I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

The contractor who participated in the renovation ten years ago promised Zhang Wanqing on the phone that he would testify for their family.

Zhang Wanqing felt relieved when she heard this. She smiled slightly, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you so much! Your testimony is very important to us."

"You're welcome, Wanqing." The contractor's voice was kind. "Your bun shop has always been very popular. I believe you are innocent."

"We will compile the testimony as quickly as possible and submit it to the relevant authorities," Zhang Wanqing said seriously. "Thank you again for your support."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Wanqing excitedly said to Fu Siyuan and Li Wei, "We found it! The contractor is willing to testify for us. He said the renovation was completely legitimate."

"Great!" Fu Siyuan smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a sense of relief. "With his testimony, we can prove that Zhao Ming's report is false."

"Next, we need to organize the testimony as quickly as possible and prepare to submit it to the police station and the newspaper," said Li Wei.

Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, and Li Wei immediately sprang into action, compiling the contractor's testimony. They meticulously documented the background, process, and results of the renovation, ensuring every detail was accurate.

"That renovation took place ten years ago, primarily to improve the store's environment and equipment," Zhang Wanqing said as she took notes. "The contractor said they were just carrying out normal renovation work according to our requirements."

"Yes, he also mentioned that no abnormalities were found during the renovation process." Fu Siyuan added, his eyes showing a hint of seriousness, "This shows that Zhao Ming's report is completely fabricated."

"We need to compile these testimonies into a detailed report and submit it to the relevant authorities," Li Wei said with a firm tone. "At the same time, we can also explain the truth to the public through the media."

"Okay." Zhang Wanqing nodded, her eyes revealing determination. "We can't let Zhao Ming's false reports continue to affect our business."

After much effort, they finally compiled the testimonies and prepared a detailed report, which included not only the contractor's testimony but also photos and relevant documents from the renovation, ensuring that every detail could withstand scrutiny.

The next morning, Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan went to the police station with their report. They hoped to clarify the facts as soon as possible through official channels.

"Hello, we are representatives from Zhang Wanqing's bun shop," Zhang Wanqing said to the police officer who greeted them, her tone tinged with politeness. "We have brought testimony regarding the renovation that took place ten years ago, and we hope it can help clarify the facts."

"Oh?" The policeman was slightly stunned, then nodded. "Please leave the report here. We will investigate as soon as possible."

"Thank you for your cooperation." Zhang Wanqing smiled slightly, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

After leaving the police station, Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan rushed to the newspaper office without stopping. They hoped to use the power of the media to tell the truth to the public.

"Editor-in-chief, this is our testimony regarding that transformation." Fu Siyuan handed the report to the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, his eyes full of anticipation. "We hope to explain the truth to the public through our newspaper."

"Okay, not only should the truth be stated, the previous article should also include a follow-up explanation of the outcome of the matter," said the editor-in-chief.

A few days later, Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan published their report, which detailed the background, process, and results of the renovation, and included testimony from the contractor and relevant photos.

Zhao Ming was angry after reading Zhang Wanqing's report when his phone rang. He picked up the phone and heard a familiar voice: "Zhao Ming, this is the editor-in-chief. Your recent report has caused great controversy, and the newspaper has received many complaints. You must stop this false reporting immediately, otherwise you will bear the consequences."

"Editor-in-Chief, I..." Zhao Ming was about to explain when he was interrupted by the editor-in-chief. "Zhao Ming, there are indeed problems with your report this time. The newspaper has decided to give you a warning. We hope that you will abide by professional ethics in the future and not use any means to pursue news effects."

"Editor-in-chief, I understand." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, his eyes revealing helplessness. "I will pay attention."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Ming felt even more depressed. He had always been like this, violating journalistic ethics, writing countless reports that didn't conform to the facts, and even being sued several times by the parties involved. But Zhao Ming refused to change, forever clinging to his own theory: Just as Zhao Gao could call a deer a horse, so too could I, Zhao Ming, call black white.

This time, he felt he'd met his match. Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan were even more stubborn than he was. Though young reporters, their pursuit of truth and justice rivaled that of seasoned journalists. Zhao Ming even gritted his teeth in hatred for them, yet also admired them. But he also realized that this incident could have a significant impact on his career.

The next morning, Zhao Ming received a call from the police station, asking him to go to the police station for "tea." Zhao Ming knew that this was Zhang Wanqing's bun shop's legal retaliation against him.

"Zhao Ming, we asked you to come here to learn about your recent reporting." A police officer sat behind a desk, his eyes stern. "We've received many complaints that your reporting is false. Some even suspect you're using any means necessary to achieve news coverage."

"Officer, my reports are all based on facts. I didn't say that a body was dug out during the renovation of Zhang Wanqing's bun shop. You can take a look at my report. What I said was that an unidentified object was dug out. It was the netizens who used their imagination to make up stories." Zhao Ming argued cunningly.

"Zhao Ming, there are indeed problems with your report this time. We have received many complaints saying that your report is untrue, and some people even suspect that you are unscrupulous in pursuit of news effects. I hope you can abide by professional ethics in the future and not use any means to pursue news effects. Zhao Ming, let me tell you that what you did is also illegal. I don't believe that as a reporter you don't know anything about the law? If Zhang Wanqing's family sues you, you will be held civilly liable." The police said sternly.

"Okay, okay, officer, I got it! I will pay attention next time!" Zhao Ming suddenly became very respectful after hearing what the police said.

"People should always have some bottom line! Okay, you can go back first," said the police.