Chapter 69: A Mouthful of Old Blood

Chapter 69: A Mouthful of Old Blood

The spring cold snap had made the weather dry and cold. Lin Yufan arrived at the office early in the morning.

Around ten o'clock, the writer Xia Ye arrived as scheduled.

Xia Ye, in his forties, was not tall like a northerner but rather short and thin, with a small mustache, exuding the air of a proud scholar.

He didn’t have many demands regarding the contract terms: 15% royalties for book sales and 10 yuan per thousand words for serialization in magazines.

Xia Ye brought the novel *Crazy Wild Chrysanthemum*, which was ready for publication, with 140,000 words and a first print of 5,000 copies.

Lin Yufan immediately prepaid Xia Ye 1,400 yuan for serialization and 1,500 yuan for the first print royalties.

They also agreed that Xia Ye would write another novel by the end of the year, to be published by Seeking Light Press.

With *Crazy Wild Chrysanthemum* as a foundation, Lin Yufan finally felt a bit more at ease.

"Thank you, Mr. Xia. We will definitely give your novel a lot of promotion and not let you down."

Xia Ye, being perceptive, smiled, "President Lin, are you so worried because you think I might change my mind and sign with Mrs. Muir instead?"

With the contract already signed in black and white, Lin Yufan didn’t hide her concern and asked with a smile, "Has Mrs. Muir approached you?"

"She contacted me yesterday. She said no matter what royalty percentage you offer, she could add an extra point and urged me to consider them."

Mrs. Muir was indeed willing to spend money.

Lin Yufan asked curiously, "So why didn’t you consider signing with them?"

Xia Ye replied bluntly, "A strange-looking Indian woman, trying to act noble in front of me, thinking that throwing money in my face would make me sign. The strong smell of her perfume made me uncomfortable from a distance. I’m just a country bumpkin; I can’t deal with foreigners."

As soon as he finished speaking, He Xiaoqing, who was organizing documents nearby, couldn’t help laughing.

Xia Ye glanced at Xiaoqing, "Young lady, don’t laugh. Does what I said make sense?"

He Xiaoqing quickly agreed, "It makes sense, it makes sense."

After Xia Ye went outside with Wang Muxun to discuss the novel serialization, He Xiaoqing said, "This old guy is quite interesting."

Lin Yufan scolded her lightly, "How can you call him an old man?"

"He’s in his forties, isn’t that an old man? But his novels are really good. I’ve read two of them."

Knowing that He Xiaoqing had a broad interest in literature, Lin Yufan asked, "Xiaoqing, would you like to switch jobs?"

He Xiaoqing put down the documents in her hands, "Switch to what?"

Lin Yufan said, "To the editorial department, starting as an assistant editor."

He Xiaoqing was a bit excited, "Can I?"

"Why not? I heard from Director Chen that the last editorial assistant interviewed didn’t satisfy Hui Yan, so why not let you try?"

"If I go to the editorial department, what about your side?"

"I can find someone else," Lin Yufan saw that He Xiaoqing was more willing to be an assistant editor. "Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to Director Chen later."

He Xiaoqing blew a kiss to Lin Yufan from across the room, "Thank you, Sis Fan! So I’ll be the youngest one in the editorial department?"

Lin Yufan gave her a knowing smile: "Young lady, you're going places!"

He Xiaoqing laughed brightly: "If I can make it big, my mom won't keep trying to set me up and force me to get married."

"Then go for it!"

He Xiaoqing was so happy she wanted to spin around. She took the documents out and came back shortly.

"There's one more thing."

"What is it?" Lin Yufan asked her.

He Xiaoqing: "I forgot to tell you, this morning I heard an interview with Mrs. Muir on the radio. This Mrs. Muir is really full of herself and way out of line."

"How so?"

"She claimed on the radio that you're just using Mi Xian for charity gigs to pump up the box office for 'The Gold Heist'. She also urged the authorities not to waste resources in undeveloped areas just to support your show. She called the wooden house village an undeveloped area. She even threatened to complain to the Governor of Hong Kong if they didn't listen and wasted taxpayer money, acting like she's best buds with him. Is this woman crazy or what?"

