With the assistance of various media accounts within the College of Humanities and Arts, Ei Ge's post quickly stirred up waves on social media, not only receiving a large number of shares but also briefly making it to the trending topics list.
Upon receiving the news, the university promptly reached out to Ei Ge, demanding the removal of the post and related articles. Without prior notice, male leaders barged into the female dormitory to threaten her.
Over the past week since the incident, Ei Ge has not informed her family or friends, and the external and internal pressures have pushed her to the breaking point. Despite knowing that many people stand behind her, she still felt the need to confide in a close friend to continue moving forward. Subsequently, Ei Ge called Chen Xiaolin and revealed everything to her.
Chen Xiaolin had come across this incident on a social media account but had initially set aside the matter due to other distractions. She never imagined that the victim would be her own friend.
Though Aig is a sweet girl, she is more drawn to prey like an eagle and aspires to soar like one.
After confiding in Chen Xiaolin, Ei Ge was able to move forward. Just as she anticipated, no matter when or where, her closest friends will always stand by her side.
Ei Ge updated her current situation on Weibo, stating:
After a thorough review, the school flag team has removed the perpetrator from the flag guard team. Both the university and school leadership contacted me tonight, requesting the removal of all related articles from the internet. Without prior notice, the university leadership barged into the female dormitory and threatened me (audio recording available). As a student of Nangang University, I question what our school leadership fears and protects. The content of my published article contains no falsifications or exaggerations. If speaking the truth becomes an ineffective way to uphold rights, then how should those who speak out on behalf of the university protect and safeguard their rights? As far as is currently known, several students who participated in the live streaming two days ago have received warnings. I ask, as students of CHA, should artistic expression be deprived of rights?
After the update, Ei Ge once again found herself in the spotlight, shining brightly. Chen Xiaolin was also part of this.
And that's how the scene unfolded this morning with Chen Xiaolin's eyes swollen with tears.
Zhong Shao borrowed paper and a pen to write down an email address. He handed the note to Chen Xiaolin and calmly said, "Please send Ei Ge's statement and the record of performance art to this email address."
Chen Xiaolin was a bit stunned but responded with a simple "Okay."
Zhong Shao added, "There will be a resolution that the public desires in this matter. You must believe in it."
His voice was reassuring, firm, and resolute.
After Chen Xiaolin left, Zhong Shao sat across from Yu Cheng and picked up a cherry tomato, asking, "Shao, are you planning to take charge of this matter?"
Zhong Shao did not hide anything and replied with a hint of a smile, "Don't you also want to lend a hand, do you?"
Yu Cheng chuckled, "Shao, you are different from what I heard."
Zhong Shao became curious.
"From the internet, media, and what teachers say about you," Yu Cheng elaborated. The online world often subtly influences people's understanding and interpretation of individuals and events, with some words leaving an impression.
Zhong Shao became intrigued, "So, how exactly am I different?"
Setting down his fork and knife, showing a serious interest, their eyes met, but Yu Cheng stood his ground.
"To the outside world, you have portrayed yourself as relatively arrogant because you have a deep respect for acting," he explained.
"You're not afraid of me," Zhong Shao chuckled.
He seemed to be smiling more today, exuding the charm of a mature man when he smiled. Yu Cheng candidly responded, "An actor's inability to hold a scene may be related to talent and experience, but if an actor fears another actor, then they shouldn't be in this profession." In the realm of acting, there are acclaimed artists admired by millions, as well as supporting actors who have remained anonymous for decades, yet anonymity does not prevent them from standing at the same level as the revered artists when it comes to the reverence for acting, there is no concept of one actor fearing another.
Zhong Shao had been in the industry for fifteen years, the first time he was called a "lao shi" was five years ago when he encountered a highly popular star at the airport. At that time, the industry was muddled by popularity and capital, anyone could be labelled as an "actor," those who played a few insignificant roles could be addressed as "lao shi" by someone else. Since then, Zhong Shao detested appearing in the same frame as popular stars and disliked being flatteringly called "lao shi" by others.
"True," Zhong Shao recalled from memory and added, "Without a sense of reverence, one cannot continue on this path."
But does having reverence guarantee success on the path of acting?
Zhong Shao didn't continue but digressed, saying, "Yu Cheng, you are just as I imagined."
"What did you imagine?"
Yu Cheng was not one to be concerned about others' opinions of him; as long as he was true to himself, it was enough.
Zhong Shao replied, "The A and B sides of 'The Order Placer'."
Yu Cheng seemed to understand, yet not entirely, but Zhong Shao had no intention of explaining further; instead, he circled back to the original topic, "Shall we work well?"
Yu Cheng immediately guessed what Zhong Shao's cooperation entailed, so he picked up a piece of beef with his fork, tapped it against Zhong Shao's, and said, "work well."
Not long after, Zhong Shao's work email received a message from Chen Xiaolin. Yu Cheng came to Zhong Shao's room, and the two sat on the carpet by the coffee table, analyzing the original post and discussing it. Almost simultaneously with reviewing the post and related materials, they drafted a preliminary plan, but decided to wait and see how the situation developed.
Just an hour later, Ei Ge provided an update.
"At 2 p.m., the college counsellors collectively sent two messages to the class and college WeChat groups. The first claimed that the school had promptly taken disciplinary action against the students who violated the rules. Following this message, we checked the campus website and official social media platforms but did not find any related disciplinary documents or additional explanations. The second message from the counsellors advised all We-media students engaged in operations management not to make extreme or inappropriate comments, incited by those with ulterior motives. If anyone is seen doing so, please inform the class counsellors promptly. From the start of the incident until today, a full seven days have passed, and I have no information on the punishment for the perpetrators. I do have an ulterior motive; it is not just about the school's stance and actions but also about seeking an apology, not just for myself but for all the female students."
Below the update were over a dozen screenshots of messages from the counsellors in the WeChat conversation.
After reviewing the messages, Yu Cheng proceeded to the public forum and skimmed through the reactions of the general public.
In the era of digital information, one can express various opinions based on any one-sided remarks. Words are crafted by people, but those behind the keyboard remain concealed, not feeling the need to bear corresponding responsibilities.
This society often demonstrates excessive tolerance towards men while being overly strict towards women. Can men receive societal praise while women are not allowed to speak up for themselves?
Upon reflection, Yu Cheng retweeted a live video on Weibo, commenting: "I applaud this performance art. In this society, due to gender advantages, males have countless privileges, thus, we can never truly understand many situations faced by females. Standing on the same front as them may be the only thing we can do."
In contrast to Yu Cheng's empathetic evaluation, Zhong Shao directly reposted the earliest statement made by the female involved, with a sharp and straightforward comment: "Women's lives are not a moving porn film."