Chapter 339 Looking Forward to the Medal Awarding Ceremony
"As long as you have justice in your heart, you can be a hero to others wherever you are."
Xia Lili looked at Peng Yiyi with an encouraging look in her eyes: "The most important thing is that we must first become strong people who can protect ourselves, okay?"
Peng Yiyi nodded, not quite understanding. Although she still had a lingering attachment to her dream of becoming a police officer, Xia Lili's words made her feel that the future was also bright.
Peng Yiyi looked at the children playing around their parents in the resettlement area, and a hint of envy and confusion unconsciously appeared in her eyes.
She subconsciously hugged Xia Lili's arm tightly and asked softly, "Sister, where will I go in the future? I don't have a father or a mother anymore... What should I do?"
Xia Lili's heart softened, and she gently put her arm around her frail shoulders, explaining softly, "Don't be afraid, Yiyi. The police are helping you contact a place called the Welfare Home."
"There, there will be special teachers who will take care of you and accompany you as you grow up, supporting you through middle school, high school, and even college. They will also work hard to help you find your biological parents."
Xia Lili paused and added, "You have special 'panda blood.' While your father and mother may not both have it, it's very likely that one of them has the same blood type as you. We'll carefully compare it with the national database, and there's a good chance we'll find a clue."
Peng Yiyi still lowered her head, her voice muffled: "Then...what if we still can't find it in the end?"
Xia Lili squatted down, her eyes level with hers, her tone gentle but firm: "Yiyi, remember, whether you can find it or not, you will never be alone."
"The welfare home now is like a warm big family. There will be a light that is always on for you, a small bed that belongs to you, and a small room where you can fill it with dolls and books."
"Even if you go to college far away in the future, your home will always be there to welcome you when you want to come back during the holidays. You will grow up safely and have the right to choose your future, and your sister will always be watching over you and accompanying you."
Peng Yiyi blinked and whispered, "Really? I used to... hear some people say that places like that don't even have enough food to eat, and no one cares about them. It's really scary..."
Xia Lili smiled gently and stroked her hair: "Those are old ideas from a long time ago."
"Now our country is becoming stronger and stronger, and we are taking better care of children."
"The welfare home is a big family established by the state specifically for children who are temporarily unable to find a home. There, you will be provided with balanced meals, clean and warm rooms, and dedicated life teachers to take care of your daily life and help you with your homework."
"You'll get new clothes every year, and if you're sick, you'll see a doctor right away. Most importantly, it will support you in your studies, allowing you to study for as long as you want, until you grow up and can live independently."
Xia Lili's eyes softened. "Besides, I promise you, I will visit you often and won't leave you alone."
As Peng Yiyi listened to Xia Lili's detailed and warm description, her originally tense face gradually relaxed and light appeared in her eyes again.
She nodded vigorously, puffed out her small chest, and said in a pretentious mature tone: "Sister, don't worry! I will eat well, sleep well, and study hard!"
"I'm already a big kid and can take care of myself. You don't need to worry about me all the time!"
The way he tried to appear strong and sensible made Xia Lili feel both distressed and relieved.
Three hours later, the phone Xia Lili was holding tightly in her hand finally vibrated slightly.
The screen lit up, displaying a message from Li Qihan:
[Operation concluded. The stronghold has been completely destroyed, and all those involved have been apprehended. No casualties have been sustained on our side, and the mission has been successfully concluded.]
Just two lines of words seemed to carry a thousand-pound weight, instantly lifting the huge stone that was tense in her heart.
Xia Lili squatted down, looked Peng Yiyi in the eye, and said gently, "Yiyi, I have good news for you."
"Because of your courage and your willingness to tell the truth, the illegal blood stations that harmed you and other children have been completely destroyed by the police."
"Those bad guys have all been arrested. They can no longer do bad things."
As Peng Yiyi listened, a light gradually brightened in her big eyes, which had originally been a little uneasy.
Her little hands slowly clenched, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise up, finally turning into a bright smile.
"very nice!"
Free from the control of her adoptive parents, Peng Yiyi has gradually become more confident from her initial timidity.
Time passes quietly.
Xia Lili stayed in the Qingzhouyu disaster area for another week.
The engineering team has entered the site, and she will not be able to truly relax until it is confirmed that all affected people have been properly resettled, the epidemic and secondary disaster risks have been effectively controlled, and the infrastructure has initially resumed operation.
A month later, the sudden and huge disaster in Lincheng finally shifted from emergency rescue to the longer and more difficult post-disaster reconstruction stage.
Xia Lili was also ready to leave.
Before leaving, Commander Zhang, the chief commander of Lincheng, came specially to see Xia Lili off.
Xia Lili felt sad when she saw Commander Zhang, who looked much older than when they first met.
She couldn't help but ask, "Commander Zhang, how long will the reconstruction take?"
Commander Zhang looked at the resettlement area, which was still busy but well-organized, and said to Xia Lili:
"Advisor Xia, we've made it through the most difficult time, but the real test has just begun."
"Reconstruction is not as simple as just rebuilding the building."
Commander Zhang raised his hand and gestured towards the once devastated land in the distance. "Post-disaster reconstruction must first and foremost rebuild people."
"We need to provide long-term psychological intervention for families who have lost loved ones, help children return to school, and ensure that every displaced person has a home to return to."
He paused, his voice solemn, "After this, it's time to 'rebuild the city'."
"Roads, bridges, power grids, communications...the repair of these infrastructures will take years."
"Revitalizing industries and restoring livelihoods will require years of investment and planning. Just like a deep scar, healing takes time, and growing new tissue requires even more patience."
Commander Zhang sighed, "This is a long and even tedious process, but it concerns every decade of Lincheng's future."
Xia Lili's mood also became heavy when she heard this, and she felt the weight behind this calm narration.
Commander Zhang finally shook hands with Xia Lili solemnly:
"Advisor Xia, Lin Cheng will never forget your efforts."
He said with gratitude, "I look forward to seeing you at this year's national annual honors and commendations ceremony."
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