Chapter 16: Does This Count as a Meritorious Deed?
All of Ning Xiyue’s luggage had been taken over by the comrades behind her, so she only needed to carry her little cloth bag and the eye-catching brick in her hand.
Once her belongings were packed, Ning Xiyue exchanged a few words with her new friends, then happily followed the stern-faced comrade and the train attendant, rolling up her bedding as she went, towards the private sleeper compartment she had long dreamed of.
Truly, it was like getting a pillow just when you’re dozing off — everything she wished for appeared right before her eyes. Lying down was a hundred times more comfortable than sitting, so Ning Xiyue followed them without a second’s hesitation, bouncing along cheerfully.
“Comrade, we’ve arrived. This is your berth,” the attendant said with a smile, pointing to the inner bunk on the right side.
“Thank you.” Ning Xiyue nodded her thanks and stepped into the compartment to look around.
To be honest, the compartment reserved for leaders was really quite nice. Once the door was closed, it was quiet and peaceful — not only could she sleep comfortably, but it was also safe. Most importantly, she’d have the whole room to herself.
She felt a little embarrassed about staying in a compartment reserved for leadership.
She could only hope that good luck like this would come more often — after all, freeloading felt so good.
When she turned around, she saw that the stern-faced comrade was still dutifully carrying her luggage. She thanked him: “Comrade, you can just put the luggage on the floor. Thank you for your trouble.”
But the stern-faced comrade didn’t listen. Instead, he carefully placed the parcels and suitcase neatly on the luggage rack, then turned back to her with a serious expression.
“In a bit, we’ll need to take a statement from you. I hope you’ll cooperate.”
Ning Xiyue blinked, then nodded repeatedly. “Of course, of course.”
“No need to be nervous. Just answer truthfully, stick to the facts.”
Ning Xiyue hadn’t expected to be comforted by the comrade. His face was still cold and serious — not exactly comforting — but she still said gratefully, “Alright, thank you, comrade.”
And so, Ning Xiyue experienced the first statement-taking of her life. Two public security officers questioned her, while the stern-faced comrade — apparently surnamed Ji — sat silently to the side, listening but not speaking.
Ning Xiyue wondered if Comrade Ji was there purely to add pressure. He didn’t say a single word, but his presence alone carried such weight that even the two police officers seemed more restrained.
She had no choice but to pretend he was air and focus on answering the questions carefully.
When they finally asked why she had a brick on her person, Ning Xiyue had plenty to say. She was truly innocent — just a hapless victim caught up in misfortune. There wasn’t a single false word, and she wasn’t afraid in the least. Most importantly, she had done a good deed for the people.
“Comrades, do you see the big scar on my forehead? To tell you the truth, I’ve really been unlucky. A few days before I was to go to the countryside, I was tricked, hit my head, and almost died. Luckily, someone saved me and I survived.”
“So, for my safety, my mother specifically told me to bring something for self-defense. I grabbed a brick we used as a table support at home and carried it with me. I didn’t expect to actually need it! Can you believe my luck? I just went to the bathroom and ended up in such a situation. That brick truly did its job — I owe my life to my mom and that brick.”
“Wouldn’t you agree, comrade?”
With a pitiful expression, Ning Xiyue poured out her grievances, speaking with such sincerity that the officer taking notes truly felt sorry for her. This girl had really been through a lot — even life-threatening situations.
Even as a man, he’d have trouble handling that — let alone a delicate young woman.
Comrade Ji, sitting to the side, watched the scene unfold. For the first time, the sternness on his face softened a little, the corners of his lips faintly curving upward. But he said nothing and continued sitting silently as background decoration.
Seeing the two officers’ sympathetic expressions, Ning Xiyue changed her tone.
“Comrades, I heard that woman and those two men were working together — they were thieves. So… doesn’t that mean I’ve made a contribution? I bravely fought with the criminals without fear, protected the property and safety of the people, and even helped you catch them. Doesn’t that make me a good comrade who acts bravely for justice and helps others?”
She hesitated a little, then, as if summoning courage, raised her voice:
“Comrades, do you think I could get a certificate of merit or a letter of commendation as encouragement? That way, more good comrades will have the courage to stand up, do good deeds, learn from Comrade Lei Feng, serve the people, and contribute to the country.”
“Good! Well said.”
At some point, an older police officer had entered the room, and he now spoke with a smile:
“Comrade, don’t worry — we’ll definitely give you a certificate and a commendation letter. Just leave us an address, and we’ll send them to you. Our country needs more conscious, upright comrades like you. You deserve recognition.”
“Thank you, comrades. You’ve worked so hard.” Ning Xiyue stood up and bowed in gratitude, then added a little awkwardly, “It’s just… I’m a sent-down youth. I only know I’m going to Da’an County, but I’m not sure which village I’ll be assigned to yet.”
“That’s alright. Comrade Ji is also headed to Da’an County. Don’t worry — we’ll make sure the certificate and letter reach you. We’ll deliver them to your village, and Comrade Ji will ensure your safety on the way, in case any accomplices are still out there.”
The older officer was reminded of his own daughter who had gone to the countryside, so he felt especially protective of Ning Xiyue. It wasn’t easy for a young girl to go through that.
He also quite admired her cleverness — how she knew to protect herself and fight for her own interests.
“Thank you, thank you so much. Thank you to all the comrades — and to Comrade Ji as well.” Ning Xiyue bowed again and again, deeply grateful.
And this time, her gratitude wasn’t just politeness — she meant every word. That certificate and commendation letter would become her protective charm in the future.
If the public security bureau helped deliver it to her village, it would boost her status significantly. The rural officials wouldn’t dare to make trouble for her easily. That was the real reason she shamelessly asked for the award.
As the saying goes, “The mountains are high and the emperor is far away.” Once she was sent down, the local cadres’ words were like imperial edicts — whatever they said was final. Even if she was bullied, crying to the heavens or the earth wouldn’t help.
In her previous life, Ning Xiyue had read many stories about educated youths being mistreated in the countryside with nowhere to seek help. Human nature could be truly vile — so vile it felt like living in a hellish darkness.
That was why she was so deeply grateful to this older officer, who thought of her in every way.
“It’s nothing. It’s our duty. No need to thank us.” The older officer waved his hand and turned to Ji. “Comrade Ji, I’m entrusting her to you. Make sure to protect this young comrade and deliver her safely to her destination.”
Comrade Ji, the background decoration, immediately straightened and gave a salute. “I guarantee the mission will be completed.”
Once the statement was finished, the officers left the room, leaving only Ning Xiyue and Comrade Ji inside.