Lin Yufan shook her head slightly: "Yeah, she's totally nuts, and not just a little."

Because the office door was open, Wang Muxun came in and asked with a smile, "Who's lost it?"

He Xiaoqing explained: "That Mrs. Muir. Oh, and she also brought up 'The Mantis' on the radio."

Wang Muxun frowned slightly: "What did she say about 'The Mantis'?"

"She claimed that the so-called featured article 'The Mantis' in the first three issues of 'Wanxiang Magazine' was a piece that got rejected by 'Splendor'..." He Xiaoqing lowered her voice, "a total third-rate novel."

Wang Muxun's face darkened, utterly speechless: "I pulled that manuscript myself."

He Xiaoqing: "Can we take her to court for defamation?"

Wang Muxun thought for a moment, "It's pointless, 'Splendor' is her magazine. If she says 'The Mantis' got rejected, who can prove her wrong?"

Lin Yufan comforted Wang Muxun: "If 'The Mantis' was really that bad, Director Shen wouldn't have asked about adapting it after just the first chapter."

He Xiaoqing was surprised: "Is 'The Mantis' getting turned into a movie?"

"No adaptation," Lin Yufan said firmly. "Neither Director Shen nor I like the ending as it is. And Wang Muxun doesn't want to sell the rights."

Wang Muxun knew Lin Yufan's words were directed at him. He didn't regret his choice, so he accepted the fact that 'The Mantis' couldn't be adapted into a movie with equanimity.

Lin Yufan changed the subject: "Has Mr. Xia left?"

Wang Muxun replied: "He had some business to take care of and left early. The payment will be sent to his place by finance tomorrow."

After He Xiaoqing left, Wang Muxun and Lin Yufan discussed the content of the next issue of the magazine.

In addition to 'Crazy Wild Chrysanthemum' and the serialized novel 'The Son is the Wolf of Zhongshan' collected from submissions, there were also Wang Muxun's essays and other content.

"The content is way better than the last issue. Plus, with your serialized novel, President, I think it'll really take our magazine up a notch."

Mrs. Muir called 'Wanxiang' a third-rate rag, which really ticked everyone off.

Speaking of her own novel, Lin Yufan said: "The first chapter is 8,000 words, I'll get it to you the day after tomorrow."

"Great. I still have no idea what your novel's about."

"It's a martial arts novel called 'Sorceress Legend'." Lin Yufan briefly explained the concept of the novel to Wang Muxun.

Wang Muxun was quite pleased to hear this, but he was concerned that the readership might be narrow: "In the 1930s, a few adventure novels were published in Haicheng, but none performed well, with only a handful of readers enjoying them."

Lin Yufan was confident: "Mine is different from those 1930s adventure novels, which were too similar to 'The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants.' What I'm writing now is a popular adventure novel with a stronger legendary story. You'll see what I mean when you read it."

Wang Muxun nodded: "I trust your writing skills."

After discussing the magazine, Lin Yufan spent the morning going over submissions in the office. At noon, she went home to write, working nonstop until evening and finishing the first chapter—8,000 words long.

By the time she wrapped up, it was almost midnight, and her stomach was growling. The dinner prepared by Gui Xiang had already gone cold in the living room, so she rang the bell for a servant to make her a bowl of rice porridge.

Zhao Zhiao was away on business in Macau, leaving her alone in the quiet house—a situation she wasn’t used to.

The next day, Lin Yufan woke up around eight o'clock. She lay in bed, eyes shut, savoring the last moments of rest before getting up.

Gui Xiang came in to set up the mosquito net and asked if she wanted to listen to the radio or read the newspaper.

Her usual radio show was over, so she asked Gui Xiang for the newspaper.

Flipping through the newspaper, the front page featured a report on the "temporary ceasefire" in the civil war. Further down, in the supplement section, her eyes landed on bold letters: "Mi Xian."

"Mi Xian's latest prediction submitted to our newspaper."

