HLM – Chapter 70 New Year’s Wish

Charlie glanced at Old Wang, then at Juan, and said, “Buddy, there’s actually another position available in the town—intern auditor.”

Wang Bo was surprised. “Didn’t you say he can’t be an auditor?”

“An intern auditor isn’t officially on the government payroll. As long as you pay his salary and he reports directly to you, it’s fine—he’s not considered an official staff member,” Charlie explained.

“Each mayor can assign an intern auditor. The real purpose of the role is to act as the mayor’s confidant—to liaise professionally with the official auditor and serve as the mayor’s personal representative for town finances and oversight.”

Then he pulled Wang Bo aside and whispered, “Actually, more importantly, Old Wang, I don’t think you’ll be able to hire a proper auditor anytime soon. Having an intern auditor is at least a temporary professional stand-in.”

“What do you mean?”

“Although I didn’t want to say it outright, I can’t hide it anymore—you’re not likely to attract any decent auditors right now. Your town is in too poor a shape at this stage,” Charlie said bluntly.

The truth was harsh. Wang Bo felt downhearted. He looked at Juan, who gave a radiant smile and said, “Boss, of course I’m willing! This is a dream opportunity!”

“Okay, then welcome to Team Wang. You’re the third member. Hopefully you don’t end up disappointing me like the last one,” Charlie said with a laugh, extending his hand.

From the second floor, Bowen’s voice rang out: “I’m right above you! I heard everything you just said!”

Just after Christmas came New Year’s Day, which is another important holiday in New Zealand.

Because traditional Christmas is associated with snowflakes, jingle bells, and reindeer-drawn sleighs—none of which exist in New Zealand—it often feels a bit off. But there’s no such awkwardness around New Year’s.

Spending his first New Year abroad, Wang Bo first called his parents, then reminisced about the New Year parties he had with classmates back in school. Feeling sentimental, he posted on social media: “Miss you guys so much—my dear brothers and sisters! I cherish the beautiful times we spent together!”

This overseas experience had made him more emotional. He realized that the further apart you are, the faster time seems to slip away.

Soon, he got a wave of likes and comments: “Wang ba (jerk), I’m broke these days too!”

“Damn it, Old Wang, don’t do this! Disappearing for half a month only to pop up like you’re about to ask for money!”

“Give me a break, man—my wife’s been watching me like a hawk lately. No way I can pull out any cash!”

Wang Bo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry…

Just then, the cowboy came out cursing under his breath. Wang Bo thought he’d had another fight with Charlie and quickly asked, “What happened?”

“Look at this,” the cowboy handed over his phone. The screen displayed a survey. The first question read: “Are you spending this New Year’s with a partner? A. Yes B. No.”

Wang Bo glanced at it and didn’t see anything wrong. “So?”

“You answer it.”

He tapped “B.” A popup appeared: “Survey ends here. Thank you for participating.”

“F***!” Old Wang felt deeply hurt.

After lunch, lawyer Mueller suddenly called. Wang Bo assumed it was a New Year’s greeting, but it turned out the lawsuit against the New Zealand government had some progress. Mueller asked him to come to the city.

Feeling energized, Wang Bo drove to the nearby small city. On Prince Avenue, he found a cold drink shop to wait for the lawyer.

New Zealanders truly loved to party. Just a week ago, they had held a Christmas parade, and now they were already celebrating New Year again—under the blazing sun, a huge crowd was having fun on the streets.

As they sipped cold drinks, the cowboy looked glum. Wang Bo put an arm around him and asked, “Missing home?”

The cowboy shook his head. “No. I just suddenly miss the New Year of my youth. Back then, my friends and I had no money. The only gifts we exchanged were New Year’s cards…”

Wang Bo smiled. “We were the same. I remember those small cards were so pretty, with all kinds of designs. Each one had hand-written blessings—it was the most sincere kind of gift.”

The cowboy went on, “Right? Now look at this New Year—forget gifts, you don’t even see a single soul. I was kinda hoping someone would gift me a phone for New Year!”

As he spoke, he showed off his beat-up phone.

Wang Bo was speechless. So that was his trap. He sighed, “Alright, alright. Stop whining. I’ll buy you a new phone later.”

“Yay! Boss, you’re the best!”

After a while, as they continued drinking, Wang Bo noticed the three guys beside him suddenly turning their heads toward the door. Curious, he looked too—and saw a tall, elegant beauty walk in.

He was surprised. What a coincidence—it was the beautiful TV host Monica, whom he had bumped into twice before.

Monica saw him as well and smiled, “Hi, Wang, you’re here too?”

She wore her hair down today and was dressed in a cream-colored blazer and skirt set. Her long legs were covered in sheer stockings—elegant, graceful, and radiantly poised.

Charlie immediately jumped up like a gentleman and pulled out a chair. “Please sit, Monica! Can’t believe you’re still working in this heat—such dedication!”

The long-legged host was holding a microphone and was accompanied by a cameraman and lighting tech—clearly there to do an interview about the city’s New Year celebrations.

Wang Bo ordered cold drinks and iced coffee for the four of them. Monica thanked them and explained they were filming a New Year special. After spending all morning outside in the heat, they needed a break to cool down.

Charlie looked at her with such doting admiration that it made Wang Bo’s scalp tingle. This guy clearly had it bad for Monica—he was so eager to please, it was painful to watch.

After drinks, Monica signaled her team to start recording. She held the mic up to Charlie first and said, “Thanks for the drinks! I don’t know how to repay you—how about I put you on TV?”

Charlie immediately pushed the mic away and chuckled, “I’ll pass. Interview Wang—he needs the exposure.”

Wang Bo looked at him with a half-smile. “You don’t want to be on TV?”

He had a vague suspicion about Charlie’s background.

Charlie didn’t answer—just smiled and continued sipping his drink.

So Monica turned her attention to Wang Bo. “Hi there. We’re from Voice of the South Island. Would you mind introducing yourself?”

Wang Bo did need the exposure, so he jumped at the opportunity. He introduced himself and briefly explained who he was and what was going on in Sunset Town.

Monica looked a little surprised but stayed composed. She asked, “Wang, have you made a New Year’s wish?”

“Of course! I’ve made two wishes,” Wang Bo replied cheerfully.