Chapter 28: The Lawless Outlaw

It was only today that Fang Xinghe learned his principal’s actual name.

His surname was Liu, and he was short and stout, but everyone called him Dashan.

Liu Dashan invited Fang Xinghe and Mr. Fang to sit down with practiced politeness, then introduced them with a genial smile: "These two are leaders from the county’s Propaganda Department. They heard our school produced a great talent and came specifically to see you."

Dashan was a smooth talker; his words were tactful and pleasant to the ear.

As for the two officials from the Propaganda Department—a young man and an older woman—neither really looked the part of a leader.

The woman took the initiative: "Little Fang, your essay was wonderful, such high literary attainment! Our department absolutely loves it. Seeing you in person today, you’re even more handsome than in your photos!"

What’s the point, madam?

The young man didn’t fare much better, opening with a remark like a star-struck fan: "Have you really had dinner with teachers Yu Hua, Wang Meng, and Tie Ning? Did you manage to get their autographs?"

"No," Fang Xinghe replied with a polite, faint smile. "They were the ones asking me for mine."

"Whoa!"

The two staff members were clearly stunned, their gazes turning to one of reverent awe.

"Just kidding," Fang Xinghe said, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "We’re all peers; it wouldn’t be appropriate for any of us to ask for autographs, don't you think?"

Well, that wasn't exactly serious either...

The two officials were left feeling quite awkward by Fang Xinghe, their smiles stiffening as they struggled to keep the conversation going.

Principal Dashan hurriedly smoothed things over: "Little Fang is a great talent—very humorous!"

Mr. Fang gave him a look—a glare, really—the implication being: watch yourself, don't be too eccentric.

Fang Xinghe didn't need to show anyone special deference. In this small county, he was invincible.

An orphan, just turned fourteen, the most famous person in the entire county, representing the interests of the *New Concept* literary scene and the Writers Publishing House, with the backing of the *Beijing Youth Daily* and the *Xinmin Evening News*... he was fully equipped with every advantage.

The only person he truly respected was Mr. Fang. Back when he had just lost his mother, it was Mr. Fang who would drag him out to eat at every opportunity, always making sure there was plenty of meat on the table.

"Okay."

Fang Xinghe let his sharp edge show for a brief second before tucking it away, speaking calmly: "If you have something to say, just say it. I need to go back and prepare for the high school entrance exams; my time is very tight."

As it turned out, there was nothing truly important to discuss. The county just wanted to do an exclusive interview with him—the kind that would be on television—so they needed him to be serious. He didn't have to read from a script, but he had to maintain a proper demeanor.

Fang Xinghe refused without a second thought.

"I don't see the point. If you embellish my image, I won't like it. If you report the truth, it might have a negative impact. It’s better if you don't get involved and just wait for the media from the outside to reach their own conclusions."

The two of them exhausted their persuasive powers but couldn't move Fang Xinghe. Occasionally, they thought about trying to intimidate him, but they didn't dare.

In this small town, anyone who was literate knew who Fang Xinghe was, what he had done, and had read his articles.

It was a small place, after all; news traveled fast and was chewed over repeatedly.

Winning the first prize in the New Concept Essay Competition was one thing, but being fiercely praised by a group of famous writers and viciously attacked by another group of intellectuals gave it an immense amount of clout.

Even the county leaders didn't get that kind of treatment!

So, after repeated failed attempts, the woman and the young man from the Propaganda Department had to give up in frustration.

This kid was just too difficult to handle!

Once they left, Liu Dashan didn't even have the heart to bring up his idea about having Fang Xinghe give a speech. He offered a few words of encouragement and saw him out.

The benefit of being the "bad guy" was clear: as long as I don't want to be bothered, no one can bother me.

But as soon as they left the office building, Baofu came rolling over like a ball, shouting in a panic: "It's bad, Brother! Reporters are in our classroom trying to interview people!"

Mr. Fang was stunned, then scolded: "So they're interviewing people, why are you panicking?"

