Chapter 25: A Hidden Showdown
Wu Yifan was stunned to learn the feisty, camera-wielding woman was a news anchor. But on second thought, it made sense—who else would crash a banquet full of club owners? Still, a journalist? Of all people to accidentally hug…
"Liu Wei has quite the background," Zhang Hualei murmured, noticing Wu's shock. "Don't let her smile fool you. She's sharper than she looks."
Wu groaned. Great. He'd assaulted a *connected* journalist.
He turned back to his failed mission. With one hour left and 0 enhancement points, hugging Ye Xiwen felt impossible. But he had to try.
"Hey, Ye," he said, sidling up to her. "About that 500 yuan reward… you know, for coming to the banquet?"
Ye raised an eyebrow. "Reward?"
"You promised! For helping you network!" Wu put on his most innocent smile. *If she hands over the cash, I'll "accidentally" hug her in excitement. Perfect.*
"I said I'd consider it," Ye replied, sipping her champagne. "You've been more trouble than help."
"Trouble? I stopped Qian Baoqing from embarrassing you! I—"
"Spare me." Ye waved him off. "Nice try, though."
Wu grit his teeth. Plan B: guilt trip. "I haven't eaten meat in days. Look at me—I'm wasting away!"
"Poor you," Ye said, deadpan.
"I'm broke. Literally. My wallet's empty."
"Tragic."
"I might starve tomorrow."
"How *dramatic*."
Wu wanted to scream. This woman was impossible!
"Fine," he said, switching tactics. "Qian offered me a job at Dongfang Coast—4,000 yuan a month. And Wang Xuefei? The Yingjie Group CEO? She called about renegotiating Infinity's rent. Said she'd cut me a deal… if I talked to her privately."
Ye's smile faded. Wang Xuefei—Beitian's real estate tycoon—held the lease to Infinity. If Wu cozyed up to her…
"400 yuan," she said, her voice tight. "That's my final offer. And you get it *after* we leave."
Bingo. Wu grinned. "Deal! You're the best, Ye—"
He lunged forward, arms outstretched, ready to "celebrate."
Ye stepped back, narrowing her eyes. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Uh—thanking you? For the money?" Wu's arms froze mid-air.
"Put your hands down. Now."
Wu dropped his arms, defeated. *So close.*
Ye studied him, suspicion in her gaze. "Why are you so desperate for a hug, anyway?"
"Who said I was—"
"Save it." She leaned in, her voice low. "Whatever game you're playing, cut it out. I'm not in the mood."
With that, she walked away, leaving Wu staring after her.
Xue'er's voice echoed: *"Task deadline: 1 hour remaining."*
Wu sighed. He'd tried every trick—subtle, silly, even slightly threatening—and failed.
Maybe it was impossible. Maybe he'd lose the Enhancer, get trounced by Song Mingjie tomorrow, and end up back on the streets.
But as he watched Ye laugh with Zhang Hualei, something flickered in him—a stubborn refusal to quit.
He'd come this far. He wasn't giving up now.
One hour.
One last chance.
Wu rolled up his sleeves.
Time to get creative.