Chapter 30: Public Opinion
Back at the apartment, You Ruxu cooked. Zhou Tianzui sat on the sofa, watching the news. When a replay of You Ruxu’s report came on, she watched the reporter on screen for several minutes.
It wasn’t You Ruxu today.
She turned and looked at You Ruxu, remembering what she had said about going home.
Zhou Tianzui got up and went to the kitchen, asking You Ruxu, “When are you going back?”
“After this case is closed.” You Ruxu said, “In the next couple of days.”
Zhou Tianzui asked, “Have you booked your tickets?”
You Ruxu said, “Not yet.”
Zhou Tianzui asked again, “How long will you be gone?”
You Ruxu’s busy hands paused. She looked up at Zhou Tianzui and said, “About a week.”
She watched Zhou Tianzui’s expression, trying to discern something, but there was nothing. Zhou Tianzui just nodded and said, “I see.”
You Ruxu looked at her back and continued cooking.
She didn’t know what Zhou Tianzui was thinking, but her own thoughts were in turmoil. In the two years they had been together, she had been passive, never deliberately hiding her identity, but also not actively revealing it, just giving Zhou Tianzui hints.
She thought Zhou Tianzui, being so smart.
Would definitely figure out who she was.
So she accepted all of Zhou Tianzui’s bad temper, thinking it was something she deserved, even double that. She could even tolerate Yu Qiao’s attitude, and Zhou Tianzui acted accordingly. Although it was just verbal barbs, she didn’t want to deny that initially, hearing those barbs, she was happy, a sense of atonement settling over her. But gradually, those words started to hurt.
You Ruxu knew she couldn’t leave Zhou Tianzui anymore.
Even though she was constantly prepared to leave, before Zhou Tianzui told her to get lost, she couldn’t.
Sometimes, she wished Zhou Tianzui would be cruel, tell her to get lost, tell her she knew who she was, that she was just playing with her. But she didn’t, not only that, recently, she had even withdrawn her thorns.
You Ruxu closed her eyes. Her hand slipped as she washed the dishes, a plate falling into the sink with a clinking sound. Zhou Tianzui looked over. You Ruxu lowered her head: “It’s nothing.”
She said, “My hand slipped.”
Zhou Tianzui didn’t say anything.
You Ruxu, while making soup, saw her take her phone and go into her room, presumably to make a call. The TV was still on, the sound filling the otherwise quiet living room, giving the apartment a cozy feel.
She set the timer for the soup, washed all the vegetables, and placed them aside. Seeing that Zhou Tianzui still hadn’t come out, she went to the living room and sat on the sofa, changing the channel. Her phone buzzed. She looked down and saw a message from Chen Xiang: [Teacher You, the evening news team published the interview.]
It was the interview with Chen Mo’s parents. You Ruxu had advised them not to publish it, as the truth was about to be revealed, and it wasn’t the right time. But the evening news team not only ignored her advice, some even mocked her: [Can’t get an exclusive yourself, so you don’t want us to publish either?]
[You Jiaoyue is so ungenerous.]
Chen Xiang was angry seeing the sarcastic remarks. You Ruxu, however, remained calm, replying to Chen Xiang: [I see.]
Actually, she didn’t need Chen Xiang’s reminder. News notifications had already popped up. Chen Mo’s parents’ interview, talking about Chen Mo again. Although it wasn’t a particularly sensational topic, with any mention of Chen Mo guaranteed to trend, it still instantly became a hot topic.
The comment section was filled with extreme remarks. You Ruxu just glanced at them before closing the news.
Zhou Tianzui came out of her room and saw You Ruxu looking at her phone, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration, her eyes bright and clear, reflecting the light from the screen, her entire being pure and clean, like a clear spring, its surface undisturbed. Zhou Tianzui couldn’t resist walking over and sitting beside her, unaware that she was disturbing the tranquility.
You Ruxu turned to look at her, hearing Zhou Tianzui ask, “What are you looking at?”
“News.” You Ruxu said, “I have to write a summary report later.”
Zhou Tianzui said, “The fireworks factory incident?”
You Ruxu said, “Yes.”
Zhou Tianzui asked, “Zhang Xiaojie isn’t the culprit?”
You Ruxu said, “He’s not.”
This time, it wasn’t a question, but a statement, her tone certain. Zhou Tianzui pondered for two seconds, then suddenly smiled, “Teacher You, aren’t you afraid I’ll leak the information?”
You Ruxu paused. She said, “You won’t.”
Again, a tone of certainty. Zhou Tianzui froze, the smile still on her face, then fading, and then reappearing, “You trust me that much?”
She wasn’t sure whether she was happy because of these words or because of other emotions. She said, “Then should I reward you properly?”
Hearing the suggestive tone in her voice, You Ruxu stood up and said, “Dinner…”
Zhou Tianzui grabbed her wrist and pulled her down. You Ruxu landed beside her. Zhou Tianzui leaned closer and whispered, “A Ran.”
