Chapter Ninety-Four: The Final Dawn

What kind of ripple could a rural teacher’s video create online?
Perhaps it would stir up waves, or perhaps it would sink without a trace.
It might even get banned before it ever sees the light of day.
Everything was uncertain.
Fortunately, the invisible forces manipulating everything seemed to focus all their attention on suppressing Bai Ling.
Meanwhile, one person fell silent as he scrolled through countless messages.
Zhen Xiang!
An ordinary reporter at a newspaper.
He covered the entertainment section.
Handled trivial matters, and recently was in charge of taking photos related to Bai Ling.
When Bai Ling rose to fame, the editors were eager for Zhen Xiang to bring in a fresh photo of her every day to fabricate stories.
That’s what entertainment tabloids thrived on.
And when Bai Ling’s reputation imploded, the bosses didn’t hesitate to approach Zhen Xiang, hoping he could get even more sensational, valuable photos.
Everyone was piling on Bai Ling, feasting on the traffic and the benefits it brought.
How could they miss out?
“Zhen Xiang, you’ve always performed well. I value you highly.”
“So, show your skills and get as many photos as you can.”
“Remember, be quick, or Bai Ling will soon fade and her photos will be yesterday’s news.”
“I believe in your abilities. Go for it!”
The leader’s words echoed in his ears, leaving Zhen Xiang, who sat before the computer browsing endless abusive messages, in silent contemplation.
“Is Bai Ling really going to fall?”
Though he hadn’t interacted much with Bai Ling, Zhen Xiang hadn’t forgotten her kindness to him.
If it weren’t for Bai Ling, he might not even have this job.
Now, the management was convinced Bai Ling wouldn’t last, that her end was near.
Was he supposed to join in, profiting from her misfortune?
Zhen Xiang’s fists clenched tightly. Though he was a paparazzo, could he truly forsake his conscience?
Was this right?
“Maybe I’m not cut out for this line of work!”

Suddenly, Zhen Xiang’s resolve faltered, and he unclenched his fists.
He removed the badge from his chest, intending to open a document and draft his resignation letter.
But just then, his WeChat vibrated.
“It seems like things might be changing!”
“This video is going viral!”
“Is this Bai Ling’s company orchestrating publicity?”
“Doesn’t look like it.”
It was his work group—a circle of paparazzi.
Zhen Xiang often gleaned insider information from them.
Seeing Bai Ling mentioned, he clicked in and watched Teacher Zhang Ruchun’s video.
After viewing it, Zhen Xiang’s eyes reddened.
“I deserve punishment. I actually considered betraying Bai Ling for a moment!”
“A person must have a conscience!”
“She treated me well. She’s a good person!”
Even with his resignation in mind, Zhen Xiang felt guilty.
Immediately, he read through the chat and came up with a bold idea.
He opened a document and started writing.
He wanted to do his part!
Soon, he published his article—dedicated entirely to the story of Zhang Ruchun and Bai Ling.
Although Zhen Xiang doubted it would help much, at least it was a gesture.
He then spared no effort posting his article across major social forums, sharing Teacher Zhang Ruchun’s video.
He even engaged in fierce keyboard battles with internet trolls and clueless bystanders.
Naturally, his article and Zhang Ruchun’s video quickly spread to Bai Ling’s fan groups.
When Bai Ling’s fans discovered she’d accomplished such a remarkable feat,
they were utterly stunned.
Many suspected it was a publicity stunt and questioned whether Chunqiu Company had pushed Zhang Ruchun to testify.
But, so far, the video’s numbers were unimpressive—one could even call them bleak.
After all, in this day and age, people crave sensational headlines and exaggerated thumbnails; even tragedy must be marketed with drama.

This video, though, simply showed a plain-looking teacher, indistinguishable from any rural woman, holding a contract.
There’s no way it would attract viewers.
Moreover, Zhang Ruchun’s performance in the video was unmistakably genuine—the pauses, the sincere emotion.
If she were acting, someone should suggest she quit teaching and become an actress; she might win Best Actress.
Considering all this, and the trust Bai Ling’s true fans placed in her,
they could almost certainly conclude that the video was simply Zhang speaking up for Bai Ling.
And that, was the most powerful shock.
What had Bai Ling done?
She donated two million, and gave all her personal profits from “The Crown Princess” to the school?
In today’s world, celebrities doing charity isn’t rare.
Whether genuine or fake, few hide it.
Most flaunt their generosity, seeking attention and traffic.
Especially those with dubious intentions, desperate for everyone to witness their benevolence.
Frankly, it’s just another way to make money.
But Bai Ling was different.
Her actions resembled those of true veteran stars, quietly doing good, silently helping those in need.
And Bai Ling’s method of charity gained widespread approval.
She donated directly to those in need, not to so-called charity organizations.
Everyone knows the current reputation of charity organizations.
No exaggeration—this is real kindness!
A righteous, compassionate, and loving act, undeniably, the money she donated would bring the first light of dawn to the children of Zhoujia Village and nearby hamlets, helping them cross the darkness and embrace the sun.
But sadly, such a person was enduring endless storms of public opinion, countless insults, countless ridicule, and waves of obvious internet manipulation.
Even her first work had been taken offline.
The income from “The Crown Princess” should have gone to help impoverished children.
Those who reported her had cut off not only Bai Ling’s future, but also the hope of those innocent, unfortunate children!
At that moment, feelings of admiration, reflection, and anger began to spread through Bai Ling’s fan community.