That kind of person didn't play it safe.
That kind of person had nothing to lose.
"Mom," Yueling said quietly. "I'm scared."
For the first time, her mother's expression softened. Just slightly.
"So am I," she admitted. "But fear without action is useless. So we act. We post the story. We change the narrative. And we pray that Shuyin decides her freedom is worth more than revenge."
She handed Yueling the phone. "Now. Record the video. You're going to look tired but dignified. You're going to explain the truth. And you're going to ask for privacy for your family."
Yueling took the phone with shaking hands.
"And after?"
"After, we wait." Her mother began setting up the ring light she'd pulled from her bag, because of course she'd come prepared. "We wait and we watch and we hope that the woman who walked away from that press conference stays gone."
