Chapter 147: Chapter 147: Villains Attack, Xiao Zhuo the Hero Rescues the Beauty

Five years ago, on the morning her family fell apart, it was this very same sound that changed her life forever and left her without a home.

That day, she was at her parents’ house during her confinement after childbirth, when a group of people barged in, smashing and wrecking everything, scaring her out of her wits.

She shushed the children, signaling them to keep quiet, then walked to the door and peered outside through a small crack.

That single glance nearly made her collapse—standing outside was Xu Jianguo, that beast who was worse than an animal.

He’s been released so soon? Looks like you really can’t count on others for some things.

What a ridiculous world—those who hurt others walk free, while the victims have to hide and suffer in silence.

*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*

When no one came to open the door, the group outside started kicking it.

Xu Jianguo shouted impatiently, “Zhong Luoning, I know you’re in there! Stop playing dead! I’ll count to three—get out here! If I have to break this door down, none of you will get away unscathed!”

After yelling, he turned to the others and said, “Go back and have them check—what’s the deal with this villa? Didn’t all the Zhong family’s assets get confiscated?”

He’d thought Gu Qinghuan and the others would be living in some shabby, cramped apartment, not a high-end villa like this. The thought made him instantly bitter.

He himself could only afford a regular apartment—so why should the children of those so-called ‘stinking intellectuals’ get to live in a villa?

Back when he married Zhong Luoning, her family had bought her a villa so she could have a better life.

But after the Zhong family’s downfall, they didn’t dare stay there for fear of drawing attention.

Besides, with no money left, they had to sell the villa and move into the apartment where they now lived.

In other words, all these years, it was Zhong Luoning’s dowry that supported their family. Yet some people, rotten to the core, spent her money and still bullied her.

Inside, Zhong Luoning’s face turned red with anger as she listened to his words, her lips trembling violently.

That beast!

After all he’d done to her, he still wanted to bully Qinghuan and Lanting? No way.

She didn’t know where she found the courage.

She called the three children into the kitchen pantry to hide, then grabbed a kitchen knife and rushed out.

The people outside were already impatient, cursing and swearing as they threw themselves against the door.

Luckily, the door was sturdy and didn’t budge.

Cars and pedestrians passing by hurried on, not daring to get involved.

Zhong Luoning used all her strength to open the door, standing in the doorway with a kitchen knife, her face deathly pale, hair disheveled—she looked just like a vengeful ghost.

She startled the men at the door.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Even Xu Jianguo was taken aback by the hatred in her eyes.

Zhong Luoning said nothing, charging at him with the knife.

She was ready to die with Xu Jianguo—this world was too bitter, she didn’t want to come back in the next life.

Xu Jianguo cursed, calling her crazy, and dodged. His henchmen weren’t pushovers either.

While Zhong Luoning lunged at Xu Jianguo, the others circled around and pinned her down, Xu Jianguo kicking the knife out of her hand.

Zhong Luoning’s body was already frail; her attack was driven by sheer willpower.

Pinned by several strong young men, she couldn’t move and didn’t even struggle. She just glared at Xu Jianguo with hatred that cut to the bone.

Xu Jianguo spat, straightened his jacket, and strolled over, slapping her hard across the face, leaving five red fingerprints.

“Crazy bitch! Want to kill me? Maybe in your next life! Where are your helpers? Go on, call them out! Think you can send me back to jail? You? Not a chance!

Let me tell you, I’m not the Xu Jianguo you used to look down on and trample underfoot.

You’d better be smart, or you won’t live to see tomorrow!” He leaned in and whispered the last sentence in her ear.

The familiar smell of his hair oil made Zhong Luoning nauseous.

She mustered her strength and headbutted Xu Jianguo right on the nose, making him cry out in pain.

His henchmen let go of Zhong Luoning to check on him, and one of them, seeking revenge, kicked her hard in the stomach.

Zhong Luoning curled up on the ground in pain, but her face was twisted in a mocking smile.

At that moment, the others closed in, ready to beat her.

“What are you doing?!” A man’s voice rang out like thunder.

It was Xiao Zhuo.

