Chapter 582 The Commendation Ceremony

Chapter 582: Commendation Meeting

Wei Xiuru had no interest in exchanging sharp words with Jiang Yu. What good was a sharp tongue when she still ended up a widow?

"You probably don’t know yet, but our He Dongqi is about to get a promotion."

She had put in considerable effort, working on He Jingyi behind the scenes to secure a promotion opportunity for He Dongqi.

Now, he was officially a company commander, and soon he could rise to deputy battalion commander, then battalion commander!

No sooner had the promotion been confirmed than she eagerly began looking for a well-connected bride for He Dongqi.

The girl beside her was the granddaughter of the commander of the Northern City Military District.

In terms of status, He Dongqi was actually the one marrying up.

But that was precisely the point—it would help him climb higher.

Jiang Yu replied indifferently, "Has it been finalized yet? Don’t celebrate too soon."

Before Wei Xiuru could respond, the girl beside her snapped.

"Watch your tone!"

Jiang Yu scoffed. "How strange. I wasn’t even talking to you, yet you stopped me to talk. Now you’re upset because my words aren’t pleasant? I’ve always spoken this way—Comrade Wei Xiuru should be used to it by now."

Wei Xiuru was in too good a mood to bother with Jiang Yu. She tugged at the girl’s arm and said, "Come on, Auntie’s treating you to a couple of outfits."

Jiang Yu rolled her eyes, though the news of He Dongqi’s impending promotion still rubbed her the wrong way.

The next day, back at the factory, she received a notice about a commendation meeting scheduled for the first of next month.

It was to reward comrades who had performed exceptionally during the quake rescue work.

Jiang Yu couldn’t care less. With He Tingyue still absent, she wasn’t in the mood for celebrations.

Cai Xiaole walked into the room and apologized for Cai Huifang’s words the day before.

Jiang Yu smiled. "I didn’t take it to heart. What about you and Sixie? Any plans for marriage?"

Cai Xiaole said, "My mom’s already picking a lucky wedding date."

Lai Liuzi had no parents, so Cai Huifang was the one in charge.

Though it might seem straightforward, there had been no shortage of drama along the way.

Given Cai Huifang’s temperament, Cai Xiaole often thought that if she weren’t her biological daughter, she would’ve walked out ages ago.

"My mom agreed to our marriage on one condition—the first child, regardless of gender, must carry my family name."

Lai Liuzi didn’t care. He said she could have as many children as she wanted, and they could all take her surname if she wished.

It was pretty much a matrilocal marriage, but Lai Liuzi still insisted on paying the betrothal gifts, including the "three rounds and one sound" (traditional betrothal gifts like a bicycle, sewing machine, and radio).

Only by fulfilling all the formalities did he finally shut Cai Huifang up.

"It’s just a surname. Don’t keep thinking you’re getting the better end of the deal. Whatever the child’s surname, it’s still his child—you’re still doing all the work to bear it. In the matter of childbirth, he does none of the heavy lifting."

Cai Xiaole laughed. "That’s exactly what my mom said. But compared to other men, I think Sixie is already pretty good."

"Of course, I can't compare to Section Chief He."

Cai Xiaole caught her mistake and quickly covered her mouth.

"Sorry, Jiang Yu."

Jiang Yu waved her hand. "It's fine."

Before the commendation meeting, the factory posted the list of honorees to let everyone join in the celebration.

Jiang Yu's name was undoubtedly at the top of the list.

She glanced at it and left without a second glance, not showing much interest.

"Department Head Jiang is ranked first—must be getting a big bonus!"

"Her bonuses have always been high!"

"But why hasn’t the factory announced Section Chief He’s death yet? Shouldn’t Department Head Jiang receive death benefits?"

"Hmph, the benefits must be substantial too."

"I heard Section Chief He’s family was already loaded. With him gone, all that money must’ve gone straight to Department Head Jiang’s pocket."

"With that much money, even as a widow, she’d have guys lining up to marry her."

Jiang Yu didn't pay attention to such gossip.

On the day of the commendation meeting, Jiang Yu not only went on stage to receive her award but also gave a talk.

She had prepared her speech the day before, and everything went smoothly.

But just as she was about to step down, a man suddenly came at her like a crazy person.

Jiang Yu’s eyes widened in shock—with his build and speed, she’d likely be knocked flat.

Just as she thought she couldn’t avoid it, someone yanked her back.

Before she could see what happened, she saw the man sent flying into the air before crashing heavily to the ground, doubled over in pain.

Someone shouted, "Section Chief He!"

Jiang Yu stood frozen, staring blankly at the tall, broad figure in front of her.

Only when He Tingyue turned around, urgently checking if she was hurt, did she come to her senses, her back breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?"

Jiang Yu looked up at him—he was really here, right in front of her.

Thinner, darker, his face looking more determined.

"I’m fine," she said quietly, giving a small shake of her head.

She wanted to check if he was injured, but she knew this wasn't the time.

He Tingyue took her hand and turned to the man on the ground.

"Lock him up. I’ll question him myself."

It was clear that this man had planned it in advance. With that collision, Jiang Yu's unborn baby wouldn't have survived.

His intentions were sinister, as one could imagine.

Factory Director Zheng was also breaking out in a cold sweat, his heart hammering, unable to calm down for a long time.

Not long ago, he had been pushed by He Dongqi, and if anything else happened today, he'd never be able to atone.

"Chang'an, lock him up and shut him up! The awards ceremony ends here—everyone, get back to work!"

Even without He Tingyue, he would definitely investigate this matter thoroughly.

"Ting Yue, take Jiang Yu back to rest first. I’ll handle things here."

Without hesitation, He Tingyue helped Jiang Yu home.

Jiang Yu had been scared but had now calmed down.

"When did you get back?"

"Just arrived."

Jiang Yu pursed her lips. "You finished your mission and didn’t even think to give me a heads-up? Couldn’t you at least have called the factory?"

He Tingyue knew he must have worried her and felt guilty.

"Darling, I’m sorry. I came back in such a hurry that I didn’t have time to get word to you."

Jiang Yu glared at him, her eyes turning red as she held back tears.

"Everyone said you were dead. Did you ever think about how I’d cope if I believed that too?"

Many people outside had even called her heartless, saying she showed no grief over He Tingyue’s apparent death.

Seeing her tears, He Tingyue frantically wiped them away, afraid his calloused hands might scratch her.

"I was wrong! Darling, I was wrong! Hit me, yell at me, whatever, just don’t cry."

Jiang Yu burst out laughing, tears giving way to a smile.

"Who wants to hit you? Are you hurt?"

He Tingyue reached for his back. "It’s not serious."

Jiang Yu grew anxious, almost yanking up his shirt then and there.

"Let’s go home!"

He Tingyue knew this would happen, which was why he wasn't going to bring it up.

"Darling, it’s not serious."

Jiang Yu shot back, "If it’s not serious, so I can't even look?"