He Jinxuan coughed lightly: "I have no objections about this matter. Please help relay to the higher-ups that, as a retired soldier, I will not lose my spirit upon leaving the service. Ensuring security and protecting the factory’s property is indeed what I should be doing. Thank them for being so considerate."
Then, Xiao Tie took out two certificates of commendation and two envelopes from the bag he carried: "These are the awards from above."
At first, He Jinxuan was a bit embarrassed because it was indeed part of his job.
Xiao Tie noticed his thoughts: "Director He, you bravely captured the criminals single-handedly, not only protecting the factory’s property but also aiding the public security bureau in cracking such a big case. This is precisely what you deserve, so just accept them."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xiao Tie escorted He Jinxuan back to the ward. However, Xiao Tie was indeed considerate, even preparing a file folder for He Jinxuan to store the certificates and prize money.
After the factory director left with the two public security officers, many people came to inquire about the situation, but unfortunately, He Jinxuan remained tight-lipped and made excuses to dodge the questions.
He Jinxuan lay in bed feigning sleep, recalling the events of that night. Those few people seemed like thugs but indeed had some skills. Initially, he thought they had honed these skills through frequent encounters in society, but considering now, those people were definitely trained by someone.
Thinking about the weight of those two envelopes, he speculated in his heart that the two public security officers might have also hidden some truths. The matters involving those people could be bigger, otherwise, how could merely a theft gang threaten the safety of his family? There might be complexities involved.
Since the higher-ups didn’t want people to know, there must be a reason. Yet, thinking about that day, if it had been other security personnel, the outcome might have been grave. He exhaled heavily and stopped dwelling on the matter.
*
Xinyan hugged Ye Siyan while walking back home. Although the little fellow wasn’t heavy, holding him for a long time was tiring for her arms. As they neared the doorstep, she said to Ye Silai, "Sili, run ahead and open the door first."
Ye Silai, being clever, noticed that his sister was probably exhausted and quickly trotted to the doorway. Just as he unlocked the door, someone asked, "Sili’s back, is your brother feeling better?"
Ye Silai politely replied: "Much better. The doctor said he shouldn’t catch a cold again and advised resting at home for a few days."
The woman who asked saw Yu Xinyan holding the child behind and greeted with a smile: "Miss, you’re back."
Ye Silai hurriedly introduced: "Sis, this is Aunt Zhao who lives opposite us."
Yu Xinyan smiled and greeted: "Hello Sister Zhao, my name is Yu Xinyan."
Ye Silai looked up at Yu Xinyan: "Sis, that’s not right, you should call her Auntie."
Yu Xinyan laughed: "You’re right to call her Auntie, but as an adult, your sister calls her Sister."
This puzzled Ye Silai, frowning and somewhat bewildered — he calls her Auntie, his brother calls her Auntie, yet why does his sister call her Sister?
Sister Zhao laughed: "Look how we’re confusing our Sili."
Perhaps noticing Yu Xinyan’s struggle holding the child: "Your name is Xinyan, right? Quickly go inside, you must be exhausted carrying him all the way back."
Yu Xinyan thought Sister Zhao seemed nice: "Okay, Sister, I’ll head in first. Feel free to come over for a chat sometime."
After entering the house, Ye Silai hadn’t forgotten the earlier matter: "Sis, why do you call Aunt Zhao Sister?"