Going Out
Other newspapers might be acceptable, at most damaging the government's credibility, but the government's credibility had already been destroyed by itself and could not be compared with the Mohist School's reputation. The few newspapers that Si Ming controlled happened to represent the Mohist School's mouthpiece.
Si Ming laughed and said, "We don't need to lie. We just need to state that it's a guess, such as 'Expert X believes,' 'Dr. X suspects,' or 'Chancellor X conjectures.' First of all, it's someone else's opinion, and secondly, we haven't endorsed this view. Even if it turns out to be wrong later, that's because the experts and professors have limited abilities, and it has nothing to do with the newspaper. It's about freedom of speech."
Murong Qing, however, was not so easily fooled. He said, "Since the opinions were published in our newspaper, we bear responsibility. If we find them unbelievable, then we shouldn't have published them. Publishing them proves that we are on the same side. We shouldn't play word games with the people; that's the trick of Diplomatic School."
"I think this is prevention, a reminder, just like the insurance industry. If an accident happens, of course you'll get compensation; but if no accident happens, it doesn't mean insurance is meaningless."
"What you say isn't without reason." Murong Qing wasn't inflexible; compared to the potential negative consequences, making some compromises at this moment was nothing, though she couldn't help feeling somewhat uneasy.
Seeing this, Si Ming added, "Besides, we don't need to name names. We can just have someone write more stories related to 'seeking help from a tiger.' For example, a certain young man obtains a ring that seals a demon king. The ring has four seals. The young man makes a deal with the demon king, gaining power by breaking the seals, thus becoming famous in the martial arts world, until the demon king breaks free and kills the young man's entire family, leaving no one alive. Or, the demon king disguises himself as an old man to guide the young man in cultivation, and on the day the young man's divine skills are perfected, he possesses his body and is born. Stories like this are not uncommon; they are abundant in various chivalrous novels. We can easily do a special report on it."
These stories have nothing to do with the Divine Pillar or the Heaven-Defying Society on the surface, but as long as they leave a deep impression on readers, they will naturally make the connection when they encounter similar situations, thus becoming wary. The effect is no different from directly reminding them of the consequences of cutting down the Divine Pillar, and it is even more effective for some readers who consider themselves to have "independent thinking ability".
The news media of this world has not yet developed to the level of the chaotic era in Si Ming's previous life, and the methods used are very primitive. Therefore, the method proposed by Si Ming was refreshing to everyone. However, he had already proven his talent in this area, so no one was shocked. They could only sigh with surprise, "So this is how it can be used."
"This method of subtly guiding public opinion is quite interesting. As expected of my brother, our wisdom is inherited from the same source, unlike some others." Si Jingyu never missed an opportunity to tease Si Huaruo.
When the topic of wisdom came up, Si Ming readily and shamelessly admitted, "Oh, not at all, I'm just making a fool of myself, please excuse my poor performance."
He laughed as he picked up a piece of pork with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. After a few chews, his expression suddenly changed. "Why is this pork sweet!" Although he still swallowed it, he looked as if he had drunk Chinese medicine.
Si Shuiyun, who was in charge of taking orders, quickly explained, "This is pork with red dates, so it's naturally sweet."
Si Ming examined the dish closely and found that it indeed contained red dates with pork, as well as a large amount of broth that was brown in color, probably because soy sauce had been added. The taste was sweet, oily, and greasy.
"What kind of monstrous dish is this? Pork should be salty, or at least have the sticky, sweet flavor of braised pork. This broth-like sweetness is simply Evil Dao!"
Hongdou took a spoonful and said, "I think it's alright. Although it's a bit greasy, it's still acceptable."
Si Shuiyun quickly chimed in, "That's right, this red date and pork dish is very nutritious. It can nourish the kidneys and blood, and moisturize dryness. The first bite might feel greasy, but after a few more sips, you'll be able to appreciate its flavor."
The others also became curious and tried the dish, with varying results.
Murong Qing frowned and said, "Indeed, it makes one feel nauseous. Sweetness and oiliness are already cloying, and combining the two flavors only makes it more cloying. It's a case of too much of a good thing."
Si Jingyu took a bite of the pork and said in Anomalies tone, "Isn't it quite delicious? The sweetness of the red dates permeates the pork, a flavor that salted pork doesn't have. It has a unique taste."
