Everyone living in this city is well aware that at night, downtown streets where the homeless congregate are dangerous. Particularly so in areas where numerous welfare meals are regularly distributed, where civilization and savagery collide, splitting the city into two vastly different environments.
One side is about living; the other is about surviving.
Pleasant, warm, secure residential villa areas and the chaotic tent zones strewn with trash together form New York, the super financial metropolis – both are indispensable.
It's hard to imagine that people here have grown so accustomed to all this, not even sensing any need for change.
"You know? Actually, I didn't have much ambition when I was young. Back then, I studied sociology at Harvard and applied for the Perkins loans. So after graduation, I chose to join the Marine Corps because I could get up to 50,000 US dollars in student loans waived in one go through the school."
Chris Rodi nodded again; as a journalist, he had only recently researched Romand Willi's resume.
He even knew that although this once big shot had a civilian position, during his service he really went to places known as powder kegs and earned many commendations, which later paved his way to a career in Langley.
"I was lucky. After enlisting, my superior happened to be an alumnus. Following him, I learned a lot. You're also a graduate of a prestigious school, so you should know that students admitted through different paths are like people from two different worlds. It's like we got in by acing the SAT and showcasing various talents, but they just need their parents to Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
We need loans to pay the high tuition fees. But they don't need loans, and they can even park luxury cars at Harvard Square. That's when I realized that not all people are the same. By the way, have you paid off your student loans?"
Chris Rodi shook his head.
Living in New York is tough.
He's not yet a celebrity presenter but just a regular reporter. The former can earn over ten million a year, but his current annual salary doesn't even exceed fifty thousand US dollars, and that's before taxes. Half of that goes to rent, not to mention living expenses...
"See, that's the importance of choices. If I had chosen your life path, I'd likely still be struggling with loans. But you're doing fine; life has taken a turn for the better. Everyone's life is full of opportunities. Seize them, and you can soar to great heights. But what's more important is to distinguish between what's an opportunity and what's a trap."
After a moment of silence, Chris Rodi said, "Mr. Willy, why don't you just go ahead and say what you want to say?"
"I want to give you a hand."
"What do you expect me to say? Because a young person like you has endless possibilities? No, actually the reason is quite simple – by helping you, I'm helping myself."
Chris Rodi took a deep breath and began to feel a bit tense.
"So, Mr. Willy, how do you want to help me? If you want to know where I got that information from, I can only say that I can't tell you, because I don't know who gave it to me either."
"No no no, Chris, you're misunderstanding. Actually, I don't care about your source for the information. I simply want to give you a hand, or rather, this is your way of saving yourself. Of course, this help might be a bit extreme and could be dangerous.
I have received information that someone from Langley wants to take action against you, to prevent more leaks. If they make a move, you know what the outcome would be. That's why I brought you here in advance; you're going to sustain some injuries.
But rest assured, they won't be life-threatening, as there will always be someone protecting you. In no more than three minutes, an ambulance will arrive; our people in the NYPD will provide you with thorough protection for the next week.
Once this week is over, no one will be able to touch you. You will become a true hero in the eyes of the public. Then you can freely choose your future path, be it a celebrity presenter, a bestselling author... The days of living hand-to-mouth and the filthy streets will disappear from your life forever. By the way, have you had a look at the mansions in the Bay Area?"
"Ah?" Chris Rodi was stunned, and before he could reply, the black car came to an abrupt stop. Caught off guard, his body jerked forward from inertia against the front seatback and then back again.
At that moment, the car door on his side was suddenly opened, and in a daze, Chris Rodi only felt a strong force pushing him out of the car. Instinctively extending his palms, barely touching the still-warm ground, he heard a "bang" – intense pain in his shoulder was his last memory.
When he regained consciousness, all he could see were blurred figures shouting his name, with various noises around him. The sharp sirens of ambulances and police cars caused him waves of pain in his head...
It seemed that there were also familiar flashes of light flickering.
"Breaking news, Forbes has exposed that the shooting of Chris Rodi, a rising star presenter who unveiled the scandal threatening the ethos of Langley's new Director, occurred on 53rd Street. According to on-site doctors, he has been shot thrice in the back and is critically injured... A witness said that at the time, Chris Rodi was pushed out of a black sedan..."
"Mr. Finney, as the NYPD Commissioner, what's your take on the case of Chris Rodi being shot on the street?"