Chapter 61 [VIP] The Man-Eating Flower (20)

Chapter 61 [VIP] The Man-Eating Flower (20)

When the name "Meng Siqi" was called out, she even thought she was hallucinating until Zhao Leiting tugged at her sleeve, and only then did she glance at him, “Me too?”

“Yes, you too. Hurry, let’s go on stage.”

Zhao Leiting couldn’t wait to stand up, and Meng Siqi slowly rose as well, but she was so elated that she felt dizzy, truly unable to believe it since she had just been officially hired not long ago.

As she stood up, she saw Han Changlin, Feng Shaomin, and Tang Xiaochuan clapping enthusiastically for them. Her eyes glistened, and she mouthed a “thank you,” but no one heard her in the applause.

She didn’t know how she made it to the podium. When Commissioner Liu shook her hand and presented her with the award, congratulating her, she thought she was dreaming.

The audience below was a sea of black; she couldn’t distinguish who was who. Where was Captain Han? Where was Lu He? Where was Master? Perhaps they were all watching her, seeing her grow into a qualified police officer.

Following Zhao Leiting off the stage, when she returned to her seat, she suddenly noticed Feng Shaomin leaning over, his body trembling slightly as he rested his head on the armrest.

Han Changlin patted Zhao Leiting’s arm and whispered, “Let him cry for a while; he’s happy.”

Meng Siqi sat down slowly, unsure if Feng Shaomin was moved by her, but she knew he must have been. She thought she understood Feng Shaomin, but today, it seemed she was just beginning to understand him. He wasn’t actually a cold-hearted person.

After the celebration ended, Meng Siqi was pulled around for various photos. The flash from the cameras dazzled her eyes. Some female colleagues she didn’t recognize came to take pictures with her, their enthusiasm overflowing. “Sister Meng, when did you join us? We never saw you before.”

“Yeah, I just found out we have such a beautiful policewoman in our bureau.”

“Let the beauty stand in the middle, let’s take a group photo, okay.” The police officer taking the photos called out.

Everyone pushed Meng Siqi to the center, and once again she faced the camera, feeling a sweet happiness in her heart.

On the other side, Zhao Leiting was also being pulled for photos. Someone said, “Zhao Leiting, let me introduce my sister to you, how about it?”

“No way,” Zhao Leiting replied, “Looking at your face, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“You’re asking for a beating, my sister wouldn’t even look at you!”

“Hahaha…” They laughed together.

When everything was over, Meng Siqi felt like her whole body was drained, but for some reason, her blood was still flowing warmly.

Sitting back in her seat, Meng Siqi examined her certificate repeatedly. Although it only had a few black words, it looked as if it were gilded. She carefully put it away in her drawer, thinking she could look at it whenever she was in a bad mood.

However, Zhao Leiting placed his certificate on the desk, as if he wanted everyone to see it.

Just before the Spring Festival, Meng Siqi finally enjoyed a period of rest. There were no urgent cases to pursue, and she even had time to read books.

One day, Han Changlin, looking rosy and full of energy, suddenly walked into the office and shouted, “Meng, the newspaper wants to do an interview with you.”

Meng Siqi looked up and saw Wen Huizhi standing beside Han Changlin. Wen Huizhi, with a backpack, was smiling broadly and waving her notebook at her.

Meng Siqi stood up immediately. She remembered that Wen Huizhi had returned to journalism. If she had personal matters, she would contact her privately. Through Han Changlin, it must be related to a report.

Perhaps it was related to the recent Song Jin case; the newspaper would certainly be interested.

After their last meeting, Wen Huizhi contacted her once, saying she had joined the Jinyang City People's Evening News and continued working as a journalist.

Meng Siqi had even read a couple of articles she wrote.

She was pleased to find that Wen Huizhi had truly changed. Her writing had become more straightforward, filled with rational viewpoints, no longer the whimsical ramblings of the past. Most importantly, her words had become cautious, showing respect for facts and concern for human emotions. This change was significant.

