Chapter 959: The second successor of Taiji Fist appears?
Translator: Legge Editor: Legge
The next day.
It was a cloudy day with heavy smog outside.
After putting on his face mask, Zhang Ye drove off to work. He would be departing from Central TV soon, though it was still some days away. He had taken a slightly longer leave this time and was gone for almost a month. As he was still considered an employee of the Central TV Documentary Channel, he was obliged to return to the office to have a look around and handle some work.
At the station.
Department 14's office space.
"How's everything going with your boyfriend?"
"We're doing alright."
"Bring him here. I'll give you some advice."
"Sure."
Right as Zhang Ye entered the office, he noticed a bunch of his colleagues currently engaged in their own activities. After a long absence, he rather missed these colleagues who had battled alongside him at work. Some of them were eating breakfast, some were sneakily playing games, and some were gossiping in whispers. As no one had noticed his arrival yet, Zhang Ye could not help teasing them a little.
"The boss is here!" Zhang Ye shouted.
In an instant, the office was thrown into disarray!
Little Wang hastily closed her game!
Wu Yi stuffed the last mouthful of a bun into his mouth!
Several of his colleagues who were chattering away abruptly changed the topic of discussion!
"How's everything going with your work?"
"It's quite alright."
"Bring it to me. I'll give you some advice."
"Sure."
When Zhang Ye heard that, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. With the same conversation as before, all you did was fucking replace the word "boyfriend" with "work"? Couldn't you at least come up with something different? As they said, soldiers emulated their general. This saying seemed to be rather true after all. Having worked under Zhang Ye for so long now, this group of colleagues were becoming more and more shameless. Each one competed to be more thick-skinned than the last!
"Ah!"
"Director Zhang!"
"It's Director Zhang!"
Gasps of surprise sounded throughout the office!
At this moment, everyone realized that the person standing at the entrance was actually Zhang Ye. Only then did they know they had been tricked by him. The person who had come in was indeed a boss, since he was the boss of their documentary channel. But as everyone knew, Zhang Ye was different from the other bosses. He was never bothered by their chatting or playing games during office hours.
Little Wang was pleasantly surprise. "Director Zhang!"
Little Li gasped. "Director Zhang is back! Director Zhang is back!"
Ha Qiqi stood up. "Director Zhang."
"We've missed you so much!" Even the manly Zhang Zuo played along with everyone else.
Zhang Ye was amused by this. "Oh, come now. I saw you guys having fun and looking like you didn't want me coming back here. In the future, quit the game more cleanly. Your minimized window can still be seen."
A few of the staff who had been playing games smiled awkwardly.
Then a bunch of people surrounded Zhang Ye and asked him all sorts of questions.
"Director Zhang, how's the dispute going between you and Jiang Hanwei?"
"Yeah, we're all concerned about that!"
"Why is there suddenly no news?"
"Did you really crash into Jiang Hanwei's car?"
"It seems that yesterday, at the birthday party of Spring Garden's Teacher Xiaodong, Jiang Hanwei led his people out before the event even started? What happened there? What exactly was the outcome?"
"Didn't he say that he would beat up your agent?"
"So who on earth is your agent?"
"I think it's a woman, right?"
"Yeah, I saw the pictures the reporters published! But it was a bit blurry!"
"She kinda looked beautiful, right?"
Question followed question.
Zhang Ye replied with a smile, "I have an agent now named Rao Aimin. In the future, if there are any advertisers calling to look for me at the office, you can get them to contact her instead. I'll give everyone her number later. She'll be given full authority to handle all of my affairs from now on."
Little Wang said excitedly, "I've finally been set free! I won't need to answer your phone calls every day anymore!"
Zhang Ye said, "It's been hard on you for the past month."
Little Wang stood at attention. "I was just doing my part for the people!"
Ha Qiqi asked, "Then about the Jiang Hanwei matter…"
"That's done with." Zhang Ye said, "I won't talk about it in detail since it's pointless to do so."
But the more that Zhang Ye did not want to touch on it, the more curious everyone became!
