Chapter 21:
Chapter 21:
The hostess, Li Xin, was momentarily overwhelmed by the situation. As the lead host of Family Search and the top host of satellite TV, she was known for her sharp tongue. In situations like these, she always positioned herself as an advocate for those who seemed vulnerable, often pushing her own perspective regardless of the facts.
One of her most infamous cases involved an abduction. A female college student had been kidnapped but managed to escape. The man who had taken her appeared on the show with their child, asking for reconciliation.
Despite the nature of the situation, Li Xin had persistently urged the woman to forgive him and provide a stable home for the child.
Pressured by Li Xin and the show’s guests, the woman had no strength left to resist and was ultimately taken back by the man.
Not long after, she died in the remote village where she had been held captive, but the story was covered up. Her parents denounced the show afterward, but Li Xin’s fans defended her, claiming the victim had been suffering from depression. This tragedy haunted the family, and the role of the show and Li Xin in that tragedy was undeniable.
The same tactics had been used against Jiang Feng’s family in the past, with Li Xin playing a part in the online harassment they faced. But this time, things were different.
“The host, did you get our permission before coming here to film?” Jiang Feng asked coolly. “Even the police follow procedures before showing up at someone’s door. Do you think you can just barge in?”
Jiang Feng’s cold stare unsettled Li Xin, who had been in the industry for years. His presence alone made her uncomfortable.
“Uh…” Li Xin hesitated, but her face held a forced smile. “You must be Mr. Jiang Jiandang’s son, right? You fit the description he gave.”
“Oh? And how did he describe me?”
“Well…” she fumbled, “he just mentioned that you’re strong-willed and full of ideas. That’s all.”
Li Xin kept her smile, but she avoided repeating Jiang Jiandang’s exact words. His actual comments had been far more unkind, but the show still needed to continue, and deepening the conflict now would only make things worse.
“No matter what my mother and I think, wouldn’t it have been more polite to send us a text or give us a call before showing up? Don’t you think it’s rude to just appear unannounced?”
Jiang Feng smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in his voice. “And surrounding my mother like this, pressuring her—this is how you conduct yourselves? Is this what passes for professionalism at your station?”
His words cut deep.
Unbeknownst to Li Xin, he had already started recording the conversation, planning to use it as leverage if public opinion ever turned against them.
Li Xin was momentarily stunned. A wave of irritation rose in her, and the smile on her face faltered.
“It seems Xiao Feng doesn’t welcome our crew,” Li Xin said, her tone soft but barbed. “Your father may have been harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts. Children should respect their elders and focus on achieving something worthwhile.”
She shot a pointed glance at Jiang Feng. “Your father has high hopes for you. He invested a lot of money in your education. As a child, it’s only right to appreciate the sacrifices your parents make.”
Appreciate the sacrifices of his parents? Jiang Feng almost laughed.
He replied coldly, “Host, do you have some personal connection with Jiang Jiandang? How much do you really know about the relationship between him and my mother? How can you speak so confidently without knowing the full story?”
“Well, I may not know every detail,” Li Xin responded, her voice growing harsher, “but I’ve heard enough from Mr. Jiang to form my own opinion. Children who are too arrogant will eventually face the consequences in society. Not everyone will tolerate your attitude.”
“Did you ever hear the saying, ‘If you don’t know the whole story, it’s best to remain silent’?” Jiang Feng’s face was expressionless. “You came here without permission. Do you plan to stay for dinner too? We can serve you a meal, but then I suggest you leave.”
His words were blunt, cutting off any further discussion. Li Xin stood there, stunned.
Was he really asking them to leave?
Did he intend to refuse to participate in the show?
“This episode will air on the weekend. We’ll come back to pick you up then,” Li Xin said, still unwilling to give up. “Even if there’s going to be a divorce, shouldn’t it end on a dignified note, Ms. Song?”
Li Xin had realized that Jiang Feng, though young, wasn’t easily swayed. Song Lin, on the other hand, appeared quiet and fragile, someone much easier to influence.
“Son, should we…?” Song Lin looked at Jiang Feng, confused and unsure. “If you don’t want to go, we won’t.”
“Ms. Song, this matter concerns you and Mr. Jiang,” Li Xin interjected.
“I… I’ll follow my son’s decision.” Song Lin said quietly.
Jiang Feng’s expression remained calm. “Mom, let’s go. But I do want to hear what he has to say.”
Song Lin nodded, “Okay.”
…
T/N: +10 Adv Chapters are available on Patreon (100% Regular Releases)
Become a member!