Piranha Plant (20)

When she heard the name "Meng Siqi", she even thought she was hallucinating. It was not until Zhao Lei Ting pulled her sleeve that she looked at him, "Me too?"

"Yes, you too. Come on, let's go on stage."

Zhao Lei Ting stood up impatiently, and Meng Siqi also stood up slowly, but she was a little dizzy with joy, and for a moment she really couldn't believe that she had just been promoted to a regular employee.

When she stood up, she saw Han Changlin, Feng Shaomin and Tang Xiaochuan all applauding them enthusiastically. Her eyes sparkled and she said "thank you", but no one heard her amid the applause.

She didn't know how she got to the podium. When Director Liu shook hands with her, presented her with the award certificate and congratulated her, she thought she was dreaming.

The audience was so crowded that she couldn't tell who was who. Where was Han Dae? Where was Lu He? Where was her master? Perhaps they were all watching her, watching her grow into a qualified police officer.

She followed Zhao Leiting down the podium. When she walked into her seat, she suddenly found that Feng Shaomin was leaning on the armrest of the chair, his body trembling slightly.

Han Changlin reached out and patted Zhao Leiting's arm, whispering, "Let him cry for a while, he's happy."

Meng Siqi sat down slowly. She didn't know if Feng Shaomin was excited because of her, but it must be. She thought she had understood Feng Shaomin, but today, she seemed to have just understood him. He was actually not a cold-tempered person.

After the celebration party, Meng Siqi was dragged to take various photos. The flashlight hit her face, making her a little dazzled. Some female colleagues she didn't know also came to take photos with her. They were full of enthusiasm, "Sister Meng, when did you come? I haven't seen you before."

"Yes, I just found out today that there is such a beautiful policewoman in our police station."

"Let the beautiful lady stand in the middle, and let's take a photo together," said the police officer who was taking photos for everyone.

Everyone pushed Meng Siqi in the middle, and she faced the flash lights again, her heart filled with happiness as if it were filled with sugar.

Over there, Zhao Leiting was also being pulled to take photos, and someone said, "Zhao Leiting, let me introduce you to my sister, okay?"

"It's not right," Zhao Leiting said, "Looking at your face, I think it's not right."

"You deserve a beating. My sister doesn't even like you!"

"Hahaha..." Everyone over there burst into laughter.

After everything was over, Meng Siqi felt as if his whole body was weak, but for some reason the blood in his body was flowing hotly.

Sitting back in her seat, Meng Siqi looked at the certificate again and again. Although there were only a few black words on it, it looked like gold. She put it away carefully in her drawer, thinking that she would look through it when she was in a bad mood.

However, Zhao Leiting placed the certificate on the table, as if afraid that others would not see it.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, Meng Siqi finally enjoyed some rest time. Without any cases to pursue, she could also take some time to read a book.

That day, Han Changlin, with a rosy face and full of energy, suddenly walked into the office and shouted, "Xiao Meng, the newspaper wants to interview you."

When Meng Siqi looked up, she saw Wen Huizhi standing next to Han Changlin. Wen Huizhi was carrying a bag, smiling, and waving at her while gently shaking the notebook in her hand.

Meng Siqi stood up immediately. She remembered that Wen Huizhi had become a reporter again. If she had any personal matters, she should contact her privately. Going through Han Changlin should be related to the report.

Maybe it is related to the recent Song Jin case. The newspaper should be very interested.

After their last meeting, Wen Huizhi contacted her once and said that she went to Jinyang Minsheng Evening News and continued to work as a reporter.

Meng Siqi has also read two articles written by her.

She was pleased to find that Wen Huizhi had really changed. Her writing became simple, and her words were full of rational viewpoints. She was no longer as fanciful and nonsensical as before. Most importantly, her writing became cautious, and revealed her respect for facts and concern for human feelings. This change was huge.

Wen Huizhi smiled as she walked out of the door: "Siqi, we haven't seen each other for a long time. I really miss you."

Meng Siqi also exchanged a few pleasantries with a smile, and the two of them walked into the reception room together.

Wen Huizhi held her thin shoulders and said, "Come, let me take two photos of you first, okay?"

