In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

The next morning, Yang Guangming arrived at the union office of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory on time.

Xiao Liu was already waiting in the office. When she saw Yang Guangming come in, she stood up with a smile.

"Comrade Yang Guangming, you've arrived," Xiao Liu greeted. "Chairman Fang has already made arrangements. Deputy Section Chief Li from the trade union will take you to the Public Security Bureau."

Just then, a man in his forties, wearing glasses and a gray Zhongshan suit, walked in. He was of medium build, with a kind face, and was carrying a file folder.

"Xiao Liu, is everything ready?" the man asked gently.

"Section Chief Li, everything is ready." Xiao Liu quickly introduced, "This is Comrade Yang Guangming. Comrade Yang Guangming, this is Deputy Section Chief Li Wenhua from our trade union. He will be leading the team to the Public Security Bureau today."

Yang Guangming stepped forward and said, "Section Chief Li, hello, I'm Yang Guangming from the hunting team of the Security Department. Thank you for your help this time."

Li Wenhua looked Yang Guangming up and down, a smile spreading across his face: "So you're Comrade Yang Guangming. Chairman Fang and Director Yu have both mentioned you. Not bad, a capable young man who also knows how to repay kindness, that's very good."

He took out two neatly folded banners from the file bag and unfolded them for Yang Guangming to see.

One side is a bright red velvet banner with the eight characters "Enforcing the law impartially and serving the people" embroidered in gold thread, signed "All members of Xiangyang Production Brigade, Hongqi Commune".

The other side is also red velvet, embroidered with the eight characters "Police and civilians work together to ensure production", and signed "Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory Trade Union".

The banner was exquisitely crafted, with upright calligraphy that gleamed in the sunlight.

"The banner was finished yesterday afternoon. I checked it, and the quality is good," Li Wenhua said with satisfaction. "The letter of thanks is also inside; Chairman Fang has already signed and stamped it."

Yang Guangming looked at it carefully and sincerely praised, "It's really beautiful. Thank you, Section Chief Li, and thank you to the comrades from the trade union."

"You're welcome, it's what we should do." Li Wenhua folded the banner again and put it back in the file bag. "By the way, I just called the Public Security Bureau office, they know we're coming. Have you spoken to Director Yu yet?"

"I was just about to report this to Director Yu," Yang Guangming said.

“That’s perfect, let’s go to the security office together.” Li Wenhua glanced at his watch. “It’s 9:40 now, we’ll leave at 10:00, perfect timing.”

The two left the union office together and headed towards the security office.

On the way, Li Wenhua and Yang Guangming chatted casually.

"Xiao Yang, I heard you graduated from high school?" Li Wenhua asked.

“Yes, Section Chief Li,” Yang Guangming replied.

“High school graduation is considered a high level of education in the countryside,” Li Wenhua nodded. “Now that I’m working in the factory and have cadre status, I have to do a good job. Our factory values ​​educated cadres very much.”

"I understand, I will definitely try my best," Yang Guangming said.

“You’ve thought this through very well,” Li Wenhua said, then changed the subject. “It not only expresses our gratitude to Captain Lin, but also strengthens the connection between the factory and the Public Security Bureau. This kind of positive interaction between units is very necessary.”

Yang Guangming heard the praise in Li Wenhua's words and humbly said, "I was thinking that I couldn't just say thank you verbally, I had to do something practical. Captain Lin really helped me a lot. Without his impartial law enforcement, my three hundred yuan might have really gone down the drain."

"Yes, it's good to know how to be grateful," Li Wenhua said. "Working in a company and managing relationships with other companies is also an art. It's good that you've thought of these things so early in your career."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the security office.

Yu Dehai's office door was open, and he was reading a document. Seeing Li Wenhua and Yang Guangming enter together, he put down the document and stood up.

"Old Li, are you leading the team personally?" Yu Dehai greeted him with a smile.

"I apologize for bothering you, Director Yu. Of course, we must take this matter seriously," Li Wenhua said with a smile. "Chairman Fang specifically instructed that it must be handled perfectly."

Yu Dehai looked at Yang Guangming: "Xiao Yang, is everything ready?"

“Everything is ready, Director Yu.” Yang Guangming nodded. “The banner and thank-you letter are all ready, and Section Chief Li has already contacted the Public Security Bureau.”