He was driving home—his villa was nearby. His family had set him up on a blind date today, so he had to leave work early.

As he passed by, he saw a group bullying someone. Normally, he wouldn’t get involved—there’s too much injustice in the world already.

But as fate would have it, when Zhong Luoning collapsed, he caught a glimpse of her pale face.

Her?

He had always admired Zhong Luoning—she was a good woman, a great mother.

Seeing her bullied like this, he couldn’t just stand by, even though he wasn’t much of a fighter. He got out of the car anyway.

The group was startled to see Xiao Zhuo get out—anyone who could afford a private car these days was either rich or powerful.

But then they straightened up.

“Who are you? Do we need your permission to handle our business?

Are you some kind of anti-revolutionary trying to undermine unity?”

They started spouting slogans, trying to scare Xiao Zhuo off.

Xu Jianguo, clutching his nose, lowered his voice, “Comrade, I advise you to mind your own business.”

“Well, today I’m making this my business!”

Xiao Zhuo walked over to help Zhong Luoning up.

Seeing him stand up for her, Zhong Luoning was afraid Xu Jianguo would target him too, so she deliberately shouted, “Who asked for your help? Leave!” She didn’t want to drag anyone else down.

“Hear that? She doesn’t need your help!” the young men jeered.

Xiao Zhuo knew she just didn’t want to trouble him. Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms—she was so light it made his heart ache.

“Who the hell are you? Zhong Luoning is my wife, got it?

Are you all dead? Can’t you see these two are cheating on me right in front of my face?!”

Xu Jianguo hated Zhong Luoning and wanted to break her, but seeing another man care about her made him burn with jealousy.

His henchmen seized on the excuse, rushing over and pinning Xiao Zhuo down for “adultery.”

Zhong Luoning struggled to get out of his arms. The two of them fought back, but against five or six strong men, they were soon pinned to the ground and beaten.

This was the first time in Xiao Zhuo’s life he’d been beaten up! He hadn’t even managed to save anyone—just got himself beaten, which was a bit embarrassing.

He was more worried about Zhong Luoning, afraid her weak body couldn’t take it. He did his best to shield her, taking most of the blows himself.

Xu Jianguo couldn’t stand it.

“You pair of dogs—how long have you been together? Zhong Luoning, stop pretending to be pure, you’re just like me!”

He raised his foot to kick, but was suddenly sent flying by a powerful kick—a loud crash echoed.

What followed was a one-sided beatdown like a raging storm.

The newcomer was Xu Huai’an.

From a distance, he and Gu Qinghuan had seen the commotion near the villa. Gu Qinghuan immediately recognized Xu Jianguo and saw Xiao Zhuo being beaten, so they rushed over.

Xu Huai’an’s fighting skills were off the charts.

No one could touch him—no wonder Tang Zhenye had regretted so much that he couldn’t stay in the army. It was a huge loss.

While Xu Huai’an was dealing with the thugs, Gu Qinghuan hurried over to help Xiao Zhuo, finally seeing Zhong Luoning protected beneath him.

“Jie, are you alright?”

Zhong Luoning’s whole body ached as if it were falling apart, but she forced a smile so Gu Qinghuan wouldn’t worry. “I’m fine!”

Seeing the handprint on her face, Gu Qinghuan knew she’d suffered terribly and quietly turned away to wipe her tears.

Xiao Zhuo was a real man—despite being beaten, he’d done his best to protect Zhong Luoning.

“Thank you, Dr. Xiao!” Gu Qinghuan had seen everything—Xiao Zhuo had taken the brunt of the blows. He was truly a good person!

Xu Jianguo, that scum, had been released so soon and even dared to come looking for trouble. She hadn’t expected that. If not for Xiao Zhuo, Zhong Luoning wouldn’t have survived that beating.

Xiao Zhuo slumped to the ground. He always cared about his image, but this time he couldn’t keep it up—this was the most humiliating moment of his life, bar none.

