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He was released quickly after the issue with Suning was clarified.

He met up with Qin Xuemei in Chengde, and Qin Xuemei waited for him with the child.

"Suning!" Qin Xuemei ran over with her child in her arms.

"Xuemei!" Su Ning hugged her and the child tightly.

The family of three was finally reunited.

"I'm sorry to have worried you," Su Ning said with heartache, looking at Qin Xuemei's haggard face.

"I'm so glad you're alright." Tears streamed down Qin Xuemei's face. "Hanghang, look, Daddy's back."

Su Ning took the child and kissed his little face. "Hanghang, Daddy's back."

The child giggled in his father's arms.

“Let’s go to Dad’s,” Qin Xuemei said. “Dad says he wants to see you.”

"Okay." Su Ning nodded.

The two then returned to the capital and went to Qin Qiufeng's house.

This is a courtyard house; it's not luxurious, but it's very clean.

The person who opened the door was a middle-aged woman, around fifty years old, dressed appropriately, but her expression was somewhat unnatural.

“This is… Aunt Jin,” Qin Xuemei introduced, “my father’s current wife.”

"Hello, Aunt Jin," Su Ning greeted politely.

"Come in." Jin Peiyun forced a smile. "Old Tan is waiting for you in the study."

Qin Xuemei glanced at Jin Peiyun but said nothing, naturally understanding Jin Peiyun's original purpose.

After all, Jin Peiyun's methods weren't very sophisticated; it was just that she herself was too foolish and fell for her trick.

The three entered the house, and Qin Qiufeng came out of the study.

"Comrade Su Ning, it's great to finally meet you." Qin Qiufeng said warmly.

"Hello, Mr. Qin." Su Ning stood at attention and gave a military salute.

“At home, just call me Dad.” Qin Qiufeng smiled. “Sit down, sit down.”

Everyone sit down.

Jin Peiyun went to pour tea, but her movements were somewhat stiff.

Qin Qiufeng looked at Su Ning, becoming more and more satisfied. "Xuemei told me everything. I know about what happened in Saihanba. The all-light seedling cultivation method is very creative and bold."

"Thank you for your affirmation, Dad," Su Ning said.

"It's not affirmation, it's admiration," Qin Qiufeng said. "I've worked in the forestry system for many years and met many people. But there aren't many like you who dare to think and act, and who can actually succeed."

"I'm sorry you had to go through with this. I've already dealt with the Wu family father and son. No one will bother you again."

"Thank you, Dad," Su Ning said sincerely. "If it weren't for your intervention, I really don't know what would have happened."

"We're family, let's not talk about these things," Qin Qiufeng waved his hand.

At this moment, Jin Peiyun came over with tea.

She put down her teacup and stood to one side, looking somewhat at a loss.

Qin Qiufeng said, "Peiyun, please sit down too."

Jin Peiyun sat down, but kept her head down, not daring to look at Qin Xuemei.

Qin Xuemei glanced at her but didn't say anything.

The atmosphere was a little awkward.

Qin Qiufeng noticed this and took the initiative to say, "Xuemei, there's something I need to make clear to you."

"What is it?" Qin Xuemei asked.

"About me and your Aunt Jin," Qin Qiufeng said, "Last time you asked when your Aunt Jin and I got together. I didn't explain in detail then, but I'll make it clear to you now."

Jin Peiyun's expression changed; she wanted to say something, but didn't dare to speak.

Qin Qiufeng continued, "After your mother and I were separated, I searched for you for more than ten years without success. Later, I heard that your village was bombed and everyone was gone... I thought you were all gone."

“At that time, I was in poor health, and Aunt Jin was my secretary who took care of me. But we were just comrades, nothing more.”

"Later, my colleagues saw that I was alone and in poor health, so they tried to match us up. I thought about it for a long time before I agreed. At that time, I really thought you were gone."

Qin Qiufeng looked at Qin Xuemei and said, "Xuemei, your Aunt Jin and I only got together after we were sure you were gone. I didn't betray your mother, nor did I abandon you."

Qin Xuemei was silent for a moment, then looked at Jin Peiyun, "Aunt Jin, why didn't you explain things clearly when I came last time?"

Jin Peiyun blushed and whispered, "I...I thought you were here to pull strings and get in through connections. I really didn't expect you to be our long-lost daughter."

