novelsite Chapter 32 Relay
Chapter 32 Relay
When Cui Huaimeng heard Chen Xiao's words, she was initially confused and simply stood there quietly waiting for instructions.
Minister Chen Xiao's expression gradually grew serious. He paced back and forth in the room, seemingly lost in thought. Suddenly, his expression changed drastically.
"The chaos of the world's regression has continued for many days. People are anxious, panicked, and confused. The whole society is like a string stretched to its limit, and it urgently needs some positive, resilient spiritual strength that can help people stand up again."
Grandpa Jiang's situation is indeed the most precious outlet for his emotions right now, but once the official helicopter is used to broadcast it live in a big way, the nature of the situation completely changes.
It could easily be interpreted as a deliberate show, eroding the already fragile trust of the public; it could also trigger unnecessary gatherings and bandwagon effects amidst the chaos, or even be exploited by those with ulterior motives, creating further complications.
Chen Xiao suddenly stopped and turned to look at Cui Huaimeng. The lingering fear on his face had faded, replaced by a deep calmness.
He didn't speak immediately, but stared at her intently for a moment, as if considering whether this young subordinate was just making a casual remark or truly understood the implications.
Cui Huaimeng felt a slight tightness in her heart as he stared at her, but she still kept her back straight and did not flinch.
A moment later, Chen Xiao suddenly twitched the corner of his mouth, deliberately put on a stern face, and spoke with a serious, elder-like tone:
"Well done, Comrade Cui Huaimeng! You've really grown bold! Please answer, what is the first principle of communication that I repeatedly emphasize?"
"Reporting to Minister Chen, the first principle of communication at work is to speak frankly," Cui Huaimeng immediately replied in a clear and crisp voice.
Chen Xiao nodded and pointed to the spot in front of him:
"Okay, now tell me your thoughts!"
Cui Huaimeng took a deep breath, met Chen Xiao's gaze, and quickly organized the new ideas she had just pondered:
"Minister Chen, my idea is to avoid live streaming, being high-profile, and overstepping boundaries, but to provide support discreetly, allow the public to voice their opinions, and guide the discussion in a timely manner."
Chen Xiao: "Tell me more about it."
Cui Huaimeng pondered for more than ten seconds before speaking seriously:
"First, helicopters must not be deployed, and official media should not directly report on it. Once we openly intervene, Grandpa Jiang's story will change from an ordinary person's spontaneous perseverance to an officially arranged model. The public will only think it's staged and will feel disgusted and resistant, wasting this most precious genuine emotion."
This statement effectively negates Minister Chen Xiao's instructions.
However, Chen Xiao showed no dissatisfaction. Instead, he nodded, signaling Cui Huaimeng to continue.
"Secondly, we can arrange for comrades from the cybersecurity and propaganda departments to quietly stabilize the online buzz, naturally pushing out the real clips taken by amateur streamers, without deleting comments, controlling comments, or forcibly pinning them to the top, allowing the matter to ferment on its own through word of mouth, so that the emotions are genuine and lasting enough."
After Cui Huaimeng finished stating the second point, seeing that Minister Chen Xiao had no reaction, she boldly continued:
"Third, contact the local grassroots and provide necessary support in secret: there is no need to pick him up in a big way, just send people to follow him quietly to ensure his safety along the way and handle any troubles that may arise. This will not only avoid disrupting his rhythm, but also prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause trouble or gain attention and smear him."
Fourth, position this as a glimmer of light from an ordinary person amidst chaos, rather than an officially established role model. Once emotions have calmed, let some grassroots accounts and comment sections guide the narrative, telling everyone that even if the world regresses, life can still move forward, using the resilience of an ordinary person to reassure everyone.
As Cui Huaimeng finished speaking, a complex look flashed in her eyes. After only a second's pause, she concluded:
"Simply put, it means: the authorities stay out of the spotlight, while the people shine, focusing on protection rather than performance. This preserves the emotional outlet while adhering to the control principles during this special period."
After listening, Chen Xiao stared at her for a few seconds, and finally a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He then realized that these words were indeed Cui Huaimeng's impromptu reaction; she had simply asked if they needed to use a helicopter to help Grandpa Jiang.