Mi Xian submitted something to the "Hong Kong Morning Post"?

What on earth is this about?

Lin Yufan sat up straight and continued reading. In a small column, only a dozen or so words were written:

"Mi Xian: Advice to Mrs. Muir, please keep an eye on your husband's pants."

Who dared impersonate her and submit this?!

How could she possibly know if Mr. Muir was fooling around? If the advice turned out to be wrong, wouldn't it ruin Mi Xian's reputation?

Meanwhile, at Muir Media, Mrs. Muir was fuming after reading the paper!

Who does this Lin Yufan think she is, slandering me like this?

But since they used the name "Mi Xian," she couldn't even sue.

The real problem was that she suspected her supposedly loyal British husband might be cheating.

Mrs. Muir, in her thirties, was of mixed Chinese-Indian heritage. Having lived in China for years, she acted just like a local.

Mrs. Muir was quite beautiful in her youth, with big eyes, a high nose bridge, and fair skin, though she had gained some weight in middle age.

She called her assistant, A Zhi, and spoke in fluent Chinese: "Any author who dares publish in 'Panorama' is banned for life. From now on, these traitors are not allowed to appear in any of our magazines. Let’s see how their little magazine can stand up to me!"

A Zhi was slightly worried: "I'm afraid it might upset those authors."

"I'm not targeting any specific author; I'm targeting 'Panorama.' Anyone with sense knows how to choose. Do you understand?"

A Zhi didn't dare to say more and replied, "I'll notify the editors."

As A Zhi was about to leave, Mrs. Muir stopped him, "George, do you know where Mr. Muir went last night?"

A Zhi was startled and quickly shook his head, playing dumb: "I don't know."

Mrs. Muir looked at her assistant with a mix of doubt and resignation, finally gesturing for him to leave with a slight lift of her chin.

In the afternoon, Mrs. Muir came out of her office, ready to go for afternoon tea, only to be surrounded by reporters at the entrance, which infuriated her.

"Mr. Muir is a devout Christian, very loyal to his marriage, and would never fool around outside. Unlike some Chinese, who enjoy the benefits of having multiple wives and concubines."

A reporter probed, "Mrs. Muir, who are you referring to as having multiple wives and concubines?"

Mrs. Muir didn't hold back, "Plenty, for example, the wealthiest Mr. Zhao Zhiao, it's common knowledge he has three concubines! You might as well tell Mrs. Zhao to keep a tighter grip on her husband's belt."

The next day, the entertainment newspaper directly headlined "Mrs. Muir Hints at the Richest Man's Loose Belt."

When Lin Yufan saw this report, she was speechless but found no way to refute it, so angry that she threw the newspaper at Zhao Zhiao's head.

Zhao Zhiao, with an innocent look, said, "My belt is only loose in your room."

Lin Yufan gave him a look and said nothing.

Zhao Zhiao had heard that the Muir family was having financial difficulties, so he suggested, "Maybe I should think of a way to acquire Muir Media."

"Don't bother," Lin Yufan wanted to deal with that woman herself.

*

The infringement lawsuit against Xie Guixiang was easily won by Lawyer Yan in just one session.

Xie Guixiang's "Three Cents Press" was shut down, and the sale of any publications from his former Three Cents Press was banned in the market. Additionally, he had to compensate Qunqing Press with eight thousand Hong Kong dollars.

Lin Yufan wasn't present at the scene; she was at home preparing for the evening's celebration of "The Gold Heist" movie's box office surpassing 200,000.

The celebration took place at the Dragonfly Garden Restaurant, inviting many crew members and friends.

The venue was packed with various "scheming" media reporters.

Lin Yufan had become quite skilled at handling media questions.

At first, the reporters asked normal questions, "Mrs. Zhao, are you confident that 'The Gold Heist' will reach 500,000 at the box office?"

Lin Yufan smiled, "With your help in promotion, I believe we can reach 500,000."

Reporter: "Any perks if the box office reaches 500,000?"

