Chapter 71: The Renowned Reporter

At this moment, Yang Pengyi and his wife stared at Lu Ming in utter astonishment. From Yun Shengguo's words, it seemed he had received Lu Ming's recommendation to secure his current position. Yet the couple knew well that Lu Ming was merely the owner of a small grocery shop—how could he possibly be connected to the provincial party secretary? Moreover, Yun Secretary appeared rather respectful toward him.

Lu Ming glanced at the Ye family and spoke, "Was I wrong when I said you judge people by appearances?"

"No, not at all. We failed to recognize greatness right before our eyes. My wife has a sharp tongue; please don't take offense," Yang Pengyi's father replied with a placating smile.

Yang Pengyi's mother, meanwhile, kept her head bowed, not daring to even glance at Lu Ming.

Lu Ming snorted coldly and addressed the Ye family, "You’d better conduct yourselves wisely from now on."

With that, Lu Ming turned and left.

After Lu Ming and Yun Shengguo departed, the Ye family sat numbly in their chairs. When they looked at Zhang Hongxia now, their gazes brimmed with awe and respect. They could never have imagined that Zhang Hongxia, a rural woman, would know such prominent figures as Lu Ming and Yun Shengguo.

"Well, Hongxia, come home tonight so your mother can prepare some of her signature dishes—far better than anything from this restaurant," Yang Pengyi's parents finally broke the silence.

His mother hurriedly chimed in, "Yes, yes, come home tonight. I'll cook for you. There’s no need to keep running that breakfast stall, waking up before dawn and working so hard."

"My brother, there's no rush about my job. My current position is quite decent," Zhang Hongxia replied.

"Right, right, no rush," Yang Pengyi's younger brother and sister-in-law quickly agreed.

Zhang Hongxia nodded with a smile, but inwardly she sighed. In a family so cold and calculating, devoid of warmth, what difference did it make whether she remained or left?

...

In another private room, Lu Ming and his companions had already taken their seats. Yun Shengguo's secretary had chosen the dishes ahead of time and waited here, so the food was served quickly.

Yun Ketian poured drinks for everyone. Yun Shengguo raised his glass and said, "Mr. Lu, on behalf of the government and the nation, I must thank you."

Lu Ming smiled, raising his own glass. "It was nothing—hardly worth mentioning."

Yun Shengguo drained his drink, his face animated with excitement. "For you, Mr. Lu, it may have been a small matter, but for millions of our people, it is monumental. I've decided to organize a ceremony for the return of the national treasure—a grand celebration. You must attend, Mr. Lu."

Lu Ming shook his head. "I have no interest in such events; I won’t go."

"That won’t do! You were the one who brought the national treasure home. If you don't attend, I’ll feel uneasy. Rest assured, I know you prefer to keep a low profile—I won’t mention your name. Is that acceptable?"

Lu Ming pondered for a moment. "Since Secretary Yun insists, I’ll go."

"Thank you, Mr. Lu, for honoring us," Yun Shengguo said with a smile.

After all, the return of the national treasure was entirely Lu Ming’s doing; Yun Shengguo felt that if Lu Ming didn’t attend, it would seem as though he was taking undue credit. As a provincial party secretary, even he felt a little embarrassed.

They ate and chatted together. Before long, Lu Ming’s phone rang unexpectedly. He glanced at the screen, immediately frowning, his expression pained.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Ming answered the call.

"Hello, Old Wang."

"Young man, now’s the time for you to fulfill your promise."

"Old Wang, what is it? Just tell me," Lu Ming replied, knowing he couldn’t avoid it and agreeing straightforwardly.

"I want you to serve as an instructor for a group of young men, to drill them for a while. Prepare yourself—someone will contact you tomorrow morning."

"Old Wang, if you wanted me to kill someone, I’d manage. But teaching? That’s not my forte," Lu Ming said, grimacing.

"Hmph, not your forte? You were quite formidable that night at Nanhu in Xijing."

"Come on, Old Wang, must we keep bringing that up?"

"You’d better behave and do as I ask. You have plenty of skeletons in your closet, and if the state ever pursues them, you won’t be able to bear the consequences."

"Fine, fine, I’ll go. Who am I instructing?"

"The Yanlong Special Forces."

"Yanlong? Don’t they already have instructors?"

"Those rascals drove their previous instructor to the point of coughing blood. A few days ago, they brought in a grandmaster to teach them, but none of those boys would submit. The grandmaster, feeling above it all, couldn’t be bothered. I want you to go—not only to discipline them, but also to show that the grandmaster isn’t the only one capable of training Yanlong’s soldiers."

"Old Wang, are you so certain I can handle those boys? I’ve heard Yanlong is the best of the best."

