Chapter Two: The Midnight List

“The first trial, the Trial of Name, has begun. In forty-eight hours, whoever has the lowest public standing will lose candidacy—and all family protection.” Tang Li laughed. “Your family never protected me.” Bai Yi seemed to hear her through the screen. “Your younger brother said the same thing.” The blood drained from her face. Four live graphs appeared. Chenzhou's negative rating stood highest, Tang Li second, while Zhou Ye and Jingming remained near zero. Then Zhou Ye's phone rang: police said an elderly pedestrian had accused him of a hit-and-run. Reports flooded Tang Li's channel, claiming she had stolen charity donations. Jingming received notice of suspension from his law firm. Every blow landed precisely.