September 1st, Sunday, cloudy.
Except for giving herself a day off for her birthday, Jiang Yan still spent most of her time over the following days accompanying Jiang Yao.
Over the past week, to maximize Jiang Yao's advancement success rate, Jiang Yan had overexerted herself by drawing more than five hundred milliliters of blood from her own body.
After mixing in Jiang Yan's blood, other knights' blood could now be transfused smoothly. Jiang Yao's peculiar initial blood dependence syndrome had found a proper solution.
The actual results were also gratifying. The aura fluctuations of Jiang Yao about to break through to the knight realm amazed Zhao Peng and others, because only ten days had passed.
Jiang Yan's sisterly yet motherly style naturally earned praise from many Hyacinth girls whose actual ages were quite impressive. Even Xiao Ai and Xiao Dong, who usually didn't like talking much, would occasionally initiate casual conversations with Jiang Yan.
Only Zhao Peng would occasionally show different meanings in his gaze toward Jiang Yan.
After lunch, having confirmed that Jiang Yao showed no abnormalities, Jiang Yan once again carried a handbag filled with both their change of clothes and left Golden River Club. She planned to first visit W District Children's Welfare Institute to complete this week's volunteer activities, then return home to rest.
2:00 PM, W District Children's Welfare Institute.
Since the emergence of two heroic martyrs, Xia Yan and Gu Yao, who had come from W District Children's Welfare Institute, over the past month, the institute's director had been incredibly prestigious. Not only had many overdue government funds quickly arrived, but there were even rumors that the institute's level might be upgraded by one tier. Everyone was happy.
Today, Meng Huai, Han Xiao, and Han Jieli all appeared in formal attire in the institute's administrative building, while the institute director and department heads at all levels had rarely gathered almost completely on this weekend, as if something important needed to be finalized.
In the faculty meeting room, military and civilian representatives sat on either side of the conference table, the atmosphere pleasant.
"W District Children's Welfare Institute is an advanced unit supporting the military at provincial and municipal levels, and also a demonstration unit for military-civilian paired assistance. According to the chief's proposal, we will organize all faculty and staff of the welfare institute, as well as all children, for a new semester autumn camp activity. The time will be from September 5th to September 12th.
"As for location, we've chosen the patriotic education base in H City, S Province. It's just over two hours by high-speed rail, very convenient for round trips. We'll also arrange for you all to study and inspect the surrounding areas. All expenses during the period will be covered by the military. I wonder if Director has any other opinions?"
Han Jieli seriously flipped through the folder in front of him, smiling as he spoke to the old man across the conference table.
H City in S Province was the birthplace of Emperor Gaozu of Han, the origin of the so-called Land of Abundance. Study and inspection would basically be a publicly funded vacation... What was there to consider?!
The old director nodded happily and continuously, then seemed to remember something and quickly turned to look at the white-haired elderly Jiang Chunhua beside him, showing a visibly pleased expression.
Elder Jiang was the golden signboard of W District Children's Welfare Institute. In just one month, she had received numerous honors. Although she was now retired, as long as she said no, even the official director might not have effective say.
Since the news of Xia Yan and Gu Yao's sacrifice was announced, Jiang Chunhua's health and emotions had been poor. Her special attendance today was due to the military's earnest invitation.
"Good... It's a good thing for the children to take a trip far from home. Thank you, military leaders. I'm old and won't trouble myself with the journey."
Elder Jiang's smile was gentle but quite affable, and her speech was unhurried. With her approval, all the welfare institute officials present felt relieved.
After exchanging glances with Han Xiao, Han Jieli closed his folder, because it was Han Xiao's turn to take the stage.
The beautiful female officer smiled slightly, took out a document from her briefcase, and respectfully handed it to the elderly woman. "Grandma Jiang, actually, inviting you here today has another important matter. We need you to come out of retirement.
"With new recruits enlisting in September, headquarters chiefs hope you can make a speaking tour to several frontier units. This would be very meaningful for our military-civilian cooperation efforts. We'll arrange the specific itinerary. The speech theme would be the growth experiences of comrades Xia Yan and Gu Yao, letting more new soldiers understand the heroes."
Speaking to this point, Han Xiao felt somewhat apprehensive, not knowing whether Jiang Chunhua would refuse due to the topic being too saddening.
"Good... They're all good children who protect our country and home."
After a few seconds, Elder Jiang took out her handkerchief and wiped the corner of her eye, but her smile remained unchanged, her response as simple as always. "Good... Being able to let more people remember these two children is truly good..."
Han Jieli and Han Xiao both breathed long sighs of relief. It seemed the key step of the action plan was resolved.
Interestingly, from beginning to end, Meng Huai sitting on the other side of Han Jieli was ignored like air.
Walking out of the meeting room, Han Xiao supported Elder Jiang Chunhua while chatting about family matters. Han Jieli curiously examined the internal layout of the welfare institute's administrative building, while Meng Huai seemed somewhat absent-minded.
"Brother Meng, what's wrong with you today?"
Han Jieli noticed that Meng Huai had been distracted since arriving at the welfare institute, as if he had other things on his mind.
"Your Han family's influence is really great. The action plan only submitted to headquarters the day before yesterday was approved yesterday...
"Squad Leader Han's plan was well done, but it requires quite a few personnel transfers from various squads to replace the faculty here... You continue chatting. I'll walk around by myself."
Glancing at Han Jieli who had quietly appeared beside him, Meng Huai casually replied a few sentences, then slowly walked toward the stairs at the end of the corridor.
