Chapter 23: The Dagger Revealed

When he came out, his face betrayed nothing unusual, except that he was holding a black bag in his hand.

Zhang Ye noticed that Wang Mengzi’s expression was a bit off. She frowned, but said nothing. Instead, he casually adjusted the collar of her coat and sat down.

During the meal, Wang Mengzi asked Zhang Ye what he had bought, and he replied that it was a tape recorder. Then he quietly ate, unusually silent.

After finishing dinner, Zhang Ye didn't continue to follow them but headed straight home.

“It can begin now.” Once back at his residence, Zhang Ye took out the contents of the black bag, opened it, flipped the switch, adjusted the frequency, and pressed a button to turn it on.

He put on the headphones that came with the device. Immediately, static crackled in his ears, followed by a voice—a woman’s, but not Wang Mengzi’s, her words indistinct.

Zhang Ye made another adjustment, and the sound finally became clear.

He listened for a while, confirming that Wang Mengzi was at work in the newspaper office, and his anxiety eased. Then he sat at his desk and picked up his pen.

Yes, this was the bugging device Zhang Ye had purchased earlier at the high-tech equipment store. The listening device had already been installed on Wang Mengzi’s coat collar.

Such equipment was not available through official channels, of course. But Zhang Ye, having tracked and investigated enemies in his previous life, knew that these kinds of shops typically carried such devices, or at least had a way to procure them if you placed an order. Without an introduction, they wouldn’t serve you, but Zhang Ye was experienced; a few words were enough to dispel the shop owner’s doubts, and he got what he wanted.

Now that Wang Mengzi was at the newspaper office, at least for the moment, she was safe. Zhang Ye relaxed and started his own work.

Yesterday, Zhang Ye had systematically organized the outline of an immortal fantasy novel. After spending half an hour refining and supplementing it, he began writing in earnest.

Considering the constraints of time, Zhang Ye didn’t plan on a long narrative for this novel, but intended to keep it concise—about two hundred thousand words would suffice. It was a romance set in a world of immortals and martial heroes.

The intertwining emotions of the characters from Immortal Sword and the fantastical world they inhabit would, in an era before the internet was widely popularized and before immortal fantasies had truly emerged, be both astounding and unparalleled in impact.

Zhang Ye believed that even though his prose might not match Wang Mengzi’s, as long as she read his novel, she would surely be captivated by the world he had crafted, a world unlike any before.

The room grew quiet, save for the gentle scratch of the pen against paper, a sound that seemed to prickle the ear.

Time flies when one is busy. Unbeknownst to him, three hours had passed.

During those hours, Zhang Ye only got up once for a break; the rest of the time was spent writing.

But he never forgot his primary objective—whenever the headphones of the bugging device picked up voices, he would pause to listen carefully, making sure to discern what was being said on the other side, and confirming there was no sign of Gao Ming’s voice before he returned to his work.

From the device, Zhang Ye heard good news: Wang Mengzi had actually been promoted.

He didn’t know the exact reason, but it didn’t matter—he was happy for her. Though in the future, after her novel became famous, she would quit her current job, for now she was still working at the Lihua Morning News.

If Wang Mengzi had previously been a field reporter, now she was officially an editor. She could stay in the office and write articles, which was much easier, and her salary had gone up.

“Mengzi, now that you’ve been promoted, shouldn’t you treat us to a celebration?” At that moment, Gao Ming’s voice, full of ulterior motives, came through the headphones.

Zhang Ye’s heart tightened. He immediately stopped writing and sat up straight.

He thought to himself, “Here it comes.” He had grown impatient waiting.

“Sure, let’s all celebrate together. It’s my treat today—Liudong Restaurant,” Wang Mengzi laughed breezily, not refusing.

A promotion deserved a proper celebration. Liudong Restaurant was considered one of the best in Lihua County. It was a bit pricey—a meal could easily cost a hundred yuan. Wang Mengzi was clearly prepared to splurge.

Then, Zhang Ye heard cheers from the other side. Voices of congratulations and well-wishes drifted to him, proof of Wang Mengzi’s excellent relationships.

About ten minutes later, Zhang Ye heard the clinking of glasses. A wry smile appeared on his face.

Listening to others eat and drink while he struggled to resist his own empty stomach, worn out from a long afternoon’s labor, Zhang Ye couldn’t help but feel a touch of resentment.

“Mengzi, this glass is for you—congratulations on becoming a full editor.” Gao Ming’s voice, laced with ill intent, came through the headphones.

“He’s trying to get Aunt Wang drunk,” Zhang Ye instantly grasped Gao Ming’s intention. Anger flared in his chest, and unable to endure any longer, he got up, grabbed his equipment, and headed straight for Liudong Restaurant.

Liudong Restaurant was located diagonally across from the Lihua County People's Park, occupying a large area with lavish exterior decorations. Of course, to Zhang Ye, such things seemed rather unimpressive; after witnessing the opulent clubs and hotels of the future, these decorations hardly amazed him.

Still, Zhang Ye had to admit, the food here was truly delicious. The owner was said to have apprenticed under master chefs, traveled to many places to hone his skills. Even the county’s sole three-star hotel wasn’t as popular as this place.

Zhang Ye hurried over, carefully distinguished the voices, and found that they were still eating. He relaxed, and feeling his own hunger, ordered a few dishes at Liudong Restaurant and ate heartily.

Lately, his wallet was full enough to afford several meals here without issue.

An hour later, Wang Mengzi and her colleagues finally finished their dinner. By then, she was still sober but starting to show signs of intoxication.

“I’ll take you home. You’ll probably fall asleep halfway if you try to walk,” Gao Ming stepped forward at that moment, his tone earnest. But anyone who knew him would spot the excitement flashing in his eyes.

The colleagues from the newspaper, who had also drunk quite a bit, didn’t notice anything amiss. They exchanged glances, agreeing to Gao Ming’s suggestion.

Some might have wanted to object, but Gao Ming was their superior, his position higher than theirs. Even if they had doubts or concerns, none dared voice them at this moment.

They had long noticed Gao Ming’s intentions toward Wang Mengzi. Otherwise, why would the deputy editor-in-chief accompany her to outside interviews?

“It’s coming—dagger drawn, mask off,” Zhang Ye heard the voices from the other side and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.