He called out into the house, his voice echoing in the empty courtyard.
There was no response.
Su Jianguo frowned. Usually at this time, Wang Xiulan would be busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, and her two grandsons would be playing in the yard.
Today, however, it is unusually quiet.
He strode towards the main room, and as soon as he pushed open the door, he heard suppressed sobs coming from the inner room.
Su Jianguo's heart tightened, and he quickly walked in. He saw Wang Xiulan sitting on the edge of the bed, clutching a handkerchief in her hand, her eyes red and swollen like peaches.
"What's wrong?"
Su Jianguo put down his luggage and sat down next to his wife.
Wang Xiulan raised her head, and tears welled up again.
"Master, Mingde... Mingde has been taken away by the Discipline Inspection Commission!"
Her voice trembled, and she could barely utter a complete sentence.
"It's been three days...and still no news..."
Su Jianguo's expression remained unchanged; he simply patted his wife's back gently.
"Don't rush, tell me slowly, what happened?"
"The day before yesterday afternoon... someone from the Metallurgical Bureau came and informed us that the Discipline Inspection Commission had taken Mingde away from his office..."
Wang Xiulan sobbed.
"Although Mingde is wrong, he's still my own flesh and blood... Husband, what are we going to do?"
Su Jianguo wasn't surprised at all; this was entirely his doing.
He had long anticipated this day, but he hadn't expected Li Changhai to act so quickly.
"don’t worry."
Su Jianguo comforted him.
"Mingde works at the Metallurgical Bureau, so nothing serious should happen to him. I'll go and inquire about it tomorrow."
Wang Xiulan grasped her husband's hand.
"My lord, you must find a way! Mingde may have done wrong, but he is still our son..."
"I know."
Su Jianguo gently pried open his wife's fingers.
"Don't worry, I'll get you a glass of water."
In the kitchen, Su Jianguo slowly poured hot water.
Thinking to myself.
Li Changhai was indeed a smart man; he did as he was asked so quickly.
Su Jianguo returned to the room with a water glass, and Wang Xiulan's emotions had calmed down a bit.
"Have some water."
Su Jianguo handed her the cup.
"I'm going to check on Yufen and the children."
Around dinnertime, the yard finally came to life again.
Su Yufen prepared a few simple dishes, while Da Mao and Er Mao played around the dining table.
Su Jianguo noticed that his youngest daughter, Su Yuzhen, kept her head down while eating, her eyes darting around, as if she had something on her mind.
"Yuzhen."
Su Jianguo asked directly.
"I suggested you learn a trade. What do you think about it?"
Su Yuzhen suddenly looked up, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes.
"I'm... I'm still thinking about it."
She answered hesitantly, then quickly lowered her head and continued eating.
Su Jianguo narrowed his eyes; his intuition told him that his youngest daughter was hiding something from them.
But right now he's more concerned about what Li Changhai is doing.
After dinner, Su Jianguo sat in the yard smoking.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine came from outside the door.
A black sedan slowly pulled up in front of the courtyard house.
The car door opened, and a slightly overweight middle-aged man with slicked-back hair stepped out, followed by a young secretary-like figure.
Su Jianguo's eyes sharpened instantly.
Li Changhai actually came to visit in person.
Is Comrade Su Jianguo home?
Li Changhai stood outside the courtyard gate, his voice loud and clear, yet carrying an official tone.
Su Jianguo stubbed out his cigarette and slowly stood up.
"Director Li? What a rare guest! Please come in."
Li Changhai strode into the courtyard, first looking around before finally settling his gaze on Su Jianguo.
"I apologize for disturbing you."
Li Changhai wore an official smile.
"I am Li Changhai from the Metallurgical Bureau. I've come today specifically to offer my condolences to the family."
Wang Xiulan heard the noise and ran out of the house.
"This must be Mrs. Su?"
Li Changhai extended his hand warmly.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Wang Xiulan looked at her husband with a blank expression, while Su Jianguo stood to the side expressionlessly.
Li Changhai gave his secretary a wink, and the secretary immediately handed him a bulging envelope.
"This is a small token of appreciation from the Metallurgical Bureau, a thousand yuan as a token of our sympathy. Although Comrade Su Mingde made a mistake, his contributions during his tenure are indelible."
Wang Xiulan's hands trembled as she took the envelope, and tears welled up in her eyes again.
"Director Li, my son Mingde..."
"Please rest assured, Madam Su."
Li Changhai interrupted.
"Our Metallurgical Bureau is a compassionate organization, and we will certainly handle this impartially. As for Su Mingde's case... we will investigate it thoroughly."
As he said this, his eyes remained fixed on Su Jianguo, his gaze carrying a warning and a probing look.
Su Jianguo's lips curled up slightly as he picked up the conversation.
"We are truly flattered by Director Li's personal visit. Mingde is young and inexperienced; please take good care of him."
Their eyes met in mid-air, a silent understanding passing between them.
Li Changhai suddenly burst into laughter and patted Su Jianguo on the shoulder.
"Old Su, you've raised a good son! Although he made a few small mistakes, he's a good person at heart!"
Su Jianguo smiled too, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Director Li, you flatter me. How is Mingde doing now? Could we perhaps have a meeting?"
Li Changhai's expression froze for a moment, then returned to normal.
"Well... it's not convenient to meet during the investigation. But don't worry, we will definitely get justice for him."
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