“Okay.” Yu Dehai nodded in satisfaction. “Since you’re going to a brother unit on business, someone from our security department needs to go too. I’ll have Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu go with you, just to give you some support.”

He thought for a moment and added, "Li Daguo is the captain of the hunting team. You two will be partners in the future, so take this opportunity to get to know each other. Zhao Xiaohu is your roommate, so come along and see what it's like."

Yang Guangming understood that Yu Dehai was intentionally letting him have more contact with Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu to build rapport and facilitate better cooperation in future work.

He said gratefully, "Thank you for the arrangement, Director Yu."

Yu Dehai waved his hand: "We're family, no need to be so polite. I'll call them over right now."

He walked to the door and called out into the corridor, "Da Guo! Xiao Hu! Come here for a second!"

Soon, Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu ran over.

"Director, you wanted to see me?" Li Daguo asked.

"Da Guo, Xiao Hu, you two will go to the county public security bureau this morning with Comrade Yang Guangming and Section Chief Li from the trade union," Yu Dehai instructed. "We're going to present a banner to express our gratitude. Once we get there, follow Section Chief Li's instructions."

Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu exchanged a glance, both seeing the excitement in each other's eyes. These days, being able to represent the factory on business trips to other companies meant you were guaranteed a free meal – a truly coveted position.

"Yes, Director!" the two replied in unison.

Li Daguo rubbed his hands together and laughed, "Brother Guangming, this is the first time we've worked together, we're both benefiting from this."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Yes, Captain Li, I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Zhao Xiaohu was even happier: "Brother Guangming, don't worry, when we get there, leave any errands to me!"

Li Wenhua smiled as he watched this scene. He could tell that the people in the security department got along very well, and that Yang Guangming, the newcomer, was integrating quite well.

"Alright, everyone's here, let's go." Li Wenhua glanced at his watch. "It's ten o'clock. It'll take about twenty minutes to walk there, and we'll arrive at ten-thirty, just in time."

The four of them bid farewell to Yu Dehai and left the security department.

Stepping out of the office building and onto the main road of the factory area, Yang Guangming, Li Daguo, and Zhao Xiaohu naturally walked half a step behind Li Wenhua, maintaining respect while being readily available to receive instructions.

The spring sunshine shone warmly on the wide roads of the factory area, and the poplar trees on both sides of the road had already sprouted tender green buds.

"Section Chief Li, do our factory and the Public Security Bureau have frequent dealings?" Yang Guangming asked, wanting to know more about the situation.

Li Wenhua nodded: "Yes, quite a few. Our factory is a large provincial-level factory with a high level of security, and we often need to cooperate with the Public Security Bureau. For example, escorting important materials, patrolling the area around the factory, and occasional joint inspections, etc."

He paused, then continued, "Especially the Security Department, which deals with the Public Security Bureau's Public Security Brigade and Criminal Investigation Brigade even more. Director Yu is familiar with several leaders there."

Presenting this banner to Lin Guodong is not only an expression of gratitude, but also a way to strengthen our relationship.

The sunlight was bright and clear. This is just how inter-departmental relationships work; doing each other a favor benefits both sides.

The four walked and talked, and soon left the factory area and arrived on the streets of the county town.

After crossing two main streets, the gray walls of the Public Security Bureau came into view.

When Li Wenhua reached the gate, he stopped, straightened his clothes, and looked at the three people behind him.

"Da Guo, Xiao Hu, you two straighten your clothes and button them up," Li Wenhua instructed. "When you arrive at our brother unit, you need to pay attention to your appearance."

Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu quickly bent down to check their uniforms, buttoning them up neatly. Yang Guangming also subconsciously straightened his collar.

Li Wenhua nodded in satisfaction and took the lead into the police station compound.

The courtyard was very clean, and two people were already waiting in front of the row of bungalows on the east side.

One of them, Yang Ming recognized; it was Xiao Zhang, whom he had met yesterday. The other was a policeman in his thirties, wearing a blue police uniform and looking very capable.

Upon seeing Li Wenhua and his group enter, the capable policeman quickly came forward with a smile on his face.

"Are you from Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory? I'm Xiao Wang from the office. The leader asked me to greet you all here," Officer Wang said warmly.

Li Wenhua stepped forward and extended his hand: "Hello, Officer Wang, I am Li Wenhua from the union of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory. Thank you for your help."

