Chapter 17: Distribution of the Bravery Awards

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Li Mantang stumbled back in fright. He was somewhat aware that the third son was up to no good outside, but he had always thought it was just childish mischief. He never imagined it would escalate to the point of involving the police station.

Li Tianzhen, however, was smug.

“Oh, I haven’t even laid a hand on you yet, and you’ve already gotten yourself into trouble. Let me tell you, with my family’s influence, we can settle anything. But the condition is, you have to willingly donate a kidney to my brother.”

At that moment, two police officers in uniform walked into the room, followed by curious neighbors crowding into the kitchen. In these times, neighbors maintained close ties. When trouble arose, they helped each other out, but naturally, everyone loved a bit of gossip.

Particularly Madam Wu, whose face flushed with excitement; like a hen in heat, she craned her neck to peek inside.

Liang Bing, dressed in full police uniform, entered the house and scanned the scene, sensing an uneasy atmosphere. But he had no time to dwell on it. With the gentlest tone, he asked, “May I ask who Li Qi is?”

It wasn’t surprising that he was so careful. Before coming, his direct superior, Police Chief Xu Tiesheng, had repeatedly stressed that he must build a good rapport with this young man.

Li Qi himself was unaware of how high the status was of the elderly woman he had saved, Qiu Shuyun.

It was far beyond just being the mother of Zhou Guodong, the Political Commissar of the Municipal Bureau.

Given the old lady’s character of repaying kindness generously, if Li Qi made a request, Xu Tiesheng couldn’t even imagine the benefits that might come his way in the future.

So after arriving at the hospital and learning the details, besides immediately reporting to the municipal bureau and dispatching police to capture the van and suspects involved, the first thing Liang Bing did was to inquire about Li Qi through Su Yu.

He knew he would face the Political Commissar Xu Guodong’s resentment for this failure, but after all, they were classmates who had worked shoulder to shoulder during their youth in the countryside. Otherwise, Xu Guodong wouldn’t have entrusted the old lady and the child to him for a leisurely visit in this small town.

Although the elderly woman was injured, her thick winter clothing had lessened the dagger wound, making the injury not severe. So he need not blame himself excessively.

To make amends, he had to have Li Qi, the main hero, speak well of him.

Hence, Liang Bing was sent immediately.

After hearing Liang Bing’s question, Li Zhe, who had just been beaten, wiped the blood from his face with his sleeve, reddened with anger, jumped up, and pointed at Li Qi’s nose, shouting, “It’s him, Li Qi! Officer, is he a criminal? Arrest him quickly! He’s nothing but a heartless scoundrel!”

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Liang Bing glanced disdainfully at Li Zhe but ignored him. Instead, he straightened his chest, saluted Li Qi first, then smiled warmly as he shook his hand.

“Comrade Li Qi, we have fully understood your brave fight against the assailants by the river at noon, saving an elderly woman and a child. We, the Public Security Bureau, came here with two purposes.

First, our police station has decided to award you the title of ‘Model Citizen for Courageous Acts.’ We will deliver the certificate to you tomorrow.

Second, in recognition of your bravery, Chief Xu Tiesheng has decided to grant you an exceptional reward of one thousand yuan. I have brought it with me.”

With that, Liang Bing pulled out ten hundred-yuan bills from his pocket and placed them in Li Qi’s hand.

The neighbors erupted in astonishment.

“The Li family’s third son got an award from the police station!”

“A Model Citizen for Courageous Acts and a thousand-yuan reward!”

“Weren’t they here to arrest him?”

“Shut your foul mouth! He’s a hero now. If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll have your mouth swollen.”

“Nowadays, even vagrants get rewarded by the police?”

Old man Li Mantang’s heavy heart instantly settled. He glanced at the photo of his wife hanging on the wall and secretly wiped his eyes.

If she were alive today, seeing this scene, how happy she would be.

Their third son wasn’t a petty troublemaker or street urchin; he was a little hero recognized by the police.

Li Qi was overjoyed as he accepted the money, repeatedly thanking Liang Bing.

He truly needed the money now. In a month, the new Taihe Market would open, and stalls would be sold publicly.

The location of the market was excellent. Subsequently, several schools and residential complexes were built nearby.

In five to six years, it would become a central hub for vegetables and fruits for Taihe City and neighboring districts.

At that time, stall rent would reach over a hundred thousand yuan annually.

But now, one stall cost only five thousand yuan.

Li Qi’s goal was to raise as much money as possible within this month to buy five or even ten stalls, ensuring stable future income.

Seeing Li Qi accept the money, Liang Bing breathed a sigh of relief and reminded him,

“Li Qi, this bonus is definitely above the standard, and it was Chief Xu Tiesheng’s hard work that secured it for you. If anyone asks in the future, remember the chief’s efforts.”

Li Qi, having lived two lives, was somewhat confused but understood the meaning and nodded repeatedly.

“No matter who asks, I will say I received this honor under Chief Xu’s guidance. What I did represents not just me, but is closely tied to Chief Xu’s care.”

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Liang Bing’s eyes sparkled. This kid was so sensible; those words truly hit home.

This way, it would be easier for him to report back. After all, the person had gotten into trouble on his watch. If things went south, he would be finished.

With that in mind, Liang Bing naturally wanted to return the favor. Since Li Qi had covered for him, he had to lend a hand in return.

His expression shifted as he glanced at Li Tianzhen standing inside.

“When I came in, I heard something about donating a kidney?”

Though Li Tianzhen was arrogant and used all kinds of tricks to bully common folks, she was not foolish enough to play dumb with police officers. So she forced a bright smile.

“It’s nothing, nothing. It’s just a family matter. No need for the officers to concern themselves.”

Li Qi, however, sneered.

“She’s my cousin. Her brother has kidney disease and needs a transplant.

She’s using the fact that her father is a city official to force me to give up a kidney to save her brother.”

Li Tianzhen’s face instantly darkened. She never expected Li Qi to be so bold, embarrassing her so openly, even in front of the police.

“What nonsense are you talking about? Force you? We’re not taking anything for free!

We not only give you money but also arrange work for you. Don’t talk about a kidney; your life is worth more than that.

Don’t be ungrateful.”

Liang Bing immediately grasped the whole situation.

Having been in this position, he had seen these kinds of matters before. Ultimately, it came down to money.

With a forced smile, he said to Li Tianzhen,

“So what you’re saying is, your family is spending money to buy Comrade Li Qi’s kidney?

If he refuses to sell, he’s in the wrong.

Isn’t this organ trafficking?

Do you only want a kidney, or do you have any shame?”