Rabbit Nation, 7:00 p.m.
Hundreds of millions of viewers across the country had been waiting in front of their televisions.
Today's news broadcast began half an hour earlier than usual.
Since dawn, a photo had been frantically shared across the Musical Note Platform, WB, and Moments.
It showed North Taiwan 01 Building. Atop its several-hundred-meter-high roof, a bright red flag fluttered in the wind.
Some said it was AI-generated.
More people believed it was real.
But no one dared to be one hundred percent certain.
Until this moment.
At exactly 7:00 p.m., the familiar opening music played, followed by familiar images and familiar hosts.
The camera cut to the studio.
The two hosts sat upright before the cameras, dressed in dark suits with badges pinned to their chests.
"Good evening, viewers."
"Good evening."
"Today is Friday, month day. Welcome to the broadcast."
The male host paused slightly and looked directly into the camera.
"First, we bring you a special report."
The female host took over, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor unlike usual.
"Following last night's comprehensive operation, the wandering child has returned home."
"As of 7:00 this morning, all military targets across the island have been brought under control or destroyed, and the temporary administrative authority has begun operations."
"Next, please watch this report sent back by our correspondent at the front."
The screen changed to aerial footage captured by a drone.
In the morning light, the landmark building that had appeared in the news countless times was now bathed in golden sunlight.
On its rooftop—
A bright red flag snapped loudly in the morning breeze.
It was not AI-generated.
It was not fake news.
It was real.
The camera lingered on that flag for a long time.
The voice-over slowly began, carrying the host's distinctive steady, warm