The two shook hands, and Officer Wang looked at Yang Guangming and the other two behind Li Wenhua.

Li Wenhua introduced, "These three are our colleagues from the factory: Yang Guangming, Li Daguo, and Zhao Xiaohu. The main reason for presenting this banner is to express our gratitude to Lin Guodong, the deputy captain of the Public Security Brigade."

Officer Wang's gaze lingered on Yang Guangming's face for a moment; he had clearly heard of him. He smiled and nodded, "Welcome, welcome. Captain Lin is already waiting in the conference room, and several other leaders are also here. Please follow me."

He gestured for them to proceed and led the way.

Xiao Zhang followed behind and whispered to Yang Guangming, "Comrade Yang Guangming, Captain Lin knew you were coming today and specifically told me to wait here."

Yang Guangming nodded to him: "Thank you, Comrade Zhang."

The group followed Officer Wang and continued walking inside. Ahead was the Public Security Bureau's office building.

When they reached the door of a room with a sign that read "Conference Room," Officer Wang stopped and knocked.

"Come in," a loud voice came from inside.

Officer Wang pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Li Wenhua and the others in.

The meeting room wasn't large, but it was very neatly arranged. There was a rectangular conference table with a dozen or so chairs around it. At that moment, five or six people were already seated around the table.

Yang Guangming spotted Lin Guodong sitting near the door immediately. He was dressed neatly in his police uniform and wearing a peaked cap, looking very smart. Seeing Yang Guangming enter, Lin Guodong smiled and nodded slightly. Besides Lin Guodong, there were three middle-aged men who appeared to be leaders in police uniforms, and a young policewoman responsible for taking notes.

Upon seeing Li Wenhua and his group enter, the three middle-aged leaders stood up. The one in the middle, who was over fifty years old, had a serious expression, and whose shoulder insignia indicated his rank, spoke first.

"Welcome, comrades from Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory! I am Zhang Yujun." Deputy Director Zhang's voice was loud and clear, crisp and efficient.

Li Wenhua clearly recognized the man and quickly stepped forward. “Director Zhang, I am Li Wenhua from the trade union of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory. I apologize for this intrusion and for disturbing your work.”

"Not at all, we're more than happy to welcome a visit from a brother unit. Section Chief Li is a very important guest; we can't usually invite him even if we wanted to," Deputy Director Zhang said with a smile, then looked at Yang Guangming and the other two behind Li Wenhua, "And who are these gentlemen?"

Li Wenhua introduced them one by one: "This is Comrade Yang Guangming, the deputy captain of our factory's security department's hunting team. We are presenting this banner mainly to thank Comrade Lin Guodong for his personal help. This is Comrade Li Daguo, the captain of the hunting team. This is Comrade Zhao Xiaohu, a young backbone member of the security department."

When visiting organizations, it is important to provide reciprocal hospitality.

Li Wenhua is a deputy section-level cadre, so the Public Security Bureau should send a leader of the same level to receive him in order to show that he is not being treated poorly.

Yang Guangming and his two companions quickly greeted the leaders.

Deputy Director Zhang's gaze lingered on Yang Guangming's face for a moment before he nodded: "Comrade Yang Guangming, I've heard Lin Guodong mention you. Young and promising, not bad."

He then looked at Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu: "Comrades, you've both worked hard. Please, have a seat."

The guests took their seats according to their roles as hosts and guests. Li Wenhua, Yang Guangming, Li Daguo, and Zhao Xiaohu sat on one side of the conference table, while Deputy Chief Zhang, Lin Guodong, and two other police leaders sat on the other side. The young policewoman sat at the recorder's table in the corner.

Officer Wang and Xiao Zhang poured water for everyone, then retreated to the door to stand guard.

Deputy Director Zhang got straight to the point: "Comrade Li Wenhua, after receiving your call, I listened to Lin Guodong's report. We are now clear about the purpose of your visit."

Comrade Guodong helped Comrade Yang Guangming recover the defrauded funds, which was simply his job. We were deeply moved that your factory went out of their way to present us with a banner of appreciation.

Li Wenhua said seriously, "Zhang Juzhang, you are too kind. Comrade Lin Guodong enforced the law impartially and was enthusiastic about serving the people. He not only helped Comrade Yang Guangming recover his loss of three hundred yuan, but also upheld the dignity of the law and established a good image for the public security organs."