That's why we can see that the other person has grown a lot during this period. Perhaps they are still a bit stubborn when thinking about problems, but with just a little reminder, they can immediately react. What they lack right now is experience and training.
"Of course, I also made the mistake of being arrogant and careless just now."
Thinking of this, Chen Xiao's expression turned serious again. He turned to Cui Huaimeng and said solemnly, "Xiao Cui, you've considered everything very thoroughly. We can proceed with this plan first. But it's not enough. You've overlooked one person?"
Cui Huaimeng: "Who?"
"Grandpa Jiang's son..."
Upon hearing this, Cui Huaimeng was taken aback at first, her brows furrowing slightly, before she suddenly understood.
"I understand, Minister Chen. Grandpa Jiang insisted on going to Shanghai to find his son. This deep father-son bond is the most touching core of the whole story. If we handle it improperly, or if the information goes astray, it could easily be used against us, or even used to blackmail or hype up his son's safety, turning a heartwarming story into a storm."
Chen Xiao nodded, tapping the edge of the tablet lightly with his fingertip:
"After the world regressed, how many families were torn apart, and how many people harbored deep longing for their loved ones? Grandpa Jiang is the key to people's hearts, and his son is the most vulnerable part of that key. If things are not handled properly, it will tear open an even bigger wound."
He paused, his tone becoming increasingly serious:
"Immediately add two more arrangements. First, mobilize local police and grassroots grid workers to quietly search for the whereabouts of Grandpa Jiang's son. Only verify the information, do not alarm or make a fuss, and ensure his safety. Second, strictly block all related information throughout the process. We must not allow anyone to direct their attention to his family, and we must not allow anyone with ulterior motives to use this line to gain popularity, spread rumors, or even hijack public opinion."
"What the public wants is the conviction and hope of an ordinary person, not a family tragedy that is being exploited."
Cui Huaimeng's expression hardened, and she immediately straightened her posture:
"Yes! I will make arrangements immediately to ensure that we hold the line, so that this light can illuminate people's hearts without harming those within it."
Chen Xiao looked at her, finally breathed a sigh of relief, and slowly withdrew his hand:
"Go! In these extraordinary times, we can't afford to make a single mistake."
……
Awareness Day, January 1th.
Two hours into the new day, it was 1:10 PM.
On the Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway, ten motorcycles of various kinds sped past.
"Look, look, it's the Graystone Town convoy..."
Several truck drivers stuck in the traffic jam on the highway quickly and rhythmically honked their horns: "Beep, beep..."
Some people stood on the roofs of their cars, holding up their phones and shouting, "Go Greystone Racing Team!"
"Go, Greystone Team!"
Nan Shaofei slowed down in surprise and asked one of his brothers, "Are they talking about us?"
"That's right, our Graystone Town is famous now. Brother Nan, wave your hand quickly, someone's definitely live-streaming."
Nan Shaofei's face lit up with joy, and he quickly opened his helmet visor to wave to the pedestrians.
……
Inside Xiaohua's live stream, the chat was still scrolling rapidly.
"Is that the advance team? That's so cool, they're like scouts..."
"Where is Grandpa Jiang? I want to see Grandpa Jiang..."
"Grandpa Jiang is taking a detour right now, passing through our village. [Images]"
"Wow, not only is Grandpa Jiang cool, but their village is also very united, and those villagers who initially escorted him are cool too."
"Is this the exclusive live stream room for 'Grandpa Jiang Goes to Shanghai'? Hahaha, I've finally found my people..."
"Can anyone share the escort group chat? I really want to join and see what they're talking about?"
……
Within the escort group:
"@MasterChen: Holy crap, MasterChen, emergency! This beat-up motorcycle has a flat tire! [Location]"
@Yang Hongliang: Received, received!
"Haha, Master Chen, you don't need to come anymore. A fellow traveler brought us a new car."
"Everyone, what's going on here? [Image] Are we going to be laid off? There are villagers helping us clear the road ahead."
"Yeah, wherever our group goes now, people line the streets to see us off. What's going on...?"
"In our group eight, a nearby villager rode an electric scooter and led the way for us. We quickly told Grandpa Jiang that it's easier to walk this way."
"Damn, Grandpa Jiang is stuck at that service area where they fought last time. Guys nearby, hurry over there..."