You Ruxu’s voice was caught in her throat.
They had dinner much later than usual. Fortunately, they had left work early, so You Ruxu still had time to work on her report after dinner. She worked late into the night, finally sending the finished report to Shi Qi. She closed her laptop. Zhou Tianzui was already asleep. She tried to be quiet, but the moment she sat on the edge of the bed, Zhou Tianzui pulled her into the warm embrace of the blanket. You Ruxu had many questions for Zhou Tianzui, but she didn’t say anything in the end, just wrapped her arms around Zhou Tianzui and snuggled closer.
They both woke up early the next day. You Ruxu received a call from Captain Zhou, asking her to come to the police station. You Ruxu informed Shi Qi and went directly to the police station before work.
She even saw Mr. Zhao.
Mr. Zhao looked different from his usual calm demeanor. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn’t slept all night. He looked disheveled and haggard, his lawyer beside him, looking sharp and composed as always. You Ruxu sat in front of Mr. Zhao and heard Captain Zhou say, “I got you this interview opportunity.”
She said, “Consider it a thank you for your help with the case.”
You Ruxu’s eyes curved into a smile: “Thank you.”
She went inside with her interview script and camera.
She emerged two hours later, seeing Captain Zhou writing a report. She asked, “When will you release the statement?”
“Around noon.” Captain Zhou looked at You Ruxu. “Finished with the interview?”
Then asked, “Do you need a ride back?”
You Ruxu said, “No, I drove.”
She said, “I have a live broadcast at 12:10.”
In other words, it was best for the police statement to be released before noon. There was no reason for the TV station to announce the news first. Captain Zhou said, “I know.”
The little troublemaker chimed in, “Our Captain Zhou has even postponed lunch to wait for your news report, the timing won’t be wrong.”
Captain Zhou glared at him, “Don’t you have work to do?”
The little troublemaker grinned, “I’m busy, I’m busy!”
You Ruxu nodded at Captain Zhou and left the police station, going back to the TV station to report first, then driving with Chen Xiang and their equipment to the area near the fireworks factory. Chen Xiang clicked her tongue, “You never really know someone, some people are just beasts!”
Her tone was indignant, while You Ruxu remained calm. They arrived at the fireworks factory. It was still cordoned off, but they could drive in. The ruins were still there, covered in dust. You Ruxu got out of the car. The crew started setting up the equipment. She adjusted her microphone, took the script from Chen Xiang, glanced at it, and received a call from Shi Qi.
“Have you arrived?”
You Ruxu said, “Yes.”
Shi Qi said, “Okay, have lunch there, I’ll treat you to a big dinner tonight.”
She seemed to be in a good mood. Since the explosion, she had been under immense pressure from the higher-ups. Even though she had been scolded relentlessly, she hadn’t blamed You Ruxu. The people on Teams 1 and 3 gossiped, wondering if she had received some benefits from You Ruxu, even suggesting she didn’t dare offend You Ruxu, hence her submissiveness. She simply laughed it off, a spark of her earlier passion and recklessness as a rookie reporter returning.
“Oh, no need to cover this news story.”
“Who would watch a report about this small incident?”
“This is too dangerous, let’s forget it.”
She used to be picky, choosing only safe and conventional news stories, just like the other reporters. But she hadn’t listened, covering even small and dangerous stories, which was why she was promoted so quickly, becoming the youngest team leader. But being in the position of team leader, her perspective was completely different.
This case had rekindled some of her earlier passion.
Shi Qi had just sat down when her assistant said, “Boss, the director wants to see you.”
She said, “I understand.”
She straightened her clothes, her makeup impeccable, and walked into the director’s office. The leaders of Teams 1 and 3 were also there. Team 3’s ratings had reached a new high last night, and the director called Shi Qi in, wanting her to learn from them.
“Leader Shi is still young, after all.” The leader of Team 3 said, “It’s normal to lack experience.”
Shi Qi smiled, “Indeed, I’m not as experienced as the two of you, but our team always prioritizes truth, we don’t bother with chasing popularity.”
“You!” The leader of Team 3 rolled her eyes, about to start lecturing, when Shi Qi interrupted, “Why don’t we wait a few minutes?”
The director was also curious what she was up to. Shi Qi turned on the screen, displaying the news. She glanced at her watch. Less than three minutes later, the police released their statement.
It wasn’t the first statement, but it was released at the peak of the online frenzy following Chen Mo’s parents’ interview yesterday. It was a clarification of the entire case.
The leader of Team 3’s brow furrowed deeper and deeper as she read the statement. Her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications, her face darkening. The station director’s expression also changed.
“What’s going on?” The director looked at the leader of Team 3, “Go and retract the news immediately!”
Retract last night’s news.
Chen Mo’s parents, in an instant, went from victims to perpetrators.
The leader of Team 3 rushed out.
