Captain Han turned to the crowd in the compound. “Comrades, what do you think?”
Such a remarkable person had emerged from their compound—of course they wanted to witness this joyous occasion and share in the honor.
Later, they could even tell people from other compounds and boast about it.
With that thought, everyone responded one after another—
“Good!”
“Agreed, agreed!”
One of them immediately said, “I’ll go call Song Jinyue!”
After Captain Han nodded, the man dashed upstairs, shouting at the top of his lungs as he ran, “Song Jinyue! Song Jinyue!”
“The police are here to commend you!”
Before she even appeared, his voice had already echoed throughout the entire compound.
Hearing the shouting, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Captain Han’s lips.
This was exactly the effect he wanted.
The bigger the commotion, the better.
It was just a pity…
Song Jinyue would be leaving tomorrow to join the army.
That was precisely why they had come now—to give her the recognition before she left.
Song Jinyue and Song Xiongguan came downstairs after hearing the noise.
The moment she saw Captain Han, she already understood what was happening.
It was most likely arranged by Secretary Wei or Director Zhong—knowing she was leaving, they wanted to give her the reward beforehand.
Captain Han first went through a round of praise, complimenting Song Jinyue so much that even she found it hard to believe she was that outstanding.
After the praise, he got to the main point—
A reward of one thousand.
The moment the amount was announced, the entire compound erupted.
“Oh my—!”
“One thousand!”
After handing over the money and offering a few more words of praise, Captain Han left with his team.
Song Jinyue and Song Xiongguan spent some time responding to everyone’s congratulations before heading upstairs to pack.
As they watched the siblings go upstairs, the crowd turned their attention to the Chen family and began discussing in hushed voices.
Thinking about how the Chen family would react upon learning that Song Jinyue had not only made contributions but also received a reward of one thousand, some couldn’t help but gloat.
“What do you think their expressions would be if they knew?”
Someone shook their head. “They won’t know.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Chen family has already been arrested.”
“Arrested? Why?”
“Didn’t they come earlier this morning to move things? They took all the valuable items—even the better clothes. Song Xiongguan reported it as a burglary. Once the police investigated, it led straight to the Chen family. They were arrested on the spot.”
The crowd fell silent.
For a moment, no one knew what to say…
Were the Chen family getting what they deserved?
Or was Song Xiongguan ruthless for sending his ex-wife’s entire family to the police?
…
Back at home, Song Jinyue began packing.
Watching her, Song Xiongguan felt a lump in his throat, his nose stinging and eyes reddening.
It was all his fault…
If only he were more capable, his sister wouldn’t have to…
His eyes turned red.
Not wanting her to notice, he turned and went into the kitchen. He thought about boiling eggs for her, but then realized it would be better to cook them fresh in the morning.
He gave up the idea.
Then, as if remembering something, he turned to say a quick word to her before hurrying out the door.
Song Jinyue mainly packed clothes. As for the rest, her brother could send them later after she settled at the army base.
After finishing, she lay down and fell asleep.
The next day—
Song Jinyue woke up early, carrying her packed luggage as she stepped out.
Her brother called her over for breakfast.
After eating, he handed her another bag, saying it was filled with food.
She tried to open it, but he stopped her, telling her to wait until she got on the train.
He kept urging her to hurry, afraid she might miss it.
He also mentioned that he had borrowed a bicycle and would take her to the station before heading to work.
She nodded.
As she reached for her luggage, he grabbed it first.
Song Xiongguan carried everything and walked ahead, with Song Jinyue following behind.
They got on the bicycle and left the compound.
Just as they exited—
A car drove up, and a voice called out, “Comrade Song!”
Song Jinyue turned her head.
Captain Han was inside the car, waving at her. “Over here!”
The car stopped beside them.
Captain Han looked at her. “Get in. Secretary Wei arranged this.”
Song Jinyue was about to say it wasn’t necessary, but before she could—
Her brother spoke first, asking Captain Han to wait while he returned the bicycle.
Captain Han agreed immediately.
Song Jinyue got into the car with her luggage. Shortly after, Song Xiongguan returned and got in as well.
The car started.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the train station.
Captain Han brought them to a railway staff member who had been arranged in advance.
The staff member would escort Song Jinyue inside.
Song Xiongguan wanted to see his sister onto the train.
Captain Han reassured him that she would be taken through a staff passage and personally escorted onboard, so there was no need to worry.
Song Xiongguan nodded repeatedly, but his eyes were already red.
He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t hold back his tears.
Turning away from her, he said, “Jinyue, call home when you arrive safely.”
“Okay.”
Hearing the slight tremor in his voice, Song Jinyue felt her own nose sting.
She forced herself to stay composed, replied softly, and said she was leaving.
Then—
Without looking back, she walked away.
Song Xiongguan turned around, watching her figure grow smaller and smaller until his tears finally fell.
In the end… he still hadn’t been able to protect his sister.
Captain Han watched until she disappeared from sight before turning back.
Seeing Song Xiongguan in tears, he paused, then sighed and gently patted his shoulder.
…
…
The railway staff escorted Song Jinyue onto the train.
At the connection between carriages stood a train attendant in uniform.
The staff member spoke to the attendant, then handed over Song Jinyue’s luggage.
Song Jinyue quickly reached out. “Comrade, I can carry it myself now that I’m onboard.”
But the attendant took it first. “Comrade Song, I’ll help you.”
The staff member said, “Comrade Song, this is Comrade He Baoguo. She is in charge of the sleeper carriage. If you need anything, you can ask her.”
“Alright.” Song Jinyue nodded. “Hello, Comrade He.”
The attendant smiled. “Hello.”
“Let’s go. I’ll take you to your berth.”
“Okay.”
Song Jinyue tried to carry her luggage again, but the attendant had already picked it up and walked ahead, so she followed.
As they entered the sleeper carriage, a burst of loud, rapid chatter came from ahead.
That sound…
It was very familiar.
Song Jinyue looked up.
Coming toward her were one… two… three… five foreigners.
Three men and two women.
Song Jinyue: “…”
The group spoke loudly among themselves, laughing as they chatted.
The distance between them closed.
One tall, thin foreign man fixed his gaze on Song Jinyue, looked her up and down—
Then whistled at her.