You should know that every newspaper has its own style these days, and each publication has its own preferences for the types of news it covers.
At least in all these years, they had never seen so many newspapers speaking up for the same matter—and for the same person—all at once.
And all on their front pages, no less!
Yet Jiang Si, the one who had stirred up this storm, remained completely unaware of it.
After confronting Shen Dong and his wife yesterday morning, she had taken some time to speak privately with her mentor.
Her mentor’s schedule was tight, so their conversation lasted less than ten minutes.
Fortunately, his archives had been fully declassified this year, so his movements were no longer as restricted as before.
After arranging a time to visit him and his wife with her two little ones, Jiang Si hurried to the Beijing Public Security Bureau to file a report.
Once the statement was taken, she went to the National Daily office.
Not only did she clarify the situation regarding the design dispute, but she also gave an exclusive interview.
But no sooner had the interview concluded than the Military Construction Daily reached out to her as well.
The rest of the afternoon kept her running around!
By the time she finished everything and got home, it was already pitch dark outside. Jiang Si practically collapsed into bed as soon as she walked in.
She slept straight through until now.
A glance at the clock told her it was almost eleven.
But the moment she came downstairs, she was stunned by the stack of newspapers spread across the coffee table.
National Daily, Guangming Daily, Beijing Daily, Military Construction Daily…
Even the Construction News and Public Security News—some of the most authoritative newspapers of the era—had all published front-page stories about her stolen design and eventual vindication.
The National Daily article, in particular, had an especially sharp headline:
"Craftsmanship Must Not Be Tarnished, Justice Prevails in the End"—The Full Story Behind the Stolen Foreign Hotel Design Scheme!
The tone, the phrasing—Jiang Si couldn’t help but laugh when she saw it.
No need to guess—this had to be the work of her cousin, Huo Tinghuai.
Family helping family—nothing unusual there. While she was grateful, Jiang Si couldn’t shake her confusion.
She had only given interviews to two newspapers, so how had every major publication coordinated overnight to run the same story?
She certainly didn’t believe her influence was that vast.
After some thought, she concluded that her father-in-law must have stepped in.
"Eat something first," Huo Tingzhou said, placing a bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of her.
As if anticipating her question, he continued before she could even ask, "Dad did call a few officials overseeing newspaper publicity. He made it clear that this matter needed to be clarified—that you shouldn’t be wronged."
Jiang Si nodded.
Just as she thought—her father-in-law had intervened.
But Huo Tingzhou wasn’t finished. "However, it wasn’t just Dad."
After a pause, he explained the full picture.
"The Beijing Military Command reached out, and the Ministry of Construction is cracking down on misconduct. Both departments jointly contacted the newspapers."
"Additionally, Professor Yu’s division—the Seventh Department—and the Beijing Public Security Bureau also made calls."
While everyone’s goal was the same—to stand firmly behind Jiang Si—each party had its own justification.
The Beijing Military Command emphasized that Comrade Jiang was not just a military family member but also a provincial-level "Patriotic Military Supporter."
Moreover, she was scheduled to attend a national commendation ceremony at the Great Hall next month.
If she wasn’t given justice now, wouldn’t that dishearten countless other military families?
A single sentence had elevated the issue to stratospheric importance.
The Beijing Public Security Bureau was more direct, simply stating that Comrade Jiang was an external consultant for their system.
As for the Ministry of Construction, their involvement was self-explanatory—the foreign hotel project was under their jurisdiction.
No one could find fault with their intervention.
The most puzzling stance, however, came from the Seventh Department.
But clearly, no one questioned it.
The mere fact that they had made the call was proof enough—Comrade Jiang’s background was anything but ordinary.
And so, overnight, the newspapers rushed to finalize their articles.
That was how this morning’s sensational headlines came to be.
Hearing this, Jiang Si understood.
This matter had escalated beyond just her personal grievance.
In other words, various factions were using it to assert their positions or enforce discipline.
She was merely the catalyst.
Noticing her pensive expression, Huo Tingzhou handed her a pair of chopsticks.
"Eat up before the noodles get soggy."
"Mm." Jiang Si nodded.
After the meal, Huo Tingzhou gathered the newspapers neatly.
Hesitating for a moment, he finally asked, "How is Professor Yu doing? What did you two talk about yesterday?"
Since it had been so long since they last met, Huo Tingzhou had waited outside while they spoke.
"Not much, really. The professor was his usual self—quiet as ever."
She paused before adding, "He felt guilty, said he regretted disturbing my peaceful life now."
Seeing Huo Tingzhou’s confusion, Jiang Si briefly explained.
"When he sent those parts, he didn’t know I was pregnant. He said he wouldn’t have sent them if he had."
Huo Tingzhou thought for a moment. "Has something happened to Professor Yu’s hand?"
Jiang Si’s expression darkened. "You noticed?"
Huo Tingzhou nodded. He had observed it in the meeting room yesterday—Professor Yu’s right hand had a slight tremor.
Jiang Si didn’t hide it. Just as they had suspected, her mentor’s hand had indeed been injured.
The people who hurt him were the same ones who had attempted to assassinate his wife.
In an era without computer-aided design software, nearly all heavy industry and classified research units relied on hand-drawn blueprints.
And Professor Yu’s team was responsible for the most critical phase of the entire aerospace development system.
His drawings covered everything from propulsion systems and missile structures to engines and final assembly diagrams—all under his supervision.
His importance, needless to say, was immeasurable.
"The injury itself has healed. It doesn’t affect daily life, but the slight tremor can’t be avoided."
Jiang Si paused, her eyes flickering with sorrow. "Right after it happened, his condition was much worse—he could barely hold a pen. That’s why he sent those parts to me…"
At the time, she hadn’t understood.
Not until her mentor confessed that his own fate didn’t matter—he only feared that if he fell, there would be no one to take his place.
That the entire project would suffer delays because of it.
Even in his darkest moment, his only regret was not finishing the work sooner.
Huo Tingzhou listened quietly before resting a reassuring hand on Jiang Si’s shoulder.
His voice, steady as ever, offered comfort. "It’s alright. Things will get better."
Jiang Si nodded.
With the spiritual spring, she was certain she could heal her master's hand!
"I made plans with Master to visit him after the New Year and bring the little ones along to pay their respects."
Huo Tingzhou replied, "Alright."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Jiang Si reached into her bag and pulled out a small box.
It was a gift from Master the day before—meant for the two little ones as a welcoming present.
When she opened the box, nestled against the red velvet lining were two identical silver necklaces, exquisitely crafted.
They were engraved with auspicious cloud patterns, and tiny delicate bells dangled from the bottom.
Jiang Si picked one up, and the bells chimed with a crisp, melodious tinkle.
The little ones adored such jingling sounds more than anything.
Unfortunately, they were still too young to wear such heavy silver necklaces, so they would have to be kept aside for now.
"Hmm, why haven’t the little ones come back yet?" Jiang Si carefully put the necklace away and looked up, puzzled.
By this time of day, she usually heard their cheerful babbling downstairs.
