CHAPTER 45: 45. HOW ABOUT MAKING PEACE WITH A HANDSHAKE?

"Really?" Shi Nian immediately reached out and grabbed his sleeve: "Ok, there’s no time like the present, Mr. Tang, help me with an interview."

He chuckled silently, his eyes clear and sparkling like a spring: "Hey, I thought you’d storm off right away in anger."

Shi Nian glanced up at him: "For work, I can set aside my personal feelings."

His smile grew wider, leaning against the wall, standing on tiptoe: "Then first tell me, why do you want to be a journalist?"

"Is that any of your business?" Shi Nian retorted unceremoniously, feeling irritated again by his previous words, "You’re not worthy."

"Of course it matters." Tang Yanqing stared at her expression, finally realizing what she looked like when frustrated.

"I’ve been interacting with journalists almost since the day I was born. I’ve seen too many opportunistic journalists who chase celebrities, desperately digging into their privacy, just to sell at a good price and satisfy readers’ voyeuristic desires. Shi Nian, your original motive to interview me was this, right? If you’re at that level, even you, I’d say you’re not worthy."

"Oh, so that’s it." Shi Nian sighed. She had been full of resentment, but now found herself unable to express it.

He squinted at the hint of embarrassment on her face, then slowly smiled: "You think I see myself as high and noble, don’t you?"

"Oh." She nodded silently, her head lowered, stealthily sticking out her tongue. Cute like a little kitten.

"Your turn," he wasn’t going to let her dodge: "Why become a journalist, hmm?"

Shi Nian sighed: "Because I want to seek the truth. Like you detectives do, seeking the truth behind cases, giving justice to victims, bringing criminals to justice; since I can’t be a police officer, I chose the profession closest to it– which is journalism."

She used to admire Dad the most, believing Dad was the big hero who punishes evildoers and promotes good deeds, so from elementary school onwards, every time she filled out her aspirations, she would neatly write: Police Officer. But... later Dad held her hand tightly, difficultly saying to her: "Nian Nian, promise Daddy, don’t... become a police officer. Daddy hopes your life is safe."

That was Dad’s dying wish, she could not defy it.

He listened, head lowered: "Being a journalist isn’t just for glamorous attire and mingling with celebrities?"

"Oh!" She raised her little fist, protesting with a shake: "I’m not a business or entertainment journalist... actually, they have their professional ethics, not as bad as you say."

"Ok, I apologize." He reached out to her with a smile: "Sleeping Beauty, let’s shake on it."

Shi Nian’s little face instantly flushed: "Hey, don’t call me that again."

Blushing, she shook his hand: "Also, you want to shake on it, but you must promise me the interview."

In fact, she was still very hesitant inside. Should she really act like the search never happened?

The hesitation on her face was already captured by his eyes, and he sighed lightly again: "Alright, the interview. Whatever you want to ask, I’ll answer, okay?"

Her eyes sparkled as she switched from a handshake to a high-five: "Deal!"

He raised an eyebrow, staring at her: "Why do I feel like I’ve just sold myself to you?"

"Oh," she laughed again: "Did I give you money for your service, sir?"

He made a funny face, but inside, his heart was already smiling.

Silly girl, do you think you haven’t paid? The price you pay is: yourself.

-

Thanks to Don Xiaoputao for the red envelope~