"Please tell us!"
"That's right, Jiang Hanwei has really gone too far!"
"Wasn't he planning to deal with your agent?"
"Director Zhang, quickly tell us about it!"
Everyone continued pressing him for an answer. They understood Director Zhang's temperament and knew that he was someone whom they could easily talk with, so they were not afraid of him and just asked as they thought.
But Zhang Ye waved it off and did not reveal anything. Because to him, even though it was Jiang Hanwei who provoked him and tried to mess with him for no apparent reason, this was still not something to be proud of. Wrecking Jiang Hanwei's car? Scolding him at Xiaodong's birthday celebration? Scaring him away? There was no need to bring this up; neither did it paint Zhang Ye in a good light. Zhang Ye would still combat this sort of internal conflict and scolding within the industry when necessary, but he'd never actually liked doing it. It was just that he had no other recourse since he was provoked first, so he had to react!
But even as Zhang Ye did not wish to talk about it, news of it appeared online!
Little Wang said, "Look, something's going on again!"
"What is it?"
"Jiang Hanwei has spoken up!"
"Is that so? Where? Where?"
Everyone went over to Little Wang and surrounded her.
A day after the incident, Jiang Hanwei had finally issued a response. He had accepted a phone interview with an entertainment news tabloid in Southern China!
The headline: "Jiang Hanwei clarifies his stand: He dislikes people like Zhang Ye!"
Jiang Hanwei said in his phone interview: "I have always disliked people like Zhang Ye and have my doubts about how he's become so popular today. What is wrong with the people nowadays? Next, I would like to clarify a rumor spreading around, saying that I had threatened to beat up Zhang Ye's agent? I never said anything like that! Everyone, please stop spreading such baseless rumors! We have to stop it right there!"
Heated discussions on this topic started appearing on the Internet!
"Everyone has their own likes and dislikes!"
"Yeah, I like Zhang Ye, so what!"
"Me too. I feel happy whenever I get to see Zhang Ye!"
"Jiang Hanwei is clearing up the rumors?"
"That can't be, didn't someone confirm that such a thing really took place?"
"Why has it become a rumor now?"
"Jiang Hanwei has most definitely said those words before! Has he changed his tune?"
"There's definitely something to this that we don't know of!"
"It might really just turn out to be a rumor."
"Rumor, my ass! The two of them were even involved in a collision!"
"Yeah, Zhang Ye crashed into Jiang Hanwei's car due to being cut off, so why did Jiang Hanwei not mention anything about that? What's the reason for his silence?"
"Just what is going on with them? I'm starting to get confused by all this!"
"Don't tell me that the meaning of Jiang Hanwei's interview was essentially him admitting defeat?"
"With Old Jiang's standing in the entertainment industry, even he can't do anything about Zhang Ye?"
"Whatever it is, it's case closed. Let's all just leave. Disperse!"
The development of this affair had gone beyond everyone's expectations. The moment this conflict was made known, some people thought that Zhang Ye would definitely engage in a fierce battle with Jiang Hanwei or maybe even get into a physical fight with him. Needless to say, Zhang Ye's agent who had popped out of the blue would definitely be unable to escape as well, since Jiang Hanwei had always walked the walk. But in the end, nothing came out of it? Jiang Hanwei actually denied saying all those words?
Everyone started making wild guesses about what had really happened!
There was also an increase of all kinds of rumors!
Some said a bigwig from the entertainment industry had stepped in to help mediate things.
Some said it was Xiaodong who settled the dispute for the two of them.
Some even said that after Jiang Hanwei saw that Zhang Ye's agent was a woman, he chose not to do anything as he would not hit a woman.
Would not hit a woman?
Only the tiny group of entertainment industry insiders present that day knew the truth behind all these rumors. They were the only ones who knew that this was not Jiang Hanwei admitting defeating, but that he had been frightened into turning tail due to Zhang Ye's wondrous female agent! And as for Jiang Hanwei's clarification this time, it made them more convinced that Jiang Hanwei was not actually afraid of Zhang Ye since he could still publicly express his dislike for people like him after all that had happened. It was likely that he would still have further conflict with Zhang Ye. Jiang Hanwei mainly wanted to use this interview to refute that he had ever said that he would beat up Zhang Ye's agent. Only those who knew the whole story could understand that this line was the essence of his interview. Jiang Hanwei would rather slap himself in the face by eating his words than not doing so!
