Not long after the United States' press conference ended, related news had already made Weibo's trending list.
"Shocking! The United States strongly condemns Xia Country, and the reason is..."
Within mere minutes, the comments beneath the news had been overrun by netizens eager to enjoy the spectacle.
"Hahahaha, you can actually do that?!"
"What a reversal!"
"What do you call this? The tables have turned!"
"Who would've thought the mighty United States would resort to the same old lines? I'm dying!"
"..."
That day, Xia Country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a routine press conference.
Under the eyes of reporters from home and abroad, Zhao Jian slowly made his way to the podium.
Then, with a grave expression, he swept his gaze over the reporters below and spoke quietly into the microphone. "This press conference is primarily intended to clarify the remarks made by the United States yesterday."
"We have noted that the United States has some significant misunderstandings regarding Xia Country's astronauts aboard Black Lady Two. Allow me to offer a brief explanation."
"Black Lady Two traveled to Mars primarily to carry out delicate scientific research tasks."
"During these tasks, any outside interference could very well cause them to fail."
"Therefore, our astronaut made those remarks for the sake of the research mission, with absolutely no intention of provocation."
"In addition, we discovered that certain portions were missing from the recording released by the United States."
"Our astronaut only made those somewhat threatening remarks after the American astronauts refused to cooperate."
"However, in light of the astronauts' oversight, the Space Administration has decided, after discussion, to impose a relatively severe punishment on all three astronauts."
"A fine totaling exactly two thousand yuan."
"That is all I have to say."
With that, Zhao Jian turned and left the podium