Chapter 24: The Beauty Anchor
Wu Yifan watched Ye Xiwen's expression darken, knowing a storm was brewing. If they weren't in public, he'd probably be out of a job by now.
He tried small talk. "Busy crowd, huh? Beitian's nightlife is booming."
No response.
"Crazy how much the city's grown, right?"
Still nothing.
"At least Infinity's holding its own against these places."
Ye finally glanced at him, her gaze icy. "Spare me."
Wu shut up. Sometimes, silence was safer.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Zhang Hualei's voice cut through the chatter. The room quieted as he stepped onto a small stage, a microphone in hand. "I've called you here for a reason—something to put Beitian on the map. Ding Shihan is coming."
Gasps erupted. Ding Shihan—the pop sensation, the "Chinese MJ"—was a big deal.
"Her concert will be at People's Stadium," Zhang continued, "but it's… run-down. Needs renovations, new equipment, the works. Total cost? 5 million yuan. I'm asking for your help—donations to make this happen. For Beitian's pride."
Murmurs swelled. 5 million split between 50 people? That's 100,000 yuan each. For high-rollers, chump change. For mid-tier clubs like Infinity? A fortune.
Ye's knuckles whitened. 100,000 yuan. That's five months of profits, gone in a single check.
"Relax," Wu whispered. "It's for a good cause."
"Good cause?" Ye hissed. "That's rent, salaries, *food*—"
"Your car cost twice that," Wu said, grinning.
Ye's eyes flashed. "Shut. Up."
Before Wu could reply, Qian Baoqing spoke up, his voice oily. "For Beitian's honor! I donate 100,000!"
Others followed, one by one, until all eyes turned to Ye.
She froze, then forced a smile. "Of course. Infinity is proud to contribute 100,000 yuan." Her fingers dug into Wu's arm, nails piercing his suit.
"Ow!" Wu yelped.
"Good for you, Ye!" Zhang clapped. "Let's toast to Ding Shihan's concert!"
As the crowd cheered, Ye dragged Wu to a corner, her face red with rage. "100,000 yuan! Do you have any idea how much work that takes?!"
"Think of it as an investment," Wu said, rubbing his arm. "Ding Shihan's fans will flood Beitian. You'll make it back in a week."
Ye scoffed, but her grip loosened.
Wu glanced at his watch. Two hours left. His plan to hug Ye had imploded; now he was stuck, 0 enhancement points, and a ticking clock.
Then, a tap on his shoulder.
It was the woman he'd hugged—the one with the camera. She slipped a slip of paper into his hand. "My number. Remember—dinner first, then the photo." She winked, then vanished into the crowd.
Wu stared at the number, dumbfounded.
"Who was that?" Ye asked, her tone sharp.
"Uh… no one. Just a fan."
Ye raised an eyebrow, but let it drop.
Zhang strolled over, clapping Wu's back. "Heard you met Liu Wei? She's Beitian's top anchor for *Eyewitness*. Sharp girl. Dangerous with that camera, though."
"Anchor?" Wu blinked. *Great. I just assaulted a journalist.*
As Zhang walked away, Wu groaned. This day couldn't get worse.
Or so he thought.
Xue'er's voice suddenly echoed: *"Task deadline: 2 hours remaining."*
Wu's heart sank.
He glanced at Ye, who was glaring at a waiter for spilling champagne.
How do you hug a woman who's this close to murdering someone?
He had no idea.
But with 14 enhancement points on the line, he had to try.
Somehow.