Who on earth was Zhang Ye's female agent?
This question caused a big stir in the entertainment industry!
...
Later that morning.
Director Yan Tianfei came over and made small talk with Zhang Ye for a while.
"Director Zhang, is everything resolved?" Yan Tianfei asked.
"Yes." Zhang Ye nodded. "I'm back at work again starting today."
Yan Tianfei reminded, "Be wary of Jiang Hanwei in the future. That man is not to be trifled with."
Zhang Ye acknowledged the advice with a smile and said, "Director Yan, I know that, but I happen to be someone who's not to be trifled with either."
Yan Tianfei chuckled. "It's not that you're not to be trifled with, but that to trifle with you would be a terrible mistake!"
Zhang Ye got engrossed into his work as he helped Ha Qiqi, Zhang Zuo, and the others rehearse the air pollution documentary that was going to be broadcast soon.
Ha Qiqi and Zhang Zuo brought up some of the difficulties they faced in their work.
Troubled, Ha Qiqi said, "We are unable to proceed with some of the statistics gathering and experimental data."
Zhang Ye replied, "If there's something you need, just let me know. I'll be leaving the station soon, and you two are the executive directors this time. As long as I can help out, I will do it if you ask me."
Zhang Zuo said, "About the research lab at Peking University, we would like to…"
Zhang Ye immediately agreed, "Alright, I'll help you get in contact with them. There won't be any problems. I'll call them about it and get them to give you whatever information you require."
Ha Qiqi added, "We can't handle the Meteorological Administration. There's some data they simply refuse to hand over to us!"
Zhang Ye nodded. "OK, I'll help you get it done!"
"And some of the interviews…" Zhang Zuo trailed off.
Zhang Ye said, "Sure, I'll look over them when the time comes."
Zhang Zuo hesitated, "Even if it's you who asks them, it might not work out since they don't accept any TV interviews."
Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Don't forget that I'm an associate professor at Peking University and Media College. Even though my social ties in the entertainment industry are poor, they will still give me some face."
Ha Qiqi laughed. "Great. I'll get Little Huang to get you the information."
Awhile later, Huang Dandan brought the information to him. "Cough, cough, cough, Director Zhang, cough, cough, here you are."
Zhang Ye looked up at her. "You still have a cold?"
Huang Dandan had a normal complexion. "It hasn't gotten better."
Zhang Ye stated, "Before I went on my break, you were already sick, right? Take good care of yourself."
Huang Dandan smiled and said, "Of course. Thank you for your concern, Director Zhang."
They worked the entire morning.
...
Noon.
It was time for the lunch break.
Zhang Ye exhaled, stretched, and stood up as he prepared to go for lunch.
But the moment he stepped outside, he overheard his colleagues whispering among themselves.
"She's beautiful."
"Why did she come all the way here?"
"I don't know."
"I heard that she's been waiting the entire morning."
"Security called us a ton of times. Should we tell Director Zhang about it?"
"I suppose she's a fan?"
"But she doesn't look like one!"
Zhang Ye overheard a little of the conversation and asked, "What are you guys talking about? Who's looking for me? What fan?"
Little Wang was startled. "Uh, Director Zhang."
Huang Dandan scratched her head and said, "Security has been calling since this morning, saying that there was a woman specifically asking for you. She doesn't have an ID badge, an entry pass, or your contact number, so security tried to chase her away. But it seems that she still refused to leave and has been waiting downstairs until now, saying that she must definitely meet you today."
There were many cases of fans chasing after stars and quite a number of people would always come to Central TV to catch a glimpse Zhang Ye, so it was not something new to them. The reason that security informed Department 14 about this issue was probably because she was quite pretty?
