Yan Jin’er had just peeked into the Police Officer Bureau and only saw two men in Police Officer uniforms. She did not see Father Song.
“Hello, comrade. May I ask what we can help you with?” The two tall male Police Officers saw a delicate and cute girl walking in and assumed something had happened, so they immediately asked her in a warm and gentle tone.
“Hello, I’m looking for your bureau chief. I’m Bureau Chief Song’s daughter. May I ask where he is?”
“Bureau Chief Song’s daughter?! Does Bureau Chief Song have a daughter?” “He does. Didn’t Bureau Chief Song remarry some time ago?” The two of them quietly discussed it, but even though they were speaking softly, Yan Jin’er could still hear everything clearly since she was so close.
They quickly realized their behavior was inappropriate. “Heh heh,” they let out awkward dry laughs, and Yan Jin’er almost felt embarrassed for them.
Just then, Father Song happened to hear the voices and quickly walked out of his office. He said gently and softly to Yan Jin’er, “Jinbao, you’re here. Why didn’t you call me? Let’s go, it’s almost time.”
Then he changed his tone to a serious one and said to the two Police Officers, “Xiao Zhao, Xiao Liu, you two keep your post well tonight. If anything cannot be resolved, report it to your squad leader or to me.”
After they nodded one by one, Father Song led Yan Jin’er to the back exit where bicycles were parked.
“Jinbao, get on. My colleagues and the family members have already left in the military transport vehicle. We’ll go by bicycle.”
Yan Jin’er held onto the hem of Father Song’s clothes and sat on the back of his bicycle. They swayed and bumped along the road for about half an hour before arriving at the entrance of the Military Region.
After Father Song completed the check-in with the guard soldier at the gate, they were allowed to enter.
Yan Jin’er followed Father Song all the way to the large conference hall where the evening gala was being held. They went straight to the front rows of the stage. Father Song greeted the Military Region leaders one by one and briefly introduced Yan Jin’er to them, while Yan Jin’er stood behind him and politely greeted each person in a well-behaved manner.
After this round of introductions, Yan Jin’er was finally arranged to her seat—very front, second row, while Father Song sat in the first row.
Yan Jin’er was surrounded by soldiers. On her left sat a tall and handsome young soldier brother, and the seats on her right were mostly empty, likely because some leaders’ family members had not arrived yet.
“Comrade, hello. My name is Yun Yi.” The soldier brother on her left introduced himself with a bright smile.
“Hello, my name is Yan Jin’er.” Yan Jin’er replied politely.
“Are you Bureau Chief Song’s daughter? You look very small—um… I mean, you look very young.” Yun Yi pressed his lips together, not sure why he suddenly became so awkward.
“Yes, you also look very young.” Yan Jin’er thought that she was only sixteen anyway, so of course she looked small. In the spirit of reciprocity, she also complimented him.
Yun Yi wanted to say something more, but at that moment the stage lights suddenly turned on with a whoosh, so he had no choice but to close his mouth helplessly. He had finally met a cute girl who matched his aesthetic so well, but his mouth was not cooperating, and he missed a good chance to make a friend.
Yan Jin’er immediately sat properly and obediently, then took out a handful of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and candies from her pocket and handed them to the warm and good-looking soldier brother she thought he was.
“Do you want some?” she asked.
“Okay, thank you.” Yun Yi originally did not want to take them, thinking Yan Jin’er should eat them herself so they could exchange gifts next time and continue the interaction.
Yan Jin’er smiled and said, “You’re welcome.” Then she took out another large handful and handed it to Father Song beside the front row, saying in a soft, spoiled voice, “Dad, I brought snacks. Here for you to eat.” Her voice carried the uniquely soft and childlike tone she used when acting spoiled.
“Wow, Old Song, to think you, such a rough guy, actually have such a well-behaved and considerate daughter. You really got lucky,” a leader who was familiar with Father Song joked with a smile.