The chimes of midnight, 00:00, sounded softly, and within the room on the third floor, a television set seemed to be roused by an invisible force, its screen suddenly glowing. The occupant in bed struggled to pry open their heavy eyelids, only to be greeted by a stark and powerful emergency broadcast announcement from XY TV Station.
"Urgent Wanted – Li Haoyu!"
Beneath the screen, a vivid red numeral "1" stood out sharply against the background, heralding the exposure of yet another unsolved mystery.
The scene abruptly shifted to a bustling studio, where a composed interview host sat side by side with an anonymous guest. Their silhouettes under the spotlight exuded an air of solemnity. The host gently waved his hand, and the camera slowly panned over his shoulder, as he spoke with firmness and conviction:
"Please share your entire experience with the public without hesitation; they have a fundamental right to be informed of the truth."
The interviewee delicately lifted her phone, the screen frozen on a poignant moment from July 15th, 2021, showcasing a social media post that encapsulated her youth: "Embarking on Adulthood, Unveiling a Fresh Chapter! Location: V-Club." Beneath it, an avalanche of heartfelt wishes and likes commemorated a night that ought to have been bathed in laughter and joy.
"It was a milestone evening," she began, her words measured, "marking my 18th birthday. My friends suggested celebrating at a nightclub, and despite my father's vehement disapproval, I stood firm, asserting my independence and responsibility. As my companions gradually dispersed, I, driven by a desire to prove my maturity, resolved to stay until the wee hours. Eighteen, to me, symbolized the dawn of freedom and the pursuit of dreams. I was enveloped in a symphony of music and light, relishing a liberty I had never before experienced."
Yet, this newfound freedom was soon engulfed by shadows. She recounted the encounter with the man in the shadows, his eyes piercing, a peculiar smile lurking at the corners of his lips. He approached with a stealthy gait, disrupting the serenity of the night.
"He seemed to be in his mid-thirties, impeccably attired, emanating an allure that was both captivating and inexplicable." Her heart pounded, her own breath audible in the silence. "Just as I prepared to speak, he preempted me, inquiring whether I would be spending the night alone. I shook my head, unaware that this simple gesture would be the prelude to a living nightmare."
Her voice trembled as she recounted, "He counted down, 3, 2, 1, and then everything went black. When consciousness returned, I discovered myself to be a victim of Li Haoyu – a monster who derived sick pleasure from drugging and sexually assaulting unsuspecting women."
The camera focused intently on the tears glistening at the corners of her eyes as she tenderly brushed them away, as if attempting to erase the traumatic memory from existence.
The interviewer, now seated, perused the documents in his hand before confirming with the staff, "What's the latest update on the reported cases?"
"We've just received notification that two additional victims have come forward, elevating the total count to 160," the staff replied, their tone a blend of calm and solemnity.
The interviewer nodded solemnly, facing the camera with gravity etched on his face. "Six days have passed since the inception of this special program. Through the relentless efforts of our team, we've managed to swiftly unmask the truth. To all viewers tuning in, if you or your loved ones find yourselves amidst the vibrant yet potentially treacherous environment of nightclubs, please exercise caution and prioritize your safety. For within every night's revelry lie hidden dangers that often remain concealed from the unsuspecting."
He paused momentarily, his voice laced with a palpable mix of frustration and outrage: "Since the revelation of Li Haoyu's atrocities, societal attention appears to have waned. Yet, it bears emphasizing that the voice of every victim must resonate, unmuted. Last evening, upon revisiting V-Club, I witnessed a throng of people outside, the scene even more vibrant than before, with queues snaking down the adjacent street. Young faces abounded, etched with a yearning for the unknown. When I inquired about their perceptions of such incidents, the responses chilled me to the bone. They might be brimming with confidence, convinced that caution alone suffices to evade danger, but the harsh reality often transcends our wildest imaginings."
The interview seamlessly shifted to the exclusive segment featuring Victim No. 1, who sat resolutely before the camera's gaze.
"Did you partake in any beverages offered to you by Li Haoyu?" the host inquired.
She shook her head firmly, her expression unwavering. "No, I was subjected to an inexplicable force, one that was irresistible. It felt akin to being entranced by hypnosis."
"Do you genuinely believe it was hypnosis?" the host pressed on.
"I am at a loss for any other plausible explanation," she replied, her conviction unshakeable.
As the interview delved deeper into the intricacies of this societal quagmire, the host navigated various perspectives, while the production team, through meticulously crafted animations and poignant narrations, brought the victims' harrowing experiences to life on screen, enabling viewers to empathize with their terror and helplessness in a profound manner.