Meng Siqi felt something was wrong for a moment. It was agreed that he was going to understand the case, so why was he taking pictures of her?

Before she could respond, Wen Huizhi had already rummaged through her backpack and pulled out a camera.

Meng Siqi stretched out his hand to block him, "Huizhi, tell me what you are taking pictures for?"

Wen Huizhi smiled and said, "Of course, it is to publicize your glorious deeds."

Meng Siqi was puzzled. "My glorious deeds?"

"Yes, I know that you won the award at the police station. I rushed here as soon as possible because I wanted to interview you. I am a good sister to you."

“That’s what the Korean team said.”

"The Korean team said that they would ask for your opinion on everything and that everything would be fine as long as it complies with the regulations. I thought, what a great thing this is! As long as it is published in the newspapers, and it is during the Spring Festival, Siqi, you will be a household name and the most beautiful policewoman in our Jinyang."

As Wen Huizhi spoke, her face was as bright as a flower and full of joy, as if this honor also belonged to her.

But at this moment Meng Siqi was not as excited as she was when she received the award. She did not think that being in the newspapers would make her a household name. That was not what she wanted.

But she couldn't refuse her directly. Wen Huizhi must have come here today specifically for her, and she also wanted to thank her for providing important clues about Fu Song'an's organ specimen trading last time.

She smiled and said, "Huizhi, can I discuss this with you?"

Wen Huizhi smiled and nodded, "Of course, we can take photos anywhere, and we'll pick the best ones."

"That's not what I meant."

"Um?"

"You can report me, but I have a condition." Her tone was serious.

The smile on Wen Huizhi's face slowly faded.

Meng Siqi then said, "You are not allowed to take photos, and you are not allowed to use my real name. I can only tell you part of my work."

"Why is that?"

"Although the Korean team did not explicitly reject you, I know that the bureau has its own rules. This is a test from the Korean team. As police officers, we cannot pursue fame and fortune."

"Siqi," Wen Huizhi thought it was something serious, her face relaxed, and she comforted him, "Of course I will do something about it."

"Also, when you report on the victims, I hope the pseudonyms are real ones, and you protect the victims and call on society to protect them." Meng Siqi was kindly reminding her that in the November 16 tragedy, Zhu Xinting and Xin Shu were both real names, and although Xin Shu was marked as a pseudonym, her real name was not changed.

Wen Huizhi understood what she meant, nodded heavily and agreed, saying, "I can do everything you say. Whatever interview you want today is fine."

"Just write Xiao Meng."

Wen Huizhi smiled and said, "That's fine, Officer Meng."

Next, Wen Huizhi asked a few questions that she had prepared long ago. Regarding criminal investigation, Meng Siqi did not reveal anything. She only talked about her feelings as a newcomer to the police station, her insights into growth, and her praise for her colleagues.

Wen Huizhi wrote down every word, and at the end, he praised: "Siqi, I have seen a moving experience of a newcomer becoming a qualified police officer. Don't worry, I will use my writing skills to embellish it. This article is called "Officer Xiao Meng's 100 Days of Becoming a Criminal Policeman". Do you think it's good?"

Meng Siqi also thought it was okay and nodded with a smile.

After finishing the interview, Wen Huizhi left reluctantly. Meng Siqi also completed a mission.

On New Year's Eve, Meng Siqi packed up his things and went home from get off work. As soon as he arrived at the door, he was startled by a voice: "I said, I don't know if today is New Year's Eve, I don't know if your dad will come back today, and he doesn't even want to eat the reunion dinner?"

The person who spoke was Ye Xiuhui. Meng Siqi did not refute her because she had left the police station an hour early today, but the bus broke down on the way and she was delayed for half an hour. She did not dare to go home for the New Year's Eve dinner at 6 o'clock.

Aunt Chang said in advance that she had prepared a lot of her favorite dishes. The table should have been served by now, and Aunt Chang should have gone home to celebrate the New Year.

As soon as she entered the door, she saw her father Meng Hui sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper. He had a round face, small eyes, and sparse hair but not to the point of a Mediterranean style. He was wearing a high-end gray jacket and shiny leather shoes.

