Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 271 Double Happiness
Yue Zhiyong glanced at Wang Xia'an with a strange look and then asked Wang Hai:

"Is this guy from your village too?"

When Yue Zhiyong asked him that question, Wang Hai felt utterly humiliated.

Which village doesn't unite against outsiders? Even if something happens, they won't air their dirty laundry in public. How could they be as happy as Wang Xia'an, who was happy because someone from their village got into trouble?
Thinking this, Wang Hai immediately took off his shoes and stuffed a pair of socks into Wang Xia'an's mouth, completely blocking his chance to speak.

Even so, he still felt somewhat uneasy and said to the militiaman standing next to Wang Xia'an:

"Keep an eye on him and don't let him utter another word."

Then he gave Yue Zhiyong an awkward smile and began to explain:

"Comrade Yue, don't misunderstand. This guy is the lunatic in our village. What he says doesn't count."

“Comrade Wang Chengpeng is the most famous and promising young man in our village. How could he possibly have committed a crime?”

"You've come here because of the wanted criminal from last time, right? Comrade Wang happens to be inside. It would be a double blessing if you went together."

He glared at Wang Xia'an with annoyance, and Wang Zhong chimed in from the side:

"I can vouch for him, this Wang Xia'an is a lunatic. He likes to bite people randomly for no reason. Lao Yue, just ignore him."

With a noncommittal smile, Yue Zhiyong said, "I also think that should be the case."

"A person as outstanding as Comrade Wang would not be weak in other aspects either."

"Since we've come at such a convenient time, let's hurry inside and give Comrade Wang a double celebration."

Police officers are usually good at seeing things, and Yue Zhiyong spotted Wang Chengpeng, who was standing on the stage, looking smug and triumphant.

He immediately ignored Wang Xia'an and walked straight towards the sugar factory compound.

Even if Wang Xia'an was stupid, he could still see something from the expressions of the men. These two police officers were not only not there to arrest Wang Chengpeng, but they might even be there to deliver good news.

A hint of jealousy flashed in Wang Xia'an's eyes as she glared hatefully at the high platform.

However, at that very moment, a burst of tangy flavor in his mouth made him unable to resist, and he couldn't help but gag.

It was at this moment that the militiaman guarding him, thinking he was about to spout nonsense again, immediately slapped him across the face and shouted:
"You better behave yourself, or I'll lock you in the latrine if you try to say anything else."

With his eyes wide open, Wang Xia'an felt he had a lot of bitterness to say, but he didn't dare to move at all.

If this hot spot were locked in a latrine, he'd probably get bitten by mosquitoes until his head turned into a pig's head.
Most importantly, the smell inside is no more pleasant than the smell now.

Dong, dong, dong—that was the sound of Yue Zhiyong beating gongs and drums.

Bi Jun was a vicious and wanted criminal. After Wang Chengpeng captured him, the Hetian Town Police Station gained a lot of credit.

Furthermore, since this matter also involved Li Weiguo, it was practically free credit, which naturally put him in a great mood.

That's why, when it was agreed that Wang Chengpeng would receive a banner and a reward, he followed the highest standards, and this fanfare was one of the necessary measures.

Sure enough, after he started beating drums and gongs, everyone's attention was drawn to him.

To avoid further misunderstandings at the sugar factory gate, Yue Zhiyong didn't wait for the villagers to speak before directly bowing to Wang Fucheng from a distance and congratulating him:
"Captain Wang, congratulations!"

"Your Wangjia Village is truly a place of outstanding people and resources, producing a hero who bravely fought against a wanted criminal."

"That wanted criminal was extremely vicious and committed numerous heinous crimes in many places."

"Luckily he was caught in time, otherwise he might have committed some serious crime in Wangjia Village."

Yue Zhiyong's words had barely fallen when they caused an uproar throughout the room.

"I was wondering why I heard gunshots a few days ago. I thought it was someone setting off firecrackers. Turns out, a wanted criminal had run into our village."

"Wanted criminals? That's terrifying. They're all ruthless killers."

"Who is that hero? How did he have the guts to fight a wanted criminal who has a gun?"

……

While everyone was discussing this, Wang Tieshan subconsciously raised his head.

Others may not know who this hero is, but how could he, as a family member of the person involved, not know?

If he weren't someone who doesn't like to show off, he probably would have started bragging to everyone around him right then and there.

