As the bicycle drew closer, everyone’s eyes turned toward them—some malicious, some disdainful, even some gloating.
With so many people watching, Lin Dad stopped the bicycle, and Lin Shiyao got off. She walked beside him, pushing the bike together.
Word had already spread around the compound that Lin Dad had taken Lin Shiyao to work that morning. The Lin family really had connections—able to find Lin Shiyao a job.
You had to know how hard it was to find work these days. Others tried everything and still couldn’t get one, with no choice but to go to the countryside.
Families with sons were already thinking about how to get close to the Lin family. Once Lin Shiyao married into their family, wouldn’t her job become theirs? Then they could just have her stay home to bear children and cook, and give up the job—it would be easy.
But now that they saw the police at the door, those who had been scheming quickly dismissed their thoughts.
When the auntie shouted earlier, the two officers had already spotted Lin Shiyao. The man beside her must be her father—they did resemble each other somewhat.
“Comrade Lin, you’re back.”
It turned out to be the round-faced officer from the police station two days ago. Lin Shiyao smiled and said, “Yes, we just got off work. Is there something you need?”
“Didn’t we say before? You did a good deed. We’re here today to deliver a commendation letter.”
The crowd erupted. So they were here to give Lin Shiyao a commendation letter? A commendation letter? When did that Lin girl do a good deed? She was really lucky. Everyone started chattering at once.
“Everyone, please quiet down. Because Comrade Lin Shiyao showed bravery and fearlessness, assisted the police in capturing a human trafficking criminal gang, and helped solve a case, demonstrating the spirit and high awareness of the socialist family, after discussion by higher authorities, we are here today to present Comrade Lin Shiyao with a commendation letter, 150 yuan, two grain coupons, five cloth coupons, and one watch coupon. Thank you, Comrade Lin Shiyao.”
The round-faced officer loudly stated the purpose of their visit. He had just heard quite a few people slandering her. This had to be announced publicly so everyone would know and stop the rumors from harming her.
Lin Shiyao hadn’t expected that after giving her an enamel mug and thermos yesterday, they would give her money today as well. What she didn’t know was that because of her report, the police had followed the lead and captured the largest human trafficking gang in recent times, rescuing 150 women and 20 children in total.
The leadership took it very seriously. A commendation letter alone wasn’t enough to express their gratitude, so they added money and coupons.
“Thank you, officers. As a successor of socialism, this is what I should do. It’s my honor to help many families reunite with their loved ones and children,” Lin Shiyao said firmly. With this commendation letter, those who wanted to report their family for not sending children to the countryside would have to think twice.
“Lin girl, well done!”
“That’s right!”
“Learn from Comrade Lin Shiyao!”
Many young people were fired up by her righteous speech and started shouting.
Lin Shiyao suddenly felt socially overwhelmed. This was getting a bit dramatic. She shot a pleading look at the officers, but they completely failed to catch her meaning.
The more confident she had sounded just now, the more she wanted to run away.
“Um… everyone…” There were even more people now. She didn’t even have a chance to speak.
Lin Dad understood her meaning and stood on a stool, instantly rising above the crowd.
“Everyone, please quiet down. Thank you to the officers and to the neighbors for recognizing our Yaoyao. When doing good deeds, you must also ensure your own safety. Only act when you’re certain you have the ability and confidence—not just acting on impulse. Alright, everyone, go home and have your meals. The officers also need to head back.”
He had no choice but to bring out his leadership speech.
“Oh dear, I haven’t started cooking yet…”
“My laundry isn’t done…”
“My grandson will be home soon…”
The crowd gradually dispersed. Lin Shiyao and her father both breathed a sigh of relief.
“Officers, would you like to come upstairs and sit for a while?” Lin Dad asked.
“No need, Comrade Lin. We’ve delivered the commendation letter and will head back. There’s still work at the bureau,” the two officers said quickly.
When they got home, Lin Mom hadn’t returned yet. Lin Zhengbin was probably at her place after school. After putting everything down, Lin Shiyao went into the kitchen, washed the rice, and put it into the rice cooker to start cooking.
Yes, a rice cooker. Their family also had a television—though it was black and white. Compared to most families, they were doing quite well.
Seeing Lin Shiyao already cooking and moving so efficiently, Lin Dad felt emotional. His daughter had grown up.
The once soft and timid girl had become strong. She wouldn’t have had the courage before to speak so confidently in front of so many people.
He suddenly realized that the soft little dumpling had grown into a graceful young woman. Time really flew.
Lin Shiyao had no idea about her father’s sentimental thoughts and didn’t know why he suddenly seemed emotional. She shook her head—maybe her father just had something on his mind.
She had just finished washing the vegetables when her mom and younger brother came home.
“Sis!” Lin Zhengbin’s loud voice echoed through the house.
“Yaoyao!” Lin Mom called out. She had already been stopped in the compound by several aunties who told her everything about her daughter before she even got home.
“Mom, Binbin, I’m in the kitchen,” Lin Shiyao replied.
“Oh my, what are you doing in the kitchen? Come out. Mom will cook in a bit,” Lin Mom said, pulling her out to sit on the sofa.
“Sis, I heard the police gave you a commendation letter!”
“Daughter, didn’t they say it was just a commendation letter? Why did they also give money and coupons?”
Lin Shiyao retold what happened when she and her father returned home. Lin Dad nodded repeatedly beside her, indicating that everything his daughter said was true.
Lin Mom ignored Lin Dad’s smug look. After understanding the whole story, she went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, and Lin Dad followed to help.
Lin Shiyao was ordered to stay outside and watch TV, not allowed into the kitchen. So she chatted with her brother in the living room. She didn’t like watching TV anyway—it was black and white, and she wasn’t used to it.
After dinner, her brother Lin Zhengbin went to wash the dishes. Lin Shiyao handed the money and coupons the police had given her to her mother.
“You keep the money and coupons yourself. Our family doesn’t lack these. Mom doesn’t want them. I just want you to be safe. Even though you were rewarded, I still hope you won’t encounter such things again.”
Parents’ love was truly selfless. Lin Shiyao felt deeply moved.
“Mom, my work schedule at the factory is arranged. I work one day and rest the next.”
“That’s wonderful. That way you’ll have time to rest and won’t be so tired.”
“Mm. Mom, you all should rest early.”
In the bedroom, Lin Mom applied snow cream and asked Lin Dad, “Old Lin, don’t you think our Yaoyao has changed? She’s more lively than before.”
Lin Dad replied, “She’s grown up. Now we don’t have to worry about her being bullied. That’s a good thing.”
Lin Mom said, “Yes. That half-blind fortune teller once said Yaoyao would have a calamity before she turned eighteen, but after passing it, things would go more smoothly. I think it’s true.”
Lin Dad said, “Mm, go to sleep. Mom doesn’t know yet. Another day we’ll take Yaoyao to visit her.”
Lin Mom remembered how they had kept Lin Shiyao’s near-drowning a secret from the elders.
Tomorrow happened to be Yaoyao’s day off. She would ask for leave and take Yaoyao to visit Grandma and Grandpa.