Si Huaruo immediately spat it out. "I'm afraid there's something wrong with your tongue. Pork stewed in soup is never good. For example, the good part of pork rib soup is actually the broth; the pork ribs themselves are loose and crumbly, like chewing paper. The texture is bad and it's tasteless. This red date pork soup does have some flavor, but it still can't mask the bad texture."
Si Jingyu shook her head and said, "How spoiled! She acts like a pampered young lady who's never lifted a finger."
Si Huaruo retorted angrily, "It's as if you can handle even a drop of water. Besides, what does this have to do with being delicate? Saying something tastes bad is called being honest and straightforward."
One dish instantly divided the room into factions, creating a tense atmosphere where everyone wore solemn expressions, as if determined to defend culinary tradition to the death.
Just as things seemed about to escalate, the restaurant owner suddenly pushed open the door and entered, chuckling awkwardly, "Sir, if you have any disagreements, please try to resolve them amicably. Please don't fight in our restaurant. As the saying goes, 'A step back leads to a brighter future,' so why not..."
"Ugh!"
Six pairs of eyes, each radiating immense pressure, simultaneously fell upon the boss, instantly giving him the feeling of a rabbit wandering into a pride of lions. His scalp tingled, his legs trembled, and he was speechless.
Si Ming asked, "Is there a problem?"
His voice broke the silence, and the shopkeeper instantly felt free again, hurriedly saying, "No, no, please make yourself at home, sir. Don't be shy."
He quickly retreated, closed the door of the private room, and cut off the air, feeling as if he had returned to the human world. He touched his forehead and found it drenched in cold sweat.
"Boss, have you managed to calm them down? There wasn't a fight going on inside, was there?" the waiter asked hurriedly.
"Don't try to persuade me!" The shopkeeper slapped the waiter on the head, still shaken. "When gods fight, what right do mortals have to interfere? If you want to die, go in yourself."
"Oh." The waiter scratched his head in grievance, but after glancing at the private room, he instinctively sensed the atmosphere of a den of dragons and tigers, and ultimately didn't dare to go in.
The shop owner was helpless in this situation. After all, the other party hadn't made a move. Calling the Mohist Knight Guard wouldn't help either. He didn't dare to forcibly kick them out, but if they did, his shop would be doomed. He could only pray that the young man could display his prowess and keep the harem in check.
Of course, Si Ming and his companions wouldn't actually fight over a dish. In the end, they chose to find common ground while respecting their differences. The owner, relieved, waived the bill and secretly gave Si Ming a thumbs-up, leaving him completely bewildered.
After finishing their meal, it was already dark, and everyone returned to their dormitories. The three Si Clan had all rented apartments outside and did not live in the school dormitories, so they parted ways at the school gate.
However, Si Huaruo secretly turned back halfway, quickly entered the campus, and intercepted Si Ming at the entrance of the boys' dormitory.
"Is there something you forgot to mention?" Si Ming asked, puzzled.
"Uh, to be honest, yes," Si Huaruo hesitated for a moment, but quickly made up her mind, "Um... are you free tomorrow?"
Tomorrow isn't the weekend, so there are classes scheduled. But since going would just be listening to gibberish, Si Ming had completely given up. Besides, judging from Si Huaruo's expression, he guessed her intentions and naturally wouldn't refuse, so he nodded and said, "Yes."
Si Huaruo's eyes darted around as she said, "I've been studying at university here for almost a year, but I still don't really know much about this city. Could you come with me for a walk tomorrow?"
"Of course, it was my oversight, and I should apologize to you."
"No need for an apology, as long as you agree, that's fine. So it's settled then."
"Yes, shall we arrange a time and place to meet?"
"No need, I'll come to your dorm tomorrow morning. That's all, goodbye."
"Okay, goodbye."
After bidding farewell with elegance, Si Huaruo turned around, secretly clenching her fist in front of her chest, thinking to herself that she should indeed be more proactive.
"What should I wear tomorrow? Since it's a date, I can't wear anything too childish; I need to show off my mature woman's charm, but not too mature either—it has to match my age... Oh no, I only brought fifty pieces of clothing with me. I don't know if I'll be able to find anything I like. It seems like it's too late to go shopping now..."
The girl was worrying about what to wear the next day, unaware that someone was secretly watching her from a dark corner.
Chapter 760 Going Out
Si Huaruo got up very early and spent a full hour getting ready in her room, estimating that it was about the time it would take for an average person to finish breakfast, before finally leaving the house with a barely acceptable feeling.