"Let's eat, let's eat." Ye Xiuhui urged.

Meng Tingzhe was already sitting at the table, flipping through the pager in his hand with a cold expression. When Meng Hui slowly stood up with the newspaper and walked to the main table, he put down the pager, put his hands on the table and waited.

Ye Xiuhui also sat down next to Meng Hui.

Meng Siqi sat in the lowest seat. She didn't have time to go upstairs, so she put her bag on the chair behind her.

She hadn't seen Meng Hui for a long time. Meng Hui was the general manager of Shangyin Department Store and was usually very busy. She had met him once before and had no impression of his personality.

Her memory still remains that when the original owner was filling out her college entrance examination application, Meng Hui wanted her to choose finance as her major so that she could work in the business world in the future, but by some strange coincidence she ended up attending police school. Later, Meng Hui became prejudiced against her because of this incident. Perhaps he felt that his own daughter did not understand his father's thoughts, so a rift arose between them.

"Eat it all. I also made a dish." Ye Xiuhui smiled and picked up a piece of fish and put it into Meng Hui's bowl. She also picked up a piece for Meng Tingzhe.

She put down her chopsticks and smiled happily, "May you have more than enough every year, and may your business do well."

When Meng Hui picked up the chopsticks to eat the fish, he glanced at Meng Siqi.

Meng Siqi hasn't started eating yet.

"By the way," Ye Xiuhui seemed to observe Meng Siqi's expression and picked up another piece of fish for him, "As a police officer, you should also eat fish."

As everyone started eating, Meng Tingzhe praised Ye Xiuhui for her delicious fish cooking. He also toasted the two elders and said a few nice words. Ye Xiuhui was very happy and also wished him to get married and have grandchildren as soon as possible.

"I say," Ye Xiuhui warned Meng Hui, "Don't let him take care of all the mall affairs. He doesn't even have time for a romantic relationship."

Meng Hui did not reply, so Meng Tingzhe said, "Mom, you are still worried that I can't find a wife. Whichever girl you like, I will marry her to you immediately."

"Haha..." Ye Xiuhui couldn't stop laughing.

Perhaps only Meng Siqi herself knows this kind of joy and sorrow. It does not belong to her. She was not raised in the Meng family since she was a child and she does not have that kind of family happiness. To them, she just has an unbreakable blood relationship. If it can be dissolved, perhaps Meng Hui and Ye Xiuhui will do it without hesitation.

She ate a few bites of the delicious food Aunt Chang made in silence.

Meng Hui suddenly said, "Siqi, is the person in the newspaper you?"

Meng Hui had just finished reading the newspaper and put it on the table. Meng Tingzhe was curious, so he picked it up and took a look, muttering to himself: "Officer Meng, the most beautiful policewoman, third-class merit..."

Meng Siqi had never thought that Wen Huizhi would introduce herself like this in her article. She said that this edition of the newspaper would be published around New Year's Eve, but Meng Hui bought it first.

Meng Tingzhe said slowly, "Dad, you may have misunderstood. My sister has just been promoted to a regular officer. How could she have won the third-class merit? There are more than one Meng in their police station."

Ye Xiuhui continued, "Siqi was just doing odd jobs in the police station, serving tea and water, and her salary was extremely low, not even as good as the receptionist in your company. I have been persuading her to quit her job and come to your company as a clerk, to help out, at least she wouldn't have to eat for nothing at home..."

"It's me!" Meng Siqi shouted, "The person in the newspaper is me!"

Meng Tingzhe and Ye Xiuhui were stunned for a moment, as if this was a joke that had broken out.

Meng Hui slowly picked up the newspaper and looked at her again, "It's really you." He seemed to feel a little emotional.

Meng Tingzhe's Adam's apple moved. He slowly took off his glasses and wiped them. He accidentally pushed the chopsticks beside him, causing a cup to fall over and spill the wine. He wiped the stain with a glasses cloth and said casually, "At first, my sister went to the police academy and asked me to tell dad that she was studying finance. If I hadn't told the truth, dad might have been kept in the dark. Sister, you can't lie. You've grown up."

