Chapter 97: Acknowledgment

Chapter 97: Acknowledgment

In the radio broadcast room, the atmosphere became extremely awkward due to Fang Fang's change in attitude.

Mrs. Muir clenched her fists tightly and abruptly stood up.

Fang Fang, who was still speaking into the microphone, looked over in surprise.

She saw Mrs. Muir reach out and angrily yank out the signal plug in front of her!

Then, her voluminous white bubble dress billowed as she squeezed toward the door.

Chui Zhu, who had been thinking about how to mediate, saw his boss's wife pull out the plug and leave in anger. He quickly apologized, "Sorry about that."

Then he turned and chased after her.

The eager listeners in front of the radio were enjoying the broadcast when suddenly a harsh electric current sound came through.

Then there was silence...

Some listeners were desperately tuning their radios, while others slapped their radios a few times.

This wasn't merely a dispute between the author and the magazine but a direct showdown between the rich on the radio!

No soap opera could match this level of excitement.

Mrs. Xu and Xu Yinger were listening to the broadcast in the small living room when it suddenly went silent. Xu Yinger thought it was a signal issue and quickly went to open the window.

Mrs. Xu, who knew Mrs. Muir's temper better, said, "I suspect Mrs. Muir couldn't handle the humiliation and got too angry, causing a scene in the broadcast room, and the sound was cut off by the radio station."

Xu Yinger, who had opened the window and was adjusting the frequency, said, "Mrs. Muir wouldn't be such a sore loser, would she?"

"Do you think? That Indian woman might do anything." Mrs. Xu had never liked Indians.

As they were talking, her husband, Shipping Magnate Xu Aizhou, walked in.

Shipping Magnate Xu Aizhou sat on the sofa and instructed the person behind him, "No matter how much they offer, we can't jump the queue, especially for trips to Taiwan. Why should I offend the new Chinese government for a little money? Find a way to decline."

After the subordinate left, Mrs. Xu said, "It's been quite lively on the radio today. Mrs. Zhao called in directly to confront Mrs. Muir! Did you know? The Southern and Northern Heroes are both Mrs. Zhao's pen names. Who would have guessed? Don't underestimate us women. When women write, they can outshine men!"

Xu Aizhou had seen news about the Southern and Northern Heroes in the newspaper but hadn't paid much attention and wasn't interested. He said dismissively, "Sure, sure, you women are the best!"

As they were chatting, the broadcast finally came back on.

Xu Yinger "shushed" them, "Dad, Mom, don't talk."

They heard Fang Fang explaining on the broadcast, "Dear listeners, I'm really sorry. Fang Fang is back. There was a little accident just now, something you wouldn't expect. Mrs. Muir got angry and pulled out our signal cable, causing this broadcast accident. But it's okay, Mrs. Lin Yufan is still on the line. Mrs. Lin, are you still there? Can you say hello to our listeners?"

Lin Yufan: "I'm still here."

Fang Fang: "As you can see, our Mrs. Zhao, Mrs. Lin Yufan, is truly gracious. Completely unlike some people. Let's continue with our previous topic. Mrs. Lin, now that we know the pen names Fan Yi and Gu Pingan are both you, no wonder your readers noticed similarities in style and expression. It's unavoidable, since all three are the same author. Mrs. Lin, what are your plans next? Will you continue serializing in 'Splendor'?"

Lin Yufan: "I used different pen names to submit my work this time just to prove that I can write in different styles, and I also hope to prove that there is no hierarchy in literature. This experience has taught me a lot. I know many readers love 'The Peacock Flies Southwest' and 'Beiping Story.' As long as 'Splendor' demonstrates enough sincerity, I will definitely continue serializing."

Fang Fang: "Wow, Mrs. Lin is truly gracious. Just now you said that as long as 'Splendor' demonstrates enough sincerity, you will continue serializing the two novels. Does this sincerity have to include the word 'acknowledgment' on the cover of 'Splendor'?"

Lin Yufan smiled: "Of course."

After chatting for a while, Fang Fang asked, "It's a rare opportunity to interview Mrs. Lin. Recently, paper prices have skyrocketed, and newspapers, magazines, and books are all increasing in price. Only your 30-cent novels have maintained their original price. On behalf of the readers, are there any plans to increase prices soon?"