Today's Brother Meng seemed to have some problems with his stride distance and rhythm... Watching the Xuan Jia Squad leader walk away, Han Jieli always felt something was not quite right, though he dared not comment on the sensitive remark just made.
"Xiao Li, the weather is very nice today. Let's accompany Grandma Jiang outside for a walk to see the children!"
Behind him, Han Xiao's voice rang out. Han Jieli quickly turned around.
On the welfare institute's small playground, a black-haired girl in snow-white sportswear was holding a whistle in her mouth, wearing a smile, teaching a group of five or six-year-old children to do broadcast calisthenics.
Even the loose-fitting sportswear couldn't hide Jiang Yan's graceful and slender body curves. Extending arms, bending waist, chest out, stomach in - every movement was precise and pleasing to the eye.
A figure suddenly appeared in her peripheral vision. Jiang Yan turned her head slightly and discovered that familiar tall youth standing under an old tree not far from the playground, quietly watching her.
Probably in a good mood, Jiang Yan raised one arm and waved lightly.
Meng Huai smiled slightly and slowly walked over.
"Wow, uncle, we want to shoot guns!"
The appearance of a genuine young soldier naturally excited a group of little boys tremendously. They immediately lost all interest in broadcast calisthenics and crowded around Meng Huai.
"Call him big brother!"
Jiang Yan smiled and patted several little rascals' heads.
"I didn't bring a gun today. I'll demonstrate boxing for you."
The smile on Meng Huai's face grew brighter. He directly pulled off his tie and unbuttoned his military jacket. With one motion, Jiang Yan seamlessly took it.
Kicking legs, extending fists, blocking and rushing upward. Methodical, vigorous, flowing like clouds and water, controlled freely. Sometimes domineering and powerful, sometimes soft and restrained.
Meng Huai's well-proportioned and robust physique appeared even more heroic and handsome during this boxing demonstration, naturally receiving enthusiastic applause from a bunch of little rascals.
Suddenly, a cramp-like pain came from his lower abdomen, then quickly spread to his waist, climbing along unknown nerves to his back. Meng Huai's movements came to an abrupt halt.
"Not feeling well?"
Jiang Yan immediately noticed something wrong and quickly stepped forward. After hesitating, she gently placed her hand on Meng Huai's back.
"Should be because I didn't warm up..."
Feeling the pain becoming more obvious, Meng Huai frowned slightly, but his expression remained relatively calm.
"Then rest a bit. Please watch the children while I get some water."
Jiang Yan didn't think much of it, turning to walk off the playground. After just a few steps, she froze, because she saw the person she most wanted to see these past months.
Grandma Jiang.
Han Jieli and Han Xiao were accompanying Elder Jiang Chunhua on a walk, their respectful expressions and postures very much like family members.
"You're here doing volunteer work again today?"
Han Xiao also saw Jiang Yan, left Elder Jiang Chunhua, and walked to Jiang Yan in a few steps. Then she shifted her viewing angle and indeed discovered Meng Huai, immediately showing a hint of hidden displeasure in her eyes.
"Mm, the weather's nice today, so I brought the children for outdoor exercise."
Jiang Yan didn't pay attention to her expression, instead staring intently at Elder Jiang Chunhua seven or eight meters away.
Grandma Jiang looks older. Is she still sad about mine and Xiao Yao's situation... Looking at that head full of white hair, Jiang Yan's heart ached.
"You don't know her?"
Seeing that she seemed lost in thought, Han Xiao muttered beside her.
"Oh, I know her... but I've only seen her a few times on the news. She's Elder Director Jiang, right? Such a kind grandma..."
Jiang Yan quickly lowered her head and breathed deeply, avoiding letting the other person see anything due to her emotional changes.
Interestingly, having chatted to this extent, neither had asked the other's name. "You" had become their mutual form of address.
After speaking, Jiang Yan secretly wiped the corner of her eye when the other wasn't paying attention, then took out her phone. "Could I take a photo with the director?"
Han Xiao smiled, walked back to Elder Jiang Chunhua's side, and after whispering a few words, the elderly woman looked toward Jiang Yan and kindly nodded.
Jiang Yan and Han Xiao stood on either side of the elderly woman. Han Jieli took Jiang Yan's phone and captured the combination of three women, young and old, in the camera frame.
"Brother Meng has been coming here these past weeks. I heard you know Brother Meng?"
While returning the phone, Han Jieli smiled and casually chatted with Jiang Yan.
The awkward conversation lacked substance. Besides politeness and caution, Jiang Yan's cool temperament quickly made Han Jieli retreat from the difficulty.
Han Xiao had gone somewhere else supporting Elder Jiang Chunhua. On the playground, Meng Huai and Jiang Yan continued playing with the children or talking quietly to each other.
"Interesting. Brother Meng can actually chat openly with this type of woman... My poor third sister..."
Glancing again at Meng Huai's slightly awkward body posture, Han Jieli smiled bitterly and shook his head, took out his phone from his pocket, and walked behind a flower bed.
"Third Uncle, oh no... Chief, Meng Huai's body is showing omens... Mm, I can tell he's just enduring it forcibly."
"Understood. I'll participate fully in this Western Surveillance District operation. I hope Han Xiao's plan won't fail, or it'll be a big joke."
After a minute or two of simple communication, Han Jieli hung up the phone, then stared at Meng Huai's figure with a peculiar smile.