He took out the two banners from the file bag, held them with both hands, and solemnly said, "For this, the union of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory and the Xiangyang Production Brigade where Comrade Yang Guangming works have specially made these two banners to express our gratitude."

He spread the two brocade banners out on the table.

The bright red velvet surface and the large, golden characters stood out prominently under the conference room lights.

Deputy Chief Zhang and the other two police leaders leaned over to look. Lin Guodong also looked at the two banners, his expression serious, but the smile that flashed in his eyes was still caught by Yang Guangming.

"Fair law enforcement, upholding the people's interests, police and civilians working together to ensure production." Deputy Chief Zhang read the words on the banner softly, nodding repeatedly. "Good, well written! This is not only an affirmation of Comrade Lin Guodong personally, but also an encouragement to our public security work!"

Another leader also praised, "Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory truly lives up to its reputation as a large provincial-level factory; they are so generous and thoughtful in their work. These two banners have different meanings."

Li Wenhua then took out a thank-you letter from the file bag and handed it to Deputy Director Zhang.

"Zhang Juchang, this is a letter of thanks from our factory. Please take a look."

Deputy Director Zhang accepted the letter of thanks, unfolded it, and read it carefully. He looked at it very attentively, nodding from time to time.

After reading it, he handed the letter of thanks to the leader next to him and remarked with emotion, "The letter of thanks is written with heartfelt sincerity, clearly explaining the events and the role played by Comrade Lin Guodong. This is not just a few pages of paper; it represents the trust and support of the people for our public security work!"

He looked at Lin Guodong: "Guodong, you did a great job this time. Not only did you solve the case quickly and recover the stolen goods promptly, but more importantly, you demonstrated the good image of our police officers through this case and won the sincere gratitude of the people. This is your honor, and it is also the honor of our entire bureau!"

Lin Guodong stood up and saluted: "Commander, this is what I should do. Maintaining social order and protecting the lives and property of the people is my duty."

"Sit down, sit down." Deputy Director Zhang waved his hand. "Duty is duty, but if you do it well, you should be praised. The bureau will record your deeds this time and publicize them as a model."

He then looked at Li Wenhua and Yang Guangming: "Section Chief Li, Comrade Yang Guangming, thank you for recognizing our work. We accept these two banners and letters of thanks. This will inspire all of our police officers to better serve the people."

Li Wenhua stood up: "Director Zhang, you flatter me. Our factory and the Public Security Bureau are brother units, and we should cooperate more and support each other in the future."

"Of course," Vice Director Zhang said with a smile. "Your factory is the largest in our county, so ensuring your production safety is also an important task for us."

The atmosphere then became more relaxed. The two sides chatted about work-related matters, with Li Wenhua introducing the factory's situation and Deputy Director Zhang mentioning the Public Security Bureau's recent work priorities.

Yang Guangming listened quietly most of the time, only answering a few words occasionally when asked a question. Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu simply sat and listened, their expressions serious, so as not to embarrass the unit.

After chatting for about half an hour, Deputy Director Zhang glanced at his watch and said with a smile, "It's getting late, let's not just sit and talk. How about we have a simple lunch in our canteen? That would be a good way to show hospitality."

Li Wenhua quickly declined, saying, "Director Zhang, we can't accept this. We just came to present a banner; we can't possibly trouble you with our hospitality."

"Hey, that's not quite right," Zhang Fuju waved his hand. "Since our brother unit has come, it's only right that we have a meal together. Besides, you've come all this way, you can't go back hungry. It's settled then!"

His words left no room for argument, so Li Wenhua stopped refusing and smiled as he agreed, "Then I'll gladly accept your offer. Thank you, Zhang Ju."

Deputy Zhang instructed Officer Wang, "Xiao Wang, go to the canteen and make arrangements to prepare according to the reception standards."

"Yes, Chief Baking!" Officer Wang responded and left.

The group chatted in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Zhang Fuju asked about the pharmaceutical factory, and Li Wenhua inquired about the work of the Public Security Bureau.

About twenty minutes later, Officer Wang returned.

"Zhang Ju, the canteen is ready," said Officer Wang.

Deputy Zhang stood up: "Alright, let's go then. Section Chief Li, comrades, please."