Lin Yufan: "We have recently categorized our threedime novels. Most of them still maintain the original price of threedime, while others are priced at fourdime, fivedime, and sixdime..."

Fang Fang: "Aren't you running at a loss?"

Not really, since Lin Yufan had stockpiled paper pulp early on, but she didn't need to say it explicitly.

Before Lin Yufan could answer, Fang Fang asked again: "What is the basis for this price categorization?"

Lin Yufan explained: "It's based on the nature of the articles and the contracts we have with the authors. Even though threedime novels don't make a profit, we continue to publish them because their readers are mostly from the general public in the lower strata."

Fang Fang: "I get it. In the past, ordinary people couldn't afford books, but since the introduction of threedime novels, now everyone, from shopkeepers to street vendors, can pick up a threedime novel to read in their spare time. From that angle, raising prices is tough. In a way, you've improved the quality of life for many citizens during their leisure time."

Lin Yufan downplayed it: "Keeping prices the same forever isn't realistic. We're just slowing down the pace, but eventually, we'll have to gradually increase prices to match the market. Otherwise, even the best ventures can't handle endless losses."

Fang Fang: "Yeah, businesses without a strong financial base are just castles in the sky."

After chatting for over ten minutes, Lin Yufan had just hung up the phone when another listener immediately called in.

The caller, who claimed to be Lin Yufan's loyal reader, White-Haired Freak, went off on Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu.

He called them out for being dumb as pigs, short-sighted, and constantly badmouthing Lin Yufan for no good reason, while paying the contributors of the North-South Duo such low fees, dubbing them the worst kind of capitalists.

Lin Yufan and Zhao Zhiao, who had just hung up the phone, were listening to the broadcast together in the living room.

Lin Yufan furrowed her brow: "Doesn't White-Haired Freak's voice sound familiar to you?"

Zhao Zhiao had noticed it as soon as White-Haired Freak started speaking: "Zhang Wei!"

"Who knew Zhang Wei from Desheng Realty!" Lin Yufan knew that Mr. Zhang had been reading her novels, but she didn't expect him to be the leading reader who had defended her in *The Language Grove*.

Lin Yufan: "Who knew Zhang Wei, always so polished..."

To be such a firebrand behind the scenes!

Zhao Zhiao sneered: "Two-faced men are the scariest."

Lin Yufan shot him a look and teased: "Aren't you a bit two-faced yourself?!"

Zhao Zhiao laughed.

"Well, I'll treat him to dinner one of these days," she said.

Zhao Zhiao wasn't that petty: "He's worth it. I'll join you then."

Lin Yufan: "..."

Fang Fang's show today broke new ground by letting listeners call in and chat with her.

After White-Haired Freak's harsh words, Fang Fang simply announced the phone number.

In the next half hour, she took seven or eight calls from outraged readers, who ripped into everyone tied to *Splendor*, sparing no one.

Some readers even vowed never to buy *Splendor* magazine again.

Nearly every household in the city with a radio tuned in to this drama.

The wealthy families' squabbles were usually just for entertainment, but since Lin Yufan was involved, it was different from the usual rich ladies' disputes.

Lin Yufan's original pen name had garnered a large following among ordinary citizens through *The Gold Heist* and *Sorceress Legend*, while the North-South Duo were favored by the intellectual class. Thus, the incident became a hot topic, known throughout the city.

Not long after the broadcast started, someone called Old Man Muir to listen to Fang Fang's radio show.

After hearing the entire broadcast, Old Man Muir's expression grew increasingly serious.

As soon as Mrs. Muir returned, he called her over.

The old man angrily berated his daughter-in-law for being ungrateful, clueless, and short-sighted...

After a severe reprimand, Old Man Muir commanded her to personally apologize to Lin Yufan and honor the promise to use the character "submission" on the cover.

"Lisa, if you can't handle this job, then I will replace you with someone who can. I can't just sit back and watch you ruin Splendor."

Having just taken full control of Muir Media, Mrs. Muir was reluctant to give up her power. With no other choice, she bit the bullet and went to the Zhao family garden to try to meet with Lin Yufan.

Unfortunately, she was refused entry at the gate and couldn't even enter the Zhao family garden.

