Chapter 23: The Reporter I Invited Is Miss Xia

Bo Jinshu woke in the middle of the night. Instinctively, he reached out to draw the woman into his arms, only to find the space beside him empty. He sat up, glancing sharply around, and then heard the sound of an engine starting in the courtyard. Bo Jinshu rose and stepped onto the balcony. He watched as Jiang Ciyou drove away from Green Lawn Villa. A trace of annoyance appeared in his eyes. It was always like this: she used him and then ran, never considering his feelings. Yet tonight, recalling her fierce demeanor, as if she were venting something, he realized she must have encountered some trouble. It couldn’t have been just about an interview. Could it be because of him? Bo Jinshu’s expression darkened.

Early the next morning, when Jiang Ciyou arrived at the television station, everyone was clustered around Xia Ling. News of Xia Ling’s upcoming interview with the prince of the capital’s elite had spread throughout the station. Her lavish spending—spending nearly a million yuan on a single meal—had become the talk of the morning. Even people from other departments came by, eager to curry favor. Xia Ling had thoroughly prepared for the interview. This time, the team was formidable; normally, a reporter and a cameraman would suffice, but now more than a dozen people were assigned, including two assistants for Xia Ling. Since the interview would be broadcast live, the station had assembled a special team for coordination. They had even launched a new segment called “Elite Figures,” and Bo Jinshu would be the subject of the very first episode, showing just how much importance the station placed on the event.

Although the appointment was set for nine o’clock, Xia Ling led her team out at eight. As they departed, the station director appeared, surprising everyone. The director rarely visited, being perpetually busy and burdened with heavy responsibilities. Clearly, the director had come specifically for Xia Ling. She offered encouraging words.

Xia Ling replied modestly, “Director, I promise to complete the interview task perfectly.” The director nodded and patted Director Tang on the shoulder. “You’ve really found a treasure for our station. Yesterday, the capital television called me; for once, I could hold my head high in front of them.” The director, well over sixty, spoke with calm authority, carrying an air of effortless command.

At eight o’clock, Xia Ling set out punctually with her team. Jiang Ciyou sat at her desk, reviewing her script. Vivian, deliberately chatting with colleagues beside Jiang Ciyou, said, “Xia Ling is really something—only two days in, and she’s already managed to secure an interview with the prince of the capital. Looks like someone will have to give up her title as the ‘interview goddess’.” “The director came in person; it seems Xia Ling is a shoo-in for prime-time hostess.” “Next month is the Golden Microphone Host Competition, and the station only has one entry spot. I bet it’ll go to Xia Ling.” Jiang Ciyou remained silent.

Meanwhile, at eight twenty, Xia Ling arrived at the BJ Tower with her entourage. As soon as they stepped out of the car, someone came to greet them.

“Hello, you’re from the television station, right? I’m Gao Cen, the president’s secretary. The president asked me to welcome you.” Everyone followed Gao Cen into the BJ Tower.

The two assistants trailing Xia Ling were beside themselves with excitement. “The president’s secretary is personally receiving us—our Sister Ling is really impressive.” “I know, right? Do you think Sister Ling and the prince are friends? Ordinary interviews would never get this kind of treatment.”

Xia Ling heard their whispered speculation. Her face maintained a modest, gentle smile, but the curve of her lips deepened. In truth, Xia Ling wasn’t certain. Yesterday, neither she nor Jiang Ciyou had managed to get Bo Jinshu to agree to the interview. Why he later changed his mind and called the station himself remained a mystery. After much thought, she assumed it was her argument about mutual benefit that had moved him. After all, his dislike of Jiang Ciyou was so obvious then, even going so far as to humiliate her openly. Even if, hypothetically, Bo Jinshu had agreed to the interview because of his bet with Jiang Ciyou, it would only have been under duress. That explained why, when he called, he hadn’t specified who should host the interview. Her presence suited Bo Jinshu’s intentions perfectly. Whatever the reason, she was the winner.

Gao Cen arranged the group in the conference room. “Our president is in a meeting. Once he’s finished, he’ll come for the interview. You can prepare in the meantime.”

Xia Ling nodded. “Thank you, Secretary Gao. We’re all set.”

Ten minutes later, the conference room doors swung open. Xia Ling quickly rose from her seat and went to greet him. She stood before Bo Jinshu and extended her hand politely. “President Bo, I’m Xia Ling, today’s interview host. We met yesterday. I’m delighted that you agreed to this exclusive interview, and honored to be your first interview host.”

Bo Jinshu made no move to shake her hand. His brows furrowed slightly, giving Xia Ling a sense of foreboding. Hoping to avoid any mishaps, Xia Ling withdrew her hand and tried to move straight to business. “President Bo, we’re all ready. Shall we begin the interview now?”

“Wait,” Bo Jinshu said coolly. “The host I agreed to isn’t Miss Xia, is it?”

Xia Ling’s heart sank, but she forced herself to remain composed, attempting to steer the situation. “Yesterday, I assured you that Rongcheng Television was willing to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with Bo Group. From now on, whatever your requirements, we’ll do our utmost to cooperate.”

She still harbored a glimmer of hope, hoping her offer could sway him. But Bo Jinshu was completely unmoved. “Yesterday, I lost a bet to Miss Jiang and agreed to the interview as her reward. Miss Xia, you were present and should know better than anyone.” His words were cold, tinged with indifference. “I, Bo Jinshu, honor my commitments. I only agreed to Miss Jiang’s interview, so she must be the host. If Miss Jiang doesn’t come, then the interview is off.”

With that, Bo Jinshu turned and left the conference room.

Xia Ling’s hands and feet turned cold. Behind her, whispers broke out. “So Sister Ling didn’t actually secure the prince’s interview?” “The Miss Jiang he mentioned—it must be Sister Ciyou, right? I heard the prince lost a tennis match to her, so now he’s doing the interview.” “There’s only one Jiang at the station. Sister Ciyou really is the interview goddess—no interview is beyond her reach.” “But if it was clearly Sister Ciyou’s achievement, why did Xia Ling claim it was hers?” “Being exposed on the spot—how humiliating.”

Xia Ling felt the world spinning, yet she gritted her teeth, feigned composure, and turned with an air of nonchalance. “I misunderstood yesterday. Let Host Jiang come over, please.”

The assistant quickly called Director Tang, recounting everything that had just transpired.

Director Tang was astonished, and immediately sought out Jiang Ciyou. “Little Jiang, you were the one who secured this interview—why didn’t you clarify? We nearly misunderstood completely.”