute group of little brothers, aren't they?"

Fang Xinghe took the initiative to say the first sentence to the two reporters, an unexpected entry point that made the two reporters even more uneasy.

The two looked at each other, and the older one bit the bullet and replied.

"Yes, yes, they are all quite... pure."

The younger one, seeing that Fang Xinghe’s attitude wasn't that bad, followed up: "Fang Xinghe, you are the teenage writer I admire the most, with a bright future. We two are just small reporters trying to make a living, we have nothing..."

"Do you have money?"

Fang Xinghe spoke slowly, interrupting.

"Ah?!"

The two were one tall and one short, one fat and one thin. The older one’s hairline was in jeopardy, and the younger one had dark circles under his eyes; they looked like a pair of losers.

At this moment, being asked by Fang Xinghe, they were completely bewildered, looking at each other, their expressions becoming even more bitter.

"This... no, not much..."

"I guessed as much." Fang Xinghe nodded knowingly, pulled over a chair in the room, sat down opposite them with a grand air, and stared straight at them.

"I have a way for you to make money here. Want to hear it?"

"Uh..."

The bald forehead and the dark circles looked at each other for the third time, their eyes hesitant.

When people are in an unknown and high-risk environment, it is easier to stimulate a sense of dependence on partners. The two bolstered each other's courage, so they wouldn't feel so guilty and fearful.

Therefore, Fang Xinghe didn't separate them; instead, he faced them both openly, hoping they would influence each other.

"Living in the capital is not easy!"

With a sigh, President Fang took half a pack of Hongtashan from his bag, pulled out two cigarettes, slowly and methodically stuffed them into their mouths, and then raised his hand to light them.

This set of actions wasn't to look cool, but to exert pressure on them and provide psychological groundwork for what was to follow.

"Me, I've also lived in the Imperial Capital for a while. If one person is full, the whole family is not hungry. Staying there was fine, the sense of novelty far outweighed the pressure. How about you two? Have you settled down?"

"No, not yet." The dark circles held the cigarette without daring to smoke, smiling carefully. "How could we afford to settle down?"

The bald forehead, however, was an old smoker. He took a greedy, deep drag, felt a bit more settled, and looked at the teenager cautiously and nervously: "Student Fang, you're also quite busy. Why don't you just say what you have to say?"

"Nothing much." Fang Xinghe smiled easily. "I really came to send you money."

"Your uncle's interview?"

Anyone who can become a reporter at least isn't stupid. The two had actually guessed it long ago, just finally having the opportunity to ask.

"Right."

The bald forehead immediately waved his hand: "That doesn't need money. You can take our photos and written records right now, just consider it our apology."

Fang Xinghe laughed dumbly: "I am not a robber."

He paused: "Too little technical content."

Finally, he raised his hand and pressed it forward: "No rush, smoke."

The meaning was that they could shut up.

Three sentences, accompanied by a dumb laugh, a pause, and a hand-raising gesture, leaving them no room to interrupt.

Not only was it strong enough, with a composure that completely controlled the scene, but it was also a layer-by-layer aggressive detail that broke through the other party's psychological boundaries.

The two could only shut up obediently and smoke silently.

During this time, they carefully observed Fang Xinghe, while their brains spun at high speed.

How much time does it take to smoke a cigarette?

If fast, half a minute, just like now.

So, how many problems can be thought through in half a minute?

Very, very few. Specifically to any one precise question, it's not quite enough.

So, in fact, they only confirmed one thing—Fang Xinghe is not simple, absolutely cannot treat him as a child, must give him huge respect, and carefully think about his proposal or request.

At this point, the two Nandu reporters changed from panic, anxiety, and restlessness to suspicion, curiosity, and shock.

And Fang Xinghe finally began to talk about the real business.

"Taking away any of your things is meaningless, and hurting you is the same. To say something not polite enough, the top brass at Nandu probably wish you were buried by me in Nong'an, using your two lives to trade for a big news story for me. Some people might jump up with joy... Do you know who I'm implying?"

The previous words made them feel very offended, but after adding the last sentence, the anger was gone, replaced by suspicion.

"Hehe, it seems you have an idea in your hearts."

Fang Xinghe, like a devil, gave a light laugh, mocking to the max, and then didn't go any deeper, suddenly changing the subject.

"Forget it, that's not important. I never care about people or things I can't reach; I only care about myself."

This sentence was another small, sharp hook with barbs, quietly hooking certain emotions.

The dark circles were a bit restless: "What exactly do you want to do?"

The bald forehead hurriedly smoothed things over, making up for his partner's "disrespect" in tone.

"Yes, Student Fang, look, it's already like this. If you have anything you want to chat about, can we be open and honest?"

"Very simple."

Fang Xinghe leaned lazily back against the chair, methodically making his request.

"I need you to withhold the current interview content, rewrite a version without suspicion, and fax it back. You can grasp the scale yourselves. I only have one requirement—no more reporters can come to interview my uncle's family, and they cannot become suspicious because of this and take the initiative to find someone to leak information..."

"Impossible!" The dark circles almost jumped up in anxiety. "How could we have that kind of influence? It's fundamentally impossible to do!"

"50,000 yuan."

"Huh?!"

As soon as President Fang’s light voice came out, the dark circles froze on the spot, half-sitting, half-jumping, only their butts stuck high in the air.

The bald forehead opened his mouth wide, slightly tilting his head, the light shining on his forehead, oily and bright.

"How, how much?!"

President Fang leisurely raised his right hand, spreading five fingers: "50,000, RMB, you discuss how to split it yourselves."

He had a total of only 200,000 yuan in savings, but he dared to spend 50,000 for this kind of thing. However, don't ever think 50,000 isn't worth much; the actual salary of the two Imperial Capital reporters was only a little over 600.

*Gulp!*

The sound of the dark circles swallowing saliva was deafening.

The bald forehead’s bald head was covered in sweat, his lips so dry they were about to crack, but he thought more, reminding him bitterly: "You doing this is fundamentally meaningless. Even if we can hold them off for a while, it's impossible to hold them off forever..."

"I don't need you to hold them off forever."

President Fang curled his lips, his eyes slightly narrowed, his beautiful heterochromatic eyes long, narrow, and evil. That kind of impact was completely indescribable; the more one looked, the more he looked like a devil tempting one to commit a crime.

"Two to three months should do. By then, you can even break this news yourselves and get another bonus from the agency. I've even thought of the reason for you—the last investigation wasn't perfect, we felt there were suspicious points, the more we thought, the more we felt something was wrong, and after a second secret visit, overcoming all difficulties, we finally managed to work through Wang Deli, and the truth finally came to light..."

The two brothers looked at each other again, and then clearly saw the wavering in each other's eyes.

"But... but..."

"I don't understand, what exactly are you aiming for?"

Fang Xinghe glanced at the dark circles and answered openly: "Finding a good day for my new book to hit the shelves."

"Just for this?!"

The dark circles' exclamation was on the verge of breaking. He couldn't understand at all, how could a person be so crazy?

Making such a big scene, taking out so much money, and it was just for such a small thing?

Is it that I don't understand genius, or are you too sick?

Although full of suspicion, looking at Fang Xinghe’s calm and firm face, as if everything was under control, he had to admit, damn, when this kid is arrogant, he is really too handsome...