Chapter 149 Extra Chapter 6: Xiao Yong and Xiao Wei's Story: The Human Touch
Late summer and early autumn of 2010.
The departure hall of the provincial capital's airport was bustling with people. The huge glass curtain wall cut the afternoon sunlight into soft patches, which were then cast onto the gleaming marble floor.
Jiang Ling, dressed in a crisply pressed police uniform, the rank insignia on her shoulders marking her new identity, stood ramrod straight in front of the security checkpoint, beside her the equally dashing Liang Jiushan, also in uniform. Simple luggage lay at their feet; they were about to board a flight to Kyoto.
—Jiang Ling's team, leveraging their cross-regional crime prediction model, successfully issued an early warning and assisted in cracking a major cross-provincial series of crimes, earning commendations and receiving a collective first-class merit award. Jiang Ling was transferred to the Ministry of Public Security, becoming the first director of the newly established Crime Prevention Division. Liang Jiushan, a core member of his team and his life partner, accompanied him. Liang Jiushan and others became the backbone of the division.
Seven years of marriage had not diminished their tacit understanding; on the contrary, their shared pursuit of their careers had deepened their bond into a profound affection for each other. Liang Jiushan turned his head to look at Jiang Ling, his gaze gentle yet firm, silently conveying his support.
Their child, Liang Zhaoxi, nicknamed Zhaozhao, was born in 2005 and is five years old this year. She was taken back to Kyoto by her maternal grandmother ahead of schedule. Zhaozhao grew up in a loving environment and is very cute and mischievous.
Thinking of Zhaozhao, Jiang Ling's eyes softened, and she glanced at Liang Jiushan: "I wonder if Zhaozhao is behaving well at her grandmother's."
Liang Jiushan raised his hand to pat her shoulder and said with a smile, "Don't worry, she's sweeter than us and can adapt to anywhere. Let's say goodbye to everyone properly first."
As the departure was imminent, colleagues and friends who came to see him off gathered around, offering their blessings and words of reluctance to part.
Chief Yao of the Jinwu Road Police Station had long since retired, but he remained vigorous, repeatedly giving Jiang Ling advice while holding her hand. Wei Changfeng, now the station chief, still had a booming voice. Li Zhenliang, Liu Haoran, and Zhou Wei had all achieved remarkable results in their respective positions, and they had all settled down in the provincial capital, reluctant to leave. Therefore, they did not accompany Jiang Ling to Beijing this time. However, they were all filled with reluctance and lamented how quickly time had passed.
Slightly out of the crowd stood two particularly eye-catching couples, along with a young man and woman beside them.
The man sat in a wheelchair, his face handsome and his demeanor calm and gentle. On his lap rested a carefully wrapped, elongated gift box. He looked up at the girl beside him, his eyes filled with unspoken tenderness and love.
The girl stood tall, dressed in a simple dress. Faint pink scars were visible on both sides of her cheeks, marks left by time and several reconstructive surgeries. Though not completely gone, they were no longer grotesque. These marks, while diminishing her beauty, silently spoke of her past suffering and present resilience. She smiled slightly, her eyes clear and bright. One hand rested naturally on the shoulder of the man in the wheelchair, while the other was firmly held by a middle-aged woman with slightly red eyes, who gripped her hand tightly.
They are Hu Yong and Xu Qingyao.
And their parents—Hu Jianguo and Yang Cuifen, and Xu Weida and Lin Suqin.
Let's turn back the clock to the summer of 1993.
When Hu Jianguo and Yang Cuifen finally saw their son, who had been missing for four years but had lost both legs, in the simple office of the Jinwu Road Police Station, they were overwhelmed by a mixture of immense joy and heart-wrenching pain.
Yang Cuifen held the thin, terrified Xiaoyong in her arms, crying her heart out, cursing the damned human traffickers over and over again, and stroking her son's empty trouser legs and the old and new scars on his body.
Hu Jianguo, a man of few words, had red eyes and his teeth were clenched so tightly they were grinding. In the end, he simply stretched out his rough hand and placed it very gently on his son's head, saying in a trembling voice, "Son, don't be afraid. Dad is here. Dad will take you home. From now on, Dad will be your legs."
Back home in Dayao Town, Liuyang, life started anew, but it also brought countless challenges. Xiaoyong's body required long-term rehabilitation and treatment; the process of getting a prosthesis and adapting to it was lengthy and painful. The psychological trauma was even more difficult to heal. In the dead of night, he often woke up from nightmares, drenched in cold sweat, screaming, "Don't cut off my foot!"
