After comforting Li You, who was huddled in his arms like a frightened chick, Li Xian, accompanied by Xu Chaoyang, walked out of the back building of the inspection departement.
Although Li Xian knew that someone whose face he had never seen had actually helped him out of trouble, he thought that since he didn't know any prominent figures, this favor must be attributed to Sun Weimin.
While thinking about how to thank Sun Weimin, he unexpectedly saw Sun Weimin coming down the stairs with Yun Hao.
Li Xian immediately approached him and said, "Secretary Sun, thank you so much!"
Sun Weimin looked at Li Xian and laughed heartily, as if he had succeeded in some grand scheme, "Little Li, there's no need to be so polite! What happened today is really nothing to worry about! Hahaha."
This left Li Xian bewildered.
Although Bangye Baijiu had won the top prize on CCTV, it wasn't a major event in Longjiang Province. Li Xian knew his own worth and thought he didn't have such significant influence.
So Sun Weimin's exuberant happiness was quite confusing.
"Could it be that something wonderful happened at home, like an old tree blossoming with new fruit?"
As Li Xian was speculating about Sun Weimin's joy, Li You, who was cradled in his arms like Lin Daiyu, opened his eyes slightly and asked, "Are you Li Xian's father?"
Before Li Xian could introduce Li You, Sun Weimin stepped forward and shook Li You's hand, "You're Li Xian's father, right? Today's matter was a lapse on our part. I'm very sorry!"
Li You's grievances erupted immediately, and he waved his hand weakly, cursing, "Damn it, if this happens again, my life will be over. It was so terrifying… Huh? Comrade, you look… familiar?"
"Ah, this person, hmm."
Seeing Li You struggling to lift his head and stare intently at Sun Weimin, Li Xian stammered, "Uh, yes."
He thought, "Dad, you're already so weak, don't push your limits further. Let's just go home and enjoy a few more years of life."
But the temptation to speak was too strong.
Xu Chaoyang stepped forward and introduced, "Old Li, don't speak nonsense! This is Secretary Sun from our province!"
In an instant, Li You's eyes widened in disbelief.
Seeing the person before him, who was frequently seen on the evening news wearing reading glasses and giving commentary, Li You straightened up immediately!
Li Xian knew well his father's nature and quickly supported him from behind, "Dad! Dad, hang in there!"
He had expected this would be a serious fainting incident, but something surprising happened.
Li You's eyes filled with tears as he shook Sun Weimin's hand with intensity, his lips moving without making a sound.
Seeing Li You so emotional, Sun Weimin smiled and patted his hand. He already knew about the issues with the "Big Flower Pig" case where the Li family's properties were damaged and used for fraud.
"Old Li, I'm sorry for the trouble you've faced. I've learned about your situation. Although the methods used were a bit extreme, it shows you're a good grassroots worker who cares about the people!"
"Thank you, Secretary Sun! Your acknowledgment makes this imprisonment worthwhile!"
Li You wiped away his tears of joy, closed his eyes with happiness, and straightened up.
"Ah! What's happening here?"
Seeing Li You smiling and then suddenly collapsing, everyone around was startled.
But Li Xian was already prepared and quickly caught his father. He smiled reassuringly at the crowd and waved his hand, "It's fine, it's fine. No need to panic! It's just an old issue; a needle will fix it when we get back!"
---
At the entrance of the inspection departement back building.
Seeing Li Xian supporting Li You, Su Ya's eyes widened. She jumped out of the car parked nearby.
Together with Xu Chaoyang, she helped Li You into the car. Li Xian frowned and pulled Su Ya, who was only wearing a sweater, closer to him.
Although she had been waiting in the car, the canvas roof of the North Auto 212 was not warm, and her delicate face was pale from the cold, which was heart-wrenching to see.
Li Xian sighed, took off his own small cotton jacket, and wrapped the shivering girl tightly. He held her cold face and scolded gently, "Silly girl! Didn't I tell you to go back with Wang Zhiye? If I didn't come out for a year, would you wait here for a year?"
Su Ya, embarrassed by the public display of affection, looked down and didn't respond.
Her shy demeanor made Li Xian smile.
As people got into the car or were busy with Li You, he quietly embraced the girl.
Touching her snow-dusted head, he said tenderly, "Sorry for making you worry. Everything's fine now; let's go home."
Feeling the warmth of Li Xian's embrace, Su Ya finally relaxed, her tense nerves from the afternoon and evening easing. She smiled and nodded vigorously.
At that moment, a crunching sound of snow underfoot was heard behind them.
Su Ya, startled like a frightened deer, immediately sprang away from Li Xian.
She quickly tidied her disheveled hair, glanced at the newcomer behind her, and then looked down again.
Xia Guangyuan, rubbing his aching temples and accompanied by Wang Chunhui, arrived at the entrance.
He had been extremely worried all night and was eager to return to the hotel for some painkillers and a hot bath.
"Director Wang, please stay. I'm sorry for any inconvenience tonight. But this also serves as a reminder for your inspection departement to handle internal matters properly. It's getting late, so I won't keep you."
After bidding farewell to Wang Chunhui, Xia Guangyuan turned to leave and happened to see the young couple embracing in the snow.
He smiled and shook his head, reflecting on how open-minded today's youth seemed.
As he was about to get into Sun Weimin's Audi 100, a casual glance led him to meet the girl's gaze among the couple.
It felt like a sudden icy chill in the midst of summer or a glowing ember dropped into cold water.
In that fleeting moment, recognizing the girl's features made Xia Guangyuan's previously composed steps falter!
His heart seemed to be gripped by invisible hands, and even beating became difficult. His mind was filled with an explosive noise.
"Director Xia."
"Director Xia?"
Just as Xia Guangyuan's thoughts drifted far away, a call brought him back.
"It's snowing heavily. Shall we get in the car?"
"Oh."
Regaining his senses, he looked at Lai Yunhao, who was holding an umbrella and jogging towards him, and nodded absentmindedly.
But just as he was about to turn and walk towards the Audi, he suddenly stopped.
"Director Lai, you and Secretary Sun go ahead. I'd like to walk alone for a while."