Chapter 108 Advanced Individuals
"What do you mean fake? The rumors are true! It's said that some people seek wealth, others seek good fortune, and that encountering a seven-leaf redwood like this is the greatest stroke of luck in your life. I've roamed the martial world for so many years, and I used to just consider it a story. I never imagined I'd actually see it here in my lifetime, hahaha!"
Du Xiangrong was genuinely happy and so excited that he wanted to turn around and greet Lao Meng.
He should have a bit of that good luck; maybe he can even show off in front of Old Chen.
Hearing this, Captain Feng, unsure of what to say, could only offer a couple of words of agreement, "Is that so?"
"That's right. Oh no, Old Chen just told us to pick someone up. You guys quickly look for any exits nearby. It must be that girl who came here."
"Ah, so the real reason we came here is to find someone. Why didn't you say so earlier?" Old Feng was almost laughing in exasperation. Looking at the obviously embarrassed face opposite him, he didn't know what to say.
Hosen also shook his head secretly, but stared at his surroundings with an unusually serious expression.
They rummaged through the surrounding clumps of grass, trampling every corner, startling many small animals, and stepping on many surprise gift packs without leaving a single extra trace.
"Wait a minute, why isn't it there?"
Could it be that Old Man Chen was lying to him?
No, why bother? Old Du quickly dismissed the idea and thought for a moment before telling them to search carefully and not overlook any detail.
Just then, a soft sound came from somewhere.
The quick-thinking Huo Sen and Captain Feng immediately went on alert, their sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
They feared it might be prey hiding nearby, intending to attack them.
"Oh, what's going on here?"
Du Xiangrong noticed their strange expressions and aggressive postures, and his heart sank.
"It's alright, please don't move!"
Hossen gestured for him to come closer, so the three of them could huddle together and get ready.
Just then, a clearer sound reached the ears of the three of them.
Du Xiangrong was astonished and stared at the two of them expectantly. Then, the three of them turned around and looked at the big tree that was looking at something.
"The sound is coming from this side!"
"Are the seven-leaved redwoods hiding a flock of birds in the trees?"
"No, those animals are very wary. They would have flown away long ago if they saw us here."
Captain Feng's words made sense, and Old Du's eyes widened, trembling slightly.
"Why is something moving in that tree?"
"What?"
The two wary men once again shielded him behind them, and at the same time noticed that there seemed to be something standing on the tree branch more than four or five meters above the ground.
"What is that?"
After countless setbacks, Luo Yin and Mu Dui, who had lost track of time, finally saw a glimmer of hope.
I don't know where I got the courage back then, that I was able to grit my teeth and persevere.
But when they finally gritted their teeth and climbed to the top, they found there was no way out.
Yes, the two found that there was a thick earthen wall above them.
The ground was so solid that it was impossible for them to dig a hole and get out. But they couldn't go back the way they came. Fortunately, after searching around, they found a tree hole on the back side.
After a period of adjustment and seeing that the tree hole still led upwards, the two changed their route.
Unexpectedly, the final outcome still requires going through that.
The walls inside the tree hollow were still slippery, with few footholds, but they were better prepared than before.
For climbing, the most important thing is to establish relay points. Common methods don't apply here, but the effort they put into climbing around the outside was not in vain.
Because they discovered something amazing.
Inside the tree hole, especially on the back side, there were iron nails driven in at intervals.
Following the route climbed by those who came before, the two quickly found it and, using the uneven tree-shaped bends, successfully climbed out from underground.
But simply climbing out wasn't enough; there were no exits around.
The two could only keep climbing, forward and forward.
As more and more light pierced through the gaps around them, it gradually illuminated the two people who had fallen into darkness.
Luo Yin strained her arms and legs, managing to lean against a thick tree branch, not knowing how big the tree must be.
After all, just a single branch in front of her was enough for her and the wooden team to sit down and rest.
"Judging from the brightness outside, we must have come out. We need to find a way out quickly and climb out; we can't go any further."
Mu Chen's tone was heavy; with each step forward, he feared an unexpected situation might arise.
One wrong step and you're plunged into an abyss.
Neither of them dared to bring up the topic of what lay ahead, as her words still echoed in the dark, deep underground.
It's so big and so deep down there.
"Okay, if all else fails, we'll create an opening."
Luo Yin was also about to reach her limit, and was now jumping around within her limits.
"Okay, I understand."
Just then, the faint sounds of conversation outside caught their attention.
"It sounds like someone is talking outside. Did I hear wrong, Captain Mu?"
The sound was too faint; the heavy wood served as an excellent natural barrier.
Mu Chen gestured for her to be quiet, and the two instinctively moved closer together, waiting quietly for a while.
At this moment, many sounds entered their ears from under the tree bark.
A gentle breeze, a quiet creaking sound, and the faint, familiar sounds of conversation.
"It's true!"
“There really was someone speaking.”
The two affirmed each other, their eyes filled with hope.
“They must be here. I think I heard Captain Huo’s voice.” Luo Yin carefully recalled and compared the sounds, and felt that it was very likely that the person was Captain Huo.
"I heard Captain Feng's voice too."
