"Not bad at all."
Li Qingyuan praised sincerely as he ate the steak on his plate.
Though it couldn't compare to top-tier chefs, it was far better than the usual roadside eateries.
Honestly, with this level of culinary skill, why bother being a journalist? Being a chef would definitely earn more.
"I actually got full marks in my high school cooking class. Later, in college, I spent a long time torn between studying journalism or culinary arts!" April felt a surge of pride seeing him enjoy the meal so much.
They had spent the entire morning chatting casually in the shop. When it came time for lunch, April had eagerly volunteered to show off her cooking to Li Qingyuan.
As an excellent journalist, she knew that to get exclusive news, one had to build a good relationship with the subject.
Even though Norman Osborn's sudden appearance had disrupted the plan, she hadn't forgotten her true purpose:
While top-secret projects of the Osborn Corporation couldn't be revealed, reporting on the Super Turtles was fair game.
"Ever considered working as my maid? Generous pay. Definitely more than you'd earn as a journalist!" Li Qingyuan pushed his empty plate aside and said sincerely.
He had been thinking about hiring a maid for some time. Leaving all the chores to Pietro just wasn't a solution.
Besides, Pietro couldn't do the work properly, and in the end, Li Qingyuan would always have to clean up.
"No, I became a journalist to report the truth to the public, to let people know what really happened!" April shook her head firmly. Her dream was to become the most famous host in New York—she wouldn't compromise her ideals for money.
"After-tax salary of $200,000 a year… really not considering it?" Li Qingyuan couldn't help but laugh at April's idealistic expression.
For someone who could at most reach the third tier, acting like sixth-level royalty was amusing.
"$200,000 after tax?"
April, who had been trying to show moral integrity, immediately revealed her inner excitement—her eyes sparkling.
Norman Osborn's billion-dollar deals hadn't impressed her much; that money had nothing to do with her.
But $200,000 a year after tax?
Only top-tier, popular hosts could earn that!
Could she still change her mind?
After a brief internal struggle, April decided to stick to her principles. She wouldn't compromise for mere money.
"The four turtles live in New York's sewers. They're an accidental product of a biochemical experiment and possess extremely high intelligence!"
Seeing April refuse, Li Qingyuan prepared to let her leave. Wanda would be out of school soon, and if she saw April, she'd be in a tantrum.
Li Qingyuan casually explained what he knew and warned her not to disclose any information, then sent her off.
Initially, he hesitated to share details to avoid trouble, but now he trusted she wouldn't defy his warning.
No reporter would dare anger a big boss capable of making the Osborn Corporation kneel.
Excited, April ran back to organize the information, intending to feature it on the front page the next morning.
Li Qingyuan, however, knew it was useless. Without videos, photos, or sources, her report would never make it to the media.
Sure enough, the next morning, after he sent Wanda to school, he saw April entering the shop like a ghost, dragging a suitcase.
Dark circles under her eyes showed she had stayed up all night compiling her so-called detailed report.
But effort alone isn't enough in this world.
"Boss, does your offer for a maid still stand?"
April forced a smile, trying to make a good impression on her new boss.
She had just been fired—the director at Channel 6 had dismissed her after hearing her report, deeming her either delusional or crazy for seeking fame.
Although the firing required paying two months' severance, it was a small price compared to the astronomical costs that could arise later.
In the U.S., if a professional suffered from an occupational disease, the employer was responsible for all medical and labor expenses.
Delusional journalists counted as having an occupational disease.
Now unemployed, April wondered how she would survive in New York.
Without Li Qingyuan as a safety net, she'd have to risk her life to trace the four turtles to prove she wasn't delusional—and reclaim her status as New York's most dedicated journalist.
But with a backup plan, she had no desire to crawl through sewers.
"Why is this woman in our house?" Wanda frowned, looking at April busy in the kitchen.
"She's my new maid. The house needs someone to help!" Li Qingyuan replied cheerfully from the sofa, snacking on sunflower seeds.
April, as a maid, was fairly competent. Having lived independently for nearly ten years, her cooking and housekeeping skills easily surpassed many.
"I can clean the house myself. No need to hire anyone—especially someone like her!" Wanda huffed, sitting beside Li Qingyuan, pointing at April.
"Her cooking is good—you can try it later." Knowing Wanda had a bias, Li Qingyuan simply smiled and patted her cheek.
"I'm not eating food made by this woman!" Wanda puffed up her cheeks in anger, watching her silly brother happily hovering around April in the kitchen. She felt instantly irritated.
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(End of Chapter)