Chapter 94: Commendation from the Top
The Milan scare and the subsequent precise and efficient joint crackdown forged a stronger and more inseparable bond between Su Wanqing and Huo Tingxiao. She was no longer simply a member of his household, standing by his side and requiring his careful protection; she became his "special advisor," capable of providing crucial support and fighting alongside him through her professional expertise. This realization filled Su Wanqing with an unprecedented sense of accomplishment and confidence, and her eyes shone with a calm and confident gleam.
Huo Tingxiao's attitude towards her also underwent a subtle yet profound change. The deep-seated estrangement and guilt stemming from their initial transactional marriage seemed to have been completely replaced by a new, heartfelt respect and admiration. He remained quiet, but his gaze towards her was now filled with undisguised trust, pride, and even a subtle hint of...dependence. He began to subconsciously consult her whenever he encountered difficult questions involving architecture, art, or cross-cultural contexts, as if her study had become another indispensable "intelligence analysis center" for him.
The atmosphere at home became more harmonious and... more interesting. After dinner, the two would often spend lengthy discussions over a particular architectural sketch or operational briefing, one analysing it from a military tactical perspective, the other analyzing it from the perspectives of spatial structure and human history. Their clash of ideas often sparked unexpected insights. Xia Xiaoran once stumbled upon this and, stunned, remarked, "You two aren't just spending time together; you're clearly having a warfighting seminar!" Su Wanqing merely smiled, while Huo Tingxiao impassively poured her another bowl of soup.
However, they all knew that the significance and impact of that successful joint operation went far beyond their own families. The swift and decisive action, with its complete and conclusive evidence and clean execution, had a profound deterrent effect both domestically and internationally, earning high recognition from high-level officials.
That morning, Huo Tingxiao received an encrypted call. The call lasted a long time. His expression was as cold as ever, but Su Wanqing keenly noticed that after he hung up, an extremely rare and elusive complex emotion seemed to pass across his brows, like relief, but also like... some kind of heavy expectation.
He didn't say much, but in the afternoon, he had Assistant Chen deliver two sets of meticulously ironed, very formal dresses. One was his own crisp, officer's dress uniform, adorned with gold braid and medals, and the other was an elegant, royal blue knee-length dress for Su Wanqing, with simple yet exquisite accessories.
"There is a meeting tonight and you need to dress formally." When he handed her the dress, his tone was calm, but his eyes were deep and stayed on her face for a few seconds.
Su Wanqing's heart moved slightly. She took the dress and nodded without asking any questions. She vaguely felt that this was by no means an ordinary "meeting".
In the evening, a black sedan with a special license plate silently drove into a heavily guarded compound, yet the atmosphere was unusually quiet and solemn. Su Wanqing's heartbeat quickened involuntarily. She held Huo Tingxiao's hand tightly, finding his palm dry and steady, as if it could impart endless strength to her.
After passing through layers of security, they were led to a reception room that was antique yet exuded an invisible majesty. The furnishings in the room were simple yet elegant, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of books and sandalwood.
A moment later, the side door opened, and an elderly man with a vigorous spirit, a wise and gentle gaze, yet an air of authority, slowly walked in. He was dressed in a simple Mao suit, a kind smile on his face. His eyes first fell on Huo Tingxiao, and he nodded approvingly, "Tingxiao, you're here. You did a great job this time! Clean and efficient, and it enhances the prestige of our country and our military!"
"Thank you for the compliment, Commander. It's my duty." Huo Tingxiao immediately stood up, straightened his posture, and saluted with a standard military salute in a steady and powerful voice.
The old man smiled and waved his hand, then turned his gaze to Su Wanqing beside him, his eyes filled with even stronger interest and admiration: "This, is Comrade Su Wanqing? Please take a seat, no need to be so polite."
Su Wanqing's heart instantly rose to her throat, and her palms were slightly sweaty from nervousness, but she still tried to remain calm and bowed slightly: "Hello, Chief." Although her voice was soft, it was clear and appropriate.
