Chapter 90: Chapter 90: I Won’t Spare You!
Feeling that his comment was somewhat abrupt, Ai Daqing put away his folding fan and, while tapping on the table, solemnly said, "His mother was Japanese, he was born in Japan, and his father was a notorious pirate. If he isn't a bandit, then who is?"
The scene fell silent once again. Behind the scenes, Director Song was extremely anxious and shouted, "Mr. Ai, please refrain from discussing unrelated topics! Host, redirect the conversation!"
Unlike his earlier tone with Chu Yuxuan, his attitude toward this well-known public intellectual was somewhat firm.
Ai Daqing had originally intended to showcase his extensive knowledge, but with the director's reprimand, he was somewhat displeased but did not press the issue further. After all, it was someone else's show, and it wouldn't do to appear petty.
The host on stage, calm and composed, quickly prepared a way to steer the conversation back on track. However, before he could speak, he saw the second-generation rich kid on the panel, Chu Yuxuan, turn towards Ai Daqing with a cold glint in his eyes. He said sternly, "This historical figure, who took back the treasure island from the Dutch despite being in an era of inferior weaponry, knew his country was on the brink of collapse, yet he refused to surrender to the Qing, even parting ways with his father. How can you, with your shallow understanding, dismiss him so easily?"
The other two judges fell silent. Topics like these were difficult to engage in.
Ai Daqing licked his lips and, with a high-and-mighty air, said, "Mr. Chu, do you understand history? When commenting on historical figures, one must consider many aspects and the context of the time. Zheng Chenggong..."
Chu Yuxuan interrupted, "Context? In the context of the Southern Ming Dynasty, as a general, his loyalty to his country is undeniable. Just this alone qualifies him as a hero. And as for your so-called family background, so what if it's bad? Do you then label him a 'bandit'? I wonder, how come you, born into a prestigious family, are now a Chinese-American?"
Ai Daqing was taken aback, not expecting Chu Yuxuan to turn the discussion to his own background.
Wasn't it said that he had never heard of me?!
Director Song was drenched in cold sweat. He considered reminding Chu Yuxuan or switching to an ad break but decided against it and chose to observe.
Chu Yuxuan continued, "I remember you obtained U.S. citizenship ten years ago, right? You've mentioned on your show that you're a minority because you're a Chinese-American. Haha... So, being Chinese is something to be ashamed of?"
Ai Daqing was completely caught off guard, trying to maintain a calm facade while thinking about how to respond.
Suddenly, he recalled a news article he had seen that noon about Chu Yuxuan living in the U.S. for eight years. He immediately retorted, "Haven't you lived in the U.S. for eight years as well? Dare you say you don't have a green card?"
"Actually, I don't have one of those, but my visa has been constantly renewed," Chu Yuxuan calmly pulled out his wallet, retrieved a visa, and tossed it over. "Here's a work visa, valid for three years. It's about to expire. If you like, I'll give it to you."
He then took out his ID card, waved it, and raised an eyebrow. "What about this? Do you have one?"
The scene erupted in cheers and applause.
Behind the scenes, the producer and Director Song were in a heated discussion. "Director Song, what's going on? Why haven't you switched to an ad break yet?"
Director Song, however, was calm and collected. "As long as we don't cross the line of 'insulting national heroes,' let them argue. This could turn into a highlight for our show! Haha! Just wait and see; tonight's ratings will definitely break records!"
The producer replied, "Do you know the impact this might have on Mr. Ai? Director Song, I advise you not to gamble! Mr. Ai's status is not something we can afford to provoke."
Director Song sneered, "I haven't provoked him; I was just trying to advise him. Unfortunately, good advice can't convince stubborn people. Why pick a fight with that rich kid? Hmph... I know what you're worried about. Don't be afraid; let's see how it goes."
At the studio, the audience's excitement remained high. After some time of the host controlling the situation, things finally calmed down.
Ai Daqing was left speechless, his face showing extreme discomfort. After a long silence, he forced a smile and threw Chu Yuxuan's visa back, saying, "Mr. Chu, as judges, don't you think you're taking this too far? Let's get back on topic!"
Being a media person himself, Ai Daqing understood the power of the media. He appeared to concede but was actually just trying to avoid escalating the situation further, as he didn't want to ruin his future opportunities in China.
But the second-generation rich kid wasn't going to let him off that easily.
"Indeed, we've strayed a bit. So let's return to your initial comments," Chu Yuxuan said with a wicked smile, "You use one's birth to label a national hero as a 'bandit.' Then tell me, what do you call yourself when you, born into a prestigious family, go to the island nation to worship Japanese gods and call those war criminals heroes?"
Everyone in the studio gasped.
Such remarks were no laughing matter!
Ai Daqing became flustered, swallowed hard, and retorted, "Don't speak recklessly! Making baseless accusations can have legal consequences!"
Chu Yuxuan pulled out his phone and displayed several photos of Ai Daqing kneeling in worship. He coolly said, "If you think these photos are fake, you can call the police now. They'll verify the truth and clear your name. Do you dare?"
If someone wants to hide something, they must never do it themselves. Ai Daqing stared at the photos on the screen, dumbfounded.
Chu Yuxuan threw the phone onto the table, took off his suit jacket, and said, "Worshiping foreign cultures and forgetting your roots, you traitor! How dare you call yourself a learned person? If I were your father, I..."
At this point, Chu Yuxuan paused, then bent down, took off his leather shoes, and took two steps toward Ai Daqing. Grabbing Ai Daqing's flowing hair, he started slapping him with the shoe sole.
"I'll smash your face! Oh, still dodging?!... This big face like a hairy naan, still trying to flirt around? Oh, I'll beat you to a pulp!"
Behind the scenes, Director Song could no longer stay calm and shouted urgently, "Cut, cut, cut! Quickly switch to an ad break!"
Host Wu Hua was in a panic, rushing forward to mediate. "Mr. Chu, Mr. Chu! Don't do this, we're..."
Chu Yuxuan pointed the toe of his shoe at Wu Hua's nose, coldly saying, "Don't interrupt, get out of the way. After I'm done with him, it'll be your turn. Don't rush!"
The once-respected company owner now looked like a thug, with only a cigarette missing from the corner of his mouth. The live broadcast was interrupted and switched to an ad break.
At Fenghuang Mountain Villa, Chu Zhijing watched with unfulfilled satisfaction, a smile on his lips, muttering, "It must be tough for you to put on this playboy act every day…"
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