Stepping outside, Wen Huizhi smiled with red lips, “Siqi, it’s been so long since we last met. I really missed you.”

Meng Siqi smiled and exchanged pleasantries. The two of them walked into the reception room.

Wen Huizhi placed her hands on Meng Siqi’s slender shoulders, “Come, let me take a few photos of this beautiful lady, okay?”

Meng Siqi felt something was off. They were supposed to discuss the case, so why was she taking photos?

Before she could agree, Wen Huizhi was already rummaging through her bag, pulling out a camera.

Meng Siqi raised her hand to block her, “Huizhi, can you tell me why you need to take photos?”

Wen Huizhi smiled, “Of course, to publicize your glorious deeds.”

Meng Siqi was puzzled, “My glorious deeds?”

“Yes, I heard about your award at the police station. I rushed over as soon as I could to do an exclusive interview. Isn’t it great that your big sister is here for you?”

“What did Captain Han say?”

“Captain Han said everything depends on your opinion, as long as it follows the rules. I think this is a wonderful opportunity. Once it’s published in the newspaper, especially during the Spring Festival, Siqi, you’ll be a household name, the most beautiful policewoman in Jinyang.”

As Wen Huizhi spoke, her smile was radiant, as if this honor belonged to her as well.

But at that moment, Meng Siqi wasn’t as excited as she was when she received the award. She didn’t think becoming a household name through the newspaper was what she wanted.

However, she couldn’t outright refuse her. Wen Huizhi had come specially for her today, and last time, she provided important clues about Fu Songan’s organ trafficking. She still needed to thank her.

She smiled, “Huizhi, can we talk about this?”

Wen Huizhi nodded with a smile, “Of course, we can take photos anywhere, and we’ll choose the best ones.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Hmm?”

“I can be reported on, but I have a condition.” Her tone was serious.

Wen Huizhi’s smile gradually faded.

Meng Siqi continued, “No photos, no real name, and only part of my work can be shared.”

"Why is that?"

"Although Captain Han didn't explicitly refuse you, I know there are rules in the bureau. This is his test for me. As police officers, we cannot chase fame and profit."

"Siqi," Wen Huizhi's face relaxed, thinking it was something serious, and she comforted, "Of course, I will handle it properly."

"Also, when you report on the victims, I hope the pseudonyms are real pseudonyms to protect them, and to call on society to protect them." Meng Siqi was kindly reminding her. In the 11·16 tragedy, Zhu Xinting and Xin Shu were mentioned by their real names, even though Xin Shu was marked as a pseudonym, her real name was not changed.

Wen Huizhi understood her meaning and nodded vigorously, saying, "I can follow your instructions entirely. Whatever you say about today's interview is fine."

"Just write it as Officer Meng."

Wen Huizhi smiled, "Alright, Officer Meng."

Next, Wen Huizhi asked several questions she had prepared, mostly about criminal investigations. Meng Siqi did not reveal much content; she only talked about her feelings as a new recruit at the Police Academy, her growth, and her praise for her colleagues.

Wen Huizhi wrote down every word, and finally, she praised, "Siqi, I see a touching journey of a new recruit becoming a qualified police officer. Don't worry, I'll embellish it with my writing. The article will be titled 'Officer Meng’s First Hundred Days as a Detective.' What do you think?"

Meng Siqi thought it was fine and nodded with a smile.

After the interview, Wen Huizhi left reluctantly. Meng Siqi felt she had completed a task.

On New Year's Eve, Meng Siqi packed up her things and went home after work. Just as she arrived at her door, she was confronted by a voice: "Do you realize it's New Year's Eve today? Do you know your father is back and you don't even want to have the family reunion dinner?"

The speaker was Ye Xiuhui. Meng Siqi did not argue because she had left the police station an hour early, but the bus broke down on the way, delaying her by half an hour, so she missed the family dinner at six o'clock.

Aunt Chang had said earlier that she had prepared many dishes Meng Siqi liked. By now, the table should be full of food, and Aunt Chang should have gone home for the New Year.

