Chapter 110: Agreement
The online rumors about Zhou Tianzui’s father reached a fever pitch after You Ruxu’s report.
Wrongful accusations, misunderstandings, a belated truth.
These were common tropes in TV dramas, a long-awaited revelation, the wrongly accused finally cleared, the protagonist vindicated, a seemingly perfect ending with a bittersweet undercurrent.
Such stories could be discussed endlessly in dramas, let alone in real life. It sparked heated online discussions. After You Ruxu’s report, the TV station’s hotlines were overwhelmed with calls.
All three teams’ lines were busy. The usually bustling TV station was eerily quiet. The station director stood in the meeting room, holding Zhou Qiming’s work journal, his voice filled with emotion, some of the people below teary-eyed.
You Ruxu stood at the doorway, looking inside. Everyone listened attentively.
The Zhou Qiming incident had a significant impact on the station, accused of a cover-up, demands for a thorough investigation, the station director almost dismissed. After the initial chaos subsided, some people even blamed Zhou Qiming.
Saying he was shameless for doing such a thing.
Those people were no longer at the station, but their hurtful words lingered.
It was the same online.
The initial criticism and insults, following You Ruxu’s report, were replaced by an eerie silence.
Then an outpouring of anger and sympathy.
[Zhou Qiming was slandered for over twenty years? I heard from my mom that it was a huge scandal back then, his family suffered the most, several suicide attempts, saved each time, then accused of faking it.]
[If this wasn’t real, I wouldn’t believe it. A reporter who fought for justice, labeled a rapist after his death, how ironic!]
[Then why was he accused of being a rapist? I thought it was strange before, even the police hadn’t concluded he was the perpetrator, so why was everyone condemning him? And those who were vehemently attacking him online a few days ago, just for saying the police hadn’t reached a conclusion, were accused of defending a rapist, do these people not have to take responsibility for their words?]
[Why do you all believe this reporter? What if it’s just another act, like back then? I heard this You Ruxu is friends with Dr. Zhou from the First Affiliated Hospital.]
[A dark heart sees darkness everywhere. Why don’t you look up Reporter You Ruxu’s credentials? She was the one who reported on the Fengyuan incident, risking her life, you probably didn’t know that, did you? Oh, of course you didn’t, who paid you to say such ignorant things?]
Those trying to manipulate public opinion were quickly called out.
If it were any other reporter, it might not have been so convincing, but You Ruxu, in the past year, from the fireworks factory explosion to the Fengyuan case, her reports had made a lasting impression on the public, her ability to steer public opinion back on track during times of crisis, upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and transparency, fearlessly facing pressure and threats, her name synonymous with integrity. People remembered the chaos after the fireworks factory explosion, how the marketing accounts tried to manipulate the narrative, yet her reports remained unbiased, a beacon of truth, firm and unwavering.
Now, with her reporting on this story, it added another layer of credibility.
And with trust, came sympathy and regret.
[Even TV dramas wouldn’t dare to portray something like this.]
[I can’t even imagine what they went through.]
[I really admire Dr. Zhou, being able to become a doctor, to maintain such a strong spirit, in such circumstances, Zhou Qiming was a hero, and so is she.]
[This is the first time I’ve truly understood the meaning of ‘the world kisses me with pain, I return it with a song.’]
Chen Xiang, holding her laptop, said to You Ruxu, “Teacher You, have you seen the trending topics?”
You Ruxu said, “What trending topics?”
“This one.” Chen Xiang said, showing her the screen.
The headline: [The world kisses me with pain, I return it with a song.]
You Ruxu didn’t need to click on it to know it was about Zhou Tianzui, her eyes burning slightly, “I can’t believe Dr. Zhou went through so much, how did she endure it all these years, she’s amazing.”
“Teacher You, have you read the comments?”
You Ruxu read some of them, the previous insults and accusations gone, replaced by a wave of sympathy and anger, not just for Zhou Qiming’s wrongful conviction, but also for the blind and reckless public opinion that had condemned him.
Those rumors and gossip, they were invisible killers.
You Ruxu looked down, then after a moment of silence, excused herself and wheeled herself out.
Chen Xiang watched her go.
From the Zhou Qiming case many years ago to Zhou Tianzui now, public opinion seemed to be an inescapable force. Kind people were easily deceived, blinded by misleading narratives, which was why reporters were needed, why persistence was crucial.
Chen Xiang suddenly remembered You Ruxu’s words, words she often repeated.
Uncover the truth, report it truthfully.
At this moment, she truly understood the weight and significance of those words.
You Ruxu received a call from Yu Qiao just as she left the TV station, “Who was that person?”
You Ruxu opened her mouth, then closed it, unable to speak.
Yu Qiao continued, “Xiao Xu, I’m not asking for anything else, just tell me who that person was, they…”
“Mom, what are you doing?” The call was interrupted. Yu Qiao looked at Zhou Tianzui, who had turned off the TV. The room was quiet. Yu Qiao held the phone. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Were you calling You Ruxu?”
She had been watching TV, not paying attention to Yu Qiao, only hearing her after the TV was turned off.
Yu Qiao had been trying to call You Ruxu, her phone was off, and when she finally got through, Zhou Tianzui saw it.
Yu Qiao said, “I just wanted to ask Xiao Xu something.”
“Are you asking her who that person was?” Zhou Tianzui asked, the words difficult to say, a wave of nausea and self-loathing washing over her. She clenched her hands, forcing herself to speak, “Don’t ask, she can’t violate her professional ethics.”
Seeing Yu Qiao’s stunned silence.
She closed her eyes, “Do you want her to lose her job?”
“I…” Yu Qiao quickly said, “No, of course not, I’m very grateful to Xiao Xu, she did so much for us.”
Zhou Tianzui couldn’t bear to hear any more, “Don’t mention it.”
