On May 17, after more than two months of full lockdown, officials announced plans to lift restrictions in June. At the same time, major state media outlets began releasing a wave of optimistic reports about the resumption of work, production, and business, claiming that “the hustle and bustle of Shanghai is returning” and that “zero COVID in the community has been achieved.” These messages sparked strong resentment among Shanghai residents who were still living under strict lockdown measures.