The others, not seeing it clearly, said in disbelief, "Oh my, a first-class merit? How is that possible! Do you think it's so easy to get a first-class merit?"

Another person chimed in at that moment, "I saw it clearly too, it looks like it's a first-class merit."

"Wow, a first-class merit? What did Yu Nie do to deserve this? She actually got a first-class merit! You know, even Qiangwa's grandfather lost an arm in battle and only got a second-class merit. This first-class merit is not easy to get."

"I just heard them say that the person who spoke was the mayor, right? No wonder the mayor said that Yu Nie did something that made the whole city proud. If it really is a first-class merit, then it's no wonder that so many leaders came."

"Our village is going to stand tall from now on! We're definitely heroes now!"

Aunt Wang was overjoyed when she heard that Qin Yune had received a first-class merit. However, the situation inside the house was not so good compared to the joy outside.

Director Sun had just vaguely heard the noise outside the door. When he saw a group of leaders enter, accompanied by several police officers, he quickly stood up when he saw the mayor and the county head.

The villagers didn't recognize him, but after glancing at the police rank on the man's shoulder, he immediately knew that this man was someone of great importance, especially since even the mayor and county head had personally led their men there.

When he saw the two policemen behind him holding a plaque, his heart skipped a beat.

He knew perfectly well what it meant to be personally escorted by so many police officers and accompanied by so many leaders.

He was initially annoyed by Qin Yunie's lack of cooperation, but now he was filled with regret.

He shouldn't have been rude to Qin Yunie just now because she wasn't cooperating. If Qin Yunie had said something to them, Director Sun would have regretted it terribly.

Director Sun's heart tightened, and a fine layer of sweat even appeared on his forehead. He dared not delay even for a moment, and hurriedly took two steps forward as if his feet were on the wind. His face was full of a fawning and respectful smile, and he shouted in a slightly trembling voice, "Mayor Wu, County Chief Zhao, what brings you here?"

Then he quickly raised his right hand, gave a standard salute to the leading police officer, and said respectfully, "Hello, officer!"

At the same time, Li Mingliang, who followed behind, had just stepped into the house when he keenly sensed an unusual tense atmosphere, but he did not show it on his face.

In response to Director Sun's greeting, he didn't hesitate, returning a crisp salute and saying, "Hello!"

Mayor Wu didn't recognize him at first, but his assistant reminded him, and he then said with a smile, "Haha, it's Director Sun. I didn't expect to see you here! I brought these police officers with me today. I never imagined that our city would produce such a remarkable hero. I only found out about this now."

County Chief Zhao, who was standing next to him, vaguely remembered Director Sun mentioning that he was coming here today, but he didn't expect it to be the same person.

However, when they came in, their expressions didn't seem to indicate that the conversation was going very well. Thinking about the purpose of their visit today, especially since the other party was a great contributor, County Chief Zhao's forehead was covered in a layer of sweat from nervousness.

Upon hearing this, Director Sun felt as if something had suddenly stuck in his throat, and he was unable to utter a complete sentence for several seconds.

After a long pause, he stammered, "Well... Mayor Wu, it's like this, we're currently building a large amusement park, and the investor happens to be this Miss Qin's brother. I'm really worried about the project since it's been stalled for so long, so I came here specifically to inquire about the details."

"So that's how it is. That's a good thing."

Mayor Wu then turned his gaze with a smile to the only girl in the room. His eyes were full of gentleness and kindness, and he immediately said, "This must be Comrade Qin Yunie?"

Qin Yune quickly flashed his signature smile and called out, "Hello, Mayor Wu."

Mayor Wu nodded and continued with admiration, "Comrade Qin is truly remarkable! Not only has he made outstanding contributions to the police, but he has also taken care of the village. Comrade Qin's high level of awareness is truly admirable."

Qin Yunie smiled shyly at the compliment.

Qin Yunie had been sizing up the group as soon as they entered, and when she saw that the person who came in was Li Mingliang, a look of surprise flashed across her face for a moment.

However, when her gaze shifted to the plaques held by the two policemen behind her, all her doubts were instantly resolved.

They must have come specifically to present her with a plaque recognizing her as a first-class meritorious official.

But since the leader was speaking, she couldn't interrupt. At this moment, Qin Yune's lips curled up slightly, and she called out softly, "Captain Li."

Aside from dealing with everyone else, Li Mingliang's attention had been on her ever since he entered the room. Upon hearing Qin Yunie's voice, he immediately saluted and said, "Miss Qin, I've brought you your medal to thank you for your contributions."

Li Mingliang turned slightly to the side, nodded gently to the people behind him, and raised his hand to make a simple gesture.

Upon receiving the instructions, the people standing at the back immediately sprang into action, carefully lifting the plaque covered by the red cloth to the front.

As those people moved, the figures that had been blocking the signboard gradually dispersed, and with the obstruction gone, the signboard was finally fully revealed to everyone.

When the large red flower hanging above was unveiled, three large golden characters—"First-Class Merit"—instantly came into everyone's view.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still in the entire room. Everyone inside held their breath, their eyes fixed on the plaque, their faces filled with disbelief.

"First-class merit?!"

Someone broke the silence first, shouting out those three words in a trembling voice, their tone filled with astonishment and shock.

Immediately afterward, another person exclaimed, equally unable to conceal their surprise and fear, "It's actually a first-class merit!"

It is common knowledge that a first-class merit is hard to obtain.

Those who are awarded the First-Class Merit Citation have often already sacrificed their lives, and their families accept this supreme honor on their behalf.

However, at this moment, what lay before them was a living, breathing first-class merit. What did a living first-class merit mean? Everyone in the room was shrewd and knew all too well the significance of it.

It is precisely because we know this that we are even more terrified.