As long as Our Hearts are Clean

"Sister Zhao, should I change into a different set of clothes before coming?" Su He looked at his deliveryman outfit and felt it looked out of place compared to everyone else's neat suits and ties. It was his first time at a TV station to record a show, and he thought he should dress more formally.

Behind the studio, Su He had already made three trips to the bathroom. He was so nervous he didn't even dare sit down, just kept looking at the time on his phone.

Zhao Luyao was the star host at Jinan TV Station. Her superiors had asked her to host a show on "How single women living alone can prevent against bad people", tying in with a recent brutal murder case that was trending in Jinan City, to do an episode of public service announcements.

With her keen sense of what's trending, Zhao Luyao quickly thought of the deliveryman who was condemned and vilified by tens of thousands of people on a short video platform. Even though later the police had exonerated the deliveryman, there were still many unreasonable people who criticized deliverymen as a group.

As such, she specifically found out about that deliveryman. Coincidentally her best friend had run into him at the hospital.

Seeing Su He's nervousness, Zhao Luyao smiled gently, "Su He, don't be nervous. The show flows according to the script. This is a pre-recorded show that will be edited later. If you make a mistake you can just re-do it. You're positioned as a deliveryman so you don't need to change clothes. Later I'll ask you a few questions, just answer them truthfully, that's good enough. Alright, I'm heading up first. When I call your name later, come on stage and greet the camera."

Wearing professional female attire, Zhao Luyao stood in the middle of the stage. The show recording officially started.

After a brief opening statement, four women and four men came on stage and started a debate on whether single women living alone should raise their vigilance. Su He listened for two minutes before losing interest. It looked like it wouldn't end soon. He started wandering around the TV station.

As a local station, Jinan TV's viewership was low. It had started shifting towards the Internet, finding new life again on various short video platforms. As he wandered around, many rooms were filled with computers - editing teams, dubbing teams, directing teams... Su He had just walked to the makeup room when he overheard people discussing deliverymen inside.

"Is this script wrong? You want me to demonstrate grappling techniques with a delivery guy? What if I accidentally injure him?"

"Don't worry Teacher Zhang. It's just some simple demonstrations. And even if you do injure him, we can just pay his medical fees. He's just a delivery guy - consider him your practice dummy. Don't go easy on him just for the show effect. Use your most powerful looking moves so the audience remembers grappling techniques and can better protect themselves."

"You're right. My hands have been itchy lately, just his bad luck."

"That delivery guy is rather good looking though. As the makeup artist, I don't know how to make him up." This last sentence was said by the makeup artist. Then the room became quiet.

The makeup room had no door, only a curtain. Su He stood outside and heard everything clearly. Just then two people ran over.

"Hey delivery guy, quick! It's almost your turn... Why are you here? Go over now..."

The two walked into the makeup room, their tones becoming gentle, "Teacher Zhang, it's almost time for your segment. Go slowly, watch your step - the floor was just mopped, it might be slippery."

As the curtain was pulled aside, the two people saw Su He still standing at the doorway and scolded, "Do you not understand the rules? You're supposed to be on stage soon! What are you still doing here? Go, quick!"

A burly man walked out. Seeing Su He in his deliveryman outfit, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he swiftly walked past him towards the studio.

"Hurry up! Don't keep Teacher Zhang waiting...!" Seeing Su He's blank look, the man accompanying Teacher Zhang barely held himself back from slapping Su He's face.

Three choices appeared in Su He's vision again:

[Choice 1: Embarrass Teacher Zhang during the grappling demonstration. Reward: Delivery Assistant AI]

[Choice 2: Cooperate with Teacher Zhang's demonstration. Reward: Damage Resistance +10%]

[Choice 3: Shout loudly "I quit this shit!" then leave the TV Station. Reward: A new pair of shoes]

At this moment, Su He was no longer nervous. He glared at the man beside him then headed towards the studio.

"Just a few days ago, a vicious case of breaking and entering and murder occurred in our Jinan City. A single woman was stabbed nine times by a deranged killer, tragically losing her life. Coincidentally, a courageous deliveryman ran into the killer and engaged in a life-and-death struggle. Unfortunately, the killer managed to escape."

"Not only did our valiant delivery guy have the guts to confront the killer, he also had an observant eye and reported to the police immediately, providing crucial clues. With his help, the police captured the killer in fifteen hours... Let us welcome this courageous delivery guy, Su He!"

Amidst thunderous applause, Su He walked on stage.

"Hello everyone, I'm Su He." Su He greeted with a faint smile then sat on the sofa.

"The audience must have many questions they want to ask our delivery guy. From the many questions online, I've chosen a few. Su He, just now before the show I saw you were very nervous. Now facing the camera, don't you feel nervous anymore?" Zhao Luyao chatted with Su He casually like they were friends.

Su He smiled and answered, "Not nervous anymore."

Zhao Luyao continued, "It shows that our delivery guy isn't just good looking, his psychological resilience is quite strong too. It's precisely because of his strong mental resilience that he was able to fight against a knife-wielding killer. You can imagine how dangerous the scene was. Su He, can you tell everyone about how you discovered the murder and provided clues to crack the case?"

"Sorry, the police require me to keep case details confidential. I cannot reveal more," Su He replied honestly.

"I see. It seems we won't get the full details today. After Su He reported to the police, a netizen shot and uploaded a video of Su He taken away by the police, captioned with "Deliveryman Enters Home and Murders". This sparked fierce discussion among netizens, with many criticizing and even verbally abusing deliverymen. Su He, facing such accusations, what would you like to say to these netizens?"

Su He thought for a moment then said, "All jobs have dignity. This incident has caused much distress to my fellow deliverymen. I want to say this to all my delivery brothers: 'As long as we keep a clear conscience, outside criticisms won't stain us.' As for netizens, I have nothing else to say."

"What wonderful words - as long as we have a clear conscience, outside criticisms won't stain us. Our delivery guys face all kinds of weather to deliver hot, fresh meals to thousands of households. I hope we can be more understanding towards them in the future, give them more smiles, say an extra thank you, wish them to walk slowly. When our city is full of warmth and our delivery guys feel warm inside too, thanks to Su He and all hardworking delivery guys!"

Thunderous applause exploded from the audience as Su He's interview ended. Next was Teacher Zhang from Jinan Martial Arts School who would teach single women basic grappling techniques to protect themselves.

And Su He would be his teaching aid.

The script simply stated: Cooperate with Teacher Zhang's grappling demonstration.

"Jinan Martial Arts School is a calling card of our city. Learning martial arts can not only strengthen our bodies and enhance our physique, but also protect ourselves in critical moments of danger. As women, we should grasp some self-defense tricks. Now, let's welcome the Jinan Martial Arts School and top coach Zhang Meng with a round of applause!"

After the applause, Zhao Luyao continued saying: "We have specially invited Coach Zhang today to teach us some simple and practical grappling and combat skills. Su He, would you like to cooperate with Coach Zhang's teaching?"

Su He smiled faintly: "I would."