The December sun hung low in the western sky, casting a cold, golden glow on the snow-covered eaves. In front of the commune's police station, with its blue bricks and tiles, Shen Tingzhou escorted the bound and gagged fake Li, followed by villagers escorting Lin Moli and two hooligans. The procession crunched rhythmically on the snow, like a series of resounding alarm bells, shattering the afternoon tranquility of the Red Flag Production Brigade.
Lin Wanqiu carried Nian'an in the middle of the group. The little guy had recovered from the fright he had just experienced, his head nestled in the crook of her neck, his little hand still tightly clutching the bronze whistle. She could feel the warmth of her son's palm and the coolness of the short knife at her waist—these two sensations intertwined, finally putting her heart, which had been hanging in suspense all afternoon, back on track. The image of Lin Moli collapsing to the ground crying and arguing in the dilapidated temple was still vivid in her mind, but she felt no pity, only the relief of successfully protecting her child.
"Tingzhou, do you think the police station can sentence them to a heavier sentence?" Lin Wanqiu asked softly, her gaze fixed on Shen Tingzhou's tall and straight back. She was afraid that these people would only be detained for a few days and then be released, only to come back and cause trouble for them again.
Shen Tingzhou glanced back at her, his eyes filled with certainty: "Don't worry, this gang of thugs has abducted five children, the evidence is conclusive, and with the kidnapping of Nian'an, it's enough for them to spend several years in jail. Lin Moli is one of the masterminds, she can't escape either." He had already found out that the commune was cracking down on child trafficking, and this group had run into the line of fire, they would definitely not have a good end.
As they spoke, the group arrived at the entrance of the police station. The police officer on duty saw them escorting several people over and immediately came to greet them. Shen Tingzhou stepped forward and recounted the whole story in detail, from Lin Moli's collusion with the fake Li cadre, to their plan to kidnap Nian An, and then to how the villagers ambushed and captured the criminals—every detail was explained clearly.
Upon hearing this, the police officer's expression turned very serious, and he immediately ordered the four criminals to be taken into the interrogation room. One of the older officers shook Shen Tingzhou's hand and said with emotion, "Comrade Shen, thanks to your foresight, you not only saved the child but also dismantled a human trafficking gang. You have truly made a great contribution! We will interrogate you as soon as possible and give you and the villagers an explanation."
Shen Tingzhou nodded: "This is what we should do. Protecting children is everyone's responsibility. By the way, do you have any leads on those five abducted children?"
"We've already sent people to investigate, and we believe we'll find them soon and return them to their parents," the police officer said with a smile. "Don't worry, we'll let you know as soon as we have any updates."
The villagers breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Aunt Li wiped her eyes and exclaimed, "This is wonderful! The parents of those children must have been so worried. Now there is finally hope!"
Uncle Zhang laughed and said, "This is all thanks to Wanqiu and Tingzhou. If they hadn't discovered it in advance and made a plan, we wouldn't have been able to catch these bad guys."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and shook her head: "This is the result of everyone's hard work. We couldn't have done it without the help of the villagers." She knew that the successful rescue of Nian'an and the capture of the criminal were inseparable from the support of the villagers. From ambushing at the alley entrance to surrounding the dilapidated temple, and then escorting the criminal to the commune, everyone did their best. She remembered this kindness in her heart.
As they left the police station, it was already getting dark. The cold wind was still blowing, but everyone's hearts were warm. The villagers chatted and laughed all the way, discussing the capture of the criminal, their faces filled with pride.
"Wanqiu, this time we not only protected Nian'an, but also rid the commune of a scourge. Our village will definitely become more and more peaceful in the future!" Aunt Li held Lin Wanqiu's hand, smiling from ear to ear.
"Yes! Those bad guys won't dare to cause trouble in our village anymore!" Uncle Zhang chimed in.
Lin Wanqiu nodded with a smile, her heart filled with anticipation. She looked at Shen Tingzhou beside her, then at Nian'an in her arms, and felt that this kind of life was truly wonderful—with her beloved by her side, her son in her arms, and the support of her fellow villagers, she would have the courage to face any difficulties she encountered.
Back in the village, the news had already spread. The villagers gathered at the village entrance, eager to hear about the capture of the criminal. Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu patiently recounted the story, and at each exciting part, the villagers couldn't help but clap and cheer.
"Lin Moli deserved it! Who told her to be so wicked as to try to kidnap Nian An? Now that she's been caught, it's truly gratifying!"
"That fake Li clerk was no good either. He impersonated a clerk from the county revolutionary committee, swindling people everywhere. Now he's finally been exposed!"
"Wanqiu and Tingzhou are really amazing. They're not only capable, but also so resourceful. With them, our lives will definitely get better and better!"
Hearing the villagers' praise, Lin Wanqiu was deeply moved. She knew that everyone's recognition was the greatest encouragement for her.
Back home, Lin Wanqiu gave Nian'an a hot bath and changed her into clean clothes. Nian'an sat on the kang (heated brick bed), still holding the brass whistle, her little face full of excitement: "Mom, wasn't I brave today? I did what Dad taught me, blew the whistle, and didn't go with any strangers!"
Lin Wanqiu sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), patted his head, and said with a smile, "Yes, Nian'an was especially brave today, he's my little hero!"
Shen Tingzhou brought over a bowl of steaming ginger soup and handed it to Lin Wanqiu: "Drink some ginger soup to warm yourself up. You must be freezing after running around all day." He also brought Nian'an a bowl of sweet brown sugar water, "Nian'an, drink some too, to nourish yourself."
Lin Wanqiu took the ginger soup, took a sip, and the warmth instantly spread from her throat to her whole body. She looked at Shen Tingzhou and said with a smile, "I really owe you a lot today. You arranged everything in advance, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."
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