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墨書 Inktalez
"Let's agree on three rules," she finally spoke. "First, all funding flows must be made public in real-time; second, no child is to be forced into any commercial activities; third..." She paused, "I want to oversee everything."
Lin Xiaofan extended his hand. "Deal."
The moment their fingertips touched, Lin Xiaofan's phone vibrated in his pocket. He stole a glance at the screen; it was a System Notification:
【Cooperation Mode Confirmed】
【Goodwill Value Increased to 95/100】
【New Feature Unlocked: Project Tracking】
A week later, the "Micro Light Art Project" launch conference was held at the central library. Lin Xiaofan stood by the registration desk, watching the stream of media and guests, feeling a sense of unreality. Just a month ago, he had been branded a "fraud" by the entire internet, and now he was hailed as a "transparent charity pioneer."
"Don't space out," Su Yuqing whispered, handing him a revised speech. "Remember to emphasize the oversight mechanism."
Lin Xiaofan nodded and was about to speak when a commotion erupted at the entrance. The crowd parted automatically as a sharply dressed middle-aged man walked in with steady strides, flanked by two young assistants.
"Zhao Tianming..." Su Yuqing's voice suddenly turned cold.
Lin Xiaofan felt his stomach tighten. Although media reports had exposed Zhao Tianming for tax evasion, it clearly hadn't shaken this philanthropic mogul's status. Today he wore an impeccably tailored three-piece suit, with the Cancer Foundation badge gleaming on his chest and a signature friendly smile on his face.
"Lin Xiaofan, right? It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Zhao Tianming said, extending his hand. "You have some interesting ideas for someone so young!"
Lin Xiaofan shook his hand mechanically, feeling as if he were touching a venomous snake. Zhao Tianming's palm was dry and warm, with just the right amount of pressure; the jade ring on his ring finger glinted coldly.
"The presence of Zhao Huizhang is indeed a pleasant surprise," Su Yuqing stepped forward slightly, skillfully positioning herself in front of Lin Xiaofan.
"Little Su, you’re still so protective," Zhao Tianming chuckled as he took an envelope from his assistant. "This is a small token from our Cancer Foundation—a check for one hundred thousand—to support your promising project."
Polite applause filled the room as several reporters immediately raised their cameras. Just as Lin Xiaofan reached for the envelope, his phone suddenly vibrated violently in his pocket, sending a jolt of pain up his thigh. He nearly dropped the envelope as a bright red warning filled his screen:
【High-Risk Alert!】
【Malicious Associated Party Detected】
【Target: Zhao Tianming】
【Impact on Host's Goodwill Value: -100%】
【Immediate Termination of Contact Recommended】
Zhao Tianming seemed to sense something amiss and narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is something wrong, Mr. Lin?"
"N-no... I'm fine." Lin Xiaofan forced himself to remain calm and handed the envelope to Su Yuqing. "As per regulations, all donations are managed by Director Su."
Zhao Tianming's gaze swept between the two of them, and his smile deepened. "Having rules is a good thing." He leaned closer to Lin Xiaofan and spoke in a voice only they could hear, "Young man, are you interested in joining the regular army? Our Cancer Foundation could really use someone with your... unique talents."
Lin Xiaofan felt a cold sweat soak through his back in an instant. The implication in Zhao Tianming's words was unmistakable—he knew something.
"Thank you for the offer, but I lack the qualifications..."
"There's no rush." Zhao Tianming patted him on the shoulder, his voice returning to normal. "The press conference is about to begin. I'm looking forward to your speech."
The next half hour felt like a nightmare. Lin Xiaofan stood under the spotlight, mechanically reading from his speech, yet he could clearly feel Zhao Tianming's sharp gaze piercing into his back like a knife. The system continuously popped up warnings, and his phone in his pocket felt like it was about to explode from the heat.
"...In conclusion, we promise that every penny will be used for the children..." Lin Xiaofan's voice trembled slightly.
During the Q&A session, a reporter wearing gold-rimmed glasses suddenly raised his hand. "Mr. Lin, some people are questioning the source of your suddenly acquired substantial funding. How do you respond?"
The venue fell silent in an instant. Lin Xiaofan's throat tightened as he caught a glimpse of Zhao Tianming's barely perceptible smirk—this question was clearly arranged by him.
"All funds..."
"All funds have undergone strict scrutiny." Su Yuqing suddenly took the microphone. "As the project supervisor, I can confirm that every donation received by Mr. Lin comes from legitimate sources, and detailed accounts will be made public on our official website."
Her voice was steady and powerful, her left hand discreetly gripping Lin Xiaofan's trembling wrist beneath the podium. That warmth helped Lin Xiaofan regain some composure, and the frequency of the system alerts decreased slightly.
After the press conference concluded, Zhao Tianming was the last to leave. He cast a meaningful glance at Lin Xiaofan. "We will meet again soon, young man."
Once the venue was finally empty, Lin Xiaofan let out a long breath and slumped into his chair. Su Yuqing handed him a bottle of water, her brow furrowed. "Do you have a history with Zhao Tianming?"
"No, today is our first meeting..." Lin Xiaofan twisted open the bottle cap, his hands still shaking slightly.
"His gaze towards you was unsettling," Su Yuqing said, biting her lip. "It felt like... he was evaluating a product."
Lin Xiaofan recalled the system's "-100%" goodwill assessment and felt another wave of nausea grip his stomach. Just how much did Zhao Tianming know? What was his connection to the system?
"Just be careful," Su Yuqing said as she gathered her documents. "We’re heading into the mountains for an inspection next week; you..."
"I'll go," Lin Xiaofan interrupted her firmly. "No matter what happens, I must see this project through to the end."
Su Yuqing paused for a moment before her lips curled into a slight smile. "Then it's settled." She picked up her briefcase and walked towards the door but turned back to add, "By the way, I've already returned Zhao Tianming's check. That kind of money is tainted."
Lin Xiaofan sat alone in the empty venue as the sunset cast long shadows on the floor through the windows. He took out his phone; the system interface had returned to normal except for one new message quietly waiting:
[Rule Violation Alert]
[The most effective acts of kindness often seek no reward]
[But the host's survival is equally important]
Outside the window, the neon lights of the city flickered to life one by one. An invisible game had only just begun.
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