Lin Yufan: "When the box office hits 500,000, we'll hold a press conference and treat everyone to a meal."

Everyone joked about dining at the most expensive restaurant.

Lin Yufan readily agreed, promising to order the priciest dishes.

Reporter: "Mrs. Zhao, your first work is such a hit, has Mr. Zhao made any gestures?"

Lin Yufan retorted, "What gestures are needed?"

Reporter: "I heard your film company is still crammed in a small residential office building with a publishing house. Has Mr. Zhao offered to give you a building?"

Lin Yufan: "He gave me a villa when we got married. As for the office building, I plan to build one myself with my earnings."

The reporters flattered, "Mrs. Zhao truly is a woman who doesn't let men outshine her."

Another reporter seized the opportunity to ask, "Mrs. Muir implied that Mr. Zhao has multiple wives and concubines, what is Mrs. Zhao's view on this?"

Lin Yufan laughed, "The three concubines are my best mahjong partners; they spend more time with me than with Zhi Ao. I never get jealous over such things."

She swiftly shifted the topic, "Director Shen and I will soon start filming our next movie, 'The Passionate Tenant.' Please help us promote it."

Reporter: "Mrs. Muir intends to file a complaint about the government wasting resources by installing water pipes in the wooden house village. She also accused Mi Xian of fraud, saying Mrs. Zhao's charity performance..."

Lin Yufan did not avoid the question. She said, "I need to stress this point. The roads in the wooden house village are narrow, and the wooden houses are surrounded by flammable materials. Once a fire breaks out, it will be very dangerous. Currently, the wooden house village does not have tap water and relies on well water. If a fire occurs, without tap water, the fire department would be powerless. I hope Mrs. Muir will see reason and stop complaining about the government's proper planning."

The reporter wanted to ask more, but Lin Yuwu stepped in promptly, "We just won the lawsuit against 'Three Cents Press' for copyright infringement. Thank you to all the media reporters, editors, and writers who spoke up for us. We’ve arranged for snacks, drinks, and transportation allowances. Please pick them up at the front desk."

The mention of "transportation allowances" quickly drew the reporters away.

Lin Yufan walked over to chat with Director Shen, his wife, and other guests. She was wearing an elegant cheongsam, and everyone complimented her on how good she looked.

"Sister Yufan."

Hearing the voice, Lin Yufan turned around and saw Ji Shuping.

Ji Shuping was holding a glass of red wine and smiled, "Congratulations on the movie's record-breaking box office."

Ji Shuping had testified in court during the afternoon's case, and Lin Yuwu thanked her for her help, inviting her to the celebration banquet.

Lin Yufan clinked glasses with her, "Thank you, Shuping. I also want to thank you for your testimony this afternoon."

Ji Shuping: "It was the right thing to do. Even if it weren't you, but someone else, I would still testify."

She spoke very candidly.

Lin Yufan looked at Ji Shuping with a smile, "That Boss Xie, until the very end, refused to admit it. He thumped his chest and swore to me that he absolutely did not talk about the publishing house at the printing factory."

Ji Shuping's expression remained calm: "This Boss Xie, just from his actions, you can tell he has poor character. What about Brother Zhi Ao? Why didn't he come to such an important celebration banquet?"

Lin Yufan appeared resigned: "He had something to do today and will come later."

Just as other guests came to chat with Lin Yufan, Ji Shuping moved to the other side to drink by herself.

Zhao Lixiang arrived late. When he saw Ji Shuping, he walked over, "Wow, all alone."

Ji Shuping glanced at him, "It's even lonelier at home, deathly quiet."

Zhao Lixiang asked her, "What about your housekeeper?"

Ji Shuping: "..."

Who wants to talk about the housekeeper with you?

Seeing her silent, Zhao Lixiang waved his camera, "Would you like me to take your photo?"

Ji Shuping: "No, not in the mood."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just don't feel like taking photos."

Zhao Lixiang didn't know why Ji Shuping was in a bad mood. A woman’s heart is as deep as the ocean, or so it seems.

Just then, someone called him to take a photo, so he walked away.