Only three people remained in the office. Netizens online, after reading the statement, were in disbelief, their confusion expressed in countless question marks. Shi Qi said, “We’ve already interviewed Mr. Zhao. Reporter You is at the scene and will be doing a live broadcast with an exclusive report in ten minutes.”
The station director’s expression finally eased.
The police statement was released at noon sharp. In the ten minutes that followed, netizens went from anger and outrage to calmness, starting to analyze the situation rationally. The most vocal critics hadn’t appeared yet.
You Ruxu stood in front of the ruins, hearing the voice in her earpiece, and began, “Hello everyone, I’m You Ruxu, reporting live from Jindu…”
Zhou Tianzui heard someone beside her exclaim, “Hey, it’s our goddess!”
He Wei leaned in, sitting next to Zhao Mingqi. When it came to their goddess’s news reports, they were on the same page. Zhou Tianzui ate her lunch, hearing other doctors ask, “Dr. Zhou, have you seen the news? Turns out that Mr. Zhao was the culprit.”
“Such a vicious person, trying to shift all the blame onto Zhang Xiaojie.”
“I think Zhang Xiaojie is the most tragic, unjustly accused, subjected to online abuse for days, his wife and child unable to even leave the house. Finally, justice is served.”
Zhou Tianzui nodded.
Fu Shushu walked in, “What are you talking about?”
“Dr. Fu, come sit, come sit.” The person beside her moved over. “It’s about the fireworks factory explosion, it was the owner, he coveted the design of Chen Mo’s ex-girlfriend. Two months ago, the ex-girlfriend died suddenly in a car accident, and the owner probably thought he could use the design without anyone knowing. After he used it, Chen Mo and Zhang Xiaojie found out. Zhang Xiaojie was reckless, spreading the rumors about the illegal fireworks hoping the owner would have a change of heart, or at least be deterred. The owner panicked, wanting to destroy the evidence. He was caught by Zhang Xiaojie and Chen Mo while destroying the evidence in the warehouse. It was already a dangerous situation, so it caused the explosion.”
Fu Shushu frowned, “What about the security camera?”
“Zhang Xiaojie and Chen Mo disabled it, wanting to find evidence, and just happened to run into someone destroying evidence inside.”
Such a coincidence.
Zhang Xiaojie was caught on camera and became the suspect.
No wonder the owner was so certain he hadn’t done anything wrong, that everything was Zhang Xiaojie’s fault. He probably started setting up Zhang Xiaojie the moment he heard about the explosion.
And even colluded with Chen Mo’s parents.
Turning the victims’ families into perpetrators.
Fu Shushu sighed. Everyone looked up at the screen. You Ruxu was reporting on the incident, the words “Shocking Reversal” displayed beside her.
This live broadcast lasted five minutes, exceeding the usual time for Jindu TV. At the end of the report, the host asked You Ruxu, “Reporter You, what are your thoughts on the netizens’ comment that public opinion is truly terrifying?”
You Ruxu, holding the microphone with the Jindu TV logo, looked at the screen, her smiling eyes unchanged, and said, “I don’t think public opinion is terrifying at all.”
“In my opinion, public opinion is a double-edged sword. Some use it to save their lives, others use it to kill. But ultimately, it’s not the fault of public opinion itself, but the people who manipulate it. So, I hope those who use it to save their lives won’t be afraid, won’t feel ashamed, and won’t be scared.”
Not terrifying, not the fault of public opinion, don’t be ashamed.
This three-pronged view was completely different from the usual conventional stance. Someone immediately challenged her: [Isn’t it inappropriate for a reporter from a public television station to say this?]
[Inciting others to manipulate public opinion?]
Of course, no one indulged these comments. They were immediately rebuffed: [Could those with brains please think about what the reporter actually meant?]
[Brainless, indeed. The reporter said ‘use it to save their lives.’ Do you know how many news stories are ignored by the authorities, cases hastily closed, if they’re not brought to light?]
[Exactly, that kindergarten incident a while ago, would anyone have known if it hadn’t become a big deal? Why has public opinion become a murder weapon? It’s because of idiots like you who don’t use their brains!]
Those trying to stir up trouble, seeing everyone cursing at them, were furious, wanting to retaliate, only to find they were muted. Checking their accounts, they found they were banned.
The trolls suddenly became much quieter.
It indicated that the authorities also agreed with You Ruxu’s view.
You Ruxu’s three principles of public opinion, broadcast from Jindu TV, were reposted by major marketing accounts. Within two hours, CCTV News also reposted the Weibo post and included You Ruxu’s five-minute live broadcast in their annual highlights reel.
Later, it was called the five minutes that changed the nature of public opinion.
Also known as, the three principles of public opinion.
You Ruxu: Did you watch my report today?
Zhou Tianzui: Yes, I was blown away.
You Ruxu: “Blown away” is not allowed.
Zhou Tianzui: …
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