Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation              Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Hidden from view, Xia Xin watched in disbelief as Jing MO seemed about to actually hand over the money to the reporter. In a sudden panic, she reached for her Enchanted Puppet, preparing to take control of the reporter. But her system chimed in unexpectedly.
Master, something is off about that manâs aura.
Distracted but determined, Xia Xin replied while fiddling with the puppet, âWeâll deal with it after Iâve controlled him.â
The system interrupted her again.
Master, heâs giving off an animal scent, and the life force of that animal is extremely weak. I suspect heâs been abusing a small animal.
âWhat?!â Xia Xin couldnât contain her anger. âHeâs been abusing animals too? Thatâs outrageous!â
However, this diversion cost Xia Xin the perfect moment to use her Enchanted Puppet. Jing MO had already taken action.
He glanced at his phone to check the time and then placed it back on the table. Locking eyes with the reporter, he countered, âDo you really dare to take my money?â
The reporter was momentarily stunned, lost for words. In all his years in the reporter circle, he had never heard of anyone daring to extort Jing Mo.
âDid Jing MO have some formidable force behind him that reporters shouldnât mess with?â the reporter pondered.
Fear crept into the reporterâs mind. He thought, âHad I accidentally provoked someone way out of my league? I was only planning on scamming some money from Xia Xin; I had never intended to create problems for myself.â
Seeing the reporterâs silence, Jing MO continued, âYou must have weighed the pros and cons, otherwise, these photos would have been sent to me, not Xia Xin.â
The reporterâs nerves tightened; he felt his palms begin to sweat.
Jing MO went on, âWhatever the nature of my relationship with Xia Xin may be, itâs not for you to concern yourself with. You should be worried about what youâll face after today.â
âWhat⦠what are you planning to do?â The reporterâs voice trembled.
Jing MO spoke nonchalantly, âFirst, I could hire a hacker to infiltrate your computer and delete all the pictures.â
The reporter scoffed, âIf you could do that, why would you bother meeting
Jing MO narrowed his eyes, his tone growing icy, âTo remind you to stay away from Xia Xin in the future.â
Hearing her name, Xia Xin was momentarily taken aback. She had grown used to solving all her problems herself. This feeling of being protected wasnât so bad.
Still defiant, the reporter asked, âAnd the second option?
A slight smile crept onto Jing MOâs lips, âYouâre free to publish the photos. But I can assure you, theyâll make no splash. Furthermore, youâll lose your job and no company will dare to hire you ever again.â
The reporter felt a genuine shiver down his spine; he no longer doubted the veracity of Jing MOâs words.
Surrendering, he handed over the memory card, assuring there were no backups, and left the café with far less ease than he had arrived.
Overhearing the exchange between the reporter and Jing MO helped Xia Xin understand something crucial. Jing MOâs years in the entertainment industry had not been smooth sailing. His adept handling of the situation demonstrated he had faced challenges like this multiple times before.
Xia Xin grew increasingly curious about Jing Mo. She found herself dwelling on that one question that had troubled herâwhy had Jing MO disappeared without a word?
Just as she was about to follow the departing reporter to find out why he emanated the weak aura of an abused animal, she heard a voice behind her, tinged with coldness and a veiled threat. âXia Xin.â
Xia Xin got a shock and her spine stiffened. She said, âIâve been discovered.â
She stood still, turned to face Jing MO, and offered a sheepish smile. âOh, what a coincidence.â
By the time Xia Xin could chase the reporter, he had already disappeared.
Standing up straight, she looked at Jing Mo. He sighed, taking long strides past her and saying as he passed, âLetâs go.â
Sensing she hadnât followed, he turned back to her and asked, âWhatâs the matter? Would you like to stay and have more coffee?â
Though Jing MOâs tone was gentle, Xia Xin, guilty as charged, found herself unable to reply..