Chapter 245: That Child Has a Big Background
Ning Xiyue sat in her study and finished writing the letter. Then she found a lump of gray yarn—the same one she had grabbed earlier at the department store in Shanghai with the flawed sweater intended for Comrade Ji.
She lost track of time while knitting the scarf, continuing until it was finished and ready to send to Comrade Ji. Only then did she leave the space and return to her house.
Soon after, she packed the received package into a basket.
Carrying the letter and the scarf in her basket, Ning Xiyue locked the door and left again, heading back to the post office to mail the letter and scarf once more.
This time she really left the post office, but she didn’t leave town. Instead, she went to the small courtyard where she was supposed to meet Comrade Li and hand over the medicine.
Comrade Li had been waiting inside for some time.
Ning Xiyue first handed him the recently prepared “Bone-Healing Tendon-Reconnecting Powder.”
Comrade Li took it, didn’t even glance at it, slipped it into his pocket, and proceeded with another important task for the day.
He picked up two certificates of merit for bravery and two envelopes containing money, placing them in front of Ning Xiyue:
“Comrade Ning, these are the certificates and three-hundred-yuan bonuses for you and your second brother. Count the money first to make sure the amount is correct before keeping them.”
Ning Xiyue took the items and asked, looking at him:
“What award is this? Is it from the last human-trafficking case? How did things turn out?”
While looking at Comrade Li for an answer, she opened the envelopes and counted the money in front of him.
Indeed, each envelope contained three hundred yuan—thirty bills of large denomination—no mistakes.
After seeing her verify the amount, Comrade Li finally looked up and answered her question.
“This is the reward for the last operation. The mission to capture the human traffickers went extremely smoothly. Over fifty criminals were apprehended, and countless children and women were rescued. Your and your second brother Ning Qingyuan’s discovery and reporting were crucial to solving this major case in such a short time and striking a blow against criminal activity.”
The more than fifty captured were only the traffickers; foreign elements were not included. Those were handled by special forces.
Comrade Li did not disclose that part to Ning Xiyue—only what could be shared.
He smiled and spoke clearly, then shifted his tone, looking apologetic as he said:
“But to protect your personal safety, we cannot publicly acknowledge you. We can only privately issue these certificates and bonuses as a token of gratitude. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all! It’s all for our good. How could we mind? We didn’t cause trouble for the state, and to receive the organization’s recognition and contribute to the country and people is an immense honor.”
Ning Xiyue shook her head, waving her hands repeatedly, accepting the rewards with a mix of fear and gratitude:
“Receiving these two rewards is already a wonderful surprise. There aren’t even enough words to express my thanks. I’ll accept them on behalf of my brother as well.”
She and her second brother would only be overjoyed. Judging by the thickness, the amount of money was substantial. To quietly receive money and certificates while remaining safe—without anyone knowing—was perfect. Public praise held no meaning for her now.
Fame is like a pig getting fat—trouble follows.
Truly gaining notoriety would be disastrous. Moreover, the criminal organization involved was large and complex, including foreign operations. Not publicizing it was the correct choice.
Ning Xiyue touched the envelope in her hand: as long as there was money, nothing else mattered.
After the formalities, their conversation became more relaxed, like old friends.
Ning Xiyue, still concerned about the children, asked:
“Comrade Li, what about the children? Have they been reunited with their families?”
“They’re temporarily gathered in one location. Local authorities have been notified, and parents are gradually coming to reclaim their children. Soon, all the children should be reunited with their families. Those who cannot be located will be sent to welfare institutions. Women unwilling to return will also be sent there, where the children will be cared for.”
Comrade Li first explained the situation for all the women and children. He knew Ning Xiyue especially wanted to know about the batch she helped rescue.
After a pause, he continued:
“The first batch of children, which was abducted the shortest time ago, were easy to locate. All of them have now been reunited with their families.”
“What about the child who was severely injured? Are his hands and feet any better? I’ve been wanting to see him.” Ning Xiyue wanted to know the child’s current condition. Without permission from the armed department, she couldn’t visit the hospital alone.
“That child’s hands and feet were broken and left untreated for a long time. Recovery is difficult. He was also confined for over a month, which caused psychological issues. It’s a bit complicated,” Comrade Li said, shaking his head regretfully.
“If you want to see him, I can take you today. His family will transfer him to a big city hospital tomorrow, and you won’t get another chance to see him.”
“Comrade Li, the medicine I brought today is for bone and tendon recovery. It may help this child. I’ll give you a batch first,” Ning Xiyue said, taking a paper-wrapped package from her bag containing a large portion of the powder.
“This medicine is for you first. I also know a little acupuncture. Take me to see the child’s condition. If it’s promising, combining both methods may help him regain function in his hands and feet—or at least improve his current situation.”
“Really?” Comrade Li’s eyes lit up with joy.
The child’s family had some connection with his own—older generations had been comrades, and he had even played with the child’s father when he was little.
He cared deeply about the child. Hearing there might be hope filled him with excitement, though he asked again to confirm, hardly daring to believe it.
Ning Xiyue nodded affirmatively. Everything she said was true.
“That’s wonderful. Comrade Ning, are you free now? Let’s go immediately.” Comrade Li asked eagerly, impatient to leave with her.
Ning Xiyue saw his urgency. She was ready too; since she was already in town, she might as well go today. She nodded decisively:
“I’m free. Let’s go now—better to leave early and return early.”
“Let’s go. I’ll take you there,” Comrade Li said without further words, standing and leading her to the car.
On the way, Comrade Li spoke about the child:
“Comrade Ning, to be honest, that child comes from a very notable background.”
