Chapter 193: Reporter Lin Yan

"Wow."

Chen Ling feigned shock. "Who is it? Who would do something like this?"

Wen Shilin pondered for a moment before replying, "Most likely the victim's family? I've encountered this situation before. After their child was murdered, parents, fearing the perpetrator's authority, would only dare to ask me for help in this way, hoping I could give them justice... It's also possible someone found the body but didn't want to get involved."

"I see," Chen Ling nodded.

Chen Ling had originally considered finding an excuse to obfuscate the situation and distance himself from the body, but it seemed his concerns were unnecessary.

"I've taken a quick look; the body's condition is very similar to what you described earlier, and it's likely related to organ trafficking," Wen Shilin said gravely.

Chen Ling's expression immediately turned serious. "Are you saying those people have started operating in Aurora City?"

"Most likely, yes."

"There are too many suspicious points about that body; it needs a thorough examination first... I'm going to find a friend who's a forensic expert." Wen Shilin glanced at the time and continued, "You go to the newspaper office first with your documents to pick up your things. I'll find you once I'm done here."

Wen Shilin's expression was hurried. After saying only a few words to Chen Ling, he turned and left.

Chen Ling watched Wen Shilin's retreating back, marveling silently at his professionalism. If it were any other reporter, waking up in the morning to find an eviscerated body outside their doorstep would likely scare them half to death instantly, then make them wonder if they had offended someone...

In contrast, Wen Shilin's reaction to seeing the body wasn't fear, but rather like a hunter who'd caught the scent of prey. He immediately sprang into action, with terrifying efficiency.

Chen Ling closed the main door.

He went back inside, quickly tidied up, and then unhurriedly set off for the newspaper office when it was nearly opening time.

This was his first day officially on the job. Although he merely intended to use his "reporter" identity to stir up trouble, he still had to maintain appearances... From Chu Muyun's collection, he chose an elegant and dignified shirt and waistcoat, tied his necktie, and put on a brown overcoat. Paired with his half-rimmed glasses, he indeed looked the part from a distance.

Chu Muyun, also preparing for work, emerged from the house in a white lab coat. Seeing Chen Ling's attire in the courtyard, his eyebrows subtly raised.

"Quite the outfit, Reporter Lin," Chu Muyun said with a hint of irony. "I hope The Aurora Daily doesn't publish too many 'big stories' about you in the coming days."

Chen Ling pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose and smiled faintly:

"Don't worry, I'm always very well-behaved."

With that, he pushed the door open and stepped out, ignoring Chu Muyun's eye-roll.

Chen Ling walked to the roadside, hailed a rickshaw, and headed straight for the newspaper office.

The Aurora Daily's location wasn't far from Chen Ling's residence, but rather than good luck, it was more a testament to Chu Muyun's mansion's prime spot. Situated in the most central and bustling part of Aurora City, it was never too out of the way for any destination.

However, to Chen Ling's surprise, the newspaper office wasn't as large as he'd imagined. A four-story Western-style building situated on the street comprised the entire premises. Its dark brown brick exterior was etched with marks from wind and snow, and above the narrow entrance, faded, worn lettering spelled out "The Aurora Daily," exuding a strong sense of history.

Chen Ling stood alone at the entrance for a moment before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

"Who are you?"

As soon as he entered, the security guard at the newspaper office entrance eyed Chen Ling warily, silently gripping the baton hidden behind his back.

"My name is Lin Yan, and I'm a new reporter," Chen Ling said, pulling out his press pass. "Today's my first day on the job."

The security guard scrutinized the press pass suspiciously for a long time before finally relaxing slightly. "Wait here."

With that, he turned and walked to the end of the corridor. After exchanging a few words with someone, a figure quickly emerged from within.

It was a woman in a beige business suit and high heels, with neat, short hair that gave her an elegant demeanor. She scrutinized Chen Ling for a moment.

"You're Lin Yan?"

"Yes."

"My apologies, but people often cause trouble at the newspaper office, so our security measures are quite strict."

"I'm Feng Man, the newspaper's editor-in-chief," she said, walking further into the office. "Wen Shilin has already informed me about your situation. Please come with me; I'll show you around."

Seeing this, Chen Ling immediately followed her, his gaze curiously taking in his surroundings.

Despite wearing high heels, Feng Man walked at a brisk pace. As she moved through the rows of workstations, she began to speak:

"The history of The Aurora Daily dates back over three hundred years to the founding of Aurora City. We were born with the responsibility to oversee and guard the truth, enduring centuries of hardship to reach where we are today... Even now, we remain the most authoritative media in Aurora City."

As soon as Feng Man started speaking, Chen Ling felt a familiar sensation, like listening to a boss promote corporate culture in his past life.

After hearing this, Chen Ling felt a bit uneasy. He pushed up his glasses and asked, feigning casualness, "Born with the responsibility to oversee and guard the truth... And now, what are we born for?"

Feng Man's steps paused slightly.

She gave Chen Ling a deep look, her thoughts unreadable, then replied calmly:

"I know what you're getting at. Since Wen Shilin was willing to risk his career to recommend you, it means you two must have something in common... All I can tell you is that our duty has never changed over the years. What changes are people."

Hearing this, Chen Ling was somewhat surprised. On one hand, it seemed not everyone within the newspaper office was corrupt. On the other hand, Wen Shilin had actually risked his career just to get him hired as a reporter... No wonder the procedures had been so quick.

Chen Ling understood the unspoken meaning in Feng Man's words and nodded slightly. "I understand."

"The first floor has the reception area and the editorial department, and this section here is the studio area..."

Feng Man showed no sign of dwelling on the brief interlude. She continued to introduce the newspaper office to Chen Ling, while other staff members, noticing the new face, cast surprised glances his way.

Amidst the busy crowd, Chen Ling's casual glance caught a familiar face.

Behind a nearby desk, Zhuo Shuqing, with an ice pack still on his mouth, seemed to have finished his work. He slowly put down his pen and yawned lazily, revealing the few broken teeth in his mouth... But halfway through his yawn, his eyes landed on Chen Ling, who was walking toward him.

His wide-open mouth froze instantly, his eyes widening in a look of utter shock, as if he'd seen a ghost!

"You... what are you doing here?!"