Not far away, Wang Zidong was looking around anxiously, hoping to spot the hero.

But he found everyone else looking around, just like him, their eyes filled with curiosity about who Yue Zhiyong was talking about. He couldn't help but mutter to himself:

"Who exactly is this person? How can he hide like Pengzi?"

"It was such a big deal, but not a word of it got out until Comrade Yue came over."

"Forget it, if I can't think of it, I won't think about it."

"Wait a little longer. Comrade Yue has come all this way and even prepared a banner. We shouldn't have to wait too long."

Thinking this, Wang Zidong stopped looking around and looked anxiously at Yue Zhiyong, waiting for him to say the name of that hero.

Seeing that the atmosphere had been built up enough, Wang Fucheng said with a smile:
"I never expected that there would be such a person in our Wangjia Village. As the team leader, I was busy with the construction of the sugar factory and neglected him for a while."

"Comrade Yue, tell me quickly who this person is. I'll have to give him a good commendation later."

“This is a hero who stood up to protect our Wangjia Village at a critical moment. I can’t let him down.”

Wang Fucheng deliberately pretended to be ignorant, and Yue Zhiyong did the same.

If it weren't for wanting to give Wang Chengpeng a hand, he wouldn't have been so long-winded and unable to get to the point.

Instead of directly answering Wang Fucheng's question, Yue Zhiyong led Wang Zhong slowly toward the crowd in front of them.

As Yue Zhiyong drew closer, various guesses flashed through many people's minds, but these guesses all came to nothing as Yue Zhiyong surpassed the candidates they had imagined.

In the end, everyone was shocked to find that Yue Zhiyong did not linger in front of anyone in the audience at all. He walked straight to the front of the stage and nimbly flipped up.

He deliberately unfurled the banner in his hand, revealing the large characters that read, "Bravely capture the criminal, rid the people of a scourge."
Holding the banner steadily in both hands, Yue Zhiyong slowly took a step forward, leaned forward, and bent his waist at an almost ninety-degree angle, bowing deeply directly to Wang Chengpeng.

A moment later, he quickly brought his feet together, snapped to attention, stood up straight, raised his right hand forcefully, and gave Wang Chengpeng a crisp, standard military salute.

Amidst everyone's shocked gazes, Yue Zhiyong spoke in a loud and firm voice:

"Comrade Wang Chengpeng, thank you for your contribution to the security of Wangjia Village. Please take this banner."

"By the way, to reward your outstanding contributions, the higher-ups have specially applied for a 100 yuan award for your act of bravery. Please be sure to accept it."

At this point, Yue Zhiyong turned to face the villagers below the stage, his expression solemn, and raised his voice:
"Fellow villagers, listen up!" "Comrade Wang Chengpeng's act of bravery deserves praise, but please don't blindly imitate him."

"Take Bi Jun, whom Comrade Wang Chengpeng captured this time, for example. He was a wanted criminal who committed many major crimes in multiple provinces."

“Previously, in a small village in a neighboring province, he brutally murdered a family of five in order to rob them of their property; the youngest child was not even five years old.”

"The methods used were extremely heinous, and the scene was horrific."

“If Comrade Wang Chengpeng hadn’t been a member of the hunting team and had a gun, he might not have been a match for Bi Jun.”

"These wanted criminals are more ruthless than you can imagine. If you encounter them, your primary task is to ensure your own safety."

"If you spot any suspicious persons, immediately report them to the police station. Do not act on your own."

"We must rely on professional expertise to work together to safeguard the peace and tranquility of this land."

"Remember, your own safety is always the top priority!"

Yue Zhiyong's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the enthusiasm of those who were eager to try their luck at receiving the banners, bonuses, and honors.

Yes, which of those who become wanted criminals are good people? They could easily lose their lives if they are not careful.

It was precisely because of their fear that they admired Wang Chengpeng, who was standing on the stage, even more.

Especially looking at Wang Chengpeng's calm and composed face, they felt from the bottom of their hearts that Wang Chengpeng was a true hero.

Among the crowd, several young men whispered to each other, their eyes filled with envy and admiration, wondering when they would have such courage and boldness.

Some elderly people, their hands trembling slightly, shook their heads in admiration, saying that Wang Chengpeng was the pride of the village.

The women held their children's hands, pointed at Wang Chengpeng on the stage, and whispered to their children to take him as an example and be a brave and righteous person.

