I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan sat in a newspaper office, the neon lights outside flickering, illuminating their weary faces. Before them lay piles of documents and photos from their latest investigation—a corruption case involving high-ranking officials. Although Li Wei had left the police force, his insight and experience remained an indispensable asset.

Zhang Wanqing's fingers pounded away at the keyboard, her eyes glued to the text on the screen, occasionally glancing at the notes beside her. Fu Siyuan sorted through a pile of disorganized photos, trying to find clues. Their investigation had reached the core of the case, but a key witness had mysteriously disappeared yesterday.

"Wanqing, look at this." Fu Siyuan handed her a photo of a middle-aged man with a panicked look, as if he was hiding from something. "This is our witness, Li Jianguo. This is the last photo of him before he disappeared."

Zhang Wanqing took the photo and examined it carefully. "He looks really scared, like he knows something," she pondered, then turned to her computer and began typing a series of commands. "I need to check his background and see if there are any clues."

Fu Siyuan nodded and continued to flip through the other photos. "Any news from Li Wei?" he asked.

"He went to follow Li Jianguo's family, hoping to get some information from them." Zhang Wanqing answered without taking his eyes off the screen.

Hours passed, and Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan had searched through almost all the information they could find, but the clues they had about Li Jianguo were becoming fewer and fewer. Just as they were about to give up, Zhang Wanqing's computer suddenly beeped.

"Got it!" she exclaimed excitedly, pointing to a news report on the screen. "Li Jianguo was once investigated for a minor corruption case, but was later released due to insufficient evidence."

Fu Siyuan immediately came over, and their eyes met on the screen. "This could be our breakthrough," he said.

They decided to dig deeper into the old case, hoping to find clues to Li Jianguo's disappearance. Zhang Wanqing, using her journalistic credentials, contacted the prosecutor from the time, hoping to learn more details. Fu Siyuan began compiling all the information they had, preparing to write an in-depth report to pressure the relevant authorities to take action.

Just as they were busy, Li Wei called. His voice was low and nervous: "Wanqing, Siyuan, I found some clues, but the situation is not good. I need your help."

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan immediately packed up and prepared to leave. They knew that the truth of this case might be much more complicated than they imagined, but they also knew that as reporters, it was their duty to reveal the truth.

They drove to the location Li Wei had mentioned, an abandoned factory. Under the night sky, the factory's silhouette looked particularly eerie. Li Wei was already waiting for them at the door, his face filled with seriousness.

"I tracked down Li Jianguo's family. They were taken away by a group of unidentified people," Li Wei said. "I suspect these people are involved in Li Jianguo's disappearance."

The three of them entered the factory cautiously. It was pitch black inside, with only the occasional sound of dripping water breaking the silence. They spread out and carefully searched every corner.

Suddenly, Fu Siyuan discovered a secret door behind a pile of abandoned machines. He motioned for the others to come over, and the three of them pushed the door open together. Inside was a small basement. Under the dim light, they saw the bound Li Jianguo and his family.

"Hurry, untie them." Zhang Wanqing said, her voice full of urgency.

Just as they were about to act, the door of the basement was suddenly knocked open, and a group of men in black rushed in. Li Wei quickly stood in front to protect Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan.

"You go first, I'll hold them back." Li Wei said with a firm look in his eyes.

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan knew that they had to take Li Jianguo and his family out as soon as possible to reveal the truth of the case. They quickly untied the ropes and rushed out of the basement with them.

Outside, the sound of police sirens approached, and Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan knew they were halfway there. They safely handed Li Jianguo and his family over to the police, then returned to the newspaper office to write the report that would shock the city.

As night fell, the city's neon lights seemed especially hazy in the drizzling rain. Zhang Wanqing sat in her newspaper office, the raindrops pounding against the glass outside as if hammering at her heart. Her fingers hesitated on the keyboard, unsure where to begin. Li Wei's old colleague, Zhao Gang, was inextricably linked to the corruption case. This news was like a bombshell, leaving her heart filled with conflict and struggle.

Zhang Wanqing faced a jumble of documents and photos, each one documenting Zhao Gang's dealings with officials. She was filled with doubt. How could this police officer, who had once fought alongside Li Wei, have fallen to this point? She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the turmoil within her remained unresolved.

Fu Siyuan walked in from outside, holding two cups of coffee in his hands. He saw Zhang Wanqing's solemn expression and knew what she was thinking. He put down his coffee and said softly, "Wanqing, we all know about Zhao Gang's situation. This matter is very complicated, but we can't give up the pursuit of the truth because of personal feelings."

Zhang Wanqing raised her head, a look of determination in her eyes. "I know, Siyuan. I'm just wondering how we should handle this matter. Zhao Gang was once Li Wei's colleague, after all. We can't let his past affect our judgment."

Fu Siyuan nodded. He knew Zhang Wanqing was right. As journalists, they were pursuing the truth, not personal feelings. He sat down and began to sort through the materials in his hands, trying to find some clues.

Just then, Li Wei walked in. His face was covered in fatigue, but his eyes revealed determination. "I've already spoken to Zhao Gang." His voice was low and heavy. "He admitted his mistakes, but he also told us some more important information."

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan's attention snapped to the spotlight, knowing that the information Zhao Gang provided could be the key to the case. Li Wei continued, "Zhao Gang said he got involved in this corruption case because his daughter was ill and needed a large sum of money for treatment. He wanted to refuse, but the men threatened him that if he didn't cooperate, they would target his family."

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan exchanged a glance, each one seeing shock and sympathy in the other's eyes. While this explanation didn't justify Zhao Gang's actions, it gave them a deeper understanding of him. They knew Zhao Gang's situation was extremely difficult, and everything he did was to protect his family.

"What should he do now?" Zhang Wanqing asked, with a hint of concern in her voice.

Li Wei sighed, "He has decided to turn himself in. He hopes that through his actions, he can set an example for his daughter, letting her know that no matter how great the difficulties, she must choose the right path."

Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan remained silent. They knew Zhao Gang's decision would lead to severe legal punishment, but they admired his choice. They decided to present Zhao Gang's story fairly in their report, so that the public would understand his difficult circumstances.