“The kids…they’re in the kitchen…”

“Jie, Jie, what’s wrong?” Zhong Luoning had been holding on by sheer willpower. Now that Gu Qinghuan was back and the kids were safe, her strength gave out. She collapsed into Gu Qinghuan’s arms, unconscious, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

“Quick, give her to me.” Seeing Zhong Luoning pass out and start bleeding, Xiao Zhuo forced himself up, scooped her into his arms, and ran for the car.

In the rush, Gu Qinghuan didn’t even have time to worry about Xu Huai’an. She locked the front door from the outside and hurried after Xiao Zhuo.

Zhong Luoning had said the kids were in the kitchen, so they should be safe. Her health was more urgent.

Xu Jianguo and his six thugs were tossed around like rag dolls by Xu Huai’an, who toyed with them as if he were walking a dog.

Threats and bribes were useless—Xu Huai’an didn’t care. He just kept beating them.

One of the young men couldn’t take it anymore and slipped away when he got the chance.

Soon, he returned with two police officers—local beat cops, most likely.

To be fair, the officers took everyone back to the station.

From the moment Xu Huai’an started fighting, he hadn’t planned to avoid responsibility and cooperated fully.

At the hospital, Zhong Luoning was diagnosed with gastric bleeding.

Gastric bleeding, also known as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, usually presents with vomiting blood or bloody stools, often accompanied by fever.

If the bleeding is heavy or rapid, symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, abdominal pain and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, pale complexion, and cold sweats.

Zhong Luoning’s collapse was due to dizziness and weakness from blood loss.

It was likely caused by the kick to her stomach—her organs were already fragile, and this only made things worse.

The doctor said she needed to be hospitalized and couldn’t be moved for now."

"Chapter 148: Fiercely Protective Xiao Fengying, Personally Writing the Article

After handling the hospital admission and paying the fees, Gu Qinghuan finally came to check on Xiao Zhuo.

Xiao Zhuo had already had his injuries examined. Fortunately, there were no serious issues—just some superficial wounds. Otherwise, Gu Qinghuan really wouldn’t have known how to thank him. After all, he was a grown man and could take a beating better than most.

“Is she alright?” Xiao Zhuo asked as he stretched out his arm for the nurse to apply medicine, glancing at Gu Qinghuan.

“The doctor said she has a gastric hemorrhage and needs to be hospitalized for observation. Dr. Xiao, are you alright?” Gu Qinghuan asked apologetically.

“I’m fine, just some scrapes. Gastric bleeding, though—that needs careful recovery,” Xiao Zhuo mused.

“Dr. Xiao, do you need me to contact your family? I’m sorry for taking up your time today. Thank you so much for your help. I’ve already paid your medical fees,” Gu Qinghuan said politely.

Suddenly, Xiao Zhuo remembered he was supposed to go home for a blind date today, but had completely forgotten about it.

Oh well, he hadn’t really wanted to go anyway.

“No need to be so polite. I’m fine.”

Just then, the nurse pressed a little too hard, and his face contorted in pain.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t help but laugh. This guy was actually pretty amusing.

Since Zhong Luoning needed to be hospitalized, Gu Qinghuan had to go back and pack some things for her. She also didn’t know how things were going with Xu Huai’an.

So she asked Xiao Zhuo to help look after Zhong Luoning for a few hours while she ran home.

Xiao Zhuo agreed and told her to let him know if she needed any help. Gu Qinghuan didn’t think much of it.

She had no idea that Xiao Zhuo came from a well-off family with powerful connections, especially in political circles.

After Gu Qinghuan left, Xiao Zhuo found a phone and called his mother.

“Mom!”

“You little brat, what’s going on? I’ve been waiting for two hours and you’re still not back? Don’t tell me you’re busy with work—do you even see two patients a day in that shabby clinic?” Mrs. Xiao Fengying lowered her voice, scolding him.

On the other end, Xiao Zhuo gave a helpless smile. “Mom, I got beaten up!”

“Let me tell you, don’t think you can just—What? You got beaten up?” Xiao Fengying’s voice shot up several decibels, loud enough for everyone in the living room to hear.

“What happened? Who dared to hit you? Are you badly hurt?”

