The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 29 The Press Group's First Interview at the Pier

After several days of study and training, the press group started their first practical learning.

In the early morning hours full of life and energy, Cen Jiexiao stood in front of the main gate of Zhaoyin Academy, looking at the students from the press corps lined up neatly, holding their press cards with the seal of Zhaoyin Academy in their hands. In addition, they were wearing dignified and elegant new school uniforms, which made their temperament instantly rise to several levels.

"Students, today you will represent the Women's Youth Daily and become the first reporters in the history of Zhaoyin Academy and even the Great Zhou Dynasty." Cen Jiexiao looked at the members of the press corps, all of whom were excited and eager to try.

"This is not only a small step in demonstrating the students' abilities, but also a major step in advancing the college's new policies. Students, please remember your principles as journalists: record the truth and convey hope."

After the students nodded in agreement, they eagerly began discussing grouping and interview plans. Seeing their enthusiastic expressions, Cen Jiexiao felt a surge of joy. The establishment of the News and Media Department was not only her brainchild, but also a new platform for these girls to realize their potential.

As the press corps marched out of the academy in groups, their intense and orderly work officially began.

Li Moxin and Song Qishu walked together to the docks of Linkang City. Ships shuttled constantly at the docks, and workers busily handled cargo. Li Moxin waved his notebook and said excitedly, "Qishu, why don't we start here? Dock workers see so many ships and merchants coming and going every day, so they must have heard and seen a lot!"

Song Qishu nodded in agreement, and the two of them walked towards a dock worker who was busy working. Li Moxin gently patted Song Qishu's shoulder and signaled with his eyes to start.

Out of courtesy, Song Qishu straightened his neat school uniform, then greeted with a humble and polite smile.

"Hello, big brother. What may I call you? We are students of Zhaoyin Academy and also reporters of the Women's New Youth Daily. Here is our press card." She said as she showed her press card.

"My surname is Yu, and everyone calls me Brother Yu," the worker replied.

Song Qishu then asked, "Hello, Brother Yu, would it be convenient for us to interview you? Our purpose of this trip is to understand the work and life of the dock workers."

The man was initially a bit puzzled by the two young women he had never met before. But as he paused his work and carefully examined the press cards they handed him, his expression gradually shifted from suspicion to a sense of relief.

"I've heard of Zhaoyin Academy. It's the best academy in Linkang Prefecture, and it's said to have produced many high-ranking officials. But what is this reporter? I've never heard of it. And what about the Women's New Youth Daily? I'm really not sure about these things."

Song Qishu patiently and softly explained, "Brother Yu, journalists are our profession. We serve as a voice for the general public like you and people from all walks of life. We spread the word about positive people and events to as many people as possible. At the same time, if we discover anything unfair or unjust, we will report it without reservation, letting the public and relevant departments know about it so they can address it. We're just doing our little bit to help."

After listening to this, Brother Yu's face was full of surprise: "I never thought that Zhaoyin Academy would have such capabilities." He showed his sincere admiration.

"Zhaoyin Academy is indeed the top institution of learning in Linkang. If it can really happen as you said, it will be a great thing for ordinary people like us."

Seeing this, Song Qishu struck while the iron was hot and said, "Brother Yu, you may not know yet, but our college has recently introduced many new policies. We are now accepting female students. Not only do we provide new school uniforms for free, but we also waive tuition. You can truly go to school for free."

Brother Yu was obviously shocked by the news, with an expression of disbelief on his face.

"What? I can actually study for free? I heard this rumor a while ago, but I was skeptical. I never thought it was true!"

"It's absolutely true! If you don't believe me, Brother Yu, you can go to the academy and take a look. Now we have hundreds of girls formally studying in our academy. Not only do they read and practice calligraphy, but they also teach various skills and techniques." Li Moxin couldn't help but interrupt at this time, put down his reporter's notebook, and tried his best to assure Brother Yu.

After hearing this, Brother Yu nodded excitedly and said, "This is really great! We poor people can also send our children to school."

He turned and shouted to the busy workers around him, "Brothers, why not bring your children to Zhaoyin Academy and take a look? Not only are they accepting girls, they're even waiving tuition! If you have daughters of age, this is a great opportunity!"

Brother Yu then raised his voice again, excitedly shouting to his fellow workers, "Brothers, these two girls are reporters from Zhaoyin Academy. They've come to interview our workers. Whether the situation is good or bad, please tell these two reporters."

Li Moxin concentrated on recording everything in front of him, not missing any details.

Brother Yu said solemnly and earnestly, "Brothers, we must keep the affairs of Zhaoyin Academy in mind in the future. If we can provide assistance, we must help. After all, the academy has truly solved the problem of education for children from poor families like us, and this is a great thing."

The crowd erupted in excitement upon hearing the news. Some applauded enthusiastically, others beamed with joy, their hearts overflowing with cheers and praise. In this day and age, being able to study and learn a skill for free is truly a blessing from heaven, and for ordinary families, it undoubtedly adds a hope of improving their current situation.

At this moment, someone in the crowd couldn't help but ask curiously, "Hey, Brother Yu, what is a reporter? I've never heard of it!"

Another middle-aged worker chimed in, "Yeah, Old Yu, you're over forty years old, and this is the first time I've heard of a reporter."

Brother Yu pondered for a moment, then responded, "This is the first time I've heard of this. Anyway, the point is, they're here to speak for us. They're part of our group, family, family."

He paused briefly, then continued, "Good people and good deeds. The reporters are promoting us. If something is unfair, the reporters will speak out for us and let more people help us."

"That's great. If a ship owner owes us wages, there will finally be someone who can help us get justice," said a young worker excitedly.

"That's true. Many businesses often squeeze our already meager rest time. They pay us for six hours of work, but force us to work seven or eight hours or even longer," another worker complained.

Then a worker talked about their living conditions: "The skylight in our dormitory has been broken for a long time, and the people above us don't care at all. Every rainy season, it rains outside and inside at the same time. Damn, I can't sleep and shower at the same time. It's really terrible."

"That's right. Some of our brothers are still working despite being sick. As the backbone of their families, they dare not stop to rest, just for a little bit of wages." A worker said this, his tone full of helplessness and bitterness.

The dockworkers opened their hearts, sharing the realities of their lives and work. Li Moxin and Song Qishu listened intently, recording everything they saw and heard. Every stroke reflected the hardships and complaints of these toiling masses.

At the dock, Song Qishu cast her gaze upon the gathered crowd, examining each face with its own distinct expression. A slight nervousness welled up within her, a tension born from her initial discomfort with the public attention. But at the same time, she also felt an unprecedented sense of pride. The academy had granted them the status of journalists, allowing her and Li Moxin to become the center of attention.

At this moment, Song Qishu stood up resolutely, scanning the crowd with a resolute gaze. She said, "Dear fellow workers, on behalf of the Zhaoyin Academy press corps, I sincerely thank you for your trust in sharing these personal experiences with us. Please rest assured that the Zhaoyin Academy Women's Youth Newspaper will report the unfair treatment you have experienced truthfully, openly, and fairly. We will do our utmost to make the truth known to the world."

Just think about it: not long ago, Song Qishu was just an ordinary woman helping her family sell shoes and do odd jobs. Li Moxin, on the other hand, simply helped out at the family noodle stall, washing pots and dishes. But now, not only have they become members of Zhaoyin Academy, they have also taken on the responsibility of being reporters, becoming the ones who help the public see the truth.