"I had some doubts, but after witnessing your performance at Nanhu, I’m confident."

"Alright, since you’ve asked, I’ll do it."

"Good. That’s settled."

Lu Ming hung up, sighing and grumbling.

Yun Ketian noticed and asked, "What’s wrong, Brother Lu?"

"An old man tricked me," Lu Ming replied.

"Who dares mess with you? I’ll avenge you, Brother Lu," Yun Ketian declared, emboldened by two drinks.

"An old codger named Wang."

No sooner had Lu Ming spoken than Yun Shengguo shot his son a stern look. "Don’t say such things."

Yun Ketian shrank back, chastened, and quietly resumed eating.

Yun Shengguo then asked cautiously, "Mr. Lu, would you mind telling us what this is about?"

He’d overheard Lu Ming mention Yanlong and Old Wang on the phone, and his heart had skipped a beat.

Lu Ming sighed. "That old man wants me to be an instructor for the Yanlong unit. He always finds the toughest jobs for me, the old devil."

"Wow, Brother Lu, you’re amazing! Yanlong is said to be the most elite special forces in China—chosen from the best across all major military districts, each one a king among soldiers. To instruct them is truly impressive," Yun Ketian said admiringly.

Lu Ming shook his head. "It’s a thankless task. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t go."

At this moment, Yun Shengguo spoke with gravity, "Mr. Lu, this Old Wang you mentioned—is he not the second-in-command of the military?"

"Who else could it be? That old man always finds things for me to do, damn him."

Lu Ming’s reply nearly gave Yun Shengguo a heart attack.

Old Wang was a true heavyweight in the military. Even the highest leaders would consult him on military affairs. As a member of the cabinet, he was one of the few whose word carried absolute authority in all of China.

Not only did Lu Ming have dealings with him, but he casually referred to him as "the old man." What incredible nerve!

Yun Shengguo’s perception of Lu Ming shifted yet again.

Yun Ketian, now realizing who Lu Ming meant, blanched in terror. Thinking back to his earlier words, he felt the urge to slap himself.

Lu Ming ate listlessly, glancing at Qin Lan beside him. "I’ll be leaving tomorrow, not sure when I’ll return. Eat well—don’t starve yourself while I’m gone."

Qin Lan shot him a look but said nothing.

Yun Ketian’s eyes lit up as he spoke, "Sister Qin, would you be interested in becoming a journalist?"

"A journalist?" Qin Lan asked, puzzled.

"Yes, you’d encounter new things every day, investigate injustices in society, and bring them to light—standing up for the people and justice," Yun Ketian explained.

Qin Lan’s interest was piqued, but she soon deflated. "But I don’t know how to be a journalist."

Seeing her interest, Yun Ketian immediately offered, "That’s no problem. I’ll arrange a mentor for you—after a few months, you’ll know everything you need."

"Don’t you need a journalist’s license?" Lu Ming interjected.

Yun Ketian grinned. "That’s nothing. Just let me know if you want to work at the TV station or the newspaper—I’ll handle it. Once your internship’s over, getting the license will be easy."

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Lan said, "I’ll go to the Xijing Daily, then."

It was the only newspaper she knew, so she mentioned it offhand.

"No problem," Yun Ketian agreed instantly, then looked at his father. "Dad, is this alright?"

Yun Shengguo smiled. "You take care of it."

Arranging a journalist position was so trivial that Yun Ketian could easily manage it without his father's involvement.

"Great," Yun Ketian replied enthusiastically.

After the meal, Yun Ketian left with his father, while Lu Ming and Qin Lan returned to the grocery shop.

"So, you’re interested in being a journalist now?" Lu Ming asked, reclining on the sofa and smoking.

Qin Lan sprawled on the other side, lazily replying, "You always say I freeload, but now I have a job. Hmph."

"Good for you. Keep at it—maybe you’ll become a world-famous reporter. I’m off to bed."

With that, Lu Ming headed upstairs.

The next morning.

When Lu Ming came downstairs, he found that Qin Lan was already gone, likely summoned by Yun Ketian.

Lu Ming considered Yun Ketian's recent behavior and sensed something was amiss, though he couldn't pinpoint what.

Just then, his phone rang.

After the call, Lu Ming ate breakfast and returned to the shop, where he found a soldier waiting for him.

He followed the soldier, boarded a military vehicle, and arrived at an army base on the outskirts of Xijing City. There, he boarded a helicopter heading straight toward the capital.

Inside the helicopter, the noise was deafening. Lu Ming simply shut out the sound and slept deeply.

He had no idea how much time had passed when he felt the aircraft land and woke up.

He found himself in a mountain valley, surrounded by barracks. In the central clearing, dozens of robust men were making a raucous commotion.