Xiaoyong's fear of unfamiliar environments and his worry about being abandoned again once caused him to shut himself off.
Hu Jianguo and Yang Cuifen poured all their efforts into it.
During the day, Hu Jianguo would run the grocery store, and at night he would hold his son and massage his atrophied muscles, telling him about the things that had happened in the family over the years, about his sister Lili's naughtiness, and about the changes in the town, telling him again and again: "This will always be your home, and we will never lose you again."
Yang Cuifen would try her best to cook delicious meals for her son, such as steamed dishes from Liuyang and various nourishing soups. She would carefully take care of his emotions. Every time her son woke up from a nightmare, she would rush into the room, hug him, and hum a murmured nursery rhyme until he fell asleep again.
Although young, Hu Li is exceptionally sensible. She saves the candy and snacks from school to bring to her brother, and she pushes his wheelchair around town, proudly introducing him to her friends: "This is my brother! He's back!"
Hu Jianguo kept his promise and truly became his son's legs. Wherever his son wanted to go, he would carry him, hold him on his back, or push his wheelchair. The cement ping-pong table in front of the grocery store was still there. Hu Yong often sat in his wheelchair, watching the children play, while his father silently stayed by his side, telling him in this way that life had never left him.
The same situation occurred in the Xu family in the provincial capital.
On the day Xu Weida brought his daughter, whose face was covered in scars, home, his wife Lin Suqin was dressed neatly and her hair was combed perfectly. She stared blankly at her daughter at the door. Instead of rushing over to hug other people's children and calling "Yaoyao" as she usually did, she slowly and carefully squatted down, reached out her trembling hand, and very gently touched the uneven scars on her daughter's face.
The rough touch from her fingertips was like a bolt of lightning, instantly shattering her mind, which had been in a state of confusion for many years.
"Yao... Yao?" Her voice was dry and weak, filled with immense uncertainty and fear.
Xiao Wei—no, Xu Qingyao—looked at the woman before her, a woman both familiar and unfamiliar, her large eyes brimming with tears. She remembered those eyes, remembered the tenderness and love that had once filled them. She timidly called out in an almost inaudible voice, "Mom..."
That single word, "Mommy," was like a spell broken. Lin Suqin suddenly hugged her daughter tightly, bursting into tears. Her sobs contained years of pent-up despair, self-blame, longing, and the immense shock of regaining what she had lost. She cried until her body went limp, yet she held onto her daughter tightly, as if letting go would cause her to disappear again. Xu Weida, watching his wife and daughter, this weathered man, also couldn't help but shed tears, but his face radiated a profound happiness born from hardship.
From then on, Lin Suqin's mind gradually cleared up.
All her attention returned to her daughter. She took Yao Yao to major hospitals all over the provincial capital and even Shanghai, consulting with the best plastic surgeons.
For every surgery, she stayed outside the operating room, never leaving her side. During the post-operative recovery period, she took even better care of her daughter, fearing even the slightest infection. She knew that the scars on her face might never be completely removed, but she wanted her daughter to know that no matter what she looked like, she would always be her mother's most precious treasure, deserving of the best of everything.
Xu Weida rallied and worked even harder to provide better treatment for his daughter. But he never missed a single important moment in her life. He encouraged her, "Yaoyao, appearance doesn't matter; inner strength is true strength. Whatever you want to do, Dad will support you."
The bond of fate was not severed when the two children returned to their respective families. Because of their shared experience of being abducted and rescued, and their shared suffering from physical disabilities, Hu Yong and Xu Qingyao maintained contact through letters after their separation.
The two children were like lights illuminating each other in the darkness, sharing their troubles and encouraging one another through their correspondence. Hu Yong told Xu Qingyao that he had started trying to walk with his prosthetic leg, and although it was painful, he hoped that one day he could stand and walk up to her. Xu Qingyao told Hu Yong that her surgery had been successful, and the doctor said that she would be even better after a period of recovery. She had also started studying hard, as she wanted to become a doctor to help those who had been injured like her.
Their friendship took root and sprouted in their childish yet firm handwriting, gradually transforming into a deeper emotion.
After their children entered high school, the Xu couple took Xu Qingyao on a special trip to Liuyang to visit Hu Yong. Upon their reunion, the children had lost some of their childish naiveté and gained more of a youthful shyness and tacit understanding.
