“Hello everyone, welcome to ‘Heart-to-Heart Talk’, I’m your host A-Yang. Thank you for tuning in. Today, our discussion topic is the biggest challenge faced by women in the workplace: workplace sexual harassment!”
“Due to various biological and social factors, women often encounter a pervasive problem both in education and their careers, and that is workplace sexual harassment!”
“Perhaps out of shame or a lack of evidence, many women choose to suffer in silence when confronted with this issue. This silence, unfortunately, allows such unacceptable behavior to thrive!”
“Today, we’ve invited three guests: Xiao Lan, an office professional; Xiao Qing, from the entertainment and modeling industry; and Xiao Hong, a female postgraduate student. To protect their privacy, our guests are wearing colored masks, and their voices have been altered.”
“Xiao Lan, you’re a white-collar worker with five years of experience. Have you also encountered sexual harassment in your workplace?”
Upon A-Yang’s question, the woman wearing the blue mask began to speak slowly.
“Actually, in private companies, workplace harassment is quite common. I’ve experienced it twice. The first time was during my probation period. The HR reviewer called me into his office and said my performance during the internship wasn’t very strong, making my full-time conversion difficult.”
“I had just graduated back then and didn’t know any better. I thought it was just part of being a newbie. The job market was tough, and I really valued this opportunity.”
“He called me to his desk, pointed at my evaluation form, and while talking… he started stroking my waist with his hand. I was so scared and nervous. I wanted to shout, to stop him, but…”
Xiao Lan’s voice trembled slightly here.
“…But I thought of my parents, of their backs becoming increasingly hunched from working hard to put me through college. This job opportunity was hard-won; I couldn’t let it slip away just because of my own unwillingness.”
“Fortunately, someone else entered the office at that moment, and the HR manager let go.”
“The second time was two years into the job. The company was entertaining an important client, and because I was considered the prettiest girl in the office, they wanted me to accompany them. I was reluctant, but under pressure and persuasion from my boss, I eventually agreed.”
“That day, the client drank heavily. I was seated next to him, and as he got drunker, his hands started wandering, constantly groping my thigh… I was at a loss. I looked at my boss for help, but he just turned away, pretending not to see anything.”
“I endured it for about two minutes before making an excuse to go to the restroom. There, I broke down crying. I never imagined I’d face something like this. I simply didn’t know what to do…”
…
The topic was sensitive and heavy. The program continued, and the audience was completely drawn into the stories.
Next, Xiao Qing and Xiao Hong also shared their experiences with sexual harassment. Compared to Xiao Lan’s, their situations were even more severe.
In Xiao Qing’s account, some agents even approached her directly, stating that she had to be ‘willing to pay the price’ and ‘make sacrifices’ to get opportunities. They implied that affairs between men and women were just trivial matters, and it didn’t matter who you were with.
Xiao Hong shared how her supervisor held her thesis hostage, trying to pressure her into becoming his secret mistress. She was just a student with no one to rely on. Unwilling to submit, she was forced to suspend her studies. It had been several years, and she still hadn’t managed to get her graduation certificate.
The words of the three female guests mercilessly exposed these shameful, often unspoken challenges women face in work and education, simultaneously causing a huge uproar online.
“Heart-to-Heart Talk” was already the most popular interview program in the country, always focusing on current hot-button issues that people cared about deeply.
And this particular episode struck a chord in the hearts of countless viewers.
So many women who had experienced workplace sexual harassment related deeply. So many parents with daughters felt their hearts ache with worry.
At the end of the program, A-Yang’s voice was somber.
“Through the broadcast of this episode, we hope to encourage everyone to find the courage to say ‘no’ to workplace sexual harassment. Only when each of us stands up for ourselves can we truly stamp out this unhealthy practice!”
“Furthermore, in collaboration with Starlight Entertainment, we have established a free legal aid center and a dedicated fund. If you encounter similar difficulties defending your rights in life, we will provide free services to help you fight for the justice you deserve.”
The program ended, but the impact it created continued to ferment.
“A senior at my university mentioned that during his PhD, many female students reported their advisors making unwanted advances.”
“Last month, when I was selling houses, I met this jerk who insisted I have dinner with him, or else he wouldn’t buy! Since when do I put up with that crap?”
“One of my friends went through something similar just last week, but she had no evidence. It’s so hard to fight for your rights!”
…
Soon, the heat of this topic skyrocketed to the number one spot on the trending charts.
While many people discussed the issue, they also developed a significantly more favorable view of “Heart-to-Heart Talk” and Starlight Entertainment.
After all, they were truly giving a voice to the vulnerable in society!
When Qin Lang saw all this, he finally understood. So this is where Starlight Entertainment’s publicity stunt was leading!
First, they heated up the topic of workplace sexual harassment, making everyone acknowledge and discuss it.
Then, when public opinion reached its peak, they would release the recording.
That way, the previous negative press about Qin Yunxiao’s alleged diva behavior would be completely overturned overnight. Qin Yunxiao might even become a representative figure for independent women fighting for their rights!
Coupled with Starlight Entertainment’s legal aid center and special fund, the public would direct all their attacks towards Brocade Apparel!
Even a major brand like Brocade Apparel wouldn’t be able to withstand the condemnation from the entire society.
“Ruthless. Truly ruthless. He’s indeed a cunning old fox!” Qin Lang shuddered, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.
If Yun Si Hai was this formidable, how could he possibly compete? Wouldn’t he just be toyed with in the palm of his hand?
Compared to Qin Lang’s minor worries, Brocade Apparel was facing an unprecedented challenge.
If even Qin Lang could see through this, how could the CEO and management of Brocade Apparel fail to understand?
Knock, knock, knock!
A knock sounded on the door of the Brocade Apparel Chairman’s office.
“Come in!”
Li Changsheng walked in. “You wanted to see me, Father?”
Seated at the chairman’s desk was a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and big eyes.
“Five days ago, before I left on my business trip, I asked Old Sun to finalize the endorsement contract with Starlight Entertainment. What exactly happened?”
“Everything went smoothly…”
Before Li Changsheng could finish, the Chairman slammed his hand heavily on the desk. “Li Changsheng! Have your wings hardened? How much longer did you plan to keep this from me?”
