Chapter 25: Commended (Please Subscribe!)

"Creeak!"

Just as the atmosphere in the meeting room grew awkward, the middle-aged man who had gone out to make a phone call returned. He walked quickly to Director Huang and whispered something into his ear.

Whatever the man said, it caused Director Huang to stand up abruptly, his face full of shock as he asked, "Secretary Yang really said that?"

"It is absolutely true. I suspect they are already on their way!"

Director Huang looked at Li Yi and said, "I hope you are as upright and incorruptible as you claim to be, kid!"

"Heh, don't worry, I'm as straight as an arrow!" Li Yi replied confidently.

Although he had his share of minor faults, he had never committed any serious offenses. The biggest issue currently was his unauthorized street vending. However, markets were gradually opening up across the country; just this year, Wenzhou had taken the lead by issuing the first batch of individual business licenses in the nation. It was only a matter of months before similar policies would spread. Thus, while his current activities weren't officially permitted, it was hardly a grave crime. Even if caught, he would likely face nothing more than a reprimand rather than being branded a "speculator" as in years past.

"Alright, everyone, get ready. We've just received word that Secretary Wang of the County Committee is on his way to our Red Flag Commune!" Director Huang announced.

The room erupted in shock. The way everyone looked at Li Yi shifted instantly. These people were all seasoned veterans of bureaucracy; one look at the situation told them they had been mistaken. The county authorities weren't here to discipline this young man. If they were, Secretary Wang wouldn't have come in person. There was clearly more to this than they realized.

Fortunately, the county seat was only a dozen kilometers from the Red Flag Commune, a drive of about ten minutes, so the truth would be revealed soon.

While the commune was busy preparing for the Secretary's arrival, Wang Anmin was already on his way.

"Xiao Yang, are the items ready?"

"Yes, leader. We have the honorary certificate, 200 yuan in cash, and a selection of daily necessities," Secretary Yang replied.

"Good. He is the savior of my father; we must not be negligent."

Truthfully, Wang Anmin felt immense gratitude toward the young man he had yet to meet. If not for him, his father would likely be in the grave by now. He had consulted his father's attending physician, who confirmed that the old man had been suffering from hypoglycemia and heatstroke, and had already gone into shock. Under those circumstances, without intervention, he almost certainly wouldn't have survived. Fortunately, the young man had not been afraid of trouble and had stepped in immediately. Furthermore, he had accurately diagnosed the condition and provided targeted treatment, allowing his father to hold on until they reached the hospital. It was a debt of gratitude that could not be taken lightly.

Soon, the car arrived at the Red Flag Commune. From afar, Wang Anmin saw his old classmate and subordinate, Huang Yuejin, waiting with a group of people at the entrance. After stepping out and exchanging brief pleasantries, Wang Anmin asked, "Which one of you is Comrade Li Yi?"

Li Yi, who had been standing at the back of the crowd, stepped forward and said, "Hello, I am Li Yi."

Wang Anmin looked him up and down, immediately struck by the handsome, poised young man before him. He laughed heartily, "What a dashing and elegant young man!"

"Thank you for the compliment, sir."

"Hello, I am Wang Anmin, the son of Wang Guoguang. I am deeply grateful to you, Comrade Li Yi, for your righteous action in saving my father's life!" Wang Anmin announced loudly.

Upon hearing this, everyone, including Director Huang, was stunned. So, the young man was the savior of the Secretary's father! They had come to express gratitude, not to make an arrest. A cold sweat broke out among the commune officials. If this young man were to say even a few disparaging words about them to the Secretary, they would be in serious trouble.

Li Yi was also taken aback. He hadn't expected the old man he helped on a whim to be the father of the County Party Secretary. Talk about luck.

"It was just a small effort. I believe anyone with a conscience would not have stood by in such a situation," Li Yi said.

"That may be so, but to act decisively under those conditions and successfully save my father's life—my family and I are deeply grateful to you." Wang Anmin continued, "Comrade Li Yi, to express our gratitude, I, on behalf of the County Committee and the County Government, award you the honorary title of 'Activist for Righteousness' and a cash reward of 200 yuan. Additionally, I have brought some personal daily necessities as a gesture of my own thanks."

Li Yi asked calmly, "Secretary Wang, are the honorary certificate and the cash award from the county?"

"Yes."

"Very well, I will accept those. However, I cannot accept your personal gifts. I saved him out of my own conscience, not for the sake of a reward."

As he spoke, Li Yi thought to himself: opportunities to have the County Party Secretary owe him a favor were rare; he wouldn't let him pay it off so easily. Wang Anmin, however, thought differently. Seeing Li Yi’s righteous stance, he assumed the young man was a true "living Lei Feng" who did good deeds without expecting anything in return, which only made him favor the young man more.

"Since you insist, Comrade Li Yi, I will not force the issue. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, you may come directly to my home to find me."

"Thank you, Secretary Wang!"

"Haha, the thanks should be mine! If not for you, my younger sibling and I would truly be orphans," Wang Anmin said with a smile.

Watching them chatting and laughing, the onlookers were both astonished and envious of Li Yi’s luck. To think that a random act of kindness could involve the County Party Secretary's father—why did such good fortune never come their way? They failed to realize that given the critical state of the old man, most people wouldn't have had the courage to intervene for fear of being implicated if things went wrong. Moreover, in order to save the man, Li Yi had nearly missed out on a life-changing event of his own.

Wang Anmin had originally intended only to repay the debt for his father, but after talking with Li Yi for a while, he found the young man to be very much to his liking. The two grew more engrossed in their conversation, feeling as though they were old friends meeting for the first time.

Just as Wang Anmin was about to suggest having lunch together at the Red Flag Commune, Secretary Yang hurried over and whispered a few words in his ear. Wang Anmin’s expression changed drastically. He exchanged a few hurried words with Li Yi before boarding his car and departing from the commune.