I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

As night fell and the stars twinkled, Fu Siyuan stood at the airport exit, taking a deep breath of the air of his motherland. A complex light shone in his eyes, a mixture of anticipation for the unknown and a longing for the past. He had just returned from the United States, filled with passion and unfulfilled dreams, yet he had chosen to return to this familiar land.

Fu Siyuan's internship experience at CNN made him deeply appreciate the cruelty and challenges of international news.

“I thought I could change the world, but I discovered it was far more complicated than I imagined.”

During one of his reports, he exposed the illegal activities of an international consortium, which brought him under unprecedented pressure. The consortium called him with threats and sent a package to his address containing a teddy bear with a knife stuck in its chest. For the first time, young Fu Siyuan realized that being a journalist meant more than just reporting news events objectively and impartially. It also meant facing many unknowns and fears, requiring a strong heart and, more importantly, courage.

Later, his article was censored by his superiors and was not allowed to be reported. He was also criticized. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue and disappointment.

"I used to think that journalism was about truth first, but I discovered that sometimes the truth can be obscured by power and money."

He began to reflect on his career path. He wanted more than just reporting news; he wanted to have the power to influence and change society.

Fu Siyuan opened the first page of the journalist's handbook, which read: "Journalists are the guardians of society and the seekers of truth." She knew that to be a good journalist, one must not only have keen observation and excellent writing skills, but also have firm professional ethics and an unremitting spirit of pursuit.

"I want to be that kind of person, using my pen to expose the truth and to watch over society. Journalists are the conscience of society."

He recalled his original intention of becoming a journalist, which was a desire for justice and a pursuit of truth. His eyes revealed a hint of firm determination.

His inner monologue was filled with confusion: “Should I continue to stay in this restrictive place, or return to my homeland to seek new possibilities?”

Just when Fu Siyuan was in career confusion, he received a WeChat message from his father, in which his father mentioned the changes in the domestic news industry and his expectations for his son.

My father wrote on WeChat: "Siyuan, I know you are pursuing your dream of journalism, but don't forget that your roots are here, in China. The domestic press needs young people like you who are talented and have ideals. Come back and use your pen to speak for our people."

A flicker of determination flashed in Fu Siyuan's eyes, and he began to reevaluate his future. Being an international journalist had always been his dream, but his country needed him. Having completed his studies, he felt it was time to serve his country. And, as his father had said, he should use his pen to speak for the people of his country.

"Perhaps, I should return to my homeland and find the stage that truly belongs to me."

Fu Siyuan decided to return to his hometown after a long absence. Just then, one of the city's most famous newspapers was hiring. Without hesitation, Fu Siyuan took the exam and, on both the first and second attempts, he was significantly ahead of the runner-up.

On the day of the exam, he arrived early, holding a pen and a notebook—the same ones he'd used during his internship at CNN. His eyes revealed a subtle hint of nervousness, but more of a confidence and anticipation for the future.

The exam began, and he quickly scanned the questions before answering them. His writing was fluent and powerful, his perspectives unique and profound. The first test consisted primarily of journalism theory, and Fu Siyuan finished answering them quickly.

The second test, three days later, consisted of subjective questions requiring students to conduct on-site interviews and write a written report. The question that day was: "Research the income disparity among the population in your city, providing practical examples."

Like most candidates, Zhang Wanqing went to the local talent market and then returned to write her manuscript. Fu Siyuan, on the other hand, not only visited the talent market and the university but also went to a place no one had expected: an abandoned overpass next to a vegetable market.

You must be wondering why he went there? That's because after returning to China, he rode his bicycle around the city to get to know the city. One day, he found an abandoned overpass next to the city's largest vegetable wholesale market. Many people gathered under the overpass every day. These people were hired workers. They had no education and could not go to the talent market to find a job. Some were illiterate and could not find a job online. They could only wait under the overpass every day for employers to come. Fu Siyuan found that most of the hired workers here were paid daily wages. There were more people doing renovations and odd jobs. The locals gave them a nickname, "guerrillas."

After the interviewer reviewed Fu Siyuan's manuscript, it, needless to say, received the highest score. The teacher who was interviewing him at the newspaper was completely impressed by this young man. They assumed he was a returnee and unfamiliar with the city, but they hadn't expected him to be so attentive. Even Zhang Wanqing was impressed.

"These questions are too easy for me. I'm just trying out my skills." Fu Siyuan was not surprised that he won the first place. On the contrary, at this moment, he was full of confidence.

During the final interview, the interviewer asked Fu Siyuan, "Hasn't you already successfully landed an internship at CNN, your dream company? You've passed your internship and are about to be hired as a full-time CNN reporter. Why did you choose to resign and return to China? Don't you think it's a shame?"

Fu Siyuan thought for a moment and replied, "It may seem a pity to others, but I don't regret my choice. I left CNN and returned to China for two reasons. First, there's insurmountable racial discrimination and unspeakable gray areas there. Second, I'm Chinese, and returning to China after completing my studies to serve my country is my duty. The country needs young people like me with overseas work experience."

Fu Siyuan's answer was absolutely flawless. The interviewer was very satisfied with the answer and gave him the highest score.

Finally, he passed three levels in a row and won first place with a far ahead score. He knew that this would be a new starting point for his career.

After the exam, Fu Siyuan saw his name on the report card - first place. His eyes revealed a hint of satisfaction, but more of it was anticipation for the future.

His eyes fell on the second-place finisher on the report card—Zhang Wanqing. He had heard of her; she was a talented young person, his most likely and formidable future competitor. He was filled with curiosity: "Zhang Wanqing, what kind of opponent would she be?"

He began reading Zhang Wanqing's works, trying to understand her writing style and way of thinking. He found her writing delicate and profound, her perspectives novel and unique. He felt that Zhang Wanqing was a colleague worthy of respect.

Fu Siyuan had no idea what kind of story and emotional entanglement he would have with Zhang Wanqing in the future. Just like Zhang Wanqing had no idea that she and Fu Siyuan would have a story...