The workers standing next to Wang Tieshan and Liu Chunhua were even more effusive in their praise, showering them with compliments.

Seeing their wide smiles, I couldn't be happier.

Wang Zidong was utterly stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Wang Chengpeng on the stage.

He muttered to himself, "Oh my god, Wang Chengpeng, how many things do you still not know about me?"

"We always hang out together, so why did you quietly do so many big things?"

Standing next to Wang Zidong, Xia Mingyue was no less shocked than he was.

She always thought Wang Chengpeng was outstanding, but recently she noticed that he had become quiet and hadn't made any moves lately.

Only then did she belatedly realize that Wang Chengpeng had not gone into seclusion, but was brewing something even bigger—he would not make a move unless he was sure of success!
For Wang Chengpeng, all the people present could feel was envy.

When someone is only slightly outstanding, and most people feel they can catch up, some people will feel jealous.

However, when someone is so outstanding that everyone feels they cannot surpass them, all that remains for them is envy.

Of course, Wang Xia'an was an exception; at this moment, he was madly jealous of Wang Chengpeng, who was "glorious" on the stage.

Wasn't it just luck that I saw the beet sugar production method in a book?

It's just that I got lucky and caught a wanted criminal.

I can do it too!
However, the militiamen guarding him were no pushovers; a single glance was enough to subdue him completely.

Although he was dissatisfied with Wang Chengpeng, he was very satisfied with the latrine and definitely did not want to be locked in it.

However, despite the praise from everyone, Wang Chengpeng, who was at the center of the storm, had a bitter expression on his face.

These things are not what he wants; they will only bring him endless trouble.

But looking at his parents' beaming faces, he thought it might not be so bad.

After all, I am just that outstanding, and I can't hide it at all.

Especially with the college entrance examination just around the corner, there is absolutely no possibility of hiding one's own brilliance.

Since that's the case, it's better to show some strength first, so that when you truly make a name for yourself, people will be more accepting of you.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng, with a humble smile on his face, steadily accepted the banner and bonus presented by Yue Zhiyong and Wang Zhong, and said in a booming voice:

"Defending our country is the responsibility of every patriot; acting bravely for a just cause is a moral obligation ingrained in the bones of ordinary people."

"I just did what I was supposed to do, it's nothing special."

"Good!" Wang Fucheng's voice was exceptionally loud. He was the first to stand up, clapping his hands together forcefully until his palms turned red.

This cheer, like a lit firecracker, instantly resonated with the villagers below the stage.

The villagers burst into applause, the applause thunderous, the sound converging like a surging tide, wave after wave, endlessly.

Some people were so excited that their faces turned red, and they didn't even realize that their hands were clapping so hard they were sore.

Some people clapped and cheered loudly, shouting "Wang Chengpeng, well done!"
The children followed the adults' example, clapping their little hands happily, their clear laughter mingling with the applause.

Seeing this, Wang Fucheng raised his hands and pressed them down, shouting, "Fellow villagers, please stop clapping!"

"Comrade Wang Chengpeng is indeed outstanding, but he shouldn't steal the spotlight. Our factory opening ceremony still needs to go on, doesn't it?"

However, his voice was quickly drowned out by applause.

The villagers were so excited that even after hearing Wang Fucheng's shouts, their hands continued to clap uncontrollably.

The applause lasted for a long time before gradually subsiding after Wang Fucheng repeatedly gestured for it to stop.

Wang Fucheng, his face beaming and eyes brimming with anticipation for the future, addressed the audience loudly:

"Thanks to Comrade Wang Chengpeng, the opening ceremony was a great success and a lively event."

"In the future, under the leadership of talents like Wang Chengpeng, our Dapeng Sugar Factory will surely flourish and become a source of pride for our village, leading everyone to a better life!"

Wang Fucheng had rehearsed these words for an unknown amount of time, and he spoke them with great fluency.

It was thanks to Wang Chengpeng's outstanding performance that he had the confidence to convince everyone else to believe in his words.

As expected, after his speech, the villagers applauded for a long time.

Their faces beamed with smiles, a smile reflecting their anticipation of a happy future!
With the factory opening ceremony now at this point, only the final step remains.

At Wang Fucheng's signal, factory workers soon came up carrying a large plate of white sugar.

(End of this chapter)