Chapter 289 Dare to Play Big?

He couldn't help but give Yan Shuyao a thumbs up, his tone filled with exaggerated admiration: "Oh my! I knew it! It really takes our beautiful Yan to get the job done! This efficiency, this success rate, it's impeccable! It seems Academician Jiang still cherishes old ties!"

Yan Shuyao felt a bit embarrassed by the director's remarks, her cheeks flushing slightly. She quickly waved her hand to explain: "Director, please don't tease me. Jiang Jing... Academician Jiang mainly agreed because of our pleasant previous cooperation."

"Besides, our station is part of the CCTV system, which is why he agreed so readily. It doesn't have much to do with me personally."

"Eh, you can't say that!" The director laughed heartily, in a great mood. "Regardless of the process, as long as the result is good, that's what matters!"

"This exclusive interview must be made into a masterpiece to make our station famous! Go prepare immediately, lead the team, and ask for whatever resources you need!"

Although CCTV has various types of TV stations under its umbrella, there is still competition between different television channels.

Being able to secure an exclusive interview with Jiang Jing this time, he believed it would bring unimaginable traffic and the ratings would definitely be through the roof.

"Alright Director, I'll go prepare right away." Yan Shuyao nodded and left the office.

Walking down the corridor back to her desk, Yan Shuyao's thoughts drifted uncontrollably.

The scene from her last interview with Jiang Jing surfaced in her mind.

Meeting in the Imperial Capital this time... for some reason, she felt a faint sense of anticipation.

Meanwhile, in the hotel suite in the Imperial Capital.

Jiang Jing had just finished a frustrating game when the WeChat notification sound rang again — it was from Liu Ruyan.

[Liu Ruyan]: Academician Jiang! Congratulations, congratulations! (Flower shower.jpg) I saw you in the livestream today, you were so handsome!

Jiang Jing looked at the message, imagining Liu Ruyan's charming expression on the other side of the screen, and replied with a smile.

[Jiang Jing]: Thanks for the support, Miss Liu. What, were you conquered by this Academician's dashing demeanor?

[Liu Ruyan]: Pfft~ Stop being so full of yourself! (Tsundere expression) But... seriously, having an Academician among the people I know, and the youngest one in history at that, it really feels so amazing. I feel honored just by association!

[Liu Ruyan]: By the way, are you free tomorrow? I know a fantastic private club with a great atmosphere. Want to go check it out together?

Jiang Jing looked at the invitation, remembered the interview he had promised Yan Shuyao, and replied.

[Jiang Jing]: I'm afraid tomorrow won't work. I've already made an appointment in the afternoon for an interview.

[Liu Ruyan]: Ah... is that so... (Disappointed expression) Alright then~ You focus on your important business.

There was a hint of slight disappointment between the lines.

Looking at his phone, Jiang Jing couldn't help but chuckle. This Miss Liu really was a playful soul. Over the past few days, she had practically taken him all over the Imperial Capital, her energy was anything but ordinary.

Little did he know, Liu Ruyan wasn't just playing for fun.

She simply enjoyed the time spent with Jiang Jing.

This quietly budding affection was something perhaps even she hadn't fully realized yet; she just instinctively wanted to create more opportunities to be with him.

...

Early the next morning, Jiang Jing woke up feeling refreshed.

At the thought of the "competition" coming up in the morning, a playful smile involuntarily tugged at the corners of his mouth.

After enjoying a simple yet exquisite breakfast delivered by the hotel, Jiang Jing strolled to the suite next door and knocked on the door.

The two women opened the door quickly. Seeing it was Jiang Jing, they didn't say anything and let him in.

Jiang Jing paced back and forth in the living room with his hands behind his back like an old man.

After a while, seeing the two women still hadn't reacted, he looked at Zhou Wanqin and Lin Hong, who were sitting on the living room sofa, seemingly browsing the news but actually feeling somewhat restless.

"Two Captains, it's time for morning class!" Jiang Jing flexed his wrists and began to extend an invitation to the two women with a relaxed tone, "The Gym on the top floor, shall we go?"

Lin Hong looked at Jiang Jing's eager, almost "impatient" demeanor and couldn't help but roll her eyes.

She said grumpily: "Hey, is it really necessary to be so anxious to come and get beaten up?"

Although she had already estimated Jiang Jing's strength in her heart, she would never admit defeat verbally.

Although Zhou Wanqin didn't speak, she expressed a similar sentiment with her cold, clear eyes, while secretly adjusting her breathing to prepare for the upcoming battle.

Hearing this, Jiang Jing didn't get angry but laughed instead. He chuckled twice, his eyes full of confidence: "Get beaten up? Captain Lin, don't speak too soon. Who gets beaten up later, that's really hard to say."

Zhou Wanqin took a deep breath, deciding not to engage in pointless verbal sparring, and went straight to the point, her tone returning to her usual calm: "Academician Jiang, how do you want to compete? Is it a one-on-one?"

"A one-on-one is the basic bet, that's right." Jiang Jing nodded.

Then he changed the subject, a crafty smile appearing on his face.

"However... considering how well we know each other, I'll give you a chance to play for higher stakes. Dare to take it?"

"Higher stakes?" Lin Hong and Zhou Wanqin were both stunned for a moment, looking at him suspiciously, "What do you mean?"

Jiang Jing paced a few steps leisurely, his gaze sweeping over the two beautiful captains who had different styles yet were equally heroic.

He said slowly: "The one-on-one bet remains, but now, I'm giving you an additional option — you two can come at me together."

"Two against one?" Both women frowned, feeling that this seemed a bit... unfair to him?

"Yes, two against one." Jiang Jing confirmed, his smile somewhat mischievous.

"The rules are very simple. If the two of you join forces and can defeat me, then the previous bet remains valid."

He paused, deliberately drawing out his tone: "But — if you both come at me together and still lose in the end..."

Jiang Jing's eyes drifted over the two women. He seemed to say nothing, yet it seemed he had said everything.

Feeling Jiang Jing's almost magical gaze, Zhou Wanqin and Lin Hong suddenly felt uncomfortable all over, and a blush uncontrollably flew onto their faces.

Lin Hong tried to remain calm and glared at him: "What happens if we lose? Say what you have to say, don't beat around the bush!"

Jiang Jing chuckled, finally showing his hand: "If you lose even like that, then no matter what request I make, you cannot refuse~"

"Cannot refuse?!"

They instantly understood the meaning behind Jiang Jing's eyes and words, their cheeks instantly turning scorching hot, and even their earlobes turning bright red.