The Strongest Master Venturing Urban

After exchanging some pleasantries with Cheng Zhuang, Chen Bin suddenly spoke up.

"Captain Cheng, Guan Kongcheng is a guest invited by our station. Could there be some kind of misunderstanding between you two?"

Cheng Zhuang shook his head and replied with righteous indignation.

"There's no misunderstanding. The facts are crystal clear—Guan Kongcheng was engaging in prostitution just now!"

Chen Bin appeared genuinely shocked and turned to look at Guan Kongcheng.

Guan Kongcheng quickly lowered his head, his face full of shame.

Chen Bin immediately pulled Cheng Zhuang aside, speaking in low tones about something.

About five minutes later, Cheng Zhuang returned and gave new orders.

"Take the two of them back to their room for now!"

Once everyone entered the room, Chen Bin quickly handed off the manager to the side.

"Kongcheng is a superstar, after all. How could he do such a thing?"

"I... I don't know either. Based on what I know of him, he shouldn't be the type to do this."

Chen Bin glanced around before continuing.

"I have a good relationship with Officer Cheng. I've already discussed it with him—we'll let Kongcheng return to record the program first and then send him to the police station."

The manager tightly grabbed his arm and shook his head repeatedly.

"Mr. Chen, that won't do. If news of Kongcheng being taken away by the police gets out, he'll be ruined!"

"It's not that serious—it's just prostitution. At most, a few days in detention and a fine."

"No, no way. Can't you talk to that officer again, ask him to let Kongcheng off the hook? Whatever conditions he has, we'll agree to them."

Chen Bin sighed, his face showing reluctance.

"Alright, I'll give it a try, but I can't promise it'll work."

The manager nodded repeatedly, "That's no problem. Thank you so much."

With that, the two of them entered the room.

Chen Bin pulled Cheng Zhuang aside again, whispering something to him. Only then did the latter leave with three police officers and the woman.

"Mr. Chen, I…"

Before Guan Kongcheng could finish speaking, Chen Bin waved his hand to cut him off.

"Whatever it is, we'll talk about it tomorrow. For now, just rest up."

The next day, before the recording of the gala, Chen Bin visited Guan Kongcheng's dressing room.

The manager quickly stood up to greet him as soon as he entered.

Chen Bin nodded slightly and signaled with his eyes.

The manager immediately led the makeup artist and others out of the room.

Looking at the dejected Guan Kongcheng, Chen Bin asked, "In this state, will you be able to perform during the recording?"

Guan Kongcheng shook his head and replied confidently.

"Don't worry. I'm a professional singer. It won't affect my performance."

"Good to hear. Actually, you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself. After all, men have emotions and desires—it's natural. But casually picking up women outside is indeed inappropriate."

Guan Kongcheng opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to explain, but in the end, he simply sighed.

After all, with the evidence so clear, there was no escaping the situation.

Just as Chen Bin was about to leave, Guan Kongcheng suddenly spoke up.

"Mr. Chen, please, don't let Xin Kalan find out about what happened last night."

"No problem!"

After leaving the dressing room, Chen Bin saw Xin Kalan in the broadcast hall.

Seizing the opportunity when no one was around, he spilled the details about what had happened with Guan Kongcheng.

Xin Kalan was visibly shocked upon hearing the news.

"He... he went to hire a prostitute?"

"I don't know either. The police showed up last night. If I had been a little later, he'd have been directly arrested and taken away."

Xin Kalan suddenly turned and stared into Chen Bin's eyes. "You didn't set him up, did you?"

"Of course not! Last night, I arranged for someone to provoke him and took photos to release to the media. I didn't expect him to pull something like this."

"So now what? Have you handled what happened last night?"

"Not yet. Once the gala is over, he has to turn himself in. I have to figure something out fast—I can't let him go in, or his career will be over."

After Chen Bin left, Xin Kalan clenched her fists in anger, her face full of resentment.

"Scum. I've always known you were scum! You deserve to get caught!"

The gala recording proceeded smoothly, with each performance going off without a hitch.

In the final act, a duet by a man and a woman.

Ni Baige appeared in a gown, looking like a celestial being descending to earth.

Paired with her exquisite voice, she was simply breathtaking.

Guan Kongcheng performed adequately, delivering a stable performance.

After finishing the recording, Chen Bin arranged a celebratory feast at the hotel.

While others headed for the banquet, he went to Guan Kongcheng's room instead.

The manager spoke first, "Mr. Chen, Kongcheng and I discussed it. You've worked so hard handling last night's issue. We've decided to waive the performance fee for this time—we'll transfer the funds directly to you later."

"That won't do! A performance is a performance—it should be paid for. I helped Kongcheng as a friend; I can't take this money."

"We truly mean it from the bottom of our hearts. Please accept it."

"I said no, and I mean it. I can't cross this line!"

Seeing Chen Bin's firm stance, the manager pressed on.

"But we still need your help with Kongcheng's matter…"

"I've already contacted Officer Cheng. At first, he was adamant about following protocol. After much persuasion, he softened his stance."

Guan Kongcheng chimed in, "As long as Officer Cheng is willing to show leniency, I'll pay whatever amount he asks."

"You're a big star. If he's aiming high, we're talking about this amount."

Seeing Chen Bin raise four fingers, Guan Kongcheng subconsciously said, "Four million?"

"Not even close!"

The manager asked, "Forty million?"

Chen Bin shook his head and said gravely, "Four hundred million!"

Hearing this figure, the manager immediately frowned.

"Kongcheng is just a singer. Where would he get four hundred million? Mr. Chen, can you negotiate for a lower amount?"

"No way. Initially, they wanted eight hundred million—two hundred million per officer. I spent a long time haggling to bring it down to four hundred million. Kongcheng is at the peak of his career. Money can be made back, but losing his career isn't worth it."

Guan Kongcheng sighed, choosing not to say more.

Chen Bin continued, "Officer Cheng needs an answer by noon tomorrow. Take your time to consider."

After he left, the manager quickly shut the door.

"Kongcheng, what are you going to do?"

Guan Kongcheng slumped on the couch, his voice listless. "What can I do? Pay them."

Although four hundred million was his income over four years, it seemed trivial compared to the loss of his career.

The next day, the manager called Chen Bin.

"Mr. Chen, we've made our decision. We'll pay, but we must receive all recordings from that night."

"No problem. I'll get in touch."

About half an hour later, Chen Bin called back.

"Captain Cheng agreed, but the payment must be made first."

Over the next four days, Guan Kongcheng had his financial director transfer a total of four hundred million to the overseas account provided by Chen Bin.

Once all the money had been received, Chen Bin returned to the hotel.

"Officer Cheng said he got the money. The recordings are with me but weren't brought here."

Guan Kongcheng froze and immediately asked, "Why not?"

"I think it's safer with me."

"Mr. Chen, I appreciate your goodwill, but it's better if I keep the recordings."

"Don't rush. Even if I give you the recordings, can you guarantee there's no backup?"

"This…"