In the end, she had to drag Chui Zhu along and, with a lot of shame, went to Fang Fang's radio show to apologize to Fang Fang, and then apologized sincerely to Lin Yufan, the North-South Duo, and all her readers.

In addition to the "Fu" cover, she also promised to write a personal letter of apology on the magazine's title page and pay Lin Yufan five times the original fee in compensation for Fan Yi and Gu Pingan's contributions.

Lin Yufan donated the compensation fee as soon as she received it.

She still sent the subsequent serial manuscripts to Splendor, not because of Mrs. Muir's apology, but to protect her own assets.

One day, Splendor would belong to her, so she couldn't let it collapse.

When Chui Zhu got the two manuscripts, he rushed to Mrs. Muir's office to deliver the good news.

Only then did Mrs. Muir start to feel better, feeling that her days of humiliation were worth it in the end.

"It's fine, even though I had to lower myself to her, it feels pretty humiliating..."

It was very humiliating.

Chui Zhu thought to himself but didn't dare to speak.

Mrs. Muir: "But look, in the end, she still had to keep working for me, continuing to write novels for our Splendor, right?"

She sneered and continued to console herself: "We hit 40,000 copies in sales, didn't we have to thank her North-South Duo for bringing us readers? To gain our recognition, look, she personally elevated us to a high position, truly a classic case of trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice!"

Chui Zhu was full of worry. What would happen after the North-South Duo's two books were completed?

He guessed that Lin Yufan wouldn't contribute to Splendor anymore, and she would take her readers to Panorama. They would have no choice but to watch their magazine fall back to its original position, or even fail to maintain that position.

But that was a matter for the future. For now, they should be happy.

Chui Zhu changed the subject: "The paper shortage isn't completely fixed yet. How about we tentatively go with 20,000 copies for the first issue of the New Year in 1950?"

Mrs. Muir nodded: "Let's tentatively go with 20,000 copies. The price should be reduced back to market rates. Refer to other magazines and adjust accordingly."

*

On the day of Yuanbao's full moon, the Zhao family garden hosted a private celebration, inviting only the Sun Jingxi family as external guests.

But the house was still nicely decorated.

They also hired a photographer to take pictures of the baby and the family.

At that time, Liang Yue happened to be there. Since returning home, Zhao Lixiang had been in low spirits. He didn't want to be in photos or see himself, so he didn't come downstairs for the family photo.

Fortunately, Liang Yue was able to help him through it, allowing him to stabilize his emotions while undergoing rehabilitation.

Wang Junyao was still preoccupied with thoughts of her son, and she couldn't fully rejoice.

But little Yuanbao was so adorable that she couldn't resist holding him more and showering him with affection, so her emotions were all over the place, and she felt completely torn.

When it was almost time for dinner, Liang Yue came downstairs.

Wang Junyao warmly invited her: "Miss Liang, please stay for lunch at our house. Today is my grandson's one-month celebration, let's have a simple meal together."

Liang Yue smiled and politely declined: "No, thank you, Madam. I have other duties at the hospital and need to get back."

At that moment, Lin Yufan and Sun Jingxi came in from outside.

Remembering that Sun Jingxi had seen Liang Yue at the Haicheng Cafe, Lin Yufan quickly led Aunt Xi to the game room.

"Aunt Xi, let me show you our new mahjong tiles and table."

But Sun Jingxi, ever the gossip, had already noticed Liang Yue.

Her eyes briefly swept over Liang Yue's face. Liang Yue's makeup skills were good, and Aunt Xi didn't recognize her. Instead, she whispered to Lin Yufan: "Hey, your mother-in-law has a new target. I see she quite likes this little nurse. Finding a nurse to take care of her crippled son for the rest of his life, what an idea, tsk tsk. Your mother-in-law is not stupid at all, how shrewd is she? She was good to her stepson before, and now she can enjoy her old age."

Sun Jingxi had always been sharp and experienced in judging people. Lin Yufan didn't respond to her comment about Wang Junyao, just smiled and said: "That nurse is a very skilled physical therapist, she wouldn't be willing."

"You never know," Sun Jingxi said, then followed Lin Yufan into the game room.