As soon as she entered, she saw her father, Meng Hui, sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper. He had a round face, small eyes, thinning hair, but not bald, wearing a high-end gray jacket, and shiny leather shoes.

"Let's eat, let's eat." Ye Xiuhui urged.

Meng Tingzhe was already seated at the table, flipping through his pager with a cold expression. When Meng Hui slowly got up from his seat and walked to the main table, he put down his pager and placed his hands on the table, waiting.

Ye Xiuhui also sat next to Meng Hui.

Meng Siqi took the seat at the bottom of the table. She didn't have time to go upstairs, so she put her bag behind the chair.

She hadn't seen Meng Hui in a long time. As the general manager of Shangyin Shopping Center, he was usually very busy. The last time she saw him, she had no strong impression of his personality.

Her memory was still stuck on the time when Meng Hui wanted her to apply for finance in college to work in the mall later, but due to some misunderstandings, she ended up attending the Police Academy. Since then, Meng Hui had harbored a bias against her, possibly feeling that his daughter didn't understand his intentions, leading to a rift between them.

"Everyone, let's eat," Ye Xiuhui said with a smile, placing a piece of fish in Meng Hui's bowl. She then gave another piece to Meng Tingzhe.

Putting down her chopsticks, she beamed, "May there always be surplus. May your business thrive."

Meng Hui picked up his chopsticks and glanced at Meng Siqi while eating the fish.

Meng Siqi hadn't started eating yet.

"By the way," Ye Xiuhui seemed to read the atmosphere and placed another piece of fish in Meng Siqi's bowl, "Even as a police officer, you should eat some fish."

Everyone started eating. Meng Tingzhe praised Ye Xiuhui's fish and toasted the elders with a few kind words. Ye Xiuhui was delighted and wished him a speedy marriage and grandchildren.

"I say," Ye Xiuhui reminded Meng Hui, "Don't shoulder all the responsibilities of the mall. Look, he doesn't even have time to date."

Meng Hui didn't respond. Meng Tingzhe said, "Mom, you're worried I won't find a wife. Whichever girl you like, I'll bring her home."

"Haha..." Ye Xiuhui laughed heartily.

This mix of joy and sorrow was perhaps known only to Meng Siqi. It wasn't hers. She hadn't been raised in the Meng family and lacked the familial bond. To them, she was just a blood relation that couldn't be severed. If possible, Meng Hui and Ye Xiuhui might have severed ties without hesitation.

She ate a few bites of Aunt Chang's delicious food, remaining silent.

Meng Hui suddenly said, "Siqi, is the person in the newspaper you?"

Meng Hui had finished reading the newspaper and casually placed it on the table. Curious, Meng Tingzhe picked it up and read aloud, "Officer Meng, the most beautiful policewoman, third-class merit..."

Meng Siqi hadn't expected Wen Huizhi to introduce her this way in the article. She had said the newspaper would be published around New Year's Eve, but she didn't expect Meng Hui to get it so quickly.

Meng Tingzhe calmly said, "Dad, you might be mistaken. Sister just turned regular, how could she get a third-class merit? There are other people surnamed Meng in the police station."

Ye Xiuhui chimed in, "Siqi just does odd jobs at the police station, serving tea and water. Her salary is very low, even lower than the receptionist at your company. I've always advised her to quit and work as a clerk at your company, at least she wouldn't be idle at home..."

"It's me!" Meng Siqi said loudly, "The person in the newspaper is me!"

Meng Tingzhe and Ye Xiuhui were stunned, as if they had heard a shocking joke.

Meng Hui slowly picked up the newspaper and looked at her again, "It really is you." He seemed somewhat moved.

Meng Tingzhe's Adam's apple bobbed. He slowly took off his glasses to clean them, accidentally knocking over the chopsticks beside him. A glass fell and spilled wine everywhere. He used the cleaning cloth to wipe the spill, saying casually, "Back then, when Sister went to the Police Academy, I told Dad she was studying finance. If I hadn't told the truth, Dad might have been in the dark. Sister, you shouldn't lie, you're grown up now."

