"Come, come, Jiang Si, let me introduce you."
"This is Section Chief Niu from the Propaganda Unit, this is Clerk Zhang from the Military District responsible for grassroots propaganda, and this is Reporter Luo from the PLA Daily."
After introducing the visitors, Director Cao smiled and introduced Jiang Si to them.
"This is Comrade Jiang Si, the one I’ve told you about."
Jiang Si had already learned a few days ago that the military district planned to feature her as the inspiration for a propaganda column. However, she had no idea that the PLA Daily would send a reporter to interview her.
Still, guests were guests, and Jiang Si wasn’t one to be nervous. She welcomed them with grace and poise.
"Please, everyone, have some tea."
"Jiang Si, don’t trouble yourself. Sit down quickly."
Jiang Si nodded with a smile.
But when Director Cao handed her a large red certificate and a thick envelope, she was momentarily taken aback.
"Director Cao, what is this?"
"This is a reward from the military district."
Director Cao didn’t beat around the bush, his face brimming with pride.
"We’ve thoroughly reviewed your role in helping the Ministry of State Security capture a spy."
It was said that this spy had been lurking on the mainland for over a decade, with countless crimes to his name. The key was that after his arrest, the Ministry of State Security followed the trail and uprooted the entire network. Several enemy spy hideouts had been dismantled, and their underground intelligence network severed—truly a bountiful haul!
"Comrade Jiang Si, your actions set an example for all revolutionary families to follow."
"This honor and reward are well-deserved—no refusing them!"
Since it was a reward, Jiang Si naturally wouldn’t decline, but she still knew how to say the right things.
"Director Cao, you flatter me too much."
"This is all thanks to the guidance of our ‘leadership.’ Without their ideological direction, I would never have had such awareness!"
"Besides, soldiers and their families are one. My husband defends our country on the front lines, and it’s only right that I do my part on the home front. This is just our duty."
The group laughed heartily—there was no denying Comrade Jiang Si’s high ideological awareness.
Director Cao had initially worried that Jiang Si might be nervous around the reporter, but seeing how well the conversation was going, he was delighted.
As the atmosphere grew lively, Reporter Luo seized the moment, pulling out his pen and notepad.
"Comrade Jiang, could you share in detail how you identified the spy on the train that day? And what thrilling events unfolded in between?"
When Jiang Si didn’t answer immediately, Reporter Luo scratched his head and quickly clarified.
"Comrade Jiang, rest assured, we’ll anonymize the military unit designation, your personal details, and even your name to ensure no information is leaked."
Director Cao nodded in agreement. "Jiang Si, don’t worry. This is just a preliminary interview. Once the draft is written, the propaganda unit will review it—nothing will go wrong."
Jiang Si wasn’t concerned about that. She was more worried about how the propaganda unit might react to her story.
Sure enough, when they heard that Jiang Si had identified the spy through a sketch she drew herself, Section Chief Niu’s eyes lit up.
In this era, those who had studied art were already rare. But someone like Jiang Si, who could sketch a portrait after just one glance?
What did that mean?
It meant her talent far surpassed the ordinary.
A gem like this—Section Chief Niu was itching to recruit her for the propaganda unit’s art team on the spot.
But with Reporter Luo firing off question after question, Section Chief Niu had to hold back for now.
Before long, the interview was winding down. Following protocol, Reporter Luo asked Jiang Si a few more politically appropriate questions.
"Comrade Jiang, when facing such a cunning and ruthless spy, were you afraid at the time?"
"And what gave you the courage to stand up? Could you share that with us?"
Jiang Si thought to herself—this was a tricky question. One misstep, and she’d fall right into a trap.
After careful consideration, she gave her answer.
"In that moment, I didn’t have time to think about fear."
"I only did what I had to do."
"If you ask what gave me strength, I’d say this—in such a situation, I believe every child of China would step forward."
"Because this is where our faith lies. This is our roots!"
Her words left everyone with satisfied smiles.
Next, Section Chief Niu and Clerk Zhang outlined their propaganda slogans and the general content of the promotional posters to Jiang Si.
Jiang Si listened attentively throughout and made sure to express her gratitude.
"You’re the experts in propaganda—if you say it’s good, then it must be the best."
"I’m truly sorry for all the trouble my situation has caused."
"Thank you, everyone. I mean it."
That final "thank you" came straight from her heart.
The group found her words deeply touching.
After the interview, Director Cao pulled Jiang Si aside to discuss Su Wanwan’s case.
Normally, her verdict should have been issued two days ago. But Huo Tingzhou’s kick had sent her to the hospital for nearly two days, delaying the process.
Director Cao kept it brief—Su Wanwan’s tampering with an active-duty soldier’s medical records had been classified as a "counterrevolutionary act undermining military order."
Combined with her false accusations against a military family member and dereliction of duty, she was sentenced to 18 years in prison. She would be sent to a labor camp in the northwest the next morning.
Hearing the outcome, Jiang Si was surprisingly calm.
Truthfully, Su Wanwan had already been fortunate to get a second chance at life.
If she hadn’t been so obsessive, if she hadn’t pinned her hopes on someone who didn’t love her, she could have lived a brilliant life.
But one wrong step led to another.
In the end, she had no one to blame but herself—for being too greedy.
With that matter settled, Jiang Si barely left the house in the following days.
Ever since the military district’s propaganda board went up, she attracted curious stares wherever she went.
Strangers among the military wives would often approach her with overwhelming friendliness, leaving Jiang Si at a loss.
Fortunately, a new piece of gossip soon spread through the residential compound, allowing her to finally step outside again.
Early on the weekend, Jiang Si took some fabric to Hu Meili’s home.
She had bought this fabric a while ago, and she couldn’t quite remember why she’d chosen this color.
But it happened to suit Huo Tingzhou perfectly.
"Sister-in-law, is there anyone in the compound who can make clothes? I’d like to use this fabric for a set of pajamas."
"You want pajamas? That’s easy. If you trust me, I can take care of it."
Hu Meili had full confidence in her sewing skills.
"Those two rascals of mine, and my old Xiao—every stitch of clothing they wear, from the inside out, is made by me."
Jiang Si smiled. "Then there’s nothing to worry about. But I don’