The ceremony began promptly at three o'clock.
The vice-chairman took the stage first, tapping the microphone twice before speaking.
"Good afternoon, students and faculty of Zhejiang Business University."
His voice echoed across the plaza.
"Today, we gather to recognize an exceptional act of courage and moral integrity demonstrated by one of our own."
He paused for effect.
"In recent days, our university has faced a difficult situation. A member of our staff was found to have engaged in conduct unbecoming of an educator - conduct that threatened the safety and dignity of our students and colleagues."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"This individual has been removed from his position and faces the full consequences of the law." The vice-chairman's tone hardened. "Zhejiang Business University has zero tolerance for such behavior. We will always prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our community."
Zero tolerance, Lin Feng thought. Funny how that only applied after they couldn't cover it up anymore.
The vice-chairman continued.
"However, today is not about dwelling on darkness. Today is about celebrating the light."
He gestured toward the side of the stage.
"It is my honor to introduce Chairman Wu Zhennan, who will present this year's Outstanding Citizen Award."
Applause filled the plaza as the chairman took the stage.
…
Chairman Wu adjusted the microphone and surveyed the crowd with a smile.
"Thank you, Vice-Chairman Liu."
He clasped his hands before him.
"When I first learned of the incident that took place on September 30th, I was deeply troubled. As educators, we bear a sacred responsibility to protect those in our care. To learn that this trust had been violated was... painful."
His expression grew solemn.
"But in the midst of that darkness, there was a moment of light. A young man - a first-year student, no less - witnessed something wrong and chose to act."
He turned toward the side of the stage.
"He did not look away. He did not convince himself it was someone else's problem. He intervened, called for help, and ensured that the victim received medical attention."
The chairman's voice rose.
"And when the time came to pursue justice, he did not waver. He encouraged the victim to come forward. He provided testimony. He stood firm in the face of pressure."
Pressure from you, Lin Feng thought.
"This young man embodies the values we strive to instill in all our students - integrity, courage, and compassion."
The chairman extended his hand toward the side of the stage.
"Please join me in welcoming Lin Feng."
…
Applause erupted as Lin Feng stepped onto the stage.
The afternoon sun was bright. He squinted slightly as he walked toward the chairman.
Camera flashes went off. The news crew's equipment hummed.
He could feel hundreds of eyes on him.
The chairman shook his hand firmly, maintaining his smile for the cameras.
"Congratulations," he said, just loud enough for Lin Feng to hear.
"Thank you, Chairman."
…
An assistant brought forward a large red certificate holder embossed with gold lettering.
Outstanding Citizen Award
Presented to Lin Feng
For Exceptional Courage and Moral Integrity
Zhejiang Business University
October 2020
The chairman held one side while Lin Feng held the other.
They posed for photographs.
Flash. Flash. Flash.
"Smile," the chairman murmured through his teeth.
Lin Feng obliged.
…
After the photos, another assistant brought forward a red silk banner.
The chairman unfurled it with a flourish.
"Brave Heart, Righteous Spirit"
"A Model for All Students"
More applause. More camera flashes.
Lin Feng accepted the banner and held it up for display.
This is so excessive, he thought. But I suppose that's the point.
The more they praised him publicly, the more his reputation became tied to theirs. If he ever released that recording now, it would look like he was attacking the very institution that had honored him.
He had to admit - the chairman was good at this.
Not that it mattered to him. He supposed he should enjoy the publicity, it might help him out later in his business ventures.
…
The chairman returned to the microphone.
"Before we conclude, I would like to invite Lin Feng to say a few words."
He gestured toward the podium.
Lin Feng hadn't prepared a speech. But then again, he didn't need one.
He stepped up to the microphone.
The crowd fell silent.
…
"Thank you, Chairman Wu. Thank you to the faculty and administration for this recognition."
He paused, looking out at the sea of faces.
"I'm not going to stand here and pretend I did something extraordinary. I saw someone in trouble, and I helped. That's what anyone should do."
A few nods from the crowd.
"The real courage doesn't belong to me. It belongs to Ms. Liu Mei, who chose to come forward despite everything. It belongs to the other victims who shared their stories, even though it was painful. It belongs to everyone who refused to stay silent."
He gripped the edges of the podium.
"What happened should never have happened. But now that it's over, I hope we can all learn from it."
He looked directly at the administrators seated to the side.
"I hope that in the future, when someone comes forward with a complaint, they'll be believed. I hope that power will never be used to silence victims. And I hope that this university will live up to the values it claims to represent."
A beat of silence.
Then applause - hesitant at first, then growing stronger.
Lin Feng stepped back from the microphone.
The chairman's smile had become slightly strained.
…
The ceremony concluded with a final round of photographs.
Lin Feng posed with the chairman, the vice-chairman, various faculty members, and finally with Liu Mei herself, who had been quietly observing from the side.
"That was quite a speech," she murmured as they stood together for the camera.
"Too much?"
"Just enough."
Flash.
…
As the crowd began to disperse, Lin Feng made his way down from the stage.
His roommates intercepted him almost immediately.
"Boss Lin!" Chen Ming practically bounced with excitement. "That was amazing! You're famous now!"
"I wouldn't go that far."
"Are you kidding?" Li Jun gestured toward the news crew packing up their equipment. "You're going to be on television. My mother is going to see this and ask why I can't be more like my roommate."
Zhang Wei smiled.
"You're really something, to call them out while still accepting their award."
"Was it that obvious?"
"Well, I don't think many people noticed but still..."