Hu Yong was now adept at using his prosthetic leg and wheelchair. He took Xu Qingyao to see his father's grocery store, the cement ping-pong table, and to set off the fireworks his father had specially left behind. As the fireworks burst in the night sky, Hu Yong secretly glanced at Xu Qingyao's profile illuminated by the light and shadow. Her clear eyes reflected the dazzling light, a beauty that made his heart flutter. Xu Qingyao, on the other hand, noticed an unusually focused and passionate light in Hu Yong's eyes as he watched the fireworks.
This meeting clarified the future direction for the two boys. Hu Yong developed a great interest in fireworks manufacturing, and he began to study related chemistry and physics, drawing all sorts of design diagrams. Hu Jianguo and his wife fully supported him, even allowing him to conduct small experiments in their backyard workshop, provided it was safe to do so. Yang Cuifen was always worried, yet couldn't help feeling gratified by the rekindled fighting spirit in her son's eyes.
Xu Qingyao studied even harder, her goal clear and unwavering—medical school. Lin Suqin, now fully recovered, devoted herself to caring for her daughter, making up for the maternal love she hadn't been able to give her years ago. Xu Weida, looking at his daughter's excellent grades, often beamed with joy, telling everyone, "My daughter is going to be a doctor!"
The river of time flows quietly, washing away the silt of pain and settling the gold and stone of love and hope.
October, 2003.
A simple yet heartwarming wedding was taking place in the banquet hall of a hotel in the provincial capital. The groom, Liang Jiushan, dressed in a handsome suit, beamed with happiness, his gaze constantly fixed on his bride. The bride, Jiang Ling, wore a pristine white wedding dress, her short hair tucked behind her ears, a pearl hair clip shimmering with a warm glow. She remained serene, but the gentle smile in her eyes and brows betrayed her inner joy.
Most of the guests were colleagues and friends from the public security system, and the atmosphere was lively.
That evening, Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan returned to their home in the provincial capital. After hosting a thank-you banquet, suddenly, the sound of fireworks shooting into the sky came from the central square of the residential area.
Everyone looked on curiously, only to see a dazzling display of fireworks suddenly light up the night sky outside the window! Instead of traditional celebratory patterns, the fireworks cleverly combined to form the words "Eternal Union" and "A Hundred Years of Harmony," along with symbols of police shields and olive branches…
The fireworks display lasted for a full ten minutes, dazzling and incredibly creative, illuminating the provincial capital's night sky as if it were daytime, attracting countless passersby to stop and marvel.
Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan exchanged a smile, immediately guessing who was behind it. They walked hand in hand to the window.
Downstairs, Hu Jianguo was cheerfully directing several workers to continue unloading fireworks from a small truck. Yang Cuifen stood beside him, dressed in brand-new clothes, a proud and radiant smile on her face. Hu Yong, in his wheelchair, held a walkie-talkie, intently directing the operation at the distant ignition point, his expression serious and confident.
"That kid!" Liang Jiushan shook his head with a smile, his eyes full of admiration. "I heard he got into Hunan University to study applied chemistry, specializing in pyrotechnics? He's really made a name for himself."
Jiang Ling's gaze passed over Hu Yong and landed on the other side.
Xu Weida and Lin Suqin also arrived. Lin Suqin held Xu Qingyao's hand tightly, dressed appropriately, with a calm demeanor and a gentle smile on her face. She no longer showed any signs of her former madness.
Xu Qingyao's scars, though still discernible upon close inspection after multiple repairs, were no longer jarring against her confident and bright smile. She had been admitted to the provincial medical school for a combined bachelor's and master's degree, a promising future ahead. Sensing Jiang Ling's gaze, Xu Qingyao waved vigorously and shouted her blessings. Although the words were inaudible through the glass, her mouth clearly read: "Auntie! Happy Wedding!"
At that moment, Jiang Ling's heart was filled with immense warmth. Seeing these two children, whom she had personally pulled back from the brink of hell, now basking in the sunlight and striving towards their dreams, what could be a better wedding gift?
After the fireworks display, Hu Yong and Xu Qingyao came to Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan.
Hu Yong solemnly presented a gift—a small tabletop firework he had personally designed and made, named "Guardian," symbolizing peace and protection. Xu Qingyao, on the other hand, presented a beautiful medicine box containing her carefully selected commonly used medications and a handwritten health notice.
"Auntie, Uncle Liang, you're both so busy with work, please take care of yourselves." The girl's voice was gentle yet firm.
Looking at the young couple before them, their eyes already brimming with affection, Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan understood perfectly. Hardship had not withered them; instead, it had made them, like vines that had weathered the storm, more closely interdependent and growing towards the sun.