"Well, well, well, you're truly a woman of integrity, calm and composed." The old man gestured for them to sit down, looking at Su Wanqing gently with a kindly voice, "I've heard everything about you. You remained calm and composed in the face of danger. Even more commendable is that, with your professional knowledge and keen observation, you provided crucial clues at the critical moment, making a great contribution to the ultimate success of the operation!"
Su Wanqing blushed slightly, and quickly lowered her head humbly: "Captain, you're too kind. I only did the little thing I was supposed to do. The main thing is thanks to Tingxiao and everyone else..."
"A contribution is a contribution, no need to be so modest." The old man interrupted her with a smile, but his tone was very affirmative. "Modern warfare and the struggle for national security are systemic confrontations that cannot be separated from the silent dedication and wise support of comrades from all walks of life and on all fronts. Your performance this time fully proves this point! Who says women are inferior to men? Our team of military wives is also full of hidden talents, and women are just as capable as men!"
The old man's words were humorous and powerful, which relieved a lot of the tension in Su Wanqing's heart, and replaced it with a sense of excitement and honor brought by great recognition.
The old man asked her about her design work and the details of the clue she had discovered, listening attentively and nodding his head in approval. Huo Tingxiao sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her, a subtle tenderness and pride in them.
The conversation was relaxed and harmonious. Finally, the old man straightened his expression and spoke in a serious tone, "Comrade Su Wanqing, in recognition of your special and crucial contributions to recent major operations, we have decided to award you the 'Outstanding Contribution Medal' as a commendation!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a staff member came forward carrying a red velvet-covered tray. In the center of the tray, an exquisitely designed, gleaming golden medal lay quietly, the pattern solemn and full of weight.
Su Wanqing's eyes widened in shock, and her breath caught in her throat! The Outstanding Contribution Medal! This... this was a national honor! She had never imagined she would receive such an honor!
"This... this is too expensive... I..." She was so excited that she was a little incoherent.
The old woman personally took the medal and solemnly pinned it on her chest. The cold metal pressed against her clothes, yet it seemed to carry a scorching heat, burning her heart.
"This is the honor you deserve." The old man looked at her with a deep gaze full of expectation. "I hope you will continue to work hard, continue to use your intelligence and talents, and make greater contributions to the country in your respective positions."
"Yes! I will try my best! Thank you, Chief!" Su Wanqing straightened her back, her voice trembling slightly with excitement, but extremely firm.
The old man nodded with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Huo Tingxiao, his tone more profound, "Tingxiao, you have a good wife. It's a blessing for you and the army. Cherish her."
"Yes! Commander!" Huo Tingxiao stood up again and saluted, his voice resounding and his eyes firm.
Leaving the quiet and solemn compound and returning to the car, Su Wanqing still felt like she was dreaming. She looked down at the heavy, shining medal on her chest, her fingers gently stroking the cool surface, her heart filled with a huge, unreal sense of happiness and calm pride.
This honor is not just for her alone, it is the final consolation for her father's innocence, the recognition of all the military families who have made silent contributions, and the best testimony to her and Huo Tingxiao fighting side by side and guarding together.
Huo Tingxiao reached out and held her slightly trembling hand tightly, his palm warm and strong.
"Go home," he whispered, with a barely perceptible tenderness and relief in his voice.
The car was driving smoothly on the way home, and the lights outside the window were coming on, shining brightly.
Su Wanqing leaned on Huo Tingxiao's shoulder, watching the street scene rapidly receding outside the window, her heart filled with peace and satisfaction. All the hardships, setbacks, grievances, and efforts seemed to have received the best reward and sublimation at this moment.
The recognition from the highest level is not only an affirmation of the past, but also an expectation for the future.
They still have a long way to go, but at this moment, hand in hand, heart to heart, they are filled with strength and courage to keep moving forward.
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