Xiao Zhuo briefly recounted what had happened, simply saying that Zhong Luoning was one of his patients.

He hadn’t planned to tell his mother, but considering that Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huai’an might not be able to handle those Red Guards, and that they could get hurt again, he decided to let his mother step in.

Xiao Fengying was fiercely protective and would never let her son be bullied.

She hung up and immediately called someone, not even waiting for the other party to speak before launching into a tirade.

“Qu Hanwen, listen up! Your son stood up for justice today and got beaten up by those bastards. I don’t care what you do—deal with those people for me, and make sure they pay tenfold!”

With that, she hung up, grabbed her things, and stormed off to the hospital to see her son.

Her guests could only smile awkwardly and take their leave.

Meanwhile, Qu Hanwen stared at his phone in disbelief. This woman—after all these years, she was still so fiery.

But Xiao Zhuo, usually so shrewd, actually got beaten up? That was a first.

Still, he was his own flesh and blood, so he quickly called to find out what had happened.

Back at the police station, Xu Huai’an and the others were immediately detained upon arrival.

Soon, several officers came to question them.

The moment Xu Lei saw Xu Huai’an, he was stunned. Wasn’t this Gu Qinghuan’s man? What was going on?

He didn’t dare acknowledge him in public, as that would only cause trouble for Xu Huai’an.

Keeping a professional demeanor, he had Xu Huai’an brought in for questioning.

“Name, age…”

Xu Huai’an was smart, acting as if he didn’t know Xu Lei, even looking a bit timid—making it easy for people to believe he was innocent.

He gave his statement quickly, logically, and clearly, leaving little room for doubt.

Next up was Xu Jianguo.

He tried to throw his weight around right from the start.

“Officer, do you know who I am? I was just released from your headquarters this morning—by direct order of your leaders! You’d better watch yourself!”

Xu Lei immediately realized who he was. Yesterday, Gu Qinghuan had asked him to look into Xu Jianguo, who had just been released from headquarters that morning.

He hadn’t even had time to inform Gu Qinghuan before this troublemaker showed up at her door.

Talk about not wasting any time.

“Xu Huai’an is accusing you of assaulting his cousin—your legal wife—in public. She’s been hospitalized after losing consciousness. Is this true?”

Xu Jianguo was slick and immediately denied it. “Officer, you’ve got it all wrong. Zhong Luoning was cheating on me behind my back. My fellow Red Guards and I happened to run into her, and a conflict broke out. Then this Xu Huai’an guy rushed over and beat us up without a word. I demand a medical exam and that he be sent to labor reform!”

Xu Lei nearly spat blood. He’d seen shameless people before, but never someone who could twist the facts so brazenly.

They’d gone to someone’s house and beaten her badly, and now he was calling it a “chance encounter” and a “conflict”?

Xu Lei was at a loss for what to do, when he suddenly got a call from headquarters.

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghuan returned to the villa to find Xu Huai’an and Xu Jianguo gone. Only a familiar figure was pacing at the door.

It was the reporter Xu Li, whom she’d met that morning.

She hadn’t expected him to move so quickly, but it made sense—after all, a good article would be a big win for them too.

What Gu Qinghuan didn’t realize was that she was still thinking too simply. The people behind the People’s Daily had their own agendas. For them, this article wasn’t just about clearing a wronged woman’s name—it was a political test.

That’s why Xu Li had come to her so quickly.

“Comrade Gu, our editor-in-chief thinks very highly of your story and wants you to write it for us. You can name any conditions you want.”

Xu Li had thought the editor-in-chief would hesitate or even refuse, but to his surprise, the man agreed in the time it took to make a phone call, insisting he secure the article—and hinting that if it got published, a promotion and raise would be in his future.

Naturally, Gu Qinghuan agreed.

She had two conditions. First, no matter how rushed, she wanted the article to appear on the front page of tomorrow’s People’s Daily.

Second, she wanted to write the article herself. The newspaper could edit and polish it, but not distort the facts.

Xu Li readily agreed to the first condition—they were also worried about delays, and the editor-in-chief had already reserved the front page.

