I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

As night fell, the city's neon lights flickered dimly in the drizzle. Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan walked side by side on the wet street, their shadows stretched long by the streetlights. The air was filled with tension, as if even the raindrops carried secrets.

Fu Siyuan's brow furrowed. He had just received a call from a contact at an environmental protection organization who was willing to provide more information about the chemical plant, but requested a meeting in the evening. Zhang Wanqing sensed Fu Siyuan's concern and knew this meeting might not be so simple.

"We have to be careful, this contact may be a bait." Fu Siyuan's voice was low, and his eyes looked sharper in the night.

Zhang Wanqing didn't understand why it could be bait, but she nodded, her hands clenching around the bag containing her notebook, camera, and pen. "We'll be careful," she said firmly, though with a hint of trepidation.

They arrived at the agreed location, an abandoned pier. A salty sea breeze blew, and the waves crashed against the shore, making a rhythmic sound. The pier was deserted, with only a few dim streetlights swaying in the wind.

Fu Siyuan gestured for Zhang Wanqing to hide behind a container while he slowly walked towards the end of the dock. Zhang Wanqing's heart was in her throat. She stared at Fu Siyuan's back, her camera tightly gripped, ready to take photos or videos at any time.

At this moment, a man in a black windbreaker walked out from the shadows. His steps were slow and cautious, and his eyes looked around as if he was searching for something.

Fu Siyuan stopped, his voice calm and powerful. "I'm Fu Siyuan, let's talk on the phone."

The man nodded, took out a folder from his pocket, and handed it to Fu Siyuan. "Here are what you need, but you must ensure my safety."

Fu Siyuan took the folder, his eyes becoming sharper. "We'll do our best."

The man nodded and turned to leave, but at this moment, several flashlight beams suddenly shone over, and several people in security uniforms surrounded him from all directions.

"Oh no, we are surrounded!" Zhang Wanqing exclaimed in a low voice, her heart beating like a drum.

Fu Siyuan quickly stuffed the folder into his arms, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "Wanqing, go quickly. I'll hold them back."

Zhang Wanqing was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect Fu Siyuan to let her go first. "No, we go together." Her voice was firm, but Fu Siyuan had already rushed towards the security guards.

Amidst the chaos, Zhang Wanqing saw an opportunity and quickly ran out from behind the container, heading to the other side of the dock. Her heart was pounding, the rain blurred her vision, but she had only one thought in her mind: she had to get the evidence back safely.

She ran to the end of the dock, where a small boat lay. She quickly untied the ropes and jumped aboard. The engine roared, and the boat rocked in the waves. Zhang Wanqing struggled to control the direction, heading toward the dark sea.

The sea breeze howled, the waves surged, and Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with fear and anxiety. She knew that Fu Siyuan was still on the shore, and she couldn't abandon him. But she also knew that only by bringing the evidence back safely would their efforts not be in vain.

The boat was pitching on the sea. Zhang Wanqing held the rudder tightly, her eyes searching for direction in the darkness. She knew it was going to be a long night, but she was ready.

On a rainy night in the city, the neon lights seemed especially blurry under the wash of the rain. Zhang Wanqing gripped the steering wheel tightly as the boat tossed on the choppy sea, her heartbeat rising and falling with the rhythm of the waves. Her vision blurred, rain and tears intertwined, but she had only one thought in her mind: Fu Siyuan was still on shore, and she had to go back.

The boat swayed in the waves. Zhang Wanqing struggled to control the direction, her eyes searching in the darkness for a way back to the dock. The howling sea breeze seemed to mock her powerlessness, but her hands held the rudder firmly. She knew she couldn't give up on him.

She recalled Fu Siyuan's eyes, a look of determination and trust. She remembered what he had said: "The truth may be scary, but as journalists, we cannot be afraid to reveal the truth." She took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from her face. She had to be strong, for Fu Siyuan and for their shared belief.

Time passed in a state of tension and fear, and Zhang Wanqing finally saw the outline of the dock. She carefully steered the boat closer, her heart beating fast. She didn't know if Fu Siyuan was still there, or if he was safe. She could only pray that he could escape the security guards.

The boat slowly approached the shore, and Zhang Wanqing jumped off, her steps stumbling a bit on the slippery ground. She looked around. The dock was empty, with only the sound of rain hitting the ground. A sense of unease welled up in her heart. Where was Fu Siyuan?

She took a deep breath and decided to search along the pier. Her footsteps echoed on the empty pier, each one like a knock on her heart. Her eyes searched the night until she saw a familiar figure.

Fu Siyuan leaned against a pillar, his face pale, with a noticeable scar on his left arm, blood oozing from the wound. When he saw Zhang Wanqing, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, which was then replaced by relief.

"You're back." His voice was a little weak, but his eyes were still firm.

Zhang Wanqing rushed forward, her eyes filled with worry and anger. "You're hurt!" Her voice trembled. She wanted to check his wound, but Fu Siyuan stopped her.

"It's okay, just a superficial wound." His voice was calm, but cold sweat was already seeping out of his forehead. "We have to get out of here, those people might come back."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, and she helped Fu Siyuan back to the boat. She carefully steered the boat away from the dock and headed towards the other side of the city.

The boat rocked on the sea, and Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She looked back at Fu Siyuan, his face still pale, but his eyes revealed an unyielding will. She knew they still had a lot of work to do and a lot of truth to uncover.

As the night deepened, the city lights grew hazy in the rain. Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan sat on the deck of a small boat, their shadows swaying on the water.