The Collapse of Power: A Father’s Betrayal and the Judgment of Guilt

In just 18 hours, Zhao Lisheng had borne far too much for his disgraceful son. He could have continued to enjoy the privileges of power from the shadows, quietly reaping its rewards. But since 6 PM yesterday, everything had changed.

An anonymous figure exposed Zhao Ba's crimes to the public, and the personal information of Zhao Lisheng's family was soon unearthed, impossible to erase. Countless netizens hurled insults and accusations at him, and petitions against him flooded the discipline inspection commissions. One particularly sharp political program even targeted his dereliction of duty as a public official.

Early this morning, his political patron called, gently asking after his family's well-being.

At the end of the call, the patron made a seemingly casual remark: "They say children are a reflection of their parents—what do you think?"

That one short sentence left Zhao Lisheng drenched in cold sweat.

The doorbell rang again, pressed by the reporters who had been waiting outside. They were sent by his political rivals, eager to see his downfall.

But this time, to his wife's surprise, Zhao Lisheng opened the door himself. Microphones were immediately thrust in his face.

"Minister Zhao, did you know about all of your son's crimes?"

"Minister Zhao, have you been abusing your power?"

"Minister Zhao, do you support the death penalty for your son?"

Facing the camera, Zhao Lisheng put on a pained expression. "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by Wang Rui's ordeal. I didn't know before, but now I will not cover up for my son!"

His quick change of face stunned even the seasoned journalists. In the next moment, Zhao Lisheng pulled out his phone, showing the voting interface to the camera. In the poll, "Should Zhao Ba die?" he had voted in favor.

With fervor, he declared, "I am a father, but more importantly, I am a public servant. If I am to protect children like Wang Rui, I must ensure that criminals like my son are severely punished!"

At 12 PM, a chime echoed.

Across 100 live streams, the "death vote" broadcast dominated the screens. The voting buttons had stopped working, and the result was frozen: 96% of the public supported Zhao Ba's execution. Cheers erupted across the city, and the live stream even added festive animations with fireworks and firecrackers, as if joyfully sending Zhao Ba off to his death.

The screen shifted, revealing Zhao Ba tied to a cross. The man was unconscious, clearly terrified and injured. His clothes were wrinkled, his pants stained with suspicious dark patches, and his body was covered in blood-caked wounds.

A bucket of cold water was poured over him, and Zhao Ba groaned, slowly opening his eyes.

A chilling electronic voice rang out: "The voting has ended. 96% of the viewers, including your father, have voted for your death. Zhao Ba, are you ready?"

Zhao Ba lifted his head sluggishly. "Father…? My dad? Even he wants me dead?!"

A television was now placed in front of the cross, showing the interview with Zhao Lisheng:

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by Wang Rui's ordeal. I didn't know before, but now I will not cover up for my son! To protect every child like Wang Rui, I must strictly punish criminals like my son!"

The voting interface on Zhao Lisheng's phone seemed to sear Zhao Ba's eyes. The wounded man struggled violently, rattling the chains.

"He's lying! Wang Rui was killed by him! He's a pedophile!"