But he hesitated at the second. He wasn’t sure of Gu Qinghuan’s writing skills and worried the editor-in-chief wouldn’t like it.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t say much—she simply handed him an article she’d already written.

She’d prepared it in advance.

After all, she was a graduate of a top university and had worked in livestreaming, writing countless moving short pieces.

Writing a powerful, emotionally charged news article was as easy as breathing for her.

Thanks to the internet age she’d come from, she was standing on the shoulders of giants. Compared to writers of this era, her style might be a bit unconventional, but it was definitely captivating.

Sure enough, after reading her article, Xu Li was so shocked he was speechless. He’d thought she was an amateur, but she turned out to be a master.

The article was brilliantly written—sharp, well-referenced, and deeply empathetic to Zhong Luoning’s plight, while exposing the injustice at the heart of the matter.

It was almost too direct—she’d nearly called out the head of the Revolutionary Committee for protecting his own.

“Whether it’ll work or not, take it back to your editor-in-chief. Here are the photos as well—you can use them as you see fit.” She was confident that as long as the editor-in-chief wasn’t blind, he’d use her article.

If you want to be a journalist but lack courage and only play it safe, you might as well quit.

Gu Qinghuan was busy and exhausted, so she didn’t waste words. The photos had been carefully cropped and edited by her. Since they were Polaroids, the quality matched the era and didn’t look out of place.

After Xu Li left, Gu Qinghuan hurried to the kitchen and let the three children out of the storage room.

As soon as they came out, Dabao and Beibei clung tightly to her legs.

Gu Qinghuan pulled the dazed Youran into her arms as well.

“Kids, you must have been scared! It’s alright now—it’s all over.”

“Mama, what happened?” Beibei didn’t seem scared, just curious.

Dabao looked at Gu Qinghuan with concern. “Mama, is Auntie okay?”

He’d heard the commotion outside earlier. Zhong Luoning had nervously herded the children into the storage room and locked them in, which had frightened him.

To comfort Youran and Beibei, he’d said they were playing hide-and-seek, but he’d borne the fear alone.

Seeing the worry in her child’s eyes, Gu Qinghuan’s own eyes reddened.

When it rains, it pours. She was at her wit’s end.

“Auntie got hurt and is in the hospital. Mama still has a lot to do. Dabao, you’re the big brother—I have a task for you: take care of yourself and your two sisters, okay?”

Dabao wanted to ask more and was scared himself, but seeing how tired his mother looked, he chose to bear it silently.

“Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll take care of myself and my sisters.”

Gu Qinghuan patted his shoulder. “Thank you, my little man.”"

"Chapter 149: Kicking the Iron Plate—Qu Hanwen Is Xiao Zhuo’s Father

It was already afternoon, and the children’s stomachs were rumbling with hunger.

Gu Qinghuan took out some instant food from her space and gave it to the kids to tide them over.

“Dabao, you take care of your sisters and eat first. After you’re done, go to sleep right away. Watch your sisters and don’t let them touch anything dangerous in the house. When your uncle comes home from school later, tell him that Mommy is at the hospital taking care of Auntie.”

“Mom, I know. Don’t worry, just go.”

You Ran seemed to sense that something had happened to her mother. She tugged at Gu Qinghuan’s clothes and looked up at her. “Mom…”

“You Ran, Mommy will be back very soon. Your brother and sister will stay with you, okay?” Looking at her child’s innocent face, Gu Qinghuan felt a pang of sorrow.

Dabao stuffed a piece of egg cake into You Ran’s hand.

“You Ran, eat this—it’s really tasty! After we eat, we can play hide-and-seek.”

You Ran took a bite and chewed contentedly. She loved playing hide-and-seek.

After giving her instructions, Gu Qinghuan grabbed her packed daily necessities and headed out.

Back in the village, even in such tough conditions, Dabao had taken good care of his sisters. She believed he could do it now, too.

In fact, Dabao really was a responsible and dependable big brother.

Sometimes, she wished he didn’t have to be so mature, but seeing him shoulder the responsibility of caring for his two little sisters with his young, slender back, she couldn’t help but feel proud.

