Chapter 297 – Emerging from the Mountain for a Stormy Meeting (Part One)

Elder Ma: “Well said, brilliantly put.”

As he spoke, Elder Ma secretly thought: This fool really doesn’t seem to understand. Ah, with my sharp eyes that never fail to spot talent, I can randomly stumble upon gifted individuals wherever I go. It seems I, Elder Ma, am destined to be unparalleled throughout history.

Of course, such thoughts couldn’t be voiced openly. He merely smiled and said, “You’ve spoken quite well. However, from my personal understanding, beyond genuine talent and learning, what matters more is having a diligent heart to truly qualify as a competent actor.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Elder Ma, who clearly understood how to “move with emotion and enlighten with reason,” began expounding eloquently: “As the saying goes, to stand out from the crowd, one must encounter a discerning judge of talent. And you, well, lack the opportunity to meet such a judge, what with this and that…”

Hearing this, how could Ye Kuang not understand? He smiled and retorted, “Are you trying to say you’re that judge?”

As he spoke, the atmosphere at the dining table suddenly grew somewhat awkward.

Elder Ma truly wanted to say yes, but the words stuck in his throat, difficult to utter.

At that moment, Elder Ma’s heart felt as if a herd of alpacas had stampeded through it.

Thinking this, Elder Ma finally realized that this young man might not be as foolish as he appeared on the surface. Without showing any expression or reaction, he actually saw everything clearly and played his cards masterfully.

Ye Kuang: “Still, I should thank you for this meal. Tell me, how should I repay you?”

As he spoke, his expression remained completely unchanged.

Seeing this, truth be told, Elder Ma couldn’t help but feel apprehensive, suddenly realizing that this young man’s thoughts were profoundly difficult to fathom.

Instead, it was Ye Kuang who, noticing Elder Ma’s hesitation, casually remarked: “Speak freely. Since I’ve accepted your favor, I naturally should offer what modest help I can.”

Elder Ma: “It’s not that exaggerated. As I mentioned earlier, it’s simply about inviting you to temporarily act as a swordsman. With your skills, it should be no problem at all.”

“A swordsman?” Ye Kuang couldn’t help hesitating upon hearing this, stating bluntly on the spot: “Strange things happen every year, but this is the first time I’ve heard such a novel term. Very well, since I happen to need an opportunity too, I accept.”

No sooner had he spoken than he suddenly thought: While achieving a perfectly clear sword heart might be an unattainable distant shore, perhaps being straightforward in one’s thoughts is the only way to approach the path toward that clarity.

Hearing this, Elder Ma couldn’t help feeling somewhat surprised, then said: “Then won’t you ask about our profit distribution arrangements?”

Ye Kuang, seeming to have already seen through Elder Ma’s thoughts, burst into loud laughter: “That’s your concern, not mine. I’ll just focus on being a swordsman. As for what you want to do, do as you please. Could I possibly not repay the favor of this meal?”

“Hahaha…” Elder Ma couldn’t help similarly laughing heartily upon hearing this, nearly slapping the table in excitement as he continued: “Good, straight to the point! Then it’s settled.”

Ye Kuang: “Naturally.”

“Then let’s wish us happy cooperation.” Elder Ma added.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help smiling too.

Only three hours later would he come to understand the current state of the city – though glorious on the surface, it was actually filled with competitors everywhere.Elder Ma’s situation was also precarious, as if he could be replaced by someone else at any moment.

“Alright, since we’re speaking frankly now, tell me, how confident are you?”

“Confident? I… Ye Kuang never fights battles I’m not sure of winning. Rather than acting as a swordsman, it’s more like I’m showcasing my specialty.”

“Hahaha… Good, good. That’s all I need to hear from you.”

As they spoke, Ye Kuang followed closely behind Elder Ma and got into a taxi.

Flying TV Co. Ltd. Headquarters.

When Ye Kuang strode into the lobby carrying the Iron Sword on his back, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by awe.

The space here was astonishingly vast beyond imagination.

Elder Ma: “Don’t be surprised. I felt the same way back in the day, but you get used to it after seeing it enough. I believe you’ll come to like this place too.”

Ye Kuang: “How much money did it take to buy this prime real estate?”

Hearing this, Elder Ma couldn’t help but chuckle: “Not much, not much. For Flying TV Station, it’s like a drop in the bucket – just around thirty billion.”

Hiss!

Though Ye Kuang had no concrete concept of thirty billion, he couldn’t deny that he knew exactly how many zeros followed the number ‘three’.

“And this is just the cost of the land. If we include construction and renovation expenses, wouldn’t that amount to astronomical figures?” Ye Kuang thought to himself.

“Hey, I’m asking you! How dare you bring an iron sword into a public place? What exactly are you trying to do?”

Just at that moment, a loud shout reached the ears of Ye Kuang and Elder Ma.

Hearing this, Elder Ma inwardly cursed himself for having been too excited earlier and forgetting about this matter.

“Elder Feng, this is my friend. Please, for my sake, don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Your sake? Hah, as everyone knows, do you still have the same influence you had back in the day?”

Following these words, a security team approached them.

The leader was clearly a middle-aged man, followed by four young, arrogant-looking security guards.

Elder Feng: “I’m asking you a question! Cat got your tongue?”

Hearing this, Elder Ma’s face turned ashen.

After all, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter – such situations were all too common nowadays.

For a moment, the lobby fell silent, with everyone watching coldly and sneering.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang suddenly stepped forward, positioning himself between the two men, and asked with a smile: “This young man is here to serve as a swordsman. Carrying an iron lump on my back should be reasonable, don’t you think?”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but size up the team before him.

There was no denying it – they were puffed up with self-importance, treating a chicken feather as a warrant arrow, clearly wolves in sheep’s clothing putting on airs.

Seeing someone dare to talk back, Elder Feng’s anger surged: “You’re quite the sharp-tongued one, aren’t you? And what’s with that look? Believe me, I can make one call and have a special car come pick you up.”

Hearing this, Elder Ma finally found it difficult to swallow his anger and retorted: “Elder Feng, just because you have a relative in upper management, don’t think you can do whatever you want here.”

No sooner had he spoken than Elder Ma showed genuine anger.

“Ha!” Elder Feng let out a strange laugh upon hearing this, clearly furious himself, and said in a low voice: “Let me tell you, Elder Ma, you’re already past your prime. Where do you get the nerve to challenge me…””You…” At this, Elder Ma couldn’t help but turn livid, pointing at the security captain before him, momentarily speechless.

Elder Feng: “Elder Ma! Where are your manners? Don’t you know pointing at someone is disrespectful? Or have you forgotten the lesson you taught us back in the day – when you point one finger at others, three fingers point back at yourself!”

Hearing this, Elder Ma’s lips trembled uncontrollably, clearly still in a daze.

This scene caught Ye Kuang’s attention, making him belatedly realize something.

That is: Elder Ma’s position within the Flying TV Station building had become precarious.

Now even a mere security guard could order him around, even trample all over him…