After a month of grueling investigation, Chloe finally found a breakthrough. By cross-referencing port cargo transport records, environmental agency test reports, and hospital patient data, she built a complete chain of evidence. Even without the informant's public testimony, it was more than enough to prove the chemical plant's pollution. Her story was nearly complete, a moment that should have been the pinnacle of her career.
However, on the night before she was about to submit the final draft, an unexpected discovery sent a chill down her spine. In the authorization signature block of one of the internal documents, she saw a familiar name—David Chen. He was her first editor, her mentor, and the man who had taught her what journalistic integrity was.
Chloe's hand began to tremble. She remembered ten years ago, when she was a new journalist, how David had personally taught her how to dig for leads, verify information, and stick to the truth under pressure. He had once said, "A good journalist should be like a sharp sword, but more importantly, you must know where to point it."
Now, that sword had to be pointed at the person she respected most. Chloe felt a deep, piercing pain, as if three sharp swords had simultaneously stabbed her heart. She suddenly understood that some truths, no matter how right they were, were revealed in a process so cruel.
【Echo from the Mirror】
When the sharp sword of truth points at someone you're closest to, what do you choose? Do you uphold the lie, or do you choose to reveal the truth? Sometimes, the most painful part isn't the truth itself, but having to face it. But please remember, it is only through heartbreak that we can truly grow.