Chapter 110: Comparison Brings Clarity
As they spoke, Su He and Tian Xiaotao arrived at the county broadcasting station.
Many people who saw Su He wore strange expressions, assuming that the station chief had summoned her to revoke her title as a special correspondent.
Only a little over a month had passed, and she’d already ruined her status? Su He really knew how to stir up trouble!
“She’s still young,” some whispered.
“She thought a bit of wit and a little literary flair could carry her everywhere—but look at her now!”
“Professional work should be left to professionals. Some people luck out and get a few pieces published, then act like they’re hot stuff. Now the universe is putting them in their place! People shouldn’t get too full of themselves!”
The speaker was Zhang Wenbiao, the most senior reporter at the county broadcasting station, known for having the most published articles and nicknamed the “First Literary Talent” of the station.
But ever since Su He arrived, the so-called First Talent had been frequently scolded by the station chief for being formulaic and uninspired. Compared to Su He, both his themes and writing style fell far short. Naturally, he began to resent her.
When Su He was still the favorite in the chief’s eyes, Zhang Wenbiao didn’t dare say much openly. But now that trouble seemed to be brewing for her, he jumped at the chance to kick her while she was down.
Su He hadn’t intended to respond to him—she didn’t see the point in wasting time on such a petty clown.
But Zhang Wenbiao mistook her silence for fear and grew bolder.
“Some people think that being named a special correspondent makes them equal to us real reporters. Flaunting that title everywhere—what a joke!
Fake is fake. Now look, her true form is exposed!
And there are still people at the station kissing up to her, trailing her everywhere—anyone who didn’t know better would think they were her maids!”
Su He’s expression darkened immediately. She didn’t mind a few sour words thrown her way, but once someone dragged Tian Xiaotao into it, she wasn’t going to stay quiet.
She walked right up to Zhang Wenbiao and said, “Reporter Zhang, if you have a problem with me, say it openly. If there’s merit to your criticism, I’ll accept and correct it. If not, I’ll still reflect.
But what you shouldn’t do is sneer and make snide innuendos, especially when it involves others.
Your behavior is like a rat crawling through a sewer—cowardly and disgraceful!”
Zhang Wenbiao’s face turned green, then white. “Su He—yes, I am talking about you!
I used to hold back for the station chief’s sake, but soon you won’t even have the title of special correspondent. I’d like to see how smug you are then!”
Su He smirked coldly. “So you’re that sure the chief is going to revoke my title?
How about we make a bet?
If the chief cancels my position, I’ll publicly apologize to you and admit that I deserved it—that I brought this on myself!
But if he doesn’t cancel it, you’ll apologize to me in front of everyone—and from now on, every time you see me, you’ll call me ‘Teacher Su.’ Deal?”
Zhang Wenbiao didn’t hesitate: “Deal! What, you think I’m scared of you?”
He thought victory was already his. The station chief had been dropping hints for days—it was clear he was ready to get rid of Su He. Her summons today had to be about stripping her of the title.
Su He nodded. “Everyone here, please be our witnesses. I’m going to see the chief now.”
She gave Tian Xiaotao a reassuring look before heading off.
—
Inside the office, Chief Liao was reviewing manuscripts, his brow furrowed tightly.
He used to think the station’s reporters were decent enough. But after reading Su He’s articles, he finally understood the truth: you only appreciate quality through comparison.
Her writing—aside from a few harmless typos—was practically flawless.
Then he looked at the other submissions: incoherent logic, dull as dishwater.
Unfortunately, the girl had bad luck. She’d offended someone important. The higher-ups had quietly suggested her removal—not explicitly, but the message was clear.
Truthfully, he didn’t want to do it.
But in this world, sometimes even the chief has to bow to pressure.
As he was thinking, Su He knocked and entered.
Chief Liao sighed inwardly. He hadn’t even sent for her yet—she came on her own. She must have heard the rumors and come to plead.
But even if she begged, there was little he could do.
Still, he maintained a kind demeanor.
“Little Su, come in. Have a seat—let’s chat.”
Su He sat down as instructed, smiling brightly.
“Chief, Reporter Zhang said someone gave you a heads-up to have me fired. He also said you wouldn’t dare offend them because of your position, and that even if I were your own daughter, you’d still cut ties to protect your rank. Is that true?”
Chief Liao fumed.
He’d assumed Tian Xiaotao had tipped Su He off. But it turns out it was that idiot Zhang Wenbiao?
What kind of nonsense was that?
Suggesting he was too scared to stand up for what was right? Did he, Liao Qiguang, seem like someone who only looked out for himself?
He snapped, “Utter nonsense! That’s completely untrue!
But, Little Su, I have to be honest. Lately, there have been multiple complaints that you’ve been using your special correspondent title to seek personal gain.
We are the voice of the people. Our journalists must meet the highest standards.
For now, please hand over your correspondent ID for safekeeping. Once we’ve investigated and cleared everything up, if you’re found innocent, I’ll return it.”
Without hesitation, Su He pulled her ID from her satchel and placed it on his desk.
“Chief, I’ll follow your instructions.”
Chief Liao had expected at least some explanation—or at the very least, a plea. But Su He handed it over so easily?
Now he actually started to feel a little guilty.
“Little Su, don’t lose heart. I think very highly of you. You have great potential.”
Su He exchanged a few polite words, then suddenly slapped her forehead. “Oh, that reminds me! A while back, I submitted articles to Huaxia Daily and Inquiry News.
My friend in the capital told me today that both articles passed preliminary and secondary reviews—they’re now in the final round.
I submitted them under my title as a special correspondent of our county’s broadcasting station. If they do get published, it won’t cause trouble for you, right?”
Chief Liao’s voice shot up: “What did you say?!”
Su He repeated herself, looking apologetic. “I really didn’t expect my time as a correspondent to be this short. If I had known, I wouldn’t have used the station’s name.
Should I call the editors and ask them to remove ‘Special Correspondent of An County Broadcasting Station’ from the byline?”
Chief Liao: “…”
