Chapter 114: The Secret of a Professional Journalist |
Wei Hong, still puzzled, followed Guan Shan and Qin Gu to the side. Through Qin Gu's explanation, he finally grasped the situation.
"So, you are that 'reporter'. Hello, I'm Wei Hong, but you can call me 'Fortress'."
Wei Hong extended his large hand to shake Guan Shan's, smiling warmly but internally shocked.
Although it was a cross-district mission, the Sacred Heart Hospital was near the edge of Hangzhou. They had rushed here in about twenty minutes after receiving the news.
In twenty minutes, he had killed an Esper of his level.
Moreover, according to Qin Gu, this was a very troublesome mutation-type Esper.
This meant that the seemingly gentle youth before him could likely defeat someone like Wei Hong, a pure physical-type enhancement Esper, in even less time...
Everyone present might not be enough to take him down! The rumor that he had taken down two top C-level Espers in a short time seemed well-founded... he might be even stronger.
Wei Hong began to understand why Xia Lei insisted on bringing Guan Shan into the Special Security Group as an external member.
Guan Shan looked at Wei Hong, feeling incredulous.
This man's physique was such that even Schwarzenegger couldn't compare... he was at least two meters tall. The muscles under his tank top were so complex they could be a maze, truly a muscle-bound giant.
When they shook hands, Guan Shan's hand felt like a baby's in comparison.
It was easy to imagine that a punch from those fists could smash someone's head...
Combined with his dark, scarred face, even his friendly smile seemed terrifying.
Guan Shan thought, "No wonder he's called 'Fortress'; he doesn't look like someone a human could fight against. But... 'that reporter'?"
Guan Shan curiously asked, "Am I well-known in the Special Security Group?"
Even another team knew about him.
Wei Hong nodded, admiringly. "I've heard about your recent exploits. You forced the hidden 'Death Hive' to this extent, even shaking their foundation. Your contributions are significant!"
Guan Shan was taken aback, noting an unfamiliar name, and frowned. "'Death Hive'?"
Wei Hong didn't notice his reaction, thinking the legendary "reporter" was quite easy to get along with. His friendly nature immediately kicked in.
He chuckled, "Yes, that organization is notorious, hiding in the shadows for over a decade. Thanks to you, they've lost so many people and even two major figures."
"They must be furious now!"
Guan Shan felt bewildered by the praise.
The "criminal organization" he had dealt with consisted of a few delinquent youths.
But these ragtag individuals couldn't be called an "organization" or have the ability to "hide for over a decade".
Could there be a deeper mastermind behind them?
Indeed, during Qin Deguang's case, Xia Lei had mentioned someone guiding his actions. Could it be this "Death Hive"? But what did that have to do with him? Thinking it over, he figured his investigation might have exposed the organization, allowing the Special Security Group to strike hard.
However, could such coincidental credit truly earn the heartfelt praise of a Special Security Group captain?
Guan Shan felt something was off and probed, "So now the 'Death Hive' must be retaliating against the Special Security Group?"
"Naturally." Wei Hong nodded seriously. "Youhao Team and some of our other squads are fighting 'Death Hive', dismantling many of their bases, especially some deeply hidden ones—"
He then added, "I heard you provided the clues for this. Xia Lei really made a great deal getting you as a special external member."
"Uh???"
Guan Shan was completely baffled.
What the heck, this is definitely wrong. When did I ever provide clues? "No, no, this has nothing to do with me."
Guan Shan hurriedly clarified, "It's just a rumor. I can't take credit for this."
Wei Hong clicked his tongue and patted his shoulder. "Don't be so modest. Excessive modesty is arrogance. If you weren't an external member, I'd want to recruit you."
Guan Shan opened his mouth to speak, but Wei Hong slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, almost forgot the important task. We need to dig out those two bodies."
He turned to Qin Gu, "You go tally the casualties and identities to coordinate with Youhao Team. This is their jurisdiction, so just take the information we need."
"Yes!" Qin Gu immediately led people to the ruins to start excavating.
Wei Hong also directed others to manage the evacuated patients.
Guan Shan watched them bustle about and sighed, thinking, "I'll have to ask Xia Lei when I get back. Something's definitely strange. When did I ever provide clues?"
He took out his camera, snapping a few distant shots of the collapsed building and gathered patients.
Wei Hong, curious, asked, "What are you doing?"
Guan Shan pulled out his laptop and sat by the fountain, replying, "Reporting the news, of course. Didn't you know I'm a reporter?"
Wei Hong: "..."
I thought that was just your codename. Didn't expect you to be an actual reporter!
By the way, is your secret to being a reporter creating your own news? Impressive...
Seeing Guan Shan's discreet and professional photo-taking, Wei Hong waved and went about his business. "Alright, I won't disturb you then."
Guan Shan waved back, "If there's anything newsworthy, let me know!"
Wei Hong replied, "Will do."
Amidst the chaos, Guan Shan reviewed his photos and contacted Li Zhiying, releasing some information while awaiting official confirmation for the rest.
Maybe Xu Rong's parents would still cause trouble, but with Xiang Wen's downfall, their previous statements would collapse, making it impossible to repeat their tricks.
With this, Guan Shan finally completed the three tasks assigned by Editor-in-Chief Li.
Yet, he didn't feel relieved. Instead, his expression grew serious.
Guan Shan gazed at the distant ruins. Though most bodies were buried under the debris, a closer look revealed some weren't crushed or smashed...
Those overly clean cuts, bodies severed into pieces, seemed—
Like they were cut by a sharp blade.