A few people walked from the backstage to the podium.
Leading the way was Dean Li, followed closely by Jin Zhong.
After pulling out his chair, Dean Li placed his notebook down, then quickly reached to pull out Professor Jin Zhong's chair for him.
Jin Zhong gave a slight nod and slowly took his seat.
The others found their own seats, sitting down in sequence.
Seeing that most people were seated, Dean Li tested the microphone and signaled the control room to adjust the volume slightly higher.
"Alright, we can begin!"
After surveying everyone on the podium, Dean Li addressed the reporters in the audience:
"The press conference is now in session!"
He first introduced everyone on the podium and then read out the main points of the conference.
Although he had discussed with Jin Zhong to try and use calming language to alleviate everyone's concerns, the vague official jargon did not manage to put the reporters' worries to rest.
What was expected to be a relatively peaceful press conference turned chaotic during the Q&A session.
"Someone online is saying this is a resurgence of the virus from a few years ago. Is this true?"
"No, this virus is still under further research, and no conclusions can be drawn yet!"
Dean Li answered directly.
"Professor Jin, I know you participated in combating that virus a few years ago. Can you tell us if this current virus truly cannot be transmitted between people?"
"Uh, certainly! I'll answer that."
Jin Zhong glanced at Dean Li and stated calmly.
The reporters below became quiet, their surroundings punctuated by flashes of light and the clicking of cameras.
"Based on laboratory results, the characteristics of this disease are very similar to that of the previous virus, with similar symptoms. However, to conclude it is the same virus based solely on this would be rather hasty."
As soon as this question was answered, someone else raised their hand.
Professor Jin saw this and gestured for them to proceed.
"Professor Jin, since you've confirmed it's a virus, why are you all wearing masks if it was previously stated that there was no human-to-human transmission? And why are there people online repeatedly reminding everyone to wear masks?"
"Well, as I've already stated, this is a new virus. Based on the reference of the virus from a few years ago, its infectivity cannot be ruled out, so wearing a mask is necessary. I also remind everyone present to wear a mask if you have one."
As soon as Professor Jin finished speaking, a small commotion erupted in the audience.
Reporters who were wearing masks nodded; those who weren't, hurriedly put on the masks they had prepared.
It was then that everyone noticed: everyone on the podium was wearing a mask today.
"May I ask what measures the authorities will take to address this sudden incident? Can you brief us on that?"
That reporter asked again.
"Regarding the virus, you must pay attention to protection. Specific details are still under investigation, and we will release relevant information on our official website later."
"Some people are saying that those who contract the disease will be quarantined and abandoned, is that true?"
Upon hearing this, Jin Zhong frowned slightly.
The word "abandoned" was too heartless.
In the history of Hua Xia, there had never been a plague that was simply ignored.
Although there were many who spread rumors, the compassionate nature of medical professionals meant they would never abandon people to their fate.
"That statement is too severe. Have faith in our authorities, have faith in the professional ethics of doctors! We will not abandon anyone!"
Professor Jin said, his tone turning serious.
In such a situation, the sooner these voices were silenced, the more stable public sentiment would be.
While what he described might exist under certain circumstances, it was certainly not what any doctor would wish for.
With a crowd of people and varied concerns among the reporters, emotions quickly began to fluctuate during the questioning. It was evident that those wearing masks were more concerned about infection and potential quarantine.
Professor Jin was unsure how to calm their feelings, yet he couldn't completely lie. The sensitive phrase "the possibility of quarantine cannot be ruled out" was eventually going to be uttered under the reporters' persistent questioning.
Professor Jin Zhong had originally intended to state it directly, but just as the words were about to leave his lips, Dean Li lightly touched him by the table.
In such a setting, it was better to be more reserved.
To avoid being led astray by the reporters, Dean Li timely terminated the press conference, stating, "Any news will be released on our official website as soon as possible. Please pay attention to the latest announcements then."
"That's it? What a damn press conference, they didn't explain anything!"
Bai Fuchi grumbled as he watched the press conference on the television screen.
"Sigh, what's it to you? It's better to focus on healing your own injury! What's there to understand that has anything to do with you?"
Guo Xiufang retorted.
Bai Suxiang said nothing, long accustomed to her parents' bickering.
"Do we have any masks at home?"
Suddenly remembering something, she asked.
"Where would we have masks? We only wear them when we have a cold, and we rarely catch colds. We don't go to the hospital, so where would we get masks!"
Guo Xiufang replied.
"Oh, then I'll go buy some masks!"
Bai Suxiang said, putting on her shoes, ready to leave.
"Go and come back soon! Oh right, your two colleagues haven't been here for a few days. Do you think they'll come today?"
Guo Xiufang asked.
"Mom~~"
Bai Suxiang sighed, looking at Guo Xiufang with a chiding expression. Su Dan Novel Network
This wasn't about wishing for colleagues; it was likely about her hoping for a son-in-law. The remark made Bai Suxiang blush slightly.
"I just asked one question, what's the big deal?"
Guo Xiufang didn't realize her words were inappropriate.
Helpless, Bai Suxiang quickly fled.
At some point, she had developed a sort of fear of her mother.
Apart from this, their relationship was generally loving.
On the street, the number of pedestrians had decreased, but there were still people.
Many cars were still speeding on the roads, and the shops along the street were open for business.
"Excuse me, do you have any masks?"
"No, please try somewhere else!"
Arriving at the nearest pharmacy, Bai Suxiang attempted to buy disposable masks.
Just as she was leaving home, she had checked her phone and seen news online stating that disposable masks were necessary to prevent virus transmission, which prompted her visit to the pharmacy.
Knowing there were a few other small pharmacies nearby, Bai Suxiang went to inquire at each one.
But after a lengthy search, she received the same answer from all of them: "No, try somewhere else!"
The outcome was unexpected, and Bai Suxiang's heart began to race. It seemed the situation was far more serious than she had initially thought.
Since the pharmacies were out of stock, she had to buy some regular masks from other shops.