"Why would I lie?" Meng Siqi sneered, "Don't you know who the liar is?"

She happened to bring her certificate back from work today. She quickly took out the bright red certificate from her bag, stood up and handed it to Meng Hui.

Meng Hui took it with both hands. He carefully read the contents and said with emotion: "It's really a third-class merit, my daughter."

Meng Tingzhe's face seemed to be slapped by someone. The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably. He whispered, "Dad, what's the use of this piece of paper? It's better for us to negotiate a big deal in the mall."

"You know shit!" Meng Hui suddenly put down the certificate and scolded.

Meng Tingzhe was so scared that he shrank his neck slightly and his face suddenly darkened.

Meng Hui said in a resounding voice: "My comrade-in-arms has been busy all his life and has never won a third-class merit. You think the third-class merit is so good. You don't know how to appreciate your blessings. You think that all the good things are easy to come by. You still doubt the third-class merit. Why don't you doubt how you got all the good things?"

Meng Tingzhe lowered his head, and Meng Siqi couldn't see his expression clearly. He held the cup tightly in his hand, and his fingers were trembling slightly.

The air was silent for a long time, and Ye Xiuhui whispered: "Husband, today is reunion day..."

The anger on Meng Hui's face eased. He was a business veteran, and his expression calmed down quickly. He immediately showed a faint smile: "Daughter, if you want to buy anything, tell daddy."

Meng Siqi had been immersed in Meng Hui's words just now, and she suddenly realized that Meng Hui was not as partial as she had imagined. He might still have feelings for his daughter. Maybe she had been disappointed with her daughter's study in the police academy, but today he saw her daughter's persistence and achievements, and he let go of the grudge in his heart, and maybe he would even be proud of her.

Meng Siqi didn't want to buy anything, but it was hard to refuse Meng Hui, so he immediately said, "Dad, I do want to buy something, but let me think about it. I'll call you when I'm ready. Can you give me your phone number?"

Meng Hui's face turned slightly blue, and he said in a deep voice: "Why didn't this family call you?" The meaning of his words was very clear. His daughter had never contacted him before. It turned out that someone was blocking her. He glanced at Ye Xiuhui.

Ye Xiuhui lowered her eyebrows, her expression gloomy, and said nothing.

"Okay, Dad will call you. Please make a copy of the certificate and I will bring it to the office later."

"Dad, our captain has rules, but it's still inconvenient." In fact, there are no clear rules in the bureau. The reason why she said it was the captain was because she felt that these were all past tense and there was no need to show them in front of others.

Meng Hui nodded, "That's right, the overall situation is the most important."

After a long time, Meng Tingzhe picked up the cup in his hand, raised his head and slowly stood up. Because his glasses were taken off, the skin around his eyebrows and eyes had some sunken red marks, and his eyes were very red.

His voice was hoarse and slightly painful. "Dad, I was wrong. I should never have stopped my sister from studying at the police academy. I wanted her to study finance. She said the police academy was her dream. I only realized today that my sister is the pride of our family!"

Meng Tingzhe turned to face Meng Siqi again, sniffed his nose, and said sincerely, "Sister, I will drink this glass of wine... I was wrong, I sincerely admit it..."

Meng Siqi actually knew about this matter. It was not as he said. The police academy was Meng Tingzhe's idea. He was determined that the original owner, a girl, would not be able to continue studying and would eventually drop out of school. He certainly did not expect that there would be a different ending today.

He certainly didn't expect that being a police officer would really become her dream, and his "noble hand" actually made her dream come true.

"Okay." Meng Hui accepted the apology.

He said, "I am very pleased that our Meng family has such a good daughter. Tingzhe has also helped a lot in the business this year. You are all good children of the Meng family. And Xiuhui has been working hard for this family, which is especially difficult. It is because I, as a father and husband, have not done a good enough job. I will not apologize. Let's do it together. Next year, everyone will have a good future and good fortune."

"Okay, may you have surplus every year." Ye Xiuhui also picked up the cup.

The four of them clinked their glasses together. Meng Siqi ate a few more bites of this reunion dinner. She suddenly felt that she was in a good mood and everything tasted delicious.