The day of the livestream.
The backyard, Chen Family Village.
Sunlight lounged lazily on the bluestone slabs, while a few bees circled the branches of the osmanthus tree, buzzing nonstop.
Chen Lin reclined in a wicker chair, propping his cheek on one hand and holding his phone in the other as he glanced idly at the screen.
The livestream had not even started, but the barrage of comments was already threatening to burst the chat.
He turned the volume down two notches, tossed his phone onto the stone table beside him, and let his eyelids droop, half asleep.
Clear Wind and Bright Moon scampered over from the side, padded across his belly a few times, then curled up and began to snore.
Studio One, National Medical Center, Capital City.
The hall could accommodate thousands, and every seat was occupied.
Cameras stood ready on all sides, aimed at center stage, their red indicator lights all glowing.
Three minutes before the broadcast began, the online audience across all platforms surpassed one hundred million.
The host was one of CCTV's most recognizable faces. He held a microphone, his voice steady and every word clear.
"Dear viewers, today we will witness a trial together."
The camera cut to the commentators' table.
Academician Zhong sat upright among them, looking hale and hearty, but his expression was unusually grave.
This was not the solemnity of someone going through the motions.
It was the stillness of a man who had staked everything he had left in life on this table.
He looked into the camera and spoke each word deliberately.
"I know there are many doubts out there."
"But I have seen a miracle."
"For today, I am willing to stake my lifetime's reputation."
The live chat instantly exploded.
"Elder Zhong is personally backing them!!"
"He's