Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 126

The notebook contained detailed records of Tian Man’s interviews with the relevant individuals.

Some interviews were conducted openly with her identity disclosed, while others were undercover—such as those with Shen Daqiang, Wang Fengqin, Shen Liya, Shen Xiang, and their neighbors.

Her two articles were based on these interviews and Ye Zhiqiu’s personal account.

Qian Chunyang waved the notebook in his hand and asked Cao Yuejin, “Cao Yuejin, where are your interview records?”

“Sir, I have them too.”

Cao Yuejin also pulled out a notebook—the one containing his earlier conversation with Wang Fengqin at her home.

After reading it, Qian Chunyang passed it to Hou Haihua: “Lao Hou, take a look. I’ve never seen an ‘interview’ conducted like this before.”

Hou Haihua’s frown deepened as he read. He stated bluntly, “This isn’t an interview. This is two people ganging up to badmouth someone else.”

“Cao Yuejin, do you even remember how to be a journalist?”

Cao Yuejin was indignant. He firmly believed he had done nothing wrong: “Sirs, journalists shouldn’t just report the truth—they should also uphold justice.”

“Tian Man’s reporting clearly favors that Shen Zhiqiu. So why is mine wrong?”

Hou Haihua was speechless: “Shen Zhiqiu is the victim in this entire affair. There’s nothing wrong with Tian Man siding with her. But what’s your reason for blatantly favoring the stepmother?”

“Do you think the wrongdoers are right, and Shen Zhiqiu, the victim, is wrong?”

Cao Yuejin stiffened his neck defiantly: “No parents are ever completely in the wrong. However you look at it, her stepmother is an elder. The things she did weren’t that big of a deal. For Shen Zhiqiu to keep fixating on them—that’s where the mistake lies.”

“And you don’t even know—she even called the police on her own father! What kind of person does that?”

Tian Man had heard enough. She had always thought Cao Yuejin was just a bit chauvinistic, but now it seemed his mindset was deeply flawed.

“Cao Yuejin, are you saying that even if Shen Zhiqiu’s father and stepmother had killed her, it would have been justified?”

Cao Yuejin knew better than to answer that directly. He turned away with a dismissive expression, as if Tian Man wasn’t worth engaging with: “I stand by what I said—no parents are ever completely in the wrong.”

Qian Chunyang and Hou Haihua exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison. Cao Yuejin was beyond redemption.

This made it clear that not only was Cao Yuejin’s thinking flawed, he was also stubborn and arrogant.

Such a person was utterly unfit to be a journalist.

Journalists ought to be rational, calm, objective, and fair-minded. Their core values must be sound.

Every article they publish in the newspaper not only informs the public but also shapes their perspectives.

A journalist with corrupt ethics is nothing short of a silent catastrophe.

“Cao Yuejin, you may go for now,” Qian Chunyang said, having already made his decision. He waved Cao away.

As Cao turned to leave, Tian Man stopped him: “Cao Yuejin, was it you who wrote that anonymous letter accusing me?”

“Tian Man, women like you aren’t cut out to be journalists.”

Tian Man laughed coldly: “Cao Yuejin, in your view, women aren’t fit to be journalists—or probably anything at all, right? Only you men are qualified. Women should just stay home, do chores, and look after children.”

“But Cao Yuejin, have you forgotten? This world was created by women. Men are born from women!”

“If you look down on women, you’re looking down on your own mother. You’re looking down on the very fact of your own birth!”

“Seems like you know deep down you didn’t deserve to be born, don’t you?”

“Tian Man!”

Cao Yuejin stormed forward, raising his hand as if to strike her, but Qian Chunyang shouted him down: “Cao Yuejin, what do you think you’re doing!”

Cao lowered his hand, glaring furiously at Tian Man. He pointed at her threateningly: “Tian Man, just you wait!”

After Cao left, both Qian Chunyang and Hou Haihua counseled Tian Man.

“Xiao Tian, that was too impulsive. Why engage so intensely with him? He’s a man, you’re a woman. If he had really hit you, you would’ve been the one getting hurt!”

Tian Man felt wronged: “I was too angry to hold back.”

“Sirs, I understand what you’re saying. But you heard how insulting his words were. This is about principle and dignity. Even if he had hit me today, I would have stood my ground!”

Qian Chunyang looked at Tian Man with admiration: “Xiao Tian, you are a good comrade. Our journalism corps needs passionate, principled colleagues like you.”

“But in the future, you must be careful about your methods. You can’t charge headfirst into danger when you know it’s there. To do your work well, you first need to be safe and sound. Understand?”

Tian Man responded firmly: “Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will remember your words.”

The facts of the case were already clear, but proper procedures still had to be followed.

Hou Haihua left with Tian Man. He too was very impressed with her and said warmly, “Xiao Tian, I’m not one to beat around the bush, so I’ll be direct. Would you be interested in coming to work at National Capital News? Name your conditions.”

Tian Man was taken aback. Just as she was about to decline, Hou Haihua raised his hand: “No need to answer right away. Think it over carefully.”

He wrote down a phone number in his notebook, tore out the page, and handed it to her: “This is my number. Call me if you make up your mind.”

“Thank you for your confidence in me, Editor Hou. I will consider it seriously.” Tian Man accepted the paper with both hands, folded it neatly, and placed it in her bag.

Noticing Cao Yuejin lingering not far away, Hou Haihua offered: “Xiao Tian, let me drive you back to the newspaper office.”

“Thank you, Editor Hou.”

Hou Haihua waved it off: “Don’t mention it. Let’s go.”

They talked at length during the drive, discussing their perspectives on news reporting. They found themselves very much in sync, sharing many of the same views.

After returning to the office, Tian Man continued working on her proposal for a new column.

She had mentioned her idea for a new column to the editor-in-chief. He hadn’t given a definite answer, only asking her to prepare a proposal for him to review.

Cao Yuejin’s words had only strengthened her resolve—not only to launch this new column but to make it a success.

She wanted to prove to him that women weren’t just capable of being journalists—they could excel at it.

Around four in the afternoon, the temperature had cooled down slightly.

Ye Zhiqiu sat under the grape arbor, crocheting little bunny shoes for Yaya.

Tian Man had previously brought over two pairs, and Yaya adored them. She was wearing one of those pairs now.

Crocheted cotton shoes were warm yet breathable, perfect for this season.

Ye Zhiqiu planned to make two wool pairs for Yaya to wear when autumn arrived and the weather turned cooler.

Huo Jiusi and Yaya were nearby. Huo Jiusi was reading a story to Yaya, who listened utterly captivated.

Every so often, Ye Zhiqiu glanced over at the two children, her heart feeling full and peaceful.

“Shen Zhiqiu.”

Hearing someone call her name from outside the gate, Ye Zhiqiu looked up and saw Lu Shuangshuang walking in behind Feng Wan.