Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Eventually, she said, ”Guangguang, if you don’t want to talk, that’s fine. But remember, I am your mom. No matter what happens, you can tell mom. I will definitely help you! Do you remember that?”

Ning Chenguang nodded and continued to stare out the window in a daze.

In the darkness, An Hao let out a very light sigh.

.........

The awards ceremony was held in the city’s grand auditorium.

Before the meeting started, various media outlets swarmed in, ready for interviews.

Ning Chenyang, Wang Xiaohu, Bean Sprout, Sheng Xiaoguang, they all arrived at the scene, as they were set to receive recognition and rewards.

Before entering, An Hao carefully tidied up Ning Chenyang’s clothes.

At his request, Qin Jian bought him a set of camouflage combat clothes. When the little guy put it on and stood up straight, he looked quite like a little warrior, full of spirit, standing tall and straight, just like a sturdy young poplar.

”Button up the collar’s decorum button. Since you’re wearing a military uniform, you should look like a soldier.” Even though this wasn’t a real military uniform, it had to be taken seriously. This was Qin Jian’s respect for military attire.

”Yes, Comrade Director!”

An Hao stretched Ning Chenyang’s clothes nice and flat, glanced around to confirm everything was fine, only then did she breathe a sigh of relief, ”Alright, you look great!”

”Brother, you look so handsome! Like a little hero!” Ning Chenguang loudly praised.

”Of course. It’s a pity you’re not here, otherwise, the two of us brothers would stand on the podium, how glorious it would be!” Ning Chenyang felt a bit regretful thinking of his brother not being able to go up to receive the award.

”There will be opportunities in the future.” Ning Chenguang said happily.

When the time came, the awards ceremony began.

Qin Jian and his wife, along with Ning Chenguang and the parents of several other children, sat together, eyes focused on the stage.

The city officials were all present: the Mayor, Party Secretary, Deputy Mayor, Police Chief, United Front Minister, they were all there.

After the leaders finished speaking, the awards presentation started.

Rewards for the police officers were distributed, leaving one ”Good Citizen Award,” with the recipients being four children from the military compound.

Standing first was Ning Chenyang, walking forward with his head held high, full of spirit.

Thunderous applause from the audience was all for these little ones.

In a household far from Nancheng City, Luo Tong was bowing her head, sweeping the yard with a broom bigger than her, while bursts of silly laughter occasionally came from inside the house.

”Catch traffickers, receive commendation!” That silly voice came out from inside the house, like a sharp knife piercing Luo Tong’s heart.

Whenever the words human traffickers were mentioned, it reminded her of the night when her father and several uncles were arrested.

It was truly at dawn, before the sky had brightened. Her father, along with those uncles who often came by, entered the house. The noise woke her up, and she got up from bed to see the room full of people.

”Dad? You’re back?” she asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

Her father often came back in the middle of the night, she was used to it, but it was the first time so many people followed her father home.

”Yes. Tongtong, today is your birthday. All these uncles came to celebrate it with you. This time we’ve made big money, the uncles were so happy they bought you gifts.” he said.

Luo Tong looked at the pile of gifts in front of her, unable to speak from happiness. It all seemed like a dream, for the first time in so many years, Luo Tong was able to celebrate her birthday.

But this happiness didn’t last long, suddenly interrupted by the sound of the door being kicked open.