Maybe sometimes you really can’t look at children only from an adult’s perspective. Love is mutual, and there’s no point in siblings comparing who gives more.

Gu Qinghuan decided to go to the police station where Xu Lei worked—it was the closest one. She figured Xu Lei and Xu Jianguo would be there.

She was right.

Just as Xu Lei was in a bind, he suddenly got a call from headquarters.

It was Chen Jiadong himself.

Chen Jiadong had been pressured by Qu Hanwen to severely punish the person who hurt Xiao Zhuo, and the incident happened right in Xu Lei’s jurisdiction, so he called to ask about the situation.

Unexpectedly, Xu Lei asked awkwardly, “Director Chen, this suspect is a bit special. His name is Xu Jianguo. He says he just got out of headquarters this morning. What do you think…?”

Xu Lei was testing Chen Jiadong’s attitude toward Xu Jianguo.

To his surprise, as soon as Chen Jiadong heard Xu Jianguo’s name, he exploded!

“What did you say? Xu Jianguo? The same Xu Jianguo we just released this morning? That little punk—he must have a death wish, getting into trouble the moment he’s out.

Alright, keep a close eye on him. I’ll send someone over to take over the case. You don’t have to worry about it anymore—I’ll handle it personally!”

After getting a call from Fang Zhihai that morning, Chen Jiadong had been racking his brain for a way to bring Xu Jianguo back in openly. Who would’ve thought this guy would get into trouble again the moment he was released?

And this time, he’d messed with someone he absolutely shouldn’t have. Now, old and new grudges could be settled together.

Xu Lei realized that Xu Jianguo had really kicked an iron plate this time. He stopped interrogating him and just let him make a fuss in the holding cell—there was no way he could stir up any more trouble.

He had someone bring a meal to Xu Huaian and quietly told him, “Don’t worry. What happened today was self-defense. That guy’s going to get what’s coming to him. Eat up—you’ll be free soon.”

Xu Huaian didn’t know what had happened. Just a moment ago, Xu Lei had looked worried and conflicted, but now he was all smiles. Still, he didn’t ask questions and just ate his meal.

When Gu Qinghuan arrived at the station, Xu Huaian had just finished eating.

Xu Lei briefly explained the situation and told her to go home and wait.

Knowing that Xu Jianguo had finally met his match and was about to get what he deserved, Gu Qinghuan felt a surge of satisfaction. She didn’t know which “immortal” had intervened, but as long as this scumbag was brought to justice, that was enough.

Xu Huaian had to wait for headquarters to finish the handover before he could leave, so Gu Qinghuan went to the hospital to stay with Zhong Luoning—she couldn’t be left alone.

Gu Qinghuan also handed all of Zhong Luoning’s previous and current medical reports, including today’s, to Xu Lei as evidence of Xu Jianguo’s assault.

Back at the hospital, Xiao Zhuo was keeping watch over Zhong Luoning.

“Is Xu Huaian alright?”

Gu Qinghuan shook her head. “He’s fine. He’s at the police station now, but he should be released soon.”

Xiao Zhuo understood that his father must have intervened, so he just nodded lightly. “That’s good.”

Xiao Zhuo was Qu Hanwen’s biological son—almost no one at the hospital knew this.

Qu Hanwen and Xiao Fengying had separated early on, when Xiao Zhuo was just a few years old.

Qu Hanwen, born into a family of doctors, had been obsessed with medicine since he was young. He threw himself into his work, often neglecting his family.

Because of his neglect, Xiao Fengying developed severe postpartum depression. Back then, there wasn’t even a name for it—people just thought she’d gone mad.

Qu Hanwen’s research was at a critical stage, and he had no time to be with her.

Xiao Fengying was a strong, well-educated, and independent woman. She didn’t want to drag Qu Hanwen down or continue living in a haze. While she was still clear-headed, she asked for a divorce.

Qu Hanwen refused, so she threatened suicide and even self-harmed, forcing him to agree.

Afterward, she took their child to America for treatment and only returned a few years ago.

Her depression gradually improved in America—psychological treatment there really was better than in China.

