第七十一回 妙手说贤郎囊成席卷 壮颜仗勇士狐假虎威 (Chapter 71: The Silver-tongued Youth's Fortune Swept Away; The Brave Face Borrows the Tiger's Might)

Since parting with Li Yun at the Pine and Bamboo House, Yang Xingyuan had been constantly concerned. One day, while editing manuscripts at the newspaper office, he suddenly received a phone call from He Jianchen, saying there was an important matter to discuss.

Yang Xingyuan hurried to He Jianchen's residence. There, he saw He Jianchen with a grave expression. He said, "Xingyuan, have you heard about the major case that recently occurred in the city?"

Yang Xingyuan shook his head. "I've been very busy these past few days. I haven't paid any attention."

He Jianchen then explained in detail. It turned out that a wealthy young man had been swindled out of a large sum of money by a group of con artists. This young man usually spent extravagantly and associated with dubious friends. In the end, he was left penniless.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xingyuan sighed. "There are always people in this world who exploit others' weaknesses to commit fraud."

He Jianchen said, "Exactly. What's even more infuriating is that these swindlers borrow the name of warriors. They act like a fox borrowing a tiger's might, bullying the good and kind."

After discussing for a while, Yang Xingyuan bid farewell and returned to the newspaper office. On the way, he thought of Li Yun. He wondered how she had been lately, adding another layer of melancholy to his heart.

Back at the newspaper office, a colleague told him that a visitor had come. Yang Xingyuan went out to look. It was an old acquaintance, Wu Bibo.

Wu Bipo smiled and said, "Brother Xingyuan, it's been many days since we last met. You seem to have grown thinner."

Yang Xingyuan smiled bitterly. "How could I not grow thin with such constant busyness?"

Wu Bibo said, "I came today to ask for your help. I have an article that I'd like to publish in your newspaper."

Yang Xingyuan took the article and looked at it. It was a commentary on social customs, written with considerable insight. So he agreed.

Wu Bibo added, "There's one more thing. I heard that Miss Li Yun has fallen ill recently. Did you know?"

Yang Xingyuan's heart tightened. He hurriedly asked for details. Wu Bibo, however, said he wasn't clear. It was only a rumor.

After seeing Wu Bibo off, Yang Xingyuan felt restless. He decided to go to the Pine and Bamboo House to inquire.

When he arrived at the Pine and Bamboo House, he found the place deserted. The madam told him that Li Yun was indeed ill. She had returned to the south to recuperate.

Yang Xingyuan felt lost and desolate. He could only leave silently.