"Why would I lie?" Meng Siqi said with a cold laugh, "Who's lying here, isn't it clear?"

She had brought her certificate back from work today. She quickly took out the red certificate from her bag, stood up, and handed it to Meng Hui.

Meng Hui took it with both hands and carefully examined the content, his tone filled with emotion, "It's really a third-class merit. Daughter."

Meng Tingzhe's face seemed to be slapped invisibly, his lips twitching uncontrollably. He said softly, "Dad, what use is a piece of paper? It's not as good as making a big deal in our mall."

"You know nothing!" Meng Hui suddenly put down the certificate and scolded.

Meng Tingzhe shrank back slightly, his face turning grim.

Meng Hui's voice was loud, "My comrade worked his whole life and never got a third-class merit. Do you think it's easy to get one? You take your blessings for granted, thinking everything comes easily. You doubt the third-class merit, why don't you doubt where your luxury life comes from?"

Meng Tingzhe lowered his head, and Meng Siqi couldn't see his expression. He tightly gripped the glass in his hand, his fingers trembling slightly.

The air was heavy for a while before Ye Xiuhui spoke softly, "Honey, today is a family reunion day..."

Meng Hui’s anger subsided, and as an experienced businessman, he quickly regained his composure, a faint smile appearing on his face: "Daughter, if there's anything you want to buy, just tell your father."

Meng Siqi had been lost in Meng Hui’s words. She suddenly realized that he wasn’t as biased as she had imagined. He still had feelings for his daughter, and while her decision to attend the Police Academy might have disappointed him in the past, today he saw her determination and achievements. He put aside his resentment and perhaps even felt proud.

Meng Siqi didn’t really want to buy anything, but she couldn’t refuse her father. She quickly said, "Dad, I do have something in mind, but let me think about it. I’ll call you when I decide. Can you give me your number?"

Meng Hui’s face turned slightly pale, and he spoke in a low voice, "Why doesn’t anyone in this family give you their number!" His words clearly implied that his daughter had never contacted him because someone had prevented it. He glanced at Ye Xiuhui.

Ye Xiuhui lowered her head, her expression dim, and said nothing.

"Alright, I’ll give you my number. Also, make a copy of your certificate, and I’ll hang it in my office later."

"Dad, our captain has rules, so it’s not convenient." In fact, there were no explicit rules from the bureau; she mentioned the captain because she felt these things belonged to the past and didn’t need to be displayed publicly.

Meng Hui nodded, "That’s right, always prioritize the bigger picture."

After a while, Meng Tingzhe lifted his cup, raised his head, and slowly stood up. Without his glasses, the skin around his eyes was slightly indented and red, and his eyes were bloodshot.

His voice was hoarse, tinged with pain: "Dad, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have stopped my sister from attending the Police Academy. I wanted her to study finance, but she said it was her dream. Today, I realize that my sister is our family’s pride!"

Meng Tingzhe then turned to Meng Siqi, sniffing, his face full of sincerity, "Sister, I will drink this cup of wine as punishment... I was wrong, and I sincerely apologize..."

Meng Siqi actually knew the truth; it wasn’t as he described. The idea of attending the Police Academy was Meng Tingzhe’s. He had assumed that a girl wouldn’t last long and would eventually drop out. He never expected a different outcome today.

He also never imagined that being a police officer would truly become her dream, and his “generosity” inadvertently helped her achieve it.

"Alright," Meng Hui accepted the apology.

He said, "To have such a good daughter in our family, I am very pleased. This year, Tingzhe has also been a great help in business. You are both good children of the Meng family. And Xiuhui, who has always worked hard for this family, it hasn’t been easy. As a father and husband, I haven’t done enough, but I won’t say sorry. Let’s clink our cups together, and may we all have a bright future and good fortune next year."

"Alright, may we have abundance every year." Ye Xiuhui also picked up her cup.

The four of them clinked their cups together. During this reunion dinner, Meng Siqi ate a bit more than usual. She suddenly felt that with a good mood, everything tasted delicious.