That’s also why Xiao Zhuo later studied psychology. Maybe seeing his mother suffer so much as a child made him determined to learn it.

Xiao Fengying hadn’t wanted her son to become a doctor—the pain Qu Hanwen had caused her ran too deep. Doctors, especially ones as obsessed as Qu Hanwen, rarely had time for family.

She didn’t want her son to end up like his father—hurting others and living an unhappy life himself.

But fate had other plans, and he became a doctor anyway—albeit a psychologist.

Though Xiao Fengying often complained about his career, deep down she supported him.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t know Xiao Zhuo had helped behind the scenes. She was still wondering who had stepped in out of conscience.

Xu Li returned to the newspaper office with Gu Qinghuan’s article and her two requests for the editor-in-chief.

The editor-in-chief was a bit annoyed at first—just anyone thought they could submit something?

But out of caution, he still took the manuscript from Xu Li.

After reading the first couple of lines, his expression turned serious, his eyes lighting up with appreciation as he continued reading.

He read it three times before finally putting it down, cherishing it as he set it on his desk.

“Now this is what I call a news article! Not a single unnecessary word, clear structure, concise and accurate summary, grabs the reader’s attention right away, and the ending and headline are crisp and to the point. Anyone can understand the main idea at a glance.

Even more valuable, she knows how to highlight the news value and ensures the content is true.

Compared to this, what have you all been writing?

Learn from this!

Call everyone in here—this article is required reading. From now on, I only want to see this level of quality on my desk.

Also, get it printed immediately, just as it is—not a single word changed. I want it on the front page of tomorrow’s paper.”

Xu Li had thought it was a good article, but he hadn’t expected the editor-in-chief to praise it so highly. He suddenly felt a bit useless—what was wrong with him?

“But Chief, aren’t some of the words in here a bit too sharp? What if we offend the Revolutionary Committee…?”

“Xu Li, you actually have a good nose for news, but do you know what your problem is?

You’re too conservative. If we journalists can’t even tell the truth or are afraid to offend people, then we might as well quit.”

This was exactly what Gu Qinghuan believed, too.

“You said the author is a woman? I must meet her someday. I really appreciate her writing style—she’s talented and has real spirit,” the editor-in-chief sighed again.

Xu Li didn’t dare say more and hurried off.

Chen Jiadong sent people to take over the case. Xu Jianguo and several Red Guards were transferred to headquarters.

The whole process was swift and decisive—they even took Xu Lei’s notes. He also handed over the hospital reports Gu Qinghuan had given him. What happened next was out of his hands.

When Xu Huaian left the police station, a black sedan was parked at the entrance.

Just as he was about to leave, the window rolled down, revealing a square-jawed face.

“You’re Xu Huaian?” Fang Zhihai asked, testing him.

Tang Zhenye hadn’t lied—Xu Huaian really was in great shape.

Though he was a bit dirty from the fight, it didn’t affect his bearing at all. He looked full of energy. Word was he’d just single-handedly beaten up seven troublemakers—impressive!

Fang Zhihai loved a good fight and admired people who acted rather than talked.

Seeing Xu Huaian, he felt like he was looking at his own son’s hope, so his tone softened.

Xu Huaian looked at Fang Zhihai warily. “Can I help you?” He didn’t remember knowing this man, and the car looked expensive.

Fang Zhihai grinned. “You know Tang Zhenye, right? He asked me to help.”

Xu Huaian immediately understood. So that’s why things had gone so smoothly today, and why Xu Jianguo, who’d just been released, was suddenly back at headquarters.

Tang Zhenye had been pulling strings behind the scenes.

Fang Zhihai patted the seat next to him. “Hop in, let’s chat.”

Xu Huaian no longer hesitated and got in, sitting beside Fang Zhihai.

Fang Zhihai had the air of someone in charge, different from Tang Zhenye in a way Xu Huaian couldn’t quite describe. But he wasn’t intimidated—he just listened attentively.

The driver started the car and drove off."

"Chapter 150: Fang Zhihai Comes Knocking, Reactions from All Sides