Chapter 34: I'm Talking About You

[Chapter 34: I'm Talking About You]

Some things, once seen too often, became numb to the senses.

Walking down the street, Ian faced the hidden absurdities with resignation as he whistled, "Can't there be something interesting for once?"

The gossip involving non-celebrities held little value in the media world.

Ian didn't mind; he continued to stroll leisurely.

While experiencing the new world through his lens, he was brainstorming his next steps and enjoying the walk.

He happened to stroll into a residential area.

...

A black sedan parked in front of a red villa.

The occupants hurriedly exited the vehicle and dashed inside the house.

Ian paused, a smile curving his lips. "Finally, a celebrity?"

After a moment's thought, he took out his phone. "Ron, it's me. Get Bill over here, 22 Prynne Street, ASAP."

Editor Lloyd understood immediately. "Another big scoop?"

"Not huge, just a little affair involving some starlet. I'll leave the work to him."

"You're not going to pursue it?"

"Such low-tier gossip isn't worth my time," Ian replied, tucking his phone away as he resumed his search.

He figured he could gather ordinary news tips and also test if this type of clue-only reporting could earn him some street cred.

After all, besides being a reporter, he was a boss too and needed to delegate some work.

As he continued searching, Ian indeed stumbled upon quite a few scandals.

Los Angeles was a goldmine.

Hollywood was a dream!

...

By night, Ian returned home for dinner as per his routine.

His neighbors were increasingly warm, waving and greeting him.

Upon reaching his doorstep, he saw Chloe waiting there.

The freckled girl brightened up the moment she spotted him, charging toward him. "Ian, you're finally back!"

Ian sidestepped her enthusiastic leap and stood at the door. "What's up, Chloe?"

Chloe replied with a pout, "I just wanted to hang out. You haven't taken me anywhere in days."

Ian shook his head gently. "I sold my car. I'm broke."

Chloe stared at him with wide eyes. "But you've done several juicy stories!"

"Used all that cash to buy equipment. You know how expensive cameras are? Plus, they're one-time use... I can't get them back," Ian sighed.

He looked at her, "I'm out of money!"

Chloe blinked at him. "Are you bored with me?"

Not bored.

But indeed, tired of it!

Ian chuckled, "Let's save dinner for now. Don't want your mom worrying."

He turned and walked inside.

Chloe glared at his back and shouted, "You've changed, Ian! Not everyone's as easy-going as me!"

With that, she stormed off.

Ian shrugged.

Why did he feel like such a bad guy?

No, she didn't deserve that.

Her demands were too high, she expected too much, and honestly, she was just average in looks...

She had charm, but that was about it. The cost-benefit ratio was just not in her favor.

...

Shaking his head, Ian was about to step inside when he noticed a stern-looking middle-aged man approaching from down the street.

The man had a strong build and an intimidating aura; just his eyes suggested he was bad news.

Ian recognized the face and sighed.

"Hey, Ian," the man called out.

Ian walked back toward the yard. "Garrick?"

It was indeed that loan shark, the enforcer from the casino -- the Fort City.

"What's the deal? I already paid you back," Ian said.

Garrick laughed heartily as he approached.

He slung an arm around Ian's shoulder, steering him aside. "This isn't about money; I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What's that?"

Garrick led Ian to a corner of the street. "Have you heard about the Danny Koskri case?"

Ian shrugged. "The Los Angeles Herald was the first to cover that; I even went down to shoot some footage personally."

Garrick continued, "What's the scoop on those five kilos of goods? Where did that news come from?"

So that's what you were after?

To the crazy crime boss, it was crucial to wash his hands clean of this situation. Five kilos could be sacrificed, but to Garrick, that was a huge chunk of change.

How could he claim it wasn't about the money?

Everyone was out for a buck!

Ian replied, "A tip from one of my journalists."

Garrick said, "I want his information."

Ian shook his head lightly. "I don't know who he is. He's working with me for the first time. He mentioned it's a secret matter and wouldn't disclose his identity to avoid trouble."

Garrick chuckled.

He narrowed his eyes at Ian. "You think I'm a fool?"

His tone remained calm, but the menace behind it was palpable, filled with a threat that screamed danger.

Looking at his expression made Ian laugh.

He had seen this look from many people before.

Whenever he exposed a conspiracy or unearthed a scandal, people would give him that predatory glare.

But most of the time, they could do nothing about it.

Beneath Ian's humble exterior lay a fierce ambition and robust confidence.

At that moment, he shoved his hands into his pockets and casually asked, "You think I look like someone you can manipulate?"

Garrick eyed Ian, the intensity of his gaze softening slightly.

He shook his head gently. "Ian, my young friend, it seems your success has made you more confident? Several big stories, huh? Enough to cash in on. Interested in playing again?"

Ian chuckled.

He shook his head. "Nope, I'm not into those lowball games anymore."

As he spoke, he headed back towards his house.

Garrick called out, "Did I ever tell you I'm part of the Fort City 13?"

Ian paused, turning back to look at Garrick.

Garrick wore a faint smile. "I need that guy's info by tomorrow at the latest, or I can't guarantee what might happen to your newspaper."

Of course, he pulled the same old tricks!

Gangsters would stick to their kind; what did he expect them to do, use clever tactics?

Ian adopted a fake musing expression and then nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll do it."

Garrick laughed heartily. "Now that's the spirit! You're still a coward at heart."

With that, he turned to leave.

Such straightforward thinking from the mob!

Ian suddenly called out, "The media is a highly competitive industry."

Garrick hesitated and looked back at him.

Ian smiled, "Every day demands a big scoop... every single day! If your newspaper goes too long without one, it's a failure -- crushed by fierce industry competition! So, to us people, everything exists has the potential to be front-page news. We'll do anything for it... anything!"

The last word he spoke with particular weight.

Garrick replied, "If you're suggesting that hit will become news, I won't object. After all, you just need to tell me where that guy is, right?"

With that, he turned and walked away.

Ian watched him with disdain, muttering, "No, I'm talking about you, you idiot!

*****

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