Chapter 261: The Big Shots Discuss and Trust Gu Shengsheng
Chapter 261: Chapter 261: The Big Shots Discuss and Trust Gu Shengsheng
#CancelGuShengsheng
#SanxingduiArtifactsNotFromHuaxia
#SanxingduiDebunksHuaxias5000YearHistory
#SanxingduiArtifactsEvidence
Gu Shengsheng’s head throbbed just looking at these trending topics.
Then she opened her private messages, which were all flooded with questions for her.
Many had even crossed the line and were cursing her out.
The messages from netizens were pouring in:
"Why is it always you, Gu Shengsheng! Do you love publicity stunts that much? You’ve stirred up a real mess this time, even dragging Huaxia’s five-thousand-year history into it. She should be canceled."
"It’s bad enough when people like her are just in it for the money, but now she’s causing our very civilization to be questioned? Someone needs to step in. She was told to stop this research, but she just keeps going."
"Sister Gu, please say something! You haven’t streamed in so long. We have no idea what’s going on with you, which makes it hard for us to defend you."
"Sister Gu, if this gets really serious, your career might actually be over."
"This is killing me! Respond already!"
"..."
Gu Shengsheng simply posted a single Weibo update: "Don’t worry. I will go live sometime today and address everything."
Plenty of international netizens were also chiming in. Facebook and Instagram were flooded with comments from various countries:
"I’m just saying, this Sanxingdui Civilization proves that Huaxia civilization is connected to Ancient India. Maybe that five-thousand-year history actually belongs to Ancient India, not Huaxia?"
Korea: "Huaxia has so many people, always accusing us of ’stealing’ their culture. Look who’s having problems now. Just here to watch the drama."
Japan: "Heh heh heh... All those incidents at our museums were because of this Gu Shengsheng. Now this Gu Shengsheng has finally gotten herself into some real trouble. I’d love to see who can possibly spin this for her."
Gu Shengsheng got on Instagram and fired back a passionate response: "Don’t worry. Come watch the livestream in Huaxia. We’ll settle what’s right and what’s wrong then."
After posting, she put her phone away.
She turned to the director of the Ruishi Cultural Relics Administration Bureau and said, "Can you arrange for the livestream on your end?"
The director’s face practically bloomed into a smile. "Yes, of course! How about we do a joint stream, using both your account and our official channel?"
’This is the most important step for Rui City to build its brand.’
"Okay," Gu Shengsheng nodded.
Just as Gu Shengsheng agreed, Lu Shijing approached the director about her recent kidnapping, asking for their help with the investigation.
Given that Gu Shengsheng was about to bring them a massive amount of traffic, the Ruishi Cultural Relics Administration Bureau took this matter extremely seriously.
"Rest assured, rest assured. We will certainly do everything we can to help."
"We guarantee we’ll have this cleared up within three days."
"Mm."
Lu Shijing said, glancing at his watch. "Shengsheng, I have a few contracts to sign here in Rui City. I’ll bring dinner over later."
"We can all eat together then."
As he said this, a bubble tea cart appeared at the entrance. As Lu Shijing left, someone called out, "Mr. Lu Shijing is buying bubble tea for everyone!"
Soon, everyone had a cup in hand.
Zhang Zhengyi was quite pleased. "This kid’s not bad. He even made sure I got hot tea."
Gu Shengsheng saw that the flavor of her bubble tea was her favorite.
’He’s so thoughtful.’
Zhang Zhengyi sidled up to her. "Shengsheng, I’ve always had unconditional faith in you. But the fallout from this is huge."
"Your application to go live might not even be approved." And this was despite Gu Shengsheng having already put the word out.
The Rui City officials had also mentioned that the higher-ups were holding an emergency meeting.
Zhang Zhengyi continued, "Honestly, I don’t get it. It would make more sense if they were spouting conspiracy theories about time travel or something, rather than this cultural counterfeit nonsense. Do these online trolls not know anything?"
The more he thought about it, the angrier and more dumbfounded he became.
"Those students were just telling me, the thing they’re most fixated on is that ’Sun God Bird’ artifact that looks like a steering wheel. You tell me, how on earth did that become part of Ancient Egyptian or Ancient Indian culture?"
"We’ve had sun symbolism since the Shang and Zhou dynasties! It’s so frustrating. But if you asked me to explain it, I honestly couldn’t. The way those people blow everything out of proportion... I think I’d get depression just trying to argue with them."
"Shengsheng, are you confident you can handle this? It’s not just me wondering if I can trust you on this; the higher-ups probably don’t know whether to believe you either."
"They’re still deliberating on the approval for your livestream. I just submitted the report with the director from the Ruishi Cultural Relics Administration Bureau."
"Let’s hope the people in charge take that into account."
"..."
「In the conference hall.」
The elderly man sitting at the head of the conference table wore a grave expression.
"Everyone still needs to deliberate on this matter carefully. Reopening the Sanxingdui project was controversial from the start."
"We are not ones to gamble, especially for a great nation such as ours. We must always consider numerous factors. However, the public outcry is now immense."
"So, if anyone has thoughts on the matter, speak now."
He took a sip of tea, his expression unreadable.
A young man standing off to the side rose, his expression indignant. "I know there are many uncontrollable factors. But from my perspective, all I know is that if we don’t address this—if we just back down and pretend nothing happened—then we will face an even greater international controversy."
A middle-aged man also stood up. "That’s right. That’s the current climate. Besides, this is our culture. Why should we be the ones to back down?"
"We can’t just let others steal what is ours."
After they finished speaking, the elderly man nodded. "Indeed. Everyone has a different perspective on this. Let’s put it to a vote."
Then he added, "But a vote by show of hands means we are entrusting this incredibly important matter to a young woman. I have my reservations."
At this, one of the directors stood up.
He spoke with great solemnity. "Perhaps not all of you are aware, but I have been following Gu Shengsheng very closely. I have personally vetted both her character and her abilities."
"In all my years of work, I’ve always treated everyone impartially. But with Gu Shengsheng, I genuinely cannot find a single fault."
As he spoke, his eyes filled with admiration. "In short, I believe that if we entrust this to her, she will handle it perfectly. As for our National Security Bureau, we will guarantee her safety, and by extension, the security of all of Huaxia."
The elderly man nodded. "Very well, let’s vote."
"All those in favor of letting Gu Shengsheng explain this and defend Huaxia’s culture, raise your hand."
The moment he said this, everyone immediately raised both hands.
Many of the older members even had tears welling in their eyes.
’Huaxia is different now. We have a voice, and the confidence to back it up.’
They had personally watched Huaxia rise, step by step. Now, their hearts were filled with nothing but anticipation for the future.
"Let’s hope this young woman can fire the first, and best, shot for us."
"We are all looking forward to her performance."
The head of the National Security Bureau was thrilled and immediately called Gu Shengsheng to inform her.
When Gu Shengsheng answered the phone, she was stunned by the unexpected honor.