Chapter 412

At Ni Kuang's home, Jin Yong wore a constipated expression: "This article wasn't written by you?"

After all, they had over twenty years of friendship; even if Jin Yong was furious, after settling the matter he still showed up at the door.

Ni Kuang pointed at his own face and asked, "Am I an idiot?"

Why would anyone waste a good day provoking Immortal Trust?

These past two days, to keep on schedule, I've unplugged the phone line, fearing anyone would interrupt my train of thought—who has time to write this kind of thing?

Jin Yong took out over ten copies of the tabloid and pushed them toward Ni Kuang.

Let's talk after you've read them.

After reading the first copy, Ni Kuang was furious; after the second, he shouted "shameless"; after the third, he was incensed.

After finishing all of them, Ni Kuang trembled all over—this wasn't anger, it was fear!

As long as his reputation is ruined and he can't stay in Gangdao, his only option is to emigrate abroad.

But for someone like Li Xin, if he dares to step out of Gangdao, even a fool can guess what awaits him.

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he looked at Jin Yong and pleaded, "You must help me clear this up with Mr. Li—I really didn't do this; I'm not crazy, why would I do something that harms others and benefits myself?"

Jin Yong pointed at the newspaper: "That article was published in the Bright Newspaper; I can barely take care of myself—where would I find the time to help you?"

At the entrance of the Red Trust Estate in Xi Gong, a remarkable sight appeared today.

Wenwen pointed at the thorny branch on Ni Kuang's back and asked, "Uncle, are you a martial arts master carrying a stick?"

Lately she and Xiao Song, whenever they have nothing to do, watch martial arts films; those fighters dress like that, except they carry swords or knives instead of a stick.

"Wenwen, that's rude! How do I usually teach you? Hurry up and apologize to Uncle."

"Sorry, Uncle!"

Jun Sao saw Wenwen finish apologizing, then said to Ni Kuang, "Mr. Ni, sorry, the child doesn't know better—please forgive her."

Well, Ni Kuang is somewhat of a celebrity in Gangdao, appearing frequently on screen, so it's no surprise Jun Sao knows him.

Ni Kuang waved his hand: "It's fine, let the kid say what she wants; no need for that."

Ni Kuang now has no mind to worry about such trifles!

Between life and dignity, Ni Kuang chose to live—after all, the fearless ones are his characters, not himself!

Just then Jianguo came out, ruffled Wenwen's little head, and said to Jin Yong and Ni Kuang, "The boss is waiting for you both at home; please follow me."

Li Xin glanced at the thorny branch on Ni Kuang's back, smiled narrowly, and remarked, "Mr. Ni, as a cultured person, you're certainly well-versed in historical allusions."

"If your appetite is good, you should eat more."

Jin Yong pointed at Ni Kuang and hurriedly explained, "Mr. Li, I need to make this clear to you—we really knew nothing about the newspaper matter."

"It was the layout editor who did it on his own; I only found out the next day, and as for Ni Kuang, he's been holed up creating these days, never leaving home."

Jianguo came in from outside, glanced at the two, and whispered in Li Xin's ear, "Meng Bo has arrived."

Li Xin nodded, pointed to the sofa, and told Jin Yong and Ni Kuang, "Please sit; there's no reason to make guests stand—no matter what, since you two have come calling, you are guests."

Li Xin went downstairs and sat in Meng Bo's car, saying, "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Meng Bo didn't waste words; he directly recounted what had happened.

"Mr. Li, I used a little trick to get the truth out of Ni Zhen's mouth."

"I found Ni Zhen through an associate of the second young master of the Huang and Li families, paid him a large sum, and had Ni Kuang write an article."

"Ni Zhen, a good-for-nothing, didn't dare tell his father, and being short on cash from chasing women, he imitated his father's style and wrote an article himself—that's the one in the Bright Newspaper."

"The Bright Newspaper is also innocent; this was done privately by layout editor Sun Youhui, who after doing it took his whole family to Maple Leaf Country."

"The associate of the second young master of the Huang and Li families also flew to America the day after the article appeared."

Li Xin put his arm around his shoulder and asked an unrelated question: "Where did you get the truth serum from?"

"This stuff is a banned substance prohibited from leaking by all countries, and you little guy really have some connections."

Meng Bo pointed toward Korea, smiling as he explained, "Mr. Li, this happened by chance—I went on a trip to Korea and got this in a high-end red-light district; it's payment for a prostitute."

Li Xin raised an eyebrow, astonished: "Do those American soldiers even pay? Aren't they just going straight in?"

Meng Bo rubbed his big nose, uncertainly saying, "Maybe this guy is an exception, more particular—he wouldn't feel right freeloading!"

Li Xin didn't dwell on that, but asked instead, "Meng Bo, you said the second young master of the Huang and Li families is a fool?"

"No!"

"If he's not a fool, why would he do something foolish?"

Upon hearing Li Xin's words, Meng Bo immediately realized.

"You mean someone is using the dispute over the harbor lights between the Huang and Li families and you to stir up trouble?"

"Exactly! Old Li is a pure businessman; a pure businessman excels at weighing pros and cons—normal business competition is nothing, he wouldn't resort to such petty tricks against me."

"Because that would only give me an excuse to fight him by other means—don't look at him having more cash than me, but he can't afford to play."

Why would Li Xin explain all this to Meng Bo? Because Meng Bo is a talent he wants to use.

He then immediately asked, "Any ideas for working for me?"

"Sure! Plenty!"

Upon hearing Li Xin's offer, Meng Bo had no hesitation and answered straightforwardly.

Li Xin patted his shoulder: "I'll invest in your detective agency, hire more people, expand the scope of business—go back and wait; someone will come find you."

Meng Bo nodded and said, "Okay, boss! I'll head back now to prepare, tidy up the agency so the financial staff can work more easily."

Li Xin shook his head: "I'm investing in you as a person; I don't care about those little things of yours—no need to be so serious."

Meng Bo drove out of the Red Trust Estate and parked the car by the roadside.

Looking back at the Red Trust Estate, he reflected in his heart: "The rumors about the martial world are indeed true—Mr. Li is truly magnanimous!"

Working for someone like this, Meng Bo feels quite at ease—he is generous with money and gives ample respect.

Such a boss is hard to find!

Li Xin returned home, looking at the mud frame still a bit embarrassed.

Look at how this matter has blown up!

His son's actions even dragged the other fellow's father into it.

Upon second thought, they say a father's debt is paid by his son; what's wrong with a son's debt being paid by his father?

Besides, Li Xin consoled himself, and immediately felt justified; well, it's just the responsibility of the Ni family father and son.

If Ni Zhen doesn't cause trouble, can Li Xin handle those two father and son?

This guy has deeply grasped the saying: 'Better to blame others than to reflect on oneself.'