The group left the conference room and headed towards the police station's canteen.

Officer Wang led them to a small private room behind the cafeteria. The room was small but clean, with a round table and eight chairs.

The tableware was already set on the table, with several plates of cold dishes in the middle: cold seaweed salad, cold bok choy salad, salted peanuts, and a plate of pickled yellow croaker.

"The conditions are limited, please make do with what you have," Vice Zhang said, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

Soon, the hot dishes arrived. Braised pork belly, stewed fish, stewed cabbage and tofu, and stir-fried shredded potatoes—four hot dishes, all in generous portions. The staple food was steamed white flour buns, and there was plenty to go around.

In those days, this meal was definitely considered lavish. Especially the braised pork, glistening with oil and emitting an enticing aroma.

"Come, let's all raise our glasses to our colleagues at Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory!" Vice-Minister Zhang raised his glass. "Thank you for your support of our work!"

Li Wenhua quickly raised his glass: "Zhang Ju, you're too kind. We should be thanking the police officers for their hard work in maintaining social order."

Everyone clinked glasses, and the atmosphere was lively.

Next came the meal and conversation. Zhang Fuju was very good at creating a lively atmosphere, speaking humorously and frequently eliciting laughter from everyone. Li Wenhua was also very tactful, knowing when to be enthusiastic and when to relax.

Yang Guangming maintained appropriate humility and politeness, speaking when appropriate and listening quietly when not to. Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu simply kept their heads down and ate, occasionally offering a few words of agreement.

Lin Guodong was especially happy today. He picked up a piece of braised pork and put it into Guangming's bowl: "Guangming, eat more. You're still too thin. You should eat more at the factory canteen from now on."

Yang Guangming quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Captain Lin, I can do it myself."

"Just call me Brother Lin from now on, don't be so formal," Lin Guodong said with a smile. "Let's keep in touch."

Zhang Fuju also noticed Yang Guangming and asked, "Comrade Yang Guangming, I heard you graduated from high school?"

“Yes, Zhang Juchang.” Yang Guangming put down his chopsticks.

“Graduating from high school is considered a high achievement,” Zhang Fuju nodded. “Now that you’ve entered the pharmaceutical factory and have a cadre position, your future is limitless. Work hard and strive to achieve results as soon as possible.”

"Thank you for your encouragement, Zhang Juchang. I will definitely work hard," Yang Guangming said.

Deputy Zhang then looked at Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu: "Comrades, you both work in the Security Department, which carries great responsibility. Our Public Security Bureau and your Security Department have a lot of working contact. In the future, we should strengthen cooperation and work together to maintain social order."

Li Daguo quickly stated, "Zhang Juzhang, rest assured, we will definitely cooperate with the police."

Zhao Xiaohu also said, "Our Director Yu often teaches us to learn from the police officers, to be conscientious and responsible, and not to be afraid of hardship."

Deputy Zhang nodded in satisfaction: "Director Yu has always been strict, and his men are bound to be good."

The meal lasted almost an hour. Everyone was very satisfied, especially Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu, who hadn't had such a sumptuous meal in a long time. They each ate four or five steamed buns and a good amount of vegetables.

After finishing his meal, Li Wenhua stood up to say goodbye: "Zhang Ju, thank you for your hospitality today. I have to go this afternoon because I have work to do. Please feel free to visit our factory and give us some guidance in the future."

Vice President Zhang said a few words to everyone and shook hands with them one by one.

After leaving the canteen, Lin Guodong escorted Li Wenhua and the other three all the way to the entrance of the Public Security Bureau.

"Section Chief Li, thank you so much for today." Lin Guodong shook Li Wenhua's hand. "I will cherish the banner and the letter of thanks."

Li Wenhua smiled and said, "Captain Lin, you're too kind. We're just supporting each other. If you need any cooperation from the factory in the future, just let us know."

Lin Guodong then looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, have all the formalities been completed?"

"Everything's taken care of, Team Leader Lin." Yang Guangming nodded. "Your household registration has been transferred to the factory, and you can officially start work the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, that's good." Lin Guodong patted him on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work. Come visit me anytime."

"Definitely," Yang Guangming replied.

Li Daguo and Zhao Xiaohu also said goodbye to Lin Guodong, and the four of them walked out of the police station. (End of this chapter)