"We won't delete the photos. We'll release follow-up reports in a few days, which will restore your reputation. If that doesn't work, we can compensate you a bit, consider it friendship. Everything is negotiable except deleting the photos!"
Their words completely infuriated Xiao Rong'er, leaving her speechless.
"Oh, and Miss Xiao, as a senior, I'll give you a tip. If you reveal the answer beforehand, that's also an option. Public opinion won't be one-sided forever. Disagreement creates buzz."
The editor of the tabloid said with a grin. They were a small operation, and this was their game. They loved it when people challenged them.
It was the kind of feeling that made them uncomfortable if they weren't stirring up trouble. Seeing their smug faces, Xiao Rong'er turned and walked out.
"You think you can mess with me, huh? I, Xiao Rong'er, am not to be trifled with."
After some thought, Xiao Rong'er pulled out her phone and called Zhang Tianxing. "Zhang Tianxing, what are you up to?"
"Getting ready for school. I almost forgot I'm still a student," Zhang Tianxing grumbled. He found that he could only think of more efficient and convenient solutions after witnessing things firsthand.
Then, he got so caught up that he almost forgot he had to start school.
"Damn, I understand why Bill dropped out to start a business. Juggling school and entrepreneurship is not for humans."
"I have a question for you. Have you seen the pictures online?" Xiao Rong'er asked. In her impression, Zhang Tianxing wasn't the type to suffer in silence.
"Could there be a hidden story behind this?"
"Good news never travels far, but bad news spreads like wildfire. People say all sorts of things," Zhang Tianxing chuckled. Why explain this nonsense? It would be like protesting too much. It was best to just ignore it.
Who would have nothing better to do than to keep an eye on this? Besides, even if this blew up, he was in the right.
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Xiao Rong'er's suspicions were confirmed. It seemed Zhang Tianxing didn't consider this a big deal at all.
"Tianxing, public opinion is very unfavorable to you right now. They'll throw mud at you, and you'll be in a very passive position. Tell me the truth of the matter, and I, as your elder, will help you get justice." Xiao Rong'er patted her chest resolutely, wanting to find evidence in Zhang Tianxing's favor.
"Forget it. In this matter, everyone has their own version of the truth. The more you engage with them, the more they'll stir up trouble. Just ignore them." Zhang Tianxing flatly rejected Xiao Rong'er's suggestion. "Don't piss on them, let them do their business. I'll remain unmoved."
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Xiao Rong'er was also speechless. "Brother, you're the boss, but I'm like an anxious eunuch when the emperor is unconcerned."
However, Zhang Tianxing had saved her life, and this kindness was greater than heaven. Since Zhang Tianxing was unwilling to provide evidence, she would have to step in herself.
"By the way, could you explain this matter to the public, Zhang Tianxing? Everyone misunderstands you right now, and even the reputation of Hutouben is declining." Xiao Rong'er had truly accepted Zhang Tianxing's nonchalance and wondered if he could offer an explanation.
"A formidable life needs no explanation. Besides, I haven't committed any crime, and my family won't be angry with me because of this. Apart from these two situations, I never explain myself. I am a person of principle." Zhang Tianxing was completely exasperated with Xiao Rong'er. Did the beautiful Miss Xiao have nothing better to do?
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Xiao Rong'er felt a surge of blood rush to her chest, causing internal injury. "Zhang Tianxing, your words are too powerful."
"A formidable life needs no explanation. I wish I could be like that too, but life is too difficult, and I just can't."
"People of principle are the coolest. I like that you have principles. You are a person of principle, and so am I."
"Therefore, I am determined to help you with this. This time, Xiao Rong'er will definitely get justice for you."
"To eliminate weeds, you must pull them by the root. To cure an illness, you must treat its cause."
"This online incident was caused by the Hutouben hitting an old man. Therefore, the solution is to reveal the truth of the matter."
"Perhaps more involved parties should explain the truth. Xiao Rong'er believes there must be an inside story."
"Moreover, Xiao Rong'er has a trump card. She has Zhu Dachang's contact information. I understand the strategy of taking an indirect approach."
Xiao Rong'er arranged to meet Zhu Dachang and directly asked him.
"Dachang, tell me, Sister Rong'er, why did Zhang Tianxing hit that old man with his car?"
Upon hearing Xiao Rong'er's question, Zhu Dachang was visibly startled. "Sister Rong'er, why don't you ask Tianxing? It would be more appropriate to ask him about this."
"Are you Zhang Tianxing's good brother? Do you know what people are saying about Zhang Tianxing online? Can you bear to let Zhang Tianxing carry this infamy?" Xiao Rong'er was furious. "Zhu Dachang, just tell me directly. If I could get the information from him, I wouldn't be asking you."
Seeing Xiao Rong'er's relentless questioning, Zhu Dachang thought about it and realized she was right. He also felt wronged. In this day and age, those who remained silent were seen as weak.
Zhu Dachang recounted the entire incident. Xiao Rong'er nodded. "So that old scoundrel was a professional con artist. Why didn't they hit him to death and eliminate a scourge for the people?"
"Tianxing said that every country has its laws, and every family has its rules. If this old man acted maliciously, the law will punish him."
Xiao Rong'er slapped her forehead. That made sense. She should find the old man and see what he had to say. It seemed she had to confront that scoundrel herself this time.
"Remember, I never came to see you, and you never told me anything. Zhang Tianxing must not know I came to find you." Xiao Rong'er repeatedly cautioned Zhu Dachang before preparing to go find the old man.
She refused to believe that with her methods, she couldn't contend with a few tabloids.
Arriving at Zhoujiazhuang, Xiao Rong'er asked everyone she met about the old man Zhou's whereabouts. However, the villagers looked at her strangely.
"Old Man Zhou was arrested. Why are you looking for him?"
This news completely stunned Xiao Rong'er. "What's going on? Why was Old Man Zhou arrested?"
"They said it was for extortion and repeated offenses. He's in for good this time."
"He deserved it. People like him are a disgrace to our Zhoujiazhuang."
Hearing this, Xiao Rong'er finally understood. It was only because she wasn't there at the scene. If she had been, she would have put on her sky-high heels and used them to "greet" Old Man Zhou.
"The older he gets, the worse he becomes. He's truly an old man who turned bad. Xiao Rong'er felt that Old Man Zhou was rotten to the core, from head to toe."
"How can a person be like this, living off of others? Such people don't deserve to live in this world."
"The fewer of these people there are, the better. Xiao Rong'er supports this view."
"The law must be upheld. For certain crimes, there must be severe punishment. Once discovered, they will be punished without mercy. Some people just need to be taught a lesson. If they aren't taught a lesson, they won't know how much they owe the world."