Chapter 116: I Brought Back a Reporter

Chapter 116: Bringing Home a Reporter by Accident

Zhang Yongli and Yu Guihua had never imagined that Yang Xin’er’s background was so extraordinary. They had always assumed she was just a city girl, devoid of the arrogance and fragility typical of such upbringing. They never felt their son was punching above his weight. But now...

They had struck gold! Their son had truly struck gold. The Zhang family had struck gold!

Yang Xin’er’s temperament was not at all that of a high-ranking official’s daughter. Their son marrying her wouldn't lead to any of the "marrying up" complications, nor would she ever suffer any grievances.

Once Zhang Yongli and Yu Guihua learned of Yang Xin’er’s true background, they became somewhat constrained in her presence, losing the ease they had previously enjoyed.

Yang Xin’er was a sensitive person and noticed this almost immediately.

"What’s wrong with Uncle and Auntie today? They seem so strange toward me. Did I do something wrong?" Yang Xin’er asked Zhang Le quietly.

"It’s nothing; it’s not your fault. They’ll be back to normal in a couple of days," Zhang Le said with a smile.

Yang Xin’er wasn't satisfied with this answer. She looked at Zhang Le, her expression speaking volumes.

"My parents said that since we’ve been dating for so long, our families should meet. I told them about your family’s situation. I suppose they’re still trying to wrap their heads around it," Zhang Le explained with a smile. Since Yang Xin’er was pressing for the truth, he had nothing to hide.

"Oh!" Yang Xin’er nodded, feeling a touch of helpless disappointment. Truth be told, she had really enjoyed the previous dynamic; it felt comfortable. Now, things felt awkward.

"Don’t worry. No matter who you are, you’re their daughter-in-law. Just like me, they wouldn’t trade you for anyone else," Zhang Le added with a grin.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, because of Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er, the family reunion dinner was held early. Zhang Huan had driven out early to pick up his in-laws and brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er were busy greeting the arriving relatives and friends, thoroughly occupied.

To Zhang Le’s friends and family, Yang Xin’er—Zhang Le’s girlfriend—was already quite familiar. This familiarity wasn't due to her fame, but because they had met several times before. Now, in their eyes, she wasn't a celebrity; she was simply Zhang Le’s girlfriend and the future daughter-in-law of the Zhang family.

Yang Xin’er actually enjoyed being viewed this way. If they still treated her like a celebrity, it would mean they didn't truly consider her "one of their own."

Zhang Huan returned with the guests, though there was one extra person who wasn't expected.

Zhang Le initially thought it was the girlfriend of Zhang Huan’s brother-in-law, Lin Ye, but it turned out to be a female reporter he had picked up on the road.

"Did I cause you two any trouble?" Zhang Huan asked, noticing Zhang Le’s expression. It was an unintentional act, but he had ended up bringing a reporter back with him.

"It’s fine. She would have found her way here eventually," Zhang Le said with a shrug and a smile.

"Ms. Yu, right? Hello!" Zhang Le greeted the reporter with a smile.

"Hello! I hope my intrusive arrival hasn't disturbed you," Yu Ling said with a smile. "I’m Yu Ling, an intern reporter for *China Youth Magazine*. Please, look after me."

"*China Youth Magazine*?" Zhang Le was slightly surprised, then laughed. "I thought you were a reporter from some entertainment tabloid."

*China Youth Magazine* had a high circulation and significant influence. Almost everyone featured in it was an elite in their respective field. They rarely interviewed people from the entertainment industry.

"My presumptuous visit is because I wanted to request an exclusive interview with you and Ms. Yang. My editor-in-chief gave me this assignment personally. Whether or not I can drop the 'intern' label depends on you two," Yu Ling said with a smile. "Since we’re from the same hometown, Mr. Zhang, please don't refuse."

"Oh, you’re from Yancheng too?" Zhang Le asked with a smile. In fact, he had already guessed as much from her accent.

"Yes! I’m back on holiday. My editor saw the Spring Festival Gala and guessed you would return home for the New Year, so he told me to wait for the rabbit to hit the tree. I didn't expect to run into your brother on the way," Yu Ling replied.

"I see." Zhang Le nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "As you can see, we’re having a family reunion today with many guests. We’re a bit tied up. Since you’re here, why don't you stay for a meal? Xin’er and I aren't leaving until the day after tomorrow; we can find time for your interview then, how about that?"

"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony," Yu Ling said with a smile.

Yu Ling stayed not just to wait for the interview, but to observe the conduct of Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er. What she saw was the reality.

Watching them greet their guests, Yu Ling felt a sense of surprise.

Was this the authentic version of them beneath the dazzling starlight?

Zhang Le, after becoming famous, seemed to have kept his original self, without any arrogant, high-and-mighty attitude. He remained respectful to his elders and was humble and polite in his interactions. At this moment, he wasn't a star; he was just a junior member of the Zhang family.

And Yang Xin’er, despite growing up in a completely different background, listened patiently to the trivial matters of the guests.

Rumor had it that Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er had never had an argument in all their time together. Perhaps, besides their genuine love for each other, it had much to do with their personalities.

"Brother, what did you want to talk to me about in private?"

Zhang Le had been pulled aside by Zhang Huan to a quiet spot. Seeing his brother hesitating, he asked out of curiosity.

"It’s about Xiao Yun’s younger brother!" Zhang Huan whispered. "On the way here, her parents hinted to me that Lin Ye has been idle since graduating from university and wanted me to help him find something to do."

Zhang Le remained silent, looking at his brother, knowing there was more to come. Now that the resort was gradually getting on track, it would be easy to find a position for Lin Ye. But since his brother had come to him specifically, it was clear he didn't intend to place his brother-in-law at the resort.

"Lin Ye studied art. I’ve seen his work; although I don't know much about it, his technique seems excellent. I heard from Xiao Yun that he’s obsessed with painting and very talented, especially with manga. But it seems hard to find work in that field, so he’s been at home living off his parents. If I put him to work here, it would be like killing his dream. I wanted to ask if you have any connections in that area to help him find a job related to art," Zhang Huan continued.

"Art, manga, anime, Marvel!" Zhang Le thought for a moment, his eyes lighting up. He smiled and said to Zhang Huan, "Leave this to me. I’ll go have a talk with your brother-in-law."

"Thanks, then." Zhang Huan smiled upon hearing this.

"We’re brothers, what’s there to thank for?" Zhang Le waved his hand.

Lin Ye was only twenty-four, not much younger than Zhang Le. Like Zhang Le, he was handsome, though not in an earth-shattering, heart-stopping way.

He was somewhat reserved, shy, and not good at socializing—possessing many traits of a "homebody."

"May I take a look?" When Zhang Le found Lin Ye, he was hiding in a corner, drawing something with intense focus.

Hearing Zhang Le’s voice, Lin Ye looked up with a shy smile. After hesitating, he handed over his sketchbook.

"Do you want to hear my opinion?"

The sketchbook was thick, and the contents seemed to be a manga story. Zhang Le looked at it carefully. As Zhang Huan had said, the boy’s technique was indeed quite good. However, the story could only be described with one word: trash!