The morning after the rain was refreshing, the air filled with the faint scent of earth and flowers, invigorating the soul.
Levi, a stout middle-aged man, ambled into the Steambird office, clutching his briefcase.
Inside, the newspaper office was a hive of activity, yet orderly. Reporters scurried about, chasing down the slightest hint of news, while editors were engrossed in reviewing and polishing manuscripts.
The entire office functioned like a well-oiled machine, each employee diligently performing their duties.
Levi nodded in satisfaction before heading into his office.
Once inside, Levi gestured for the new female reporter to make him a cup of coffee.
When the fragrant coffee was brought to him, he took a small sip, then sat at his desk and began reviewing the neatly stacked Steambird articles.
Levi's review process was far from rigorous.
He quickly flipped through the articles, his eyes skimming over the text, often only pausing briefly before signing off.
For him, having to revise these articles himself would undoubtedly increase his workload, which was something he certainly didn't want.
He'd rather spend that time exchanging "experiences" with the pretty female reporters.
However, when Levi's gaze fell upon a report in today's Steambird, his face instantly darkened.
He immediately picked up the review copy, stood up without hesitation, and headed straight for Euphrasie, who was focused on writing her article.
Euphrasie was unaware of the impending storm.
When Chief Editor Levi slammed the review copy onto her head, she looked up in shock, seeing Levi's angry, contorted face.
"Euphrasie, what is the meaning of this article?" Levi's voice was as sharp as a knife. "What do you mean by 'The West Factory upheld justice and dispelled the darkness looming over the Fontaine Research Institute?"
All eyes turned to them, a mix of curiosity and tension filling the air.
Euphrasie suppressed her alarm, quickly gathered the scattered review copy, then stood up straight, facing Levi without flinching.
She stated firmly, "Chief Editor Levi, as journalists, we should restore the truth to the public, not spread rumors."
Hearing Euphrasie's response, Levi's anger reached its peak, his eyes practically spitting fire.
He jabbed a finger directly at Euphrasie's nose, his voice trembling with rage. "You—you dare say I'm spreading rumors? Who do you think you are, daring to speak to me like that? Get out of my sight! I never want to see you again!"
Euphrasie was not intimidated by his threats in the slightest.
She raised her head, looking directly into Levi's eyes, her gaze filled with determination and resolve. "If the Steambird can't even report the most basic truth, then there's no point in me staying here.
As a journalist, I have a responsibility to convey the truth to the public. If you can't accept that, then I have no choice but to leave."
After saying these words, Euphrasie began to pack her things in an orderly fashion. Her movements were calm, but her eyes revealed deep disappointment.
Just then, a gentle voice suddenly rang out in the hall, as comforting as a spring breeze.
"I deeply agree with Reporter Euphrasie's words. As news reporters, our primary duty is to report the truth to the public as it is."
Levi was about to angrily rebuke the meddler, but upon seeing the face of the voice's owner, his expression changed drastically, and the words of rebuke were swallowed back.
Like a chameleon, he quickly adjusted his expression, forcing a smile onto his face, and hurried towards the owner of the voice. "Baron Yide, your presence brings honor to our humble office. May I ask what brings you here, my lord?"
Yide offered a slight smile. "It's nothing much, really. I simply wanted to invite Chief Editor Levi to the West Factory for a cup of tea and a chat."
Levi's face turned even paler, his eyes filled with fear and unease. "Baron Yide, you're too kind. But I've been terribly busy with work lately, and I'm afraid I would spoil your enjoyment."
"Ah…" Yide sighed softly, a look of regret on his face. "Since Chief Editor Levi is so busy, I won't force the issue. I'll come find you again when I have the chance. I hope you won't say you're busy then!"
After saying that, he turned and left.
Levi watched Yide's figure disappear, the tension in his nerves finally easing slightly.
He tried to step back towards his office, but found that his legs seemed to have lost their strength, unable to support his body.
He struggled to move his feet, finally returning to his office.
He collapsed into his chair, drinking several gulps of coffee before his frantic heartbeat slowly calmed down.
But soon, he fell into deep anxiety again.
Because he knew that no one who was targeted by Yide ever had a good ending.
And he himself happened to have many unknown dark secrets. If Yide were to uncover them, he would face at least thirty years in prison.
The thought of spending the rest of his life in the dark, damp Fortress of Meropide prison, spending endless days treading on a sewing machine, sent shivers of fear and despair through Levi.
He hurriedly left the Steambird office, heading towards a luxurious noble manor, seeking the protection of the person behind him.
However, what he didn't know was that all his actions were being monitored by "someone with ulterior motives."