The White Olive Tree

Chapter 33

That night, Song Ran didn't pay attention to any external news and went to bed early. Although she relied on sleeping pills, she slept soundly and woke up feeling refreshed the next day. It was only upon arriving at the TV station that she caught up with the news.

Following the public letter from the students in the morning and the announcement of the suicide case in the afternoon, there had been two massive waves of online attacks against her. However, the situation reversed after Wang Han stepped forward, turning the tide of abuse against Zhao Yuanli and even affecting some innocent students who had publicly supported Zhao.

Song Ran wondered whether the faces behind the screens were human or beast.

In response to the uproar, the school immediately suspended Zhao Yuanli, promising full cooperation with the police investigation while conducting a school-wide inspection against all forms of violence to ensure a safe learning environment for the students.

Wang Han had taken a leave of absence and was taken home by his parents, awaiting the police investigation and evidence collection. Since he was a minor, the progress of the case would no longer be disclosed to the media. However, Wang Han posted a statement on social media: "Please don't support me because I know once you're dissatisfied with the outcome, the knife in your hands will turn towards me."

Song Ran then published a postscript.

She admitted to making errors in verification, misleading public opinion, and hoped everyone would take this as a lesson to patiently wait for, trust in, and supervise the lawful investigation by the relevant departments. The truth would ultimately come to light.

In her article, Song Ran wrote:

"Public figures have a butterfly effect on public opinion, especially in the journalism profession. I overlooked this fact, letting the situation escalate beyond my expectations. It was my mistake. However, as observers, should you not also enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, and avoid blindly taking sides and venting emotions."

Compared to her previous articles, this call for rationality received pitifully few comments and shares.

But Wang Han called her, saying he had read her published article. Over the phone, the boy sounded remorseful: "Sister, I'm sorry. I was looking for help, so I lied to you; and I was afraid of being isolated by the entire school, so I didn't come forward in time."

Song Ran smiled: "It's okay. You're under a lot of pressure right now, and I'm actually a bit worried about you."

"My parents are with me, I'll be fine. Don't worry, this time I will tell the truth, without hiding anything, and certainly without exaggerating."

"Good."

Their conversation was brief; his parents, wary of reporters, kept a tight rein on his phone usage, and Wang Han soon hung up.

Another reporter contacted Song Ran, hoping to interview Wang Han through her, but she refused. The reporter rebuked her: "I publicly supported you when you were in the eye of the storm a few days ago, and now that it's all over, you're turning your back on me?"

Song Ran promptly blocked him.

Afterward, Song Ran printed a sheet of paper and went to Liu Yufei's office.

Liu Yufei was surprised to receive the simple one-page resignation letter, "What are you doing?"

"I want to resign," Song Ran apologized.

"You..." Liu Yufei was puzzled, "Why put yourself through this? Wang Han finally came forward to testify, proving you were right. Many people support you now."