When he returned, he found Ji Shuping already at the door, seemingly ready to leave.

Zhao Lixiang ran over, "Didn't you say your home is cold and quiet? Why leave so early?"

Ji Shuping glanced at him without saying a word and continued heading out.

Zhao Lixiang, worried something might be wrong, offered, "Let me take you home."

"No need, my driver is waiting outside."

Zhao Lixiang didn’t insist, but he couldn’t help feeling that something was off with her today.

She was acting weird.

Zhao Zhiao arrived around eight o’clock, later than expected.

When he arrived, a few dedicated journalists were still around. Zhao Zhiao generously had Shen Te hand out red envelopes to each of them.

The journalists thanked him profusely after receiving the envelopes!

It was often said that Zhao Zhiao was difficult to deal with, but he had always been generous with the media, which was one of the reasons why the media rarely spoke ill of him.

After all, it’s hard to bite the hand that feeds you.

Mrs. Xu and Xu Yinger arrived late because of family matters, only to find Zhao Zhiao had arrived even later. Mrs. Xu teased him with a smile, "Mr. Zhao, arriving so late, shouldn’t you have three drinks as a penalty?"

Mrs. Peng, standing nearby, chuckled, "Forget the three drinks. At next month’s charity gala, Mr. Zhao should at least sponsor a few tables to raise more funds for charity."

These ladies had always been polite to Zhao Zhiao, but after becoming friends with Lin Yufan, their relationship grew even closer and more relaxed.

Zhao Zhiao smiled and agreed; he never turned down charity and couldn’t really refuse.

On the way home, Lin Yufan rubbed her slightly stiff neck and spoke to Zhao Zhiao about Ji Shuping, "She’s not just a simple young girl. She lies without batting an eye, much better than I ever could. Ji Shuping lied and fabricated evidence to help me win the lawsuit. Clearly, she’s deliberately getting close to us—mainly to you."

Zhao Zhiao reached out to massage her neck, "Wait and see who that kid Zhao Lixiang ends up with."

Lin Yufan was curious, "If it really turns out to be Ji Shuping, what will you do?"

Kill her. Eliminate any future threats.

"I never planned to wipe out the entire Ji family. She brought this on herself. The day they get married will be her last day."

When they arrived home, the house was still brightly lit. The housekeeper, Ms. Guan, came out to greet them.

"Sir, Madam, welcome back."

Zhao Zhiao sniffed lightly and quickly scanned the room. "Who’s here?"

Ms. Guan whispered something to him, and Zhao Zhiao didn’t press further.

*

A few days later, Zhao Lixiang was working on a draft in his office and didn’t finish until nearly one in the afternoon.

Xu Yinger returned from lunch, coffee in hand, and asked, "Haven’t you eaten yet?"

"Not yet."

"Waiting for Ji Shuping?"

Zhao Lixiang suddenly realized Ji Shuping hadn’t joined him for lunch these past few days. No wonder he felt something was off.

He took the initiative to go upstairs to the advertising department to find her, only to see Ji Shuping eating a packed lunch alone at her desk.

Zhao Lixiang walked over and asked, "Why are you packing your own lunch?"

Ji Shuping shot him a look: "I'm tired of the cafeteria food."

For a moment, Zhao Lixiang felt like he'd been left out. He shrugged: "Alright. Then I'll have to go eat by myself."

Zhao Lixiang was a bit of a glutton for punishment. When Ji Shuping used to cater to him, he didn't feel anything.

Now that Ji Shuping was ignoring him, he couldn't stand it.

After work, he swallowed his pride and offered to take Ji Shuping home. This time, Ji Shuping didn't refuse, but when they reached her doorstep, she left him standing at the door.

Zhao Lixiang asked her: "Shu Ping, are we close friends?"

Ji Shuping looked him straight in the eye and retorted: "What is a good friend?"

Zhao Lixiang leaned against the wall: "Someone you can eat with, hang out with, and be completely open with. Like how your second brother and I used to be."

Ji Shuping gave a small shake of her head: "I can't do that."