Seeing the exquisite bone mahjong set on the brand-new mahjong table, Sun Jingxi couldn't help but exclaim: "This mahjong set is stunning! What's it made of? Where did you get it? Was it pricey?"

Facing Aunt Xi's three questions in a row, Lin Yufan smiled: "Zhi Ao bought it for me. It's said to be made of elephant bone, I didn't ask how expensive it was."

Made of elephant bone, of course it's expensive!

They quickly agreed to play a few rounds after lunch.

After lunch, Lin Yufan, who had just finished her postpartum recovery period, played mahjong with Sun Jingxi, Dai Ruyin, and He Xiaoqing.

They were all members of the Lin family.

They played all afternoon.

Lin Yufan, who had been itching to play for a month, finally got her fix.

After dinner, Sun Jingxi and her family headed home.

*

The sound of barking dogs came from outside the window. Zhao Zhiao was on the phone in the study when someone knocked on the door.

It was Aunt Guan.

After Zhao Zhiao hung up the phone, Aunt Guan came in.

"Zijing has provided the latest update. The energy materials we need to retrieve are in the hands of the Confidential Affairs Department. Because they're worried that sending the materials separately to Taiwan would make them an easier target, they have mixed the materials with other supplies and hidden them in a warehouse. These materials were originally in a briefcase, but they've probably switched it out by now."

Zhao Zhiao asked: "Besides the briefcase, are there any other characteristics?"

Aunt Guan: "There are three stacks of documents, all on grid paper with green and red lines, and the letterhead is printed with the words 'Energy Department of the Resources Committee' in red. Along with these materials, two boxes of black grease are also missing..."

Zhao Zhiao committed everything to memory and, at the same time, unfolded the two operation maps he had prepared earlier.

On the maps, blue circles marked members of the Secret Service Bureau, while red circles indicated the Confidential Affairs Department.

"We have basically figured out the specific locations of each member of the Secret Service Bureau and the Confidential Affairs Department, except for Pei Xing. Pei Xing is too crafty; he never stays in one place for more than a month, and he's been off the radar for the past two months."

Ms. Guan: "Pei Xing's constant relocation is actually advantageous for us. His phone isn't like Qin Hai's, who has a fixed residence with secure communications. Pei Xing frequently changes houses and definitely can't apply for secure communications. If we can just track down Pei Xing's current spot, we might nail Linghu through his phone records."

If Longjing is indeed Eagle, after Longjing was killed, the whole spy team is now an open book to Zhao Zhiao. They can be taken out anytime Zhao Zhiao decides.

However, the Confidential Section is in the shadows, and their leader, Linghu, remains deeply concealed, with no leads uncovered yet.

This time, along with securing the energy materials, they must also uncover Linghu.

That's why tracking down Pei Xing is crucial.

After the two had discussed their strategy, Ms. Guan left and went downstairs.

*

After work that day, Wang Liu was humming a tune as he stepped out of the restroom and caught sight of Uncle Tan, broom in hand, heading into Director Gao's office.

Although it has been quite busy recently, Director Gao had something to do today and didn't come to work, so technically, cleaning wasn't necessary.

What business did Uncle Tan have in Director Gao's office?

Wang Liu tiptoed towards Director Gao's office.

The door was closed.

Why shut the door just to clean?

Just as he was about to push it, the door suddenly opened from inside.

Uncle Tan emerged, broom and dustpan in hand.

At the sight of Wang Liu, Uncle Tan grinned: "Looking for Director Gao, Deputy Captain? He's out."

Wang Liu: "If Director Gao's not in, what are you doing in there?"

Uncle Tan smiled and explained: "The secretariat handed me the key after work and told me to tidy up inside."

Wang Liu eyed Uncle Tan suspiciously as the door clicked shut, choosing to hold his tongue for now.

Wang Liu, as was his habit, headed back to the dormitory alone.

After sleeping in the dormitory and waking up around eight o'clock, he went out to find food.

After eating a big bowl of beef brisket noodles and still feeling not quite full, he was about to buy a roasted sweet potato when he passed by a small alley and was suddenly grabbed.

"Wang Liu."

The voice was very familiar.

Wang Liu turned around and found that the person grabbing him was—Deng Kuan.

Wang Liu swallowed hard, nervously glanced around, and quickly asked: "Where have you been hiding all this time?"