"Why do I feel like you're deliberately obscuring the timeline to mislead me?" Qin Xuemei asked.

"You...you've misunderstood." Jin Peiyun's tears fell. "Xuemei, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to. I just...I really misunderstood, and you didn't explain things clearly back then..."

Qin Qiufeng sighed, "Peiyun, you're really foolish!"

"I know I was wrong," Jin Peiyun cried. "Xuemei, please forgive me. I really know I was wrong."

Qin Xuemei looked at Jin Peiyun, then at her father, and finally said, "Forget it, let's not talk about the past."

Then she looked at Su Ning and asked, "Su Ning, what do you think?"

Su Ning grasped her hand. "I'll listen to you. If you forgive me, I'll forgive you."

Qin Xuemei nodded and said to Jin Peiyun, "Aunt Jin, let bygones be bygones! From now on, we are family."

Jin Peiyun burst into tears of joy, "Thank you, thank you Xuemei."

The atmosphere finally eased.

Qin Qiufeng was very happy. "Alright, the misunderstanding is cleared up. Let's sit down and have a proper meal as a family."

Then Qin Qiufeng asked Jin Peiyun to prepare the meal while he chatted with Su Ning.

"Su Ning, what are your plans with Xue Mei?" Qin Qiufeng asked. "How about coming to Beijing to work? I can arrange a position for you in the Ministry of Forestry. It's easier than working in Saihanba, and there are good prospects for advancement."

Qin Xuemei immediately said, "Dad, we won't leave Saihanba."

"Why?" Qin Qiufeng asked, puzzled. "Beijing has such good conditions, and it's also good for children's education. If you come to Beijing, I can take care of you."

Su Ning shook her head. "Dad, thank you for your kindness. But Xuemei and I have discussed it, and we've decided to stay in Saihanba."

“Saihanba is so harsh, why did you have to endure it?” Qin Qiufeng said. “Now that the full-light seedling cultivation method has been successful, your mission is accomplished. Come to Beijing, where you can accomplish even greater things.”

“Dad, the mission in Saihanba isn’t finished yet.” Su Ning said seriously, “The full-light seedling cultivation method is just the first step. We still need to plant trees, build a forest, turn it into an oasis, and prevent fires. This is a long-term process that may take decades. Xuemei and I want to finish this process.”

Qin Xuemei also said, "Dad, Saihanba is our home. We got married there, had children there, and planted trees there. Our youth and our ideals are there. We don't want to leave."

Looking at them, Qin Qiufeng felt both heartache and admiration.

“You guys… are just like me back then.” He sighed. “When I was young, I went wherever the conditions were tough. Your mother followed me back then and suffered a lot.”

"Therefore we should persevere even more," Su Ning said. "We cannot let down the sacrifices of our predecessors, nor can we let down this land."

Qin Qiufeng remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Okay, I respect your decision. But you must promise me that you'll come back to visit often. Your Aunt Jin and I want to see Hanghang."

"Definitely," Qin Xuemei said. "I'll come back to see you every year."

Jin Peiyun came out carrying the dishes and was very happy to hear this. "Then it's settled, come every year. I'll cook delicious food for Hanghang."

"Okay," Qin Xuemei smiled.

……

Soon, Qin Xuemei's two half-brothers returned from school, looking at Su Ning and Qin Xuemei with their chubby faces.

"Ah Feng, Ah Yun, quickly call your sister and brother-in-law."

"Sister, brother-in-law."

Qin Xuemei immediately pulled her two younger brothers into her arms and praised them, "Afeng, Ayun, you two are so good."

"..." Upon hearing Qin Xuemei's praise, Qin Qiufeng and Jin Peiyun's lips twitched.

You should know that their two sons are complete scoundrels; climbing on the roof and tearing off the tiles are their regular activities.

Their comfortable life had long since made the two brothers forget themselves, and they didn't consider a day a day without causing trouble.

The family dinner began; it was simple, but very warm.

In those days, cadres' families lived a very frugal and simple life, rarely indulging in lavish meals.

Qin Qiufeng kept putting food on Suning's plate, saying, "Eat more, you can't get good food in Saihanba."

"Thank you, Dad," Su Ning said.