Zhang Ye asked, "Did they say why she was looking for me?"
"Uh, they did not," Huang Dandan replied.
Zhang Ye nodded. "Let's go downstairs and grab lunch. I'm treating today."
"Wow."
"Director Zhang is treating us?"
"I'm joining too then!"
"Haha!"
Everyone cheered at that because Zhang Ye was very generous. Whenever he treated them, it was always a sumptuous meal.
They took the elevator down.
20th floor…
10th floor…
5th floor…
Before the elevator door even opened, everyone in the elevator could hear a woman shouting when they were nearing the second floor!
"Zhang Ye!"
"Come out!"
The elevator stopped on the first floor.
The elevator door opened and everyone looked out in astonishment.
There were also quite a number of colleagues on the first floor who were looking at that woman with curious eyes.
Ha Qiqi said in a daze, "That's the woman who's looking for Director Zhang?"
"Why is she shouting?" Zhang Zuo scowled.
There were around four security guards approaching her and trying to chase her out!
"What are you doing!"
"Are you here to cause trouble?"
"Hurry up and leave!"
"If you shout again, we'll call the police!"
Pushed to the breaking point, the security guards nearly took physical action against her!
When Zhang Ye saw this, he quickly stopped them. He always treated his fans with kindness, but this person did not seem to be a fan. "Let me deal with her!"
A security guard turned around in surprise. "Teacher Zhang, you've come down?"
An overweight security guard said, "This person is causing trouble! She's been here since morning!"
Zhang Ye smiled. "No worries, just let me deal with her."
It was a woman in her early twenties. She should be around the same age as Zhang Ye. She was not the type who looked extremely beautiful at first glance, but she would definitely not be ignored in a crowd. She had an elegant aura and was a good-looking person who obviously stood out. This woman was dressed in typical exercise attire. Her shoes looked rather old but were very clean. From this, she probably didn't come from some rich family. Her black hair was styled into a simple ponytail.
The woman also saw Zhang Ye. Her eyes immediately hardened!
Zhang Ye took a few steps forward. "May I know who you are?"
Ha Qiqi, Little Wang, and the others were afraid that Zhang Ye had encountered some crazy fan, so they followed close behind him.
The woman gazed at him. "You've finally shown yourself."
Zhang Ye asked with curiosity, "Why have you sought me out?"
However, Zhang Ye was immediately shocked by the woman's answer. She said, "Zhang Ye, why are you going around misleading others using the name of Taiji?"
Taiji?
What Taiji?
The people around them did not understand what was going on!
But Zhang Ye understood and narrowed his eyes. Those who knew about Taiji Fist and knew that he knew Taiji Fist were pointedly not ordinary folk. Only those from the Chinese martial arts world knew! Zhang Ye did not expect that someone would come looking for him and question him. Was she an enemy? Was she from one of the large sects? She didn't look like one of them! When did I ever mislead anyone?
Zhang Ye turned around and told Ha Qiqi and the rest, "Go ahead and eat lunch on your own. Bring back the receipt and I'll reimburse it for you guys. I have some things to attend to for now."
Ha Qiqi said in surprise, "Director Zhang?"
"Go ahead. I'll be fine," Zhang Ye said.
His colleagues walked off but looked back every step of the way.
Zhang Ye pointed to a makeshift reception room in the corner of the lobby. "Can I have a word with you?"
"Sure." The woman followed him.
In the reception room.
There were only the two of them here.
Only then did Zhang Ye size this woman up carefully. "You're from our martial arts world?"
The woman said, "You can say that."
Zhang Ye wondered, "Why did you accuse me of misleading others?"
The woman stared at him. "It's not like you really know Taiji Fist, right?"
"Why do you think that I don't know Taiji Fist?" Zhang Ye asked another question.
The woman explained, "Because there's only one successor left in this generation of Taiji Fist, and you're obviously not that successor!"
Curious, Zhang Ye inquired, "Who are you?"
The woman regulated her breathing as she looked at him in the eye. Then, she said something shocking. "Taiji, Yang Shu!"