"Bang bang bang~"
So the two started smashing the tree with all their might, "Bang! Bang! Bang!"
"We're here, come quick and save them!"
Luo Yin even shouted, but it seemed no one outside noticed.
"Could it be that they couldn't hear it either? That can't be right. I felt that the sound was quite loud."
The echoes of their alternating blows reverberated, like heavy drums striking their hearts.
"You two have good eyesight, did you see what it was?"
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Hosen climbed up a nearby tree and got to a height of three or four meters. Just as he was about to get a closer look, he suddenly noticed a human face turning around.
Those eyes were unusually large, with pitch-black pupils staring at him.
Hosen was so frightened that he almost let go of his hands and slid down.
The two people below were getting anxious, shouting, "Hey, hey, be careful!"
"What's wrong? What is that?" Captain Feng's aiming hand remained motionless, waiting for his order to act.
"It's okay, wait a minute, don't aim yet."
Hosen swallowed hard, fearing that someone might actually be hiding on it, but then he realized that beneath the extremely similar face was the body of a bird, and he felt relieved.
Thank goodness, it wasn't human.
"Knock knock knock~"
Hossen heard movement in the opposite tree, and the bird seemed to be turning to look around.
Could it be that it wasn't this thing that caused it?
The human-faced birds, roused from their sleep by the noise, angrily searched for the culprits, only to discover that they were hiding in a tree.
Enraged, the human-faced bird began to fiercely chisel at the wall with its beak, but after many strikes, it only managed to produce some wood chips.
Just as it was getting angry and didn't know what to do, it suddenly realized that it was being watched.
And so, fueled by its rage, it encountered Hosen.
Seeing that it was about to attack him, Hosen jumped up and ran down in a flash.
Meanwhile, on the distant northern grasslands, a sandstorm had just ended.
The herders at the base began patrolling, fearing that any livestock they hadn't been watching might get lost.
Dressed as usual, Ani sat on the haystack, gazing at the path not far away.
He would occasionally lower his head to take a puff of his pipe, then glance at the sheep pen not far away.
Sigh, there are fewer and fewer people in my family.
I wonder how Luo and Bart are doing?
Ani thought she still had to go and find out what was going on. None of them were going home, and there wasn't even a letter. They were really disobedient.
I'll definitely have to give them a good talking to when I get back.
Once they leave home, they don't know when they'll come back.
The old man muttered to himself, but his face remained stern, making him look even more serious.
Urina in the sheepfold was not as cheerful and efficient as usual. She would look out from time to time while working, then stop and wait before getting back to work.
She couldn't help but sigh, muttering about her three children and husband who had left home.
"The eldest son's family is busy with work, so we still have a chance to meet once or twice. But Mu Ren and Hua Hua are like wild horses on Wild Horse Beach; once you let go, they're gone."
"It's been more than two months since the letter was sent back. Why haven't they replied? Could they be in trouble?" Urina thought about asking her eldest son to inquire about the matter. Her family had prepared a lot of things for her, but she didn't have an address to send them.
As she thought about it, she sighed again.
Just then, several fine horses galloped towards their home from not far away on the grassland.
"Hey, who is this?"
When herders on the grasslands recognize someone, they don't look at their face first, but rather at what kind of horse the other person is riding.
Experienced people can usually tell which group of people they are just by looking at the horses and the way they ride.
After all, there are only a few types of people who come to them. The most common type is the local herders, whose horsemanship is the best and most unrestrained. These are the easiest to identify, and you can almost confirm their identity just by looking at their movements and horses.
The next category that is equally easy to identify is government personnel, who come almost once a year.
When county officials or relevant staff visit and record their experiences, they usually arrive on horseback, except in special circumstances where they drive.
Even though their equestrian skills were mediocre and they looked timid and unimpressive, it was enough for them to control their horses and arrive safely and smoothly.
But today, Urina noticed that the one leading them was quite skilled, like a veteran; however, the two following behind were rather ordinary, so these people...
"Father, three people are coming from the west."
After telling Sweater Sieg about the situation, the old man calmly got up and brushed the grass clippings off his clothes.
"Has there been any news from them?"
After thinking about it, I still asked.
"Ah, it doesn't look like it. There's usually only one person at this post office, but there are way too many people coming here."
Ani nodded, "That's true."
However, they soon saw the three people running up to them and discovered that they were all dressed as cadres.
Upon seeing them, the visitors immediately dismounted and stepped forward, quickly inquiring whether this was the home of the old herdsman, Mao Yixige.
Urina hadn't expected her father-in-law to be mentioned, and she quickly nodded in confirmation.
“That’s my father-in-law. He’s right there. What do you need him for?”
Urina thought for a long time, but still couldn't figure out how the old man was involved.
Secretary Liu, who was in his forties, breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, they hadn't come to the wrong place. She picked up her briefcase and walked towards him.
"We're here just in time, let's talk about it in detail."
After the group went inside, sat down, and had a sip of hot milk tea, they realized that these people had come to deliver rewards.
When the topic turned to Luo Yin, who was working away from home, and was exceptionally selected as one of the county's outstanding individuals due to her outstanding performance and significant contributions, even Urina and Ani, who were somewhat prepared, stopped what they were doing.