Jin Peiyun also took care of Qin Xuemei, saying, "Xuemei, this fish is fresh, you should try it."

"Thank you, Aunt Jin." Qin Xuemei accepted it.

Hanghang giggled in Qin Qiufeng's arms.

The family was happy and harmonious.

The misunderstanding has been cleared up, and the estrangement has been eliminated.

Although there have been hurts and misunderstandings, blood is thicker than water, and family ties ultimately triumphed over everything.

After the meal, Qin Qiufeng said to Su Ning, "Su Ning, the Ministry of Forestry will fully support the Saihanba project. If you encounter any difficulties, just tell me directly." "Thank you, Dad," Su Ning said. "With your words, we have even more confidence."

"Keep up the good work." Qin Qiufeng patted him on the shoulder. "Let the world see that we Chinese can turn deserts into oases!"

"Definitely!" Suning solemnly promised.

That evening, Qin Xuemei and Su Ning, along with their child, stayed at the guesthouse.

The main reason was that they felt more comfortable in the guesthouse, which also saved Jin Peiyun and the others from feeling awkward.

Lying in bed, Qin Xuemei said, "Su Ning, thank you."

"Thank me for what?" Su Ning asked.

"Thank you for understanding me and supporting me. Thank you also for coming to Beijing to see my father and clear up the misunderstanding."

"Of course." Su Ning hugged her. "You are my wife, and your family is my family."

"But Aunt Jin..."

“Aunt Jin isn’t a bad person,” Su Ning said. “She just loves your dad too much and is afraid of losing him. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, we can get along well from now on.”

"Yes." Qin Xuemei nodded. "We'll come back every year from now on. Let Hanghang get closer to his grandfather."

“Okay,” Su Ning said.

Although the conditions in Beijing are better, and although Qin Qiufeng could provide them with a better life.

But they didn't want it.

What they want is to plant a vast forest in Saihanba.

It is on that land that one realizes their value.

……

Su Ning and Qin Xuemei stayed in Beijing for a few days before returning to Saihanba with their child.

When he left, Qin Qiufeng and Jin Peiyun saw him off at the train station.

Qin Qiufeng held Hanghang tightly, reluctant to let go, while Jin Peiyun's eyes were also red.

Even if you know there's an element of acting involved, there's no need to pursue it further.

After all, a family needs to be able to play dumb sometimes; being too shrewd will only lead to more suffering.

“Dad, Aunt Jin, you should go back now,” Qin Xuemei said. “We’ll come back for the New Year.”

"Be careful on the road," Qin Qiufeng instructed. "Send a telegram home when you arrive."

"understood."

As the train pulled away, Qin Xuemei watched her father's figure grow smaller and smaller on the platform, feeling both warmth and sorrow in her heart.

Su Ning held her hand and said, "Come back often in the future."

"Yes." Qin Xuemei nodded.

Back in Chengde, I took the company's GAZ-69 bus, and after a bumpy ride of half a day, I finally arrived back in Saihanba.

As soon as we entered the forest farm, everyone gathered around us.

"Director Su! Section Chief Qin! You're back!" Sui Zhichao was the first to shout.

"Hanghang, do you miss your godfather? Godfather will catch fish for you and make fish soup." Da Kui teased the child.

Meng Yue took the child from her. "Let me see, have you gained weight after spending a few days in Beijing?"

Ji Xiurong also came over, "You look much better. Xuemei, you've gained a little weight too."

Qin Xuemei laughed, "Eating and sleeping well in Beijing, how could I not gain weight?"

Feng Cheng asked, "Director Su, has everything been resolved?"

“It’s resolved.” Su Ning nodded. “The Wu family has been dealt with, and my problem has been clarified. The Ministry of Forestry has also issued a commendation document, which should arrive in a few days.”

"That's great!" Zhao Tianshan exclaimed happily. "I knew you were innocent, Director Su!"

Everyone started asking about things in the capital and about Qin Xuemei's father.

Qin Xuemei didn't hide anything and simply said, "My dad works in the Ministry of Forestry. Thanks to his intervention, the matter was resolved so quickly this time."

Everyone was stunned when he said that.

Although I had vaguely heard that Qin Xuemei had a powerful background, I didn't expect it to be this strong...

