The army-green jeep rumbled over fallen leaves, heading back toward the solemn military district compound.
They didn’t linger long at the Organization Department but drove straight to the heavily guarded Military Security Section.
Inside the vehicle, Shen Zhiwei’s palms were slightly sweaty.
The divorce certificate she had just received hadn’t brought her much relief; the scenery outside the window was growing increasingly familiar.
A few days ago, she had been here, helplessly watching her father being taken away.
The car stopped in front of the gray two-story building of the Security Section. Unlike her last visit, which had felt oppressive and heavy, now a few officers stood in front of the building with serious expressions that conveyed fairness and authority.
One of them was the same officer she had met before.
Seeing them get out, the officer immediately approached with a much more respectful demeanor. “Representative Gu, Comrade Shen Zhiwei, you’re here.”
“The case concerning Engineer Shen Guodong has been thoroughly reviewed. It has been confirmed that Wang Qiang and others fabricated facts to attack and retaliate against him,” he continued.
“It has now been decided to release him immediately and restore his reputation.”
As soon as the words were spoken, footsteps echoed from inside the building.
Shen Zhiwei looked up sharply and saw her father, Shen Guodong, slowly walking out accompanied by two staff members.
In just a few days, he appeared slightly thinner; his temples had more gray hair, and his complexion was somewhat pale. Yet the eyes that had always been full of wisdom now sparkled again, and his posture was straight.
His old Zhongshan suit was slightly wrinkled but neatly arranged.
“Dad!” Shen Zhiwei felt a pang in her nose, almost running forward to embrace him tightly. She felt the faint coolness of his body against hers, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.
Shen Guodong stiffened slightly, raising a trembling hand to pat his daughter’s back.
“Weiwei, Dad’s fine… it’s all fine now.”
The sight of father and daughter embracing moved even the stern officers nearby, who quietly averted their gaze.
Gu Yanzhou stood silently to the side, not disturbing this long-awaited reunion, his gentle gaze resting on Shen Zhiwei’s slightly trembling shoulders.
After a moment, Shen Guodong gently let go of his daughter, his eyes moving past her to the young man standing behind her.
He naturally recognized this young military representative of special rank and had vaguely heard that his daughter’s divorce was somehow related to him.
He stepped forward and solemnly extended his hand to Gu Yanzhou, speaking earnestly, “Representative Gu, thank you so much this time.”
He understood that having his innocence cleared so quickly was no small matter.
Gu Yanzhou stepped forward and shook his hand, respectful yet without claiming credit.
“Engineer Shen, you overstate it. You’ve suffered because of this matter.”
“Old Shen, this time you’ve really suffered greatly! But it’s fine the dark clouds have passed, and now we see the moonlight!”
Another officer in a technical department uniform stepped forward with a smile, patting Shen Guodong’s shoulder warmly.
“Your case has been clarified, and the factory has conducted a thorough self-review as well.”
“Given your past technical achievements, you’ve been reassigned to the Military District’s First Directly Subordinate Mechanical Factory as a Technical Team Leader, heading the development of new firearms models!”
“Your rank and benefits will be upgraded too. This is a far more important position!”
Shen Guodong was stunned.
The First Directly Subordinate Mechanical Factory of the Military District was a dream destination for any technical engineer working on the nation’s most critical defense projects.
He had never imagined that not only would his grievances be cleared, but he would also gain an even greater career platform because of it.
The surrounding officers stepped forward to congratulate him.
“Engineer Shen, congratulations!”
“Old Shen, your technical skills have long deserved a better platform!”
“From now on, we’ll have to call you Team Leader Shen!”
Shen Zhiwei looked at her father’s face, now glowing with pride, and her eyes moistened again.
This was the stage her father deserved. In her previous life, he had been overlooked and suppressed; now, in this life, that regret was finally being made right.
She quietly clenched her fingers, savoring the precious feeling of what had been lost and now regained.
Gu Yanzhou watched the joyful expression on Shen Zhiwei’s face, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly in a gentle smile.
But there was still an important matter to address.
Shen Zhiwei frowned and spoke softly, “Dad, our old home… it’s been taken away.”
The old home held unpleasant memories and was far from the new workplace.
Shen Gong’s current physical and mental state also required a quiet, comfortable place to rest and recover.
Shen Guodong hesitated, his expression troubled.
Gu Yanzhou spoke at just the right moment, with a calm and considerate tone that eased the awkwardness.
“Engineer Shen has just gone through a lot; both his body and mind need rest.”
“The previous residence is also far from the First Mechanical Factory, making commuting inconvenient. There’s a small, unused courtyard on the east side of the compound.
It’s assigned by the organization according to rank and has been empty until now. The courtyard is quiet, fully furnished, and regularly cleaned by the duty personnel.”
He looked at Shen Zhiwei and Shen Guodong earnestly. “If you don’t mind, you could temporarily settle there.”
“First, the environment is good for rest. Second, it’s close to both the First Mechanical Factory and the Military District Hospital, which is convenient. Third, security in the compound is guaranteed.”
The suggestion was reasonable, thoughtful in every detail, and hard to refuse.
Shen Guodong still hesitated, feeling it was too much trouble for them.
But Shen Zhiwei understood Gu Yanzhou’s intention it was truly the best arrangement for now.
She looked at her father and said softly, “Dad, Representative Gu is right. Your health comes first; you really need a good environment to recover.”
“Once you’re better, we’ll find a proper place to live. We can’t keep troubling Representative Gu forever.”
Her words accepted the offer while tactfully emphasizing that it was only temporary, so her father wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.
Shen Guodong glanced at his daughter, then at the sincere Gu Yanzhou, and finally nodded with gratitude. “Then we’re truly thankful, Representative Gu. I really appreciate it!”
“Engineer Shen, you’re too polite. It’s no trouble at all,” Gu Yanzhou replied with a smile and a nod.
And just like that, the matter was settled.
Gu Yanzhou personally drove the Shen father and daughter to the small courtyard he had mentioned.
The courtyard was located on the relatively quiet east side of the military compound. It looked a bit old but was clean and orderly.
The courtyard wasn’t large, but a few hardy holly trees gave it a serene and elegant feel.
Inside, the furniture was minimal but complete: tables, chairs, beds, and cupboards were all in place. The bed was made with fresh bedding, the windows were clean, and even the stove had a kettle of steaming hot water clearly prepared in advance by the duty personnel.
Everything here was far more comfortable and peaceful than their old home.
Shen Guodong looked around the temporary new home, a satisfied expression crossing his face, and his previously tense spirit finally relaxed completely.
A long-missed smile appeared.
“This is good, really good!” He nodded repeatedly, deeply grateful for Gu Yanzhou’s thoughtful arrangement.
Shen Zhiwei helped her father sit in a chair and poured him a cup of hot water.
The evening sunlight streamed through the window, warm and peaceful. The long shadow that had hung over this home was finally gone, replaced by a renewed sense of hope.
He smiled at the corner of his eyes. “Zhiwei, when are you and little Gu planning to make your relationship official?”