Let's go back to 2010, to the provincial capital airport.
Hu Yong, a renowned fireworks designer who has participated in and won awards in numerous international fireworks competitions, and Xu Qingyao, a promising doctor about to graduate from the provincial medical college, finally approached Jiang Ling together.
Xu Qingyao let go of her mother's hand and whispered something to Lin Suqin. Although Lin Suqin was reluctant, she still smiled and let go of her hand, but her eyes still followed her daughter closely.
Hu Yong maneuvered his electric wheelchair forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xu Qingyao. He picked up the long, flat gift box from his lap and handed it to Jiang Ling with both hands: "Auntie, Uncle Liang, knowing you were leaving today, Yao Yao and I came here especially to see you off. This is a small token of our appreciation."
Jiang Ling took the piece, opened it, and found a meticulously framed cross-stitch artwork inside. It wasn't a traditional floral or bird design, but rather a symbolic scene: the background was a deep starry sky and dazzling fireworks, and in the center was the silhouette of a short-haired woman in a police uniform. She was slightly turned to the side, holding a lantern that emitted a warm glow, illuminating the backs of two small children holding hands in front of her. The lantern's soft light dispelled some of the surrounding darkness. The embroidery was exquisite, the colors harmonious, and every stitch was imbued with emotion.
“This is the design that my mom, Yao Yao’s mom, and Yao Yao designed together. They embroidered it on and off for several months.” Hu Yong’s voice was gentle yet strong. “We thought that this was probably the image of you in our hearts. You are the one who lights the way for us in the darkness.”
Xu Qingyao picked up the conversation, her voice clear and crisp, carrying the composure unique to medical students: "Auntie, Uncle Liang, I'm about to graduate and have already secured a job at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Provincial People's Hospital. Hu Yong's fireworks design studio is also on track, receiving many orders for large-scale events." As she spoke, she glanced at Hu Yong, and the two smiled at each other, their hands naturally clasped together.
Hu Yong squeezed her hand tightly, looked up at Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan, his face beaming with happiness and gratitude: "Auntie, Uncle Liang, we...we plan to get married at the end of this year. We came today not only to see you off, but also to tell you this good news in person. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. You gave us a second life and brought our two families back to life."
Xu Qingyao nodded vigorously, her eyes slightly moist: "Yes, Auntie. Thank you for recognizing me at the train station back then, thank you for rescuing me from Xie Jiayan, thank you for always encouraging me afterward, telling me that scars don't mean I'm not beautiful, but courage and kindness do. Thank you also, Uncle Liang, for helping Hu Yong find his home and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. We will remember your kindness for the rest of our lives."
Hu Yong took a deep breath and said with utmost sincerity, "We've discussed it and decided that we will live a good life, work hard, be filial to our parents, and do our best to help those in need. We will pass on the love and warmth we once received. Please rest assured and please believe in us."
Those who heard their conversation were deeply moved. Yao Suo, Wei Changfeng, and others were filled with emotion, while Li Zhenliang secretly wiped away a tear.
Jiang Ling looked at the perfect couple before her. One had lost the ability to stand, and the other bore permanent marks on their faces, but their souls stood straighter than many, and their hearts were purer and more beautiful than many. Suffering had not destroyed them; instead, it had become the most profound foundation of their lives, making their current happiness all the more radiant.
She reached out and first gently hugged Xu Qingyao, then bent down and hugged Hu Yong in his wheelchair.
"Okay." All the words in the world were reduced to just this one, filled with relief, affirmation and blessings.
Liang Jiushan, his eyes also red, patted Hu Yong's shoulder hard: "Good lad, you've got potential! Remember to send us invitations to the wedding."
The airport announcement sounded again, urging passengers bound for Kyoto to board their plane.
Jiang Ling and Liang Jiushan picked up their luggage, took one last look at the most important people in her life who had come to see them off, lingered for a moment on the hopeful and smiling faces of Hu Yong and Xu Qingyao, and then resolutely turned around and headed towards the security checkpoint.
Their backs are straight, their steps are firm, and they are heading towards a wider world to fulfill their noble mission of "crime prevention".
Behind them lies the vibrant world they have protected with their wisdom and sweat.
There, two children they rescued are about to begin a new chapter of happiness and fulfillment, and will continue to pass on this love and hope.
Sunlight streamed through the huge glass windows, casting long shadows that blended with the figures of the people seeing them off, creating a warm and bright scene.
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