Chapter 29: Exaggerated Interviews
Chapter 29: Exaggerated Interviews
As one of the most exciting events in the Federation each year, the Elf College Entrance Examination is always a popular spot for reporters and media.
As a veteran journalist, Chen Jun has interviewed so many outstanding candidates that he can't even remember how many.
But he remembers that in the past, when those candidates heard his interview invitation, they would feel excited or nervous to some extent.
But Lin Chong not only acted completely indifferent, he even demanded an interview fee from him!
Wait, could it be that he misunderstood? Did Lin Chong mean... he wanted to give him, the reporter, a red envelope?
Chen Jun's eyes darted around, and he tentatively asked.
"In principle, we reporters are not allowed to accept red envelopes (bribes) before conducting interviews..."
Lin Chong asked in surprise, "What red envelope? I'm asking how much you're going to pay me for the interview. What are you talking about?"
Nearby, Old Zhou, who was watching the competition, chuckled, seemingly amused by one of the examinees on the field.
Chen Jun's face darkened. Was this kid really asking him for money?
He patiently explained, "Generally, our interviews are free; we don't charge you, and we certainly won't—"
"Then why should I agree to your interview?"
Lin Chong stared at Chen Jun with a puzzled look on his face.
Chen Jun remained silent for several seconds, then took out two hundred yuan from his bag and handed it to Lin Chong, but the latter turned his head away and pretended not to see it.
Chen Jun was shocked. This guy thought two hundred yuan was too little? He only earned that much as a reporter in a day!
But Chen Jun thought about the current online buzz surrounding Lin Chong, suppressed his anger, and took out a few more red bills from his bag.
This time, Lin Chong saw it and took it with a smile: "Ask away, I'll answer anything you know."
Chen Jun's lips twitched slightly. He took out a pen and paper and asked.
"The first question is one that many people are discussing online: why did you deliberately mock Fan Xiaoxiao before the first day of the competition?"
As if afraid that Lin Chong would mind, he quickly added: "Do you have some kind of conflict with her, or is it simply for the purpose of psychological warfare? This is what many people want to know."
Lin Chong had anticipated this question and answered it easily.
"There is no contradiction; it's purely a matter of tactical thinking."
Chen Jun nodded and noted it down, feeling somewhat disappointed.
If Lin Chong were to utter any wild words right now, his report would certainly attract a lot of attention.
It seemed the other party wasn't an arrogant idiot, Chen Jun thought to himself, and then asked the next question.
"Would you mind sharing your preferred school? How would you feel if you were accepted?"
This question is quite formulaic, and Chen Jun was even prepared to nod in agreement.
"I don't have a preferred school, so I'll go to whichever school offers the most scholarship."
Chen Jun chimed in, "Mmm... Ah?"
Seeing the other person's surprised expression, Lin Chong said seriously, "The admissions offices of various colleges can already call me. I don't care about school rankings or faculty strength."
"I'll go to whichever school offers the most scholarship! And they also need to be able to help my sister transfer to a nearby high school..."
It was a rather long speech, but Lin Chong had already planned it out, so he delivered it very fluently.
Chen Jun seized on a key point and pressed further, "Your sister is transferring schools? Would you mind telling us why?"
"Here's the thing, my brother and I were originally living together in Haicheng, relying on each other, until we accidentally got into trouble..."
five minutes later
Looking at Lin Chong, who was embracing Xiao Xi and with tears streaming down his face, Chen Jun's previous disdain for Lin Chong completely disappeared, replaced by genuine respect.
His voice was hoarse, almost choked with tears: "Are you telling the truth?"
"During the hardest times, you couldn't even scrape together five yuan. It was only thanks to the help of your neighbors that you didn't have to beg on the streets?"
"And after your door was maliciously blocked, you were forced to live on the streets, competing for space with beggars under the overpass?"
Lin Chong wiped away his tears: "It's absolutely true!"
Lin Xiaoxi:...
Old Zhou:...
The truth is not so exaggerated, but Lin Chong's words are very clever. His embellishments not only make it sound very real, but also better evoke the emotions of the listeners.
Chen Jun was even more convinced when he noticed that although the brother and sister's clothes were clean, they were cheap, off-brand items.
He sobbed, "So that's why you care so much about money, willing to bear the infamy and use any means necessary to win, all for the sake of giving your sister a better future!"
"The bond between you two siblings... is so touching!"
Chen Jun and Lin Chong clasped hands together and shook them violently several times before Chen Jun managed to control his emotions and forcefully maintain his composure.
"Don't worry, Lin Chong, I will definitely report these things truthfully. You are a good older brother and a talented trainer. Your lives will definitely get better in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chong stopped crying for a moment, but then cried even louder.
He handed back the few red bills the other party had just given him, saying gratefully, "You're a good reporter who reports the truth, how could I take your money... I should be giving you the money, you wait!"
After saying that, he stuffed the money into Chen Jun's hand and turned to reach out to Old Man Zhou.
"Boss, lend me some money. I need to pay the reporter's interview fee."
Old Zhou's expression changed, and the swear words that were about to come out of his throat were swallowed back down.
He forced a smile and reached into his pocket: "Is 200 enough?"
Chen Jun hurriedly got up, pressed his hand down, returned the money to Lin Chong, and added a few more bills.
Chen Jun's expression was serious, and he pretended to be angry.
"You must accept this money. It's for the child, not for you! Use it to buy your sister some food and clothes, and treat yourself better!"
After saying that, he got up and ran away: "I'm going back right now to write an article reporting on these things, I'll make sure you don't have to suffer this infamy anymore!"
Lin Chong stood up, moved, and covered his mouth, exclaiming, "Thank you, Brother Chen! You're a great reporter!"
Lin Chong stood there until Chen Jun's figure disappeared from sight before sitting down, his expression so calm that he seemed like a completely different person from before.
"Alright, let's continue watching the game."
At this moment, Old Man Zhou, the little black cat, and even Meow Meow all looked at Lin Chong with a "disdainful" gaze.
The black cat thought to itself, "What beggar? What begging? You're really good at making things up."
Meow Meow rarely agrees with her: 【Lying without batting an eye, that's so true to you.】
The old man shook his head sarcastically: "To describe you as ruthless is an understatement."
Lin Chong chuckled but did not respond to the three.
Only Xiaoxi leaned close to him, quietly tugged at his sleeve, and asked worriedly, "Brother... are you alright?"
Although Lin Chong did exaggerate, only Xiaoxi, who personally experienced that period, knew that much of what he said was true.
Lin Chong turned to look at her, patted her head, and gave her a relaxed smile.
"That's all in the past. Just keep your eyes on the road ahead."
"Hey, it's your turn, Sister Chen Xi. Let's see how strong she is now."
RNP