The Day I Kissed An Older Man

"It's dangerous for you to be out here alone. Next time, try to avoid taking on such field investigations."

Rita smiled shyly. She knew they were only looking out for her, but she believed she was capable of doing what they did and was not planning on taking their advice.

She certainly felt warmer after finishing her cup of instant noodles. She moved closer to the senior reporter and asked, "Mister, this is my first time on such a task. May I know how I should go about it to ensure success?"

The others looked somewhat surprised. "This is your first time? How come you don't have someone more senior accompanying you? Which media outlet are you from?"

"Well, they all didn't want to continue the investigation. But I didn't want to give up, so I came alone," Rita explained hesitantly.

The other reporters nodded in understanding.

"I was just like you when I started, full of enthusiasm. I let nothing get past me and investigated every little detail. But that's all in the past. Even if your colleagues aren't willing to stake out here, they shouldn't have let you come alone. You should've had someone with you, at least for safety."

"Got it. I won't put myself in position again. Thanks for the advice."

Rita nodded repeatedly as the other reporters opened up the conversation.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Did you investigate what kind of development was on this land before you came? It's best to find out all the details," one of the reporters asked.

Rita nodded and took out her

notebook. "I did some research, but according to previous records, the residents who used to live on this land were all successfully relocated, and they received a fair amount of compensation or new housing. Otherwise, this project wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

This was the real puzzle for Rita. Residents would usually be willing to relocate as long as they were adequately compensated. Logically speaking, after so much time had passed, there should not have been anyone suddenly popping up right before construction was about to start, acting as if they had been deceived by the developers.

However, Rita felt ashamed of her cynical thoughts when she made eye contact with the homeless man. He was in such a dire situation; how dare she entertain such dark suspicions about him? "You're right. The information available to us is quite limited. But don't you find it strange why this man looks so destitute?"

The other reporters were also baffled by the situation. Either the developers were mistreating the man, or the man was lying. These were the only two possibilities they could think of.

Even so, they still could not say for certain which side was at fault, as the evidence they had was too scant. To make matters worse, the homeless man refused to tell his side of the story.

"Well, to be honest, we're not sure

either. The only way we'll know for certain is if that man is willing to

give his side of the story. At least et

then we'll have some lead to go on. Otherwise, it'll be impossible for to uncover the truth now that this land is under Sherman's control and bears Parr Group's name."

Rita asked softly, "Are you implying that there's some foul play involved and that Sherman is the one behind it? And that's why it's so hard to find evidence?"

The reporter coughed. "Ahem! You shouldn't openly say such things. You'll be in big trouble if anyone hears and reports it to Sherman. Your journalism career might end before it even starts."