"Why?" he asked, puzzled.

Ji Shuping smiled bitterly, "Because I like you. If you don't like me, then stop leading me on."

Zhao Lixiang was frozen in place: "..."

Watching Ji Shuping enter the house and the Ji family gate close, Zhao Lixiang's heart started pounding. In all his life, he had never had a girl confess to him!

Of course, he had never confessed to a girl either.

If he had dared to confess to Lin Yufan back then, would there have been no room for his brother?

He let out a deep sigh in frustration.

*

Ring ring! Ring ring!

The phone rang three times, and Zhuang Ziguang picked it up.

"Hello... Director!"

Linghu's voice was always so energetic: "How's the special team recently?"

Zhuang Ziguang replied: "Everything's normal. Xiao Zepeng is currently on par with me, also a Deputy Director, but he's in charge. I go along with his plans to minimize conflicts with him."

Linghu: "That's the way to go. I called you today for two things. First, there's a new mission. A very important energy expert must be relocated to Taiwan for protection. This mission doesn't involve the special team. You and the second group will work together to guarantee the expert's safety. The second group leader will fill you in on the specifics."

Zhuang Ziguang acknowledged: "I understand."

Linghu: "The second thing is, I've received a photo of Dong Zhen from headquarters, and I've confirmed her identity."

Zhuang Ziguang was surprised: "Is she in Hong Kong?"

Linghu: "She is Zhao Zhiao's Third Concubine, Zhang Aiming. I've seen her. No doubt about it."

Zhuang Ziguang exclaimed: "It's really her, I guessed right."

Linghu: "The higher-ups want us to figure out how to apprehend Dong Zhen. She must know where that batch of gold and artifacts is hidden. This mission must succeed; failure is not an option."

Zhuang Ziguang got excited: "Understood. Who will handle this mission?"

Linghu: "The special team has too many vulnerabilities. It's better to rely on our own people in the confidential department. You and the second group leader figure it out."

Zhuang Ziguang: "Alright! Is there a deadline?"

Linghu: "It's best to capture her alive by April. Currently, the higher-ups still want to win over Zhao Zhiao, so the operation to hunt Dong Zhen must remain confidential and avoid offending Zhao Zhiao."

Zhuang Ziguang: "Understood."

*

The water supply project in Wooden House Village had to be halted due to a complaint from Mrs. Mill.

Mrs. Mill's complaint stated: "The port city is already severely short of water. Now, to provide water supply to a non-built-up area based on a charlatan's prediction is an illegal project."

The villagers were furious and gathered in the square to protest.

To quell the incident, the authorities promised to find a way to supply water, but it was just a delaying tactic. After the project was suspended, there was no sign of resuming work.

Lin Yufan sought Zhao Zhiao's help to find a solution. Just as the communication was completed, the fire in Wooden House Village broke out as expected.

The fire turned the sky red.

That day, a north wind was blowing, and a small spark quickly spread, burning down the surrounding wooden houses.

The fire spread like a chain reaction. Wooden House Village had no water supply, and the well water was limited. The villagers couldn't fight the fire themselves, and even the firefighters were powerless.

They could only watch helplessly as one wooden house after another burned down.

Fortunately, nonprofit organizations had previously organized fire safety training, so the villagers knew to wet cloths to cover their mouths and noses to prevent inhaling smoke when a fire broke out.

They couldn't save their houses, but the residents could save themselves and others, preventing a greater disaster.

The fire raged all night before being extinguished. Thousands of wooden houses were destroyed.

Tens of thousands of low-income residents lost their homes overnight.

The angry villagers, after finding out where Mrs. Mill lived, surrounded the Mill family villa early in the morning, demanding answers.

Mrs. Mill, furious and terrified, hid inside the house, not daring to go near the windows.

Mr. Mill had not returned home last night, and he was unreachable by phone.

When she turned on the radio for news updates, she heard a reporter announce: "Last night, Mr. Mill was seen locked in a passionate kiss with a pregnant woman on the street!"

She nearly choked on her anger.