“Mom, let’s not talk about this anymore.” Zhou Tianzui’s voice was strained, her body weak and exhausted. She turned her head away, her forehead covered in sweat. Yu Qiao said, “You…”
Yu Qiao looked at her, thinking she was overwhelmed by emotions, remembering her father, remembering his name finally cleared after so many years, hence her distress. She didn’t dare say anything more, just nodded, “Okay, Mom won’t mention it again.”
Not mentioning it didn’t mean she didn’t want to.
After twenty years.
Finally, no more whispers behind her back, no more pointing fingers and accusations, finally, she could proudly say, my husband was a good reporter. She felt both happiness and a deep sorrow.
Yu Qiao wiped away her tears, “Xiao Tian, I’m going out to buy some things, you rest.”
Zhou Tianzui nodded in agreement.
After Yu Qiao left, she looked at her phone, not calling You Ruxu, the guilt and self-blame preventing her from reaching out, afraid to contact her, to send a message, even a single word felt like a betrayal.
Zhou Tianzui closed her eyes.
You Ruxu’s call was disconnected by Yu Qiao. Wu Xiulian, waiting downstairs, saw her come out and wheeled her wheelchair over, asking, “Did you send the notebook for verification?”
“Yes.” You Ruxu said, “I just sent it.”
Wu Xiulian asked, “Going back to the hospital?”
You Ruxu, remembering Yu Qiao’s phone call earlier, started to say, “Aunt…”
“Xu Xu.” Wu Xiulian said, “I’m the one who wronged Dr. Zhou and her mother, not you, don’t take the blame for my mistakes.”
You Ruxu’s eyes reddened. Wu Xiulian continued, “I contacted your mother before you went on air. Xu Xu, no matter your decision, your father and I will support you.”
“If you want, we can also issue a public apology.”
You Ruxu’s heart clenched, she sat in the passenger seat, her hand gripping the seatbelt, her head turned towards the window, her voice low, “Aunt, is my mom angry?”
Wu Xiulian’s nose tingled. She blinked back tears, took a deep breath, and said, “No.”
You Ruxu lowered her head.
She said, “I’ve wronged them.”
“It’s me who wronged you.”
You Ruxu looked down at her hands and said, “We decided to do an anonymous interview.”
Wu Xiulian was silent.
She had heard it in the news, but hearing it from You Ruxu again, it still felt surreal. She knew it wasn’t just You Ruxu’s decision, but both of theirs.
You Ruxu had carried this burden of guilt for so many years, and now, she was choosing to continue carrying it, so was Zhou Tianzui.
Because of this precious and hard-won love.
Zhou Tianzui truly loved You Ruxu.
More than they could imagine.
Wu Xiulian wiped away You Ruxu’s tears, “Don’t cry, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
She started the car, its headlights cutting through the darkness, the red taillights blinking as they turned onto another street. When they arrived at the hospital, Zhou Tianzui’s ward was crowded, nurses, security guards, and patients in hospital gowns, all holding gifts.
“Dr. Zhou needs to rest, please come back later.” The nurses patiently tried to disperse the crowd. Two pregnant women handed over their fruit baskets, “Please give these to Dr. Zhou, we wish her a speedy recovery.”
The nurses barely had time to respond before the women walked away. You Ruxu appeared at the doorway, and the crowd, recognizing her, parted, “It’s that reporter.”
“Reporter You.” You Ruxu looked over, it was a colleague, who waved at her, then was stopped by a nurse. The crowd made way, and You Ruxu was wheeled into the ward.
Compared to the commotion outside, the ward was quiet. Zhou Tianzui, lying in bed, looked over, hearing the door open. Seeing You Ruxu, she said, “You’re here.”
Her voice was hoarse.
You Ruxu asked, “Where’s Auntie?”
“She said she was going out to buy something.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Is there still a crowd outside?”
You Ruxu said, “Yes.”
After You Ruxu’s report, many media outlets tried to contact her, but the nurses stopped them at the door. The commotion attracted the attention of other patients, and word spread, more people gathering outside, wanting to visit Zhou Tianzui.
Zhou Tianzui said, “Can I be discharged tomorrow?”
She was a doctor herself, yet she was asking You Ruxu.
You Ruxu said, “No, your wound hasn’t healed yet.”
Just then, the door opened, and Yu Qiao entered, “Why are there so many people outside?”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Reporters, they want to interview me.”
There were also other appointments, but Zhou Tianzui had asked the nurses to cancel them.
Yu Qiao said, “You’re still recovering, don’t bother with the interviews, just tell Xiao Xu what you want to say, she can report on it.” She looked at You Ruxu, her attitude much warmer, “Right, Xiao Xu?”
You Ruxu nodded: “Yes, Auntie, if you have anything you want to say, you can tell me.”
“I…” Yu Qiao looked down, a bitter smile on her face. “What else is there to say? It’s been so many years.”
The damage caused, it couldn’t be undone.
You Ruxu pursed her lips.
Yu Qiao said, “And, you don’t have to call me Auntie anymore.” You Ruxu looked up. Yu Qiao smiled at her, “Call me Godmother.”
You Ruxu’s expression changed slightly.
Unlike the previous time, when it was Zhou Tianzui’s request, this time, it was Yu Qiao offering.
It meant she accepted their relationship.
Such a huge step.
Something You Ruxu hadn’t even dared to dream of. She looked at Yu Qiao, her throat constricting, noticing how much she seemed to have aged these past few days, the gray strands at her temples more visible now, yet the smile on her face so warm and genuine. You Ruxu quickly looked away, her gaze meeting Zhou Tianzui’s.
She bit her lip hard, drawing blood, the metallic taste filling her mouth, snapping her back to reality. She looked at Yu Qiao and called out, “Godmother.”
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