"The lands are different, but we share the same sky. Does the Crimson Child Hero Shen Lang challenge the warriors of Yang Country alone?"
Shen Lang took an iPad from Zhao Shihua's hand and his heart sank as he saw the striking news headline. He then noticed the astounding readership count.
This single news item had nearly 700 million views, making it by far the hottest news.
"Zhao Shihua, tell me, which genius came up with this headline?"
Shen Lang looked at Zhao Shihua with confusion and asked, "Isn't this clickbait?"
"Nonsense. Everything I wrote is factual. How is that clickbait?"
Zhao Shihua shot Shen Lang a look and said, "Your solo challenge against Yang Country's martial arts and your victory over their warriors is a matter of national pride. You're a hot celebrity now. Do you know your name is trending on all major social media platforms, with incredibly high engagement?"
"So, should I thank you then?"
Shen Lang looked at Zhao Shihua speechlessly and said, "Your family has always disliked me. Every time we meet, you either mock me or belittle me. When did you become so kind as to promote me so diligently?"
Shen Lang truly had no fondness for Zhao Min's family. This aversion wasn't a one-time occurrence but the result of repeated conflicts.
If possible, Shen Lang would prefer to never see Zhao Min's family again, let alone interact with them in any way.
"Shen Lang, you're being petty. I admit that my parents and sister were wrong to misunderstand you before. But that's in the past. Please don't hold a grudge. I apologize to you on behalf of my family. Can you accept it?"
Zhao Shihua knew that her parents and sister had indeed gone too far. Therefore, she didn't get angry at Shen Lang's sarcasm and said with sincerity.
"No, I can't accept your apology. What if your sister and parents come looking for trouble again, and I won't have any peace?"
Shen Lang looked at Zhao Shihua and said, "We still have about half an hour before the food arrives. Ask whatever you want, and then leave quickly. I really don't want to deal with anyone surnamed Zhao."
"You, after I apologized, you're still being unreasonable. Do you really want me to kneel for you?"
Seeing Shen Lang's unyielding stance, Zhao Shihua looked a little wronged and said.
"Heh... If you really kneel, then I won't pursue this anymore."
Looking at Zhao Shihua's expression, Shen Lang knew she was acting and mocked her.
"Fine. You said it. I'll kneel for you now."
To Shen Lang's complete surprise, Zhao Shihua heard his words, bent her knees, and slowly began to kneel.
"Stop, my lady! I was just saying. What are you doing?"
Seeing Zhao Shihua about to kneel, Shen Lang quickly held her up, looking confused and said, "Didn't you come for an interview? I just said I'll give you half an hour for a free interview. Why are you doing this?"
Shen Lang shook his head helplessly and said, "Sometimes I don't understand what your family is thinking. You think people have ulterior motives when they try to help you, but you believe those who scheme against you are genuinely kind."
"Shen Lang, I admit my parents and sister are stubborn people. They have prejudices against you, which is why they constantly target you. But I've seen your true character. You're not the kind of person they think you are. That's why I truly want to apologize to you and thank you for saving my life."
Zhao Shihua looked at Shen Lang with a hint of grievance and said, "I don't expect you to be magnanimous and forgive me. I just hope you don't hold such a big prejudice against me anymore. I really don't have any bad intentions towards you."
"Alright, I accept your apology."
Shen Lang looked at the pitiful Zhao Shihua and smiled, "Given how sincere you are, I'll separate you from your parents and sister and won't target you anymore."
"Can we be friends then?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Zhao Shihua knew he had forgiven her and said happily.
"You say that as if being friends with Shen Lang is a great honor. Since you consider me a friend, then you are my friend from now on."
Shen Lang gestured for her to sit and said, "Since we're friends, let's sit down and eat. You can ask whatever you want while we eat."
"Okay—"
Zhao Shihua nodded and sat down opposite Shen Lang.
Thirty minutes later, their hot pot was ready. Shen Lang and Zhao Shihua ate and chatted. After they finished, Zhao Shihua sent the latest news draft back to Nanling.
Two hours after the meal, Shen Lang, Ye Shishi, and Wang Yuyan boarded a plane back to Nanling.
"Father, Shen Lang has already left Yang Country by plane. Should we do something to the plane?"
Shortly after Shen Lang boarded the plane, Miyako Yukiko entered the imperial palace and asked the elderly man in a kimono.
"Forget it. Let him go. We shouldn't offend Dugu Jian because of him. Besides, regaining everything lost this way wouldn't be glorious. Let him live and win it back openly in the future."
The elderly man in the kimono waved his hand and said.
"Understood—"
Hearing her father's words, Miyako Yukiko nodded.
With no further obstruction, Shen Lang and his group finally returned to Nanling eight hours later. However, as Shen Lang, Ye Shishi, Wang Yuyan, and the others disembarked, their eyes widened. They saw over ten thousand people standing at the airport entrance, holding flowers and looking extremely excited.
"Welcome home, Crimson Child Hero."
As Shen Lang wondered why so many people were there, suddenly, the crowd of over ten thousand people, holding flowers, shouted in unison.
Shen Lang was stunned. He hadn't expected these people to be here to welcome him and was speechless for a long time.
"Shen Lang, you've made quite a name for yourself in Yang Country this time. You have over a hundred million fans in the country now."
While Shen Lang was in shock, a black domestic car pulled up in front of him. The window rolled down, revealing Song Shadao's face, who smiled and said.
"Uncle, why are you here?"
Seeing Song Shadao, Shen Lang was both surprised and delighted.
"Enough talk, get in the car first."
Song Shadao made a gesture to Shen Lang and said.
Hearing this, Shen Lang, Ye Shishi, Wang Yuyan, along with Long Zi and Xiong Zi, got into the car and left Nanling Airport.
In the car, Song Shadao said to Shen Lang, "Kid, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear?"