Chapter 13: He Was Just a Madman

[Chapter 13: He Was Just a Madman]

Although Ian wanted to wrap up the passionate part with Kate after the adrenaline rush, it was clear he had missed his best chance. If the two of them had left immediately after escaping last night, Ian should have hit the milestone of sleeping together with Kate by now.

However, for the sake of the news, Ian had sacrificed that opportunity.

He felt no regret about missing it. As long as one had money, beautiful women were never in short supply.

First, he drove back to the newsroom. Most people had already left for the day, but Editor Lloyd was still there.

After updating him on his work, Ian headed home. As he was about to enter his house, he saw Mrs. Antle waiting for him.

...

With the payment from CBS just hitting his account, Ian had already withdrawn the cash, so he pulled out a thousand dollars and handed it to Mrs. Antle.

Mrs. Antle's face lit up with a smile. "Great work, Carr! I hope you don't mind my attitude before."

Ian gently shook his head. "Not being able to pay on time is my responsibility, I have no right to complain."

Mrs. Antle's eyes sparkled. "You're starting to grow up, kid."

Paying back money made one a good person!

She gave Ian a hug over the fence. After wresting free from the neighbor's bear hug, Ian made his way back into the house.

...

Mrs. Carr had been sitting in the living room and lit up when she saw her son return.

She dashed over to hug him. "I saw the news, Ian! How could you take such a risk?"

Ian kissed his mother's forehead lightly. "It was just a stroke of luck. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."

Mrs. Carr was on the verge of tears from excitement. Her son was really growing up, and that was wonderful.

She wiped her tears as she headed into the living room. "Oh my God!"

Ian asked with confusion, "What's wrong, Mom?"

"Don't disturb me! Let me have a good cry! I'm just so happy!" Mrs. Carr yelled out.

Ian could only stand there speechless.

...

After dinner, Ian sat in his room, looking in the mirror at himself.

His influence points were steadily climbing, alongside the enhancement of his uncanny ability.

Ian soon realized that what used to give him eye strain after a few seconds of using his ability now lasted much longer.

Nice!

Standing by the window, he gazed into the distance. The old man across the street lived alone; his grandson was probably off playing, while he was watching adult movies and getting his kicks.

How could someone so old still be doing that?

Ian turned to the other side, where Mrs. Antle was in the kitchen, muttering to herself as she prepared dinner.

Not far away, a car was parked with a couple making out inside; the woman looked somewhat familiar.

Ah, it was Chloe!

Ian then shifted his gaze again as a beautiful woman strolled by on the street.

He focused his ability and had an immediate reaction as he saw her stunning body.

Damn!

It was probably for the best that he didn't use this ability out in public; the fifth limb had a mind of its own sometimes.

Still, ignoring it completely in public wouldn't be right either.

For a reporter, securing news boiled down to two main issues.

First, there were the leads, which required an extensive network of connections. Some paparazzi worked with the police, so when the police got intel on a case, they would immediately notify their cooperating paparazzi, who would spring into action.

Second was the act of filming itself. Even if one had a lead, it didn't guarantee access to good content.

With his newfound ability, Ian Carr was at least no longer struggling with leads.

He could see many people's secrets; now it was just about obtaining what he needed.

Naturally, considering the eye power consumption and the experience points required to restore his vision, going all out recklessly wasn't practical, so it was best to strike selectively.

Ian muttered to himself, "So that's why I got this ability? It's not for gambling, but for uncovering privacy and exposing the dark underbelly of the world..."

Then he smiled. "I like it!"

---

The next day, Kate was awakened by her agent's call.

Sure enough, CBS had aired significant reports on Charlie Mills's ongoing story, effectively clearing her name, and congratulations began pouring in from all directions.

Everything unfolded exactly as Ian had predicted; her agent excitedly exclaimed on the phone:

"This is your chance, Kate! You have to make the most of it. I've talked to Touchstone Pictures, and we all believe you should take this opportunity to create some buzz with Ian Carr. This is the chance for Pearl Harbor, both for you and him!"

Lying in bed, Kate sighed softly, "He really is a prophet."

Her agent was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"Nothing, just making sure this is only about publicity," Kate asked.

The agent laughed. "Of course! You'd better not actually fall for that guy; he doesn't deserve you!"

There was a special tone of arrogance in her agent's voice -- Kate was finally on her way to stardom!

Ian Carr? Just a lucky kid.

Kate smiled.

Oh, I wouldn't fall for that madman!

But thinking about how accurately he had predicted everything shocked Kate even more by Ian's sharp thinking.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Ian Carr, what kind of man are you?

---

Over the next few days, the news regarding Charlie Mills and the gun incident at the riverside villa continued to unfold, peeling back its initially mysterious veil.

Ian's video interview with the injured gang member sent shockwaves through the audience.

"What the hell! Is Ian Carr a devil? He actually interviewed the wounded man on the spot, without a care for his impending death!"

"But don't you think that's fascinating? I've never seen an interview quite like that."

"Who exactly is Ian Carr? And what's the Los Angeles Herald?"

"He's a crazy reporter."

"Definitely a madman. He doesn't value his life, nor does he care for others."

"But why do I like him so much?"

"Because he brings us joy. Look at that guy's expression when Ian wanted to interview him; it was hilarious."

"And Kate Beckinsale's expression in the car was just perfect! This can't be a runaway situation; it's clearly a kidnapping by a reporter!"

"She's stunned, having never met someone like him."

"I love her expression! I hope she can pull this off in Pearl Harbor too!"

"I think that's tough unless Michael Bay is willing to drop some real bombers on her."

"She's so beautiful. I'm starting to understand why Charlie Mills went crazy over her. If only a man would go crazy over me like that."

"Don't kid yourself, lady. Your only hope is to get rich so you can achieve that kidnapped look."

"I love Ian Carr!"

"Why do you love that madman?"

"But he's so charming, isn't he? And he's a good-looking guy!"

Public opinion exploded, and Ian and Kate Beckinsale's names became instant sensations.

*****

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