CHAPTER 515: CHAPTER 515: DO YOU REALLY LIKE THAT GUY JUST NOW?

Staring directly at Wei Xichun, Chen Bin said calmly.

"The organization appointed me as the acting director, not as a pushover. If I don’t get rid of all those parasites exploiting phantom salaries, how can the TV station undergo true reform?"

"You..."

Wei Xichun had originally planned to give Chen Bin a harsh lesson, but unexpectedly found himself at a loss for words after being sharply countered.

In the end, he could only wave his hand helplessly.

"You’d better just go for now. I have things to deal with and don’t have time to argue with you."

Soon, news of the provincial TV station’s layoffs spread quickly.

An institution openly cutting half its workforce at once—such a thing was unheard of.

Chen Bin was once again thrust into the center of public controversy.

In response, the Yanxi Daily dispatched a reporter to conduct an exclusive interview with him.

Chen Bin didn’t hold back, openly discussing the problems facing the TV station and detailing the targets of the layoffs.

After learning the reasons, the public voiced their support for him.

For a time, everyone had high hopes for the future development of the provincial TV station.

Following the layoffs came a wave of recruitment. To prevent any backdoor dealings, Chen Bin set strict hiring criteria.

Even during the final interview stages, he occasionally made time to personally oversee the process.

He ensured that every person hired would be a valuable asset.

At 7 p.m., under Jiao Jikai’s arrangements, Chen Bin arrived at the Yanxi Hotel for dinner.

During the meal, Jiao Jikai proactively transferred 10 million yuan.

As for the remaining 40 million, he wrote an IOU.

If he couldn’t repay it, then his eldest son would take over the debt.

Only after father and son signed the necessary documents did Chen Bin feel satisfied.

After dinner, Chen Bin planned to visit Liao Ruoji’s home.

But just as he got into his car, he spotted a couple in the corner of the parking lot locked in an embrace, seemingly about to kiss.

When he realized it was Wu Jie and Nie Kang, Chen Bin immediately pressed his car horn hard.

Beep beep beep!

The sudden noise startled the two. Nie Kang stormed angrily toward the car and shouted.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

He had been dating Wu Jie for quite some time, but she had been very reserved, and the furthest they had gone was holding hands.

After a few drinks tonight, he had finally found the chance to kiss her, only for the moment to be ruined by Chen Bin.

Afraid the two would start fighting, Wu Jie quickly stepped in to try to pull Nie Kang away.

But Chen Bin looked straight at her and said, "A young woman out here—it’s dangerous. I’ll take you back to campus."

Hearing this, Nie Kang was instantly furious.

"Damn it! What’s your problem? Wu Jie is my girlfriend! Why should you take her?"

"Because I’m her superior, and I have the authority to ensure her safety. If you’re unhappy about it, feel free to call her family and see who they trust her with more."

"I..."

Nie Kang opened his mouth but didn’t know how to respond.

Both he and Wu Jie were university students, secretly dating without their families’ knowledge.

If Wu Jie’s parents found out, he’d be doomed!

Giving Wu Jie a glance, Chen Bin motioned to the front passenger seat.

"What are you waiting for? Get in the car!"

As Wu Jie released Nie Kang’s arm, the latter shook his head at her.

Hesitating briefly, Wu Jie finally spoke up.

"Chen Tai might have something work-related to discuss with me. You’d better grab a cab home."

After Wu Jie got into the car, Chen Bin stepped on the gas and drove off.

For some reason, knowing that Chen Bin had caught her about to kiss Nie Kang gave her a lingering sense of guilt as if she’d done something wrong.

The two remained silent during the drive. When they reached campus, Chen Bin pulled over by the roadside.

Looking directly into Wu Jie’s eyes, he asked, "Do you really like that boy?"

Wu Jie couldn’t stand Chen Bin’s probing gaze and was just about to turn her head away when he grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

At that moment, her rebellious side took over, and she snapped in irritation.

"Yes, I really like him! So what?"

"You’re too young to be in a relationship. Focus on your studies. Break up with him immediately, or I’ll make sure you never get into the provincial TV station."

"You... You’re threatening me?"

"Yes, I am. Now get out of the car!"

"But..."

"I said get out! Did you hear me?!"

Faced with Chen Bin’s shouting, Wu Jie trembled in fear.

Biting her lip, she reluctantly got out of the car.

When she returned to her dorm, she immediately told Cong Lijie about what had happened.

"Why do you think Chen Bin insists on me breaking up with Nie Kang?"

"Obviously because he likes you. Can’t you see that?"

"But I asked him, and he said he doesn’t like me."

"Not all feelings need to be admitted outright! Chen Bin gives you the chance to join the TV station while forcing you to break up—if that’s not jealousy, what is it?"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Wu Jie looked troubled.

"So what should I do?"

"If you ask me, prioritize your career. The opportunity to enter the provincial TV station might only come once in a lifetime. Even if Chen Bin can’t marry you one day, he could still give you endless wealth and glory."

"No way. I won’t settle to be someone’s mistress. Without legitimacy, no amount of money could make me happy."

"Wu Jie, you’re already in your third year. Right now, finding a job should be your top priority. As for marriage... that’s still far off. There’s no need to think about it now. After all, love can’t fill your stomach."

"Lijie, you sound so mature sometimes—almost like my mom."

Pushing Wu Jie lightly, Cong Lijie snapped playfully.

"Do I look as old as your mom?"

"Not at all. You just think in a way that reminds me of her."

"Oh, stop with the nonsense. Just answer me—does what I said make sense or not?"

"Of course, it makes sense, but Nie Kang is my first love. I can’t just abandon him for a job."

Shaking her head slightly, Cong Lijie sighed in lament.

"If I had an opportunity like yours, I’d gladly stay single forever just to be with someone like Chen Bin."

Due to An Siwei’s collusion with Lan Hui, he was removed from office, leaving the Yanxi Province Broadcasting Bureau head position vacant for some time.

Until late October, when it was suddenly announced that Tianhai City’s Deputy Mayor, Feng Lei, would assume the role of Yanxi Province Broadcasting Bureau Director.

When Chen Bin learned of this development, he was visibly shocked.

But he quickly understood—Feng Lei was undoubtedly coming for him.

That afternoon, while Chen Bin was busy working in his office, the phone suddenly rang.

As soon as he picked up, Liao Ruoli’s voice came through.

"Pick me up at the airport in three hours. I’m boarding now."

Before Chen Bin could respond, the call ended with a busy signal.

Letting out a deep sigh, Chen Bin looked troubled.

The last time Liao Ruoli visited, she gave him quite a headache. Now, she was coming back again.

"Ugh, what am I going to do now..."