The two were surprised in different ways; how long had this girl been gone?
To receive such a great honor, one must have encountered countless trials and tribulations along the way.
How much pressure must she have been under? Otherwise, how could a minor like her have done something like this?
After Secretary Liu finished speaking excitedly, he wanted to see the equally passionate expressions of their family members, but when Gahra, the Women's Federation representative who came with him, caught sight of something, her pupils suddenly widened.
The school teacher representatives, who shared the same expression, also looked behind Secretary Liu.
Secretary Liu wondered what was going on.
Could it be that only a family atmosphere like this can cultivate true pillars of society, like Comrade Luo Yin, who has such an honor at such a young age, not even 18?
Indeed, the subtle influence of family is very important.
But suddenly he noticed that apart from the two people who reacted normally, the two people opposite him had different expressions.
Looking at him with a ghostly expression, Secretary Liu glared at the two of them with a serious face, but they didn't react at all and were still looking.
Urina, who had recovered slightly, exchanged a few polite words before inquiring about the details.
"Oh, no need for that yet. I'm here on behalf of the county, the Women's Federation, and the school to present Comrade Luo Yin with this medal," Secretary Liu said, taking something out of his briefcase as he introduced the other two people.
The two men stood up and stood aside.
"Yes, I am Gahra from the Women's Federation."
"Hello, Ms. Luo Yin, I am the head of the ninth grade at the school."
Hello, hello!
Ani cheered up, her expression brightening slightly, and warmly welcomed the three.
"Hello, I am Ani from Loin."
"These are Comrade Luo Yin's personal awards, medals, and some cash awarded by the county. Although Comrade Luo Yin is not here now, we still need to hold a small commendation ceremony."
As Secretary Liu spoke, he held up the bright red certificate, raised both hands, and read aloud.
"Carry forward the revolutionary spirit and strive for greater victories! Comrade Luo Yin made great contributions during the field investigation in 1977, and applied the spirit of Chairman Mao in a practical way. Therefore, she is hereby awarded the title of Advanced Individual!"
"The People's Government of Shanri County, Xilingol League, May 4, 1977!"
After Secretary Liu finished speaking, he solemnly handed the certificate to them and waited to receive it.
As Urina listened, she couldn't help but wipe away her tears.
Ani nodded silently, feeling both proud and happy.
A seemingly light piece of paper may conceal countless acts of blood, sweat, and tears.
Thank you~
The old man thanked him profusely, and Secretary Liu felt that this time it was exactly as he had imagined.
Then, when I looked up to talk to him, I suddenly saw that the opposite wall was covered with such papers, a large area at a glance.
"These are...."
No way, these are all certificates and awards!
The old man waved his hand casually, as if he didn't care at all.
Seeing the surprised looks on the three of them, Urina shook her head and looked at the medal on the table. It belonged to her daughter and she had to put it away carefully.
"Keep this safe, hang this up, and get a frame for it later." Ani gently touched it and carefully placed it away.
“Okay, I’ll go find a carpenter to get a new one tomorrow.” Urina smiled slightly.
Secretary Liu had been navigating the officialdom for over twenty years. Although his official rank was not high, he had learned to be perceptive.
He couldn't help but gasp, then leaned closer to take a look.
The three people on the scene were stunned. When they got closer, they found that it really was an entire wall of honors.
The names on them were different, but seeing "Three Good Students", "Outstanding Herdsman Representative", "Outstanding Individual Model", "Advanced Representative of Baima Company", "Unity Family" and the row of "Three Good Students" and "Outstanding Learning Model" starting with Luo Yin, they realized that this herdsman family was no ordinary family.
There are four names listed above, and based on the timeline, there have been outstanding figures in at least three generations.
"Wow~ This family is practically a model of excellence."
The three of them exchanged glances, each understanding the other's meaning.
"Now I finally understand why Comrade Luo Yin was able to achieve so much at such a young age. It's all thanks to the excellent role model you elders have played."
Secretary Liu showered her with praise and flattery, her attitude becoming even more enthusiastic than before.
He also has two children at home, and he really wanted to build a relationship with the old man and ask him how he raised them.
The old man hadn't spoken to young people in a long time, but seeing how well the three of them spoke, he couldn't help but get interested and chat with them about how he had seen Hua Hua's excellence since she was little.
Urina had already taken her things back to her room and cleaned all three children's rooms.
She then began preparing food for the group, feeling a warm glow inside as she recalled the praise she had just received.
The incident happened the other day when I was tidying up Hua Hua's room and accidentally bumped into a row of books.
When Urina went to pick it up, she found a stack of certificates of merit tucked inside the book.
Thinking that she hadn't seen her in a long time, Urina inexplicably wanted to hang these things up so she could look at them from time to time.
That's how this whole thing happened.
Hearing the cheerful laughter coming from inside the yurt, Urina finished up the work and prepared to bring the food in.
"Mom, we're back."
Suddenly, a rough voice came to my ear.
Urina immediately looked over, and the spoon in her hand fell to the ground!
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