The day after Yueyue returned, Gu San came to visit. He brought Yueyue new clothes and lots of delicious food.

He felt very guilty, as Yueyue had been lost right under his nose.

He got the ginseng and the thousand yuan back.

He said Yueyue was a smart and pretty girl. He felt a strong connection with her; losing her was like losing his own daughter. How could he possibly ask for anything or money?

Old Zeng glanced at Gu San, "Do you have a girl?"

Gu San chuckled.

If they were an ordinary family, he would have made it clear that he wanted to adopt Yueyue as his daughter.

But the commotion he caused this time made him realize that this family was not one he could possibly befriend.

If someone is willing, they can interact with him; if they are not, he cannot enter their home.

He never expected Song Yan to be so polite to him.

Moreover, this family casually handed over 1,000 yuan, saying they would give more if it wasn't enough; that's quite a generous sum.

Song Yan left the money. He gave the ginseng to Gu San, saying, "I found this by chance, you can keep it."

Gu San certainly knew that this ginseng was a really good thing.

He estimated the ginseng to be forty or fifty years old. People who claim ginseng is a hundred years old are just talking about it; they'll never actually come across one.

This year's piece is a true gem among gems.

Gu San: "To be honest, I've figured out what this thing is all about. It's just too good for me to take."

Since my sister-in-law is such a generous person, I won't refuse. I'll bring the money over later.

Yueyue considered Gu San her friend. After the adults finished speaking, she wanted to show off her things.

Gu San genuinely liked Yueyue, and there was no harm in getting involved with such a family.

He patiently waited for the little girl to bring the things.

"Isn't this the most beautiful?" Yueyue asked Gu San to look at the carving of Tianhuang stone.

Gu San had seen countless fine things, but the carving on this piece of Tianhuang stone still amazed him; it was truly exquisite.

This piece of Tianhuang stone is so warm and smooth that it would be exquisite even without carving.

Using the variations in the stone's color and texture, the carving depicts a landscape garden with light boats floating on the water...

Gu San: "Little girl, don't you know that you shouldn't flaunt your wealth? Tell me, is this thing of yours good or bad? From now on, you'd better hide it well and not show it off, do you hear me?"

"No one else can see it, and besides, it can't be stolen!" Yueyue said.

Gu San just patted Yueyue's head, and Bai Shuang immediately became hostile.

Gu San: "Back then, the old man selling stones didn't know the value of this thing."

With such carving, it's worth far more than gold!

Gu San was speaking to Song Yan as a reminder: don't underestimate this thing.

Song Yan nodded. He was aware that not only was the stone valuable, but the carving itself was also worthwhile.

...

Shen Changchuan returned a week later.

Only after he had finished all his work did the old leader talk to him about this matter.

The reason this matter was brought up is that someone complained to the old leader.

Was that a military field exercise? They must be out looking for someone.

First of all, isn't this putting personal interests before public ones?

Furthermore, Old Zeng is no longer in the army. His single sentence mobilized so many troops. What is he planning?

And how do military officers view their responsibilities?

And that's not all! Why did the reconnaissance company under Shen Changchuan's command get mobilized?

The police also joined the effort. Was it influenced by the military?

That's what the old leader said.

First, was the field training exercise carried out? Was it completed? Were any tasks handled perfunctorily?

Second, what's wrong with finding a child while completing the mission? Shouldn't our troops serve the people? Aren't the children of soldiers also members of the people?

If we knew an ordinary citizen's child was missing, we would definitely go look for them, right? We can look for ordinary citizens' children, but not soldiers' children?

Third, when a soldier's child goes missing, the police mobilize all their resources to search for him, but we turn a blind eye. Isn't that shameful?

Fourth, Lao Zeng left the army, but he didn't take off his uniform. If he had difficulties, where else could he turn to if not the army?

And what about Shen Changchuan's troops? Were they his own? He's gone, so why couldn't his subordinates mobilize his troops within their authority?

To be honest, Shen Changchuan was completely stunned at that moment.

Cold sweat poured down his body in waves.

Secretary Fang told him to wipe his sweat before coming out, but he ignored her.

Zhou Gang's car was already fast enough, but he still wanted it to go even faster.

Before he even reached Wei Aiguo's house, blisters appeared on his lips. He felt a tightness in his head and waves of dizziness.

His headache flared up again.

He hadn't experienced anything like this since Song Yan treated him.

Secretary Fang: "Didn't the old leader say everything's fine now?"

Shen Changchuan: "I can't rest easy if I don't see him! I understand the logic, but I can't help it."

Shen Changchuan ran into Wei Aiguo, who was returning from vacation. Shen Changchuan almost tripped and fell when he got off the bus.

He was going too fast. Secretary Fang hadn't gotten out of the car yet, and neither had Zhou Gang.

If it weren't for Wei Aiguo, he would have fallen to the ground.

Wei Aiguo: What's wrong with you?

Shen Changchuan was pale and covered in sweat.

Secretary Fang: "The army commander was extremely anxious when he heard about Yueyue's situation."

Judging from his appearance, he's probably having a migraine attack.

"I haven't had this happen since Xiaoyan treated him... Oh... why do you have blisters on your lips?"

"Quick, let's go inside!" Wei Aiguo wanted to sigh inwardly; his wife was so heavily pregnant and had difficulty moving around. Now, they needed to get him medical attention first.

"Grandpa Shen, what's wrong?" Yueyue ran over and looked at Grandpa Shen.

Shen Changchuan was relieved to see Yueyue. However, the child looked thinner. Her round face was no longer round, and her chin was now pointed.