Chapter Five: The Twelve-Division Business

The seventh client was candidate Yan Shuo. He wanted the fearlessness he had possessed at twenty during disaster relief. His secret silenced even Qi Man: twelve years before, to preserve a promotion, he had suppressed a warning about a mine. “We don't shoot this,” Lin Wan said. Yan's aide offered an offshore statement with nine zeroes. Shen Yan pushed it back. “Give me the warning and every responsible name. Publish them now.” “If I do, I leave the election.” “Then you won't need courage.” Two hours later, the report reached every newsroom. Yan admitted responsibility—and still requested the portrait. “I have to face the families without someone else reading my words.” Shen Yan pressed the shutter.