"Uh, uh..."

Baofu snuck a glance at Fang Xinghe, then replied with a hangdog look: "I don't know how they found out about our 'Thirteen Eagles' group. I'm worried it will affect Brother Fang..."

Mr. Fang slapped his forehead upon hearing this and let out a heavy sigh.

Fang Xinghe, however, was indifferent: "Let them write whatever they want. Ignore them."

"No!" Mr. Fang immediately objected. "What if they write something slanderous? I'm going to take a look!"

Fang Xinghe shook his head and smiled. What if they did write something slanderous? Those who should worship him would only worship him more.

Besides, it wasn't as if he lacked a channel to make his voice heard. Once he achieved a high score on the entrance exams, the harder they slandered him now, the greater the payoff would be later...

Despite his confidence, he was moved by Mr. Fang’s protectiveness.

After a moment's thought, he patted Baofu on the shoulder: "You've handled those people and affairs at school, right?"

Baofu finally stopped panicking and nodded confidently: "Don't worry, Brother. As long as there's a single classmate of ours nearby, they wouldn't dare spout any nonsense!"

In truth, Fang Xinghe didn't fear anyone talking behind his back; he just hated rumors that lacked a sense of boundaries and dragged girls into the mix.

He hoped no one would be stupid enough to try.

When school ended, Fang Xinghe finally saw the two reporters in person.

One was from *Southern Metropolis Daily*—they certainly had high initiative.

The other was from *Beijing Youth Daily*—were they really this unruly?

The two reporters blocked his path outside the school gate. Fang Xinghe listened quietly to their introductions, then waved his hand dismissively: "I don't accept ambush-style interviews. Remember that for next time. Now, please leave."

Having experienced life and death, combined with his status as a "barbecue fanatic," the current "cool" Fang possessed a piercing, icy aura.

The *Southern Metropolis* reporter, observing his words and demeanor, found his eyes lighting up. He began muttering to himself, seemingly struck by inspiration, drafting his article on the spot.

The young reporter from the *Beijing Youth Daily*, however, couldn't keep his composure. Not only did he continue to pester him, but his attitude became quite hostile.

"We are reporters! We have the right to interview anyone! Fang Xinghe, are you refusing the interview because you’re afraid of exposing your actions to readers across the country?"

"Exposing?"

Fang Xinghe stopped in his tracks, tilted his head, and watched him quietly with an amused gaze.

The *Beijing Youth Daily* reporter was caught up in the excitement of having successfully provoked him, but Fang Xinghe ignored him, turning instead to ask: "Who here isn't 14 yet?"

A small boy immediately jumped out from the crowd, shouting excitedly: "Me, me! Brother, I'm thirteen and a half!"

Fang Xinghe didn't say another word, simply nodding gently to the boy before continuing on his way.

Toudang and Duoyu cleared the path ahead; wherever they went, the crowd parted automatically.

The scene was deeply evocative, incredibly shocking, and full of character.

The *Southern Metropolis* reporter was so excited his face turned red. He raised his camera, but just as he was about to take a photo, he was deliberately shoved aside by Baofu’s shoulder.

Baofu gave a smirk, pointed a finger at the reporter’s nose, and strode away.

The *Beijing Youth Daily* reporter still hadn't realized the gravity of the situation. Just as he was about to lose his temper, a boy nicknamed Heizi rushed up excitedly, shoved him in the chest, and licked his lips: "Are you going to get the hell out of here yourself, or should I beat you half to death and drag you out?!"

Holy crap!

Looking at the boy, who was clearly itching for a fight, the reporter was struck with sudden terror. He finally understood what "under 14" meant.

His face turned deathly pale, his lips went dry, and his legs turned to jelly.

Only when disaster was at his doorstep did he realize that the so-called "privilege of the fourth estate," which he considered his greatest shield, could only be used against those who followed the rules; it was powerless against anyone who acted as a lawless outlaw.

And among all the outlaws, Fang Xinghe was the smartest and the most arrogant of them all.