The leaders of the Ministry of Forestry are high-ranking officials!
Sui Zhichao's eyes widened. "Xuemei, your father is... is?"

"Yes." Qin Xuemei nodded.

"My God!" Da Kui exclaimed, "Then you are...you are a rich young lady?"

"What rich heiress?" Qin Xuemei laughed. "I'm just an ordinary technician."

“But it’s your dad!” Shen Mengyin exclaimed in surprise. “Sister Xuemei, you’ve never mentioned him before.”

“What’s there to say?” Qin Xuemei said. “My dad is my dad, and I am me. In Saihanba, I just planted trees, just like everyone else.”

These words made everyone admire him even more.

Yes! If Qin Xuemei wanted to rely on her father, she would have gone to Beijing long ago. Why would she come to Saihanba to suffer?
Moreover, she has never mentioned her father in the two years she has been in Saihanba.

If Su Ning hadn't been framed this time, she might never have spoken out.

That's real skill and true integrity.

Zhao Tianshan sighed, "Xuemei, I admire you. With such a powerful background, you still endure hardship with us. It's not easy."

Feng Cheng also said, "Section Chief Qin is indeed a man of action. If it were someone else, they would have gone to Beijing to enjoy a life of luxury long ago."

Meng Yue hugged Qin Xuemei and said, "Xuemei, you really make us women proud. You prove that we're not here to gain prestige, but to get things done."

Qin Xuemei was embarrassed by the praise, "Please don't say that. In Saihanba, we are all comrades-in-arms. Who my father is is not important. What is important is that we planted the trees and built the forest farm well."

“Well said!” Su Ning chimed in. “Xue Mei is right. In Saihanba, it’s not about background, it’s about ability. Whoever manages to keep the trees alive is the hero.”

Everyone nodded.

For the next few days, the forest farm was abuzz with discussion about this.

"I never expected that Section Chief Qin had such a powerful background."

"Yes! You wouldn't tell normally. He works harder than anyone else."

"That's truly impressive. Having connections but not using them, relying solely on oneself."

"Director Su is something else, marrying such a wife and being so capable himself. They're a match made in heaven."

"Our forest farm will be more confident from now on. With the support of the Ministry of Forestry, what is there to be afraid of?"

Despite the discussions, people's attitudes toward Qin Xuemei remained unchanged.

I still called her "Section Chief Qin," and I still worked with her and discussed technology with her.

As everyone knows, Qin Xuemei doesn't like to be treated specially.

She's just a technician, someone who plants trees.

Qin Xuemei was also very happy that everyone treated her this way.

What she fears most is that once her identity is revealed, people will treat her differently and distance themselves from her.

But now it seems she was overthinking things.

People in Saihanba value character and ability, not background.

This made Qin Xuemei love this place and these people even more.

That night, Hanghang fell asleep peacefully in his cradle.

Su Ning clung to Qin Xuemei, desperately clinging to her, as if trying to transform all her longing into…

Qin Xuemei also really enjoyed this feeling; Suning brought her endless joy.

Afterwards, Qin Xuemei lay comfortably in Su Ning's arms, "Su Ning, do you think people will think that I only got to where I am today because of my father?"

"No," Su Ning said confidently. "Everyone can see your abilities. The all-light seedling cultivation method was something you and I developed together. You personally took charge of nursery management. These are all real achievements."

"But my father..."

“Your father is your father, and you are you,” Su Ning said. “In Saihanba, you relied on yourself. And what everyone admires is yourself.”

Qin Xuemei was relieved.

“However,” Suning added, “there’s something I need to remind you of.”

"what's up?"

“In the future, some people might try to curry favor with you,” Su Ning said. “After all, he’s your father. You must stay true to yourself and not forget your roots.”

“I know,” Qin Xuemei nodded. “In Saihanba, I’m just a tree planter. I won’t pay any attention to anyone who tries to curry favor with me.”

“That’s right.” Su Ning smiled. “In Saihanba, we just plant trees. We don’t think about or care about anything else.”

"Mmm." Qin Xuemei leaned on his shoulder, "Planting trees for a lifetime, living a lifetime."

"Okay, let's plant trees for a lifetime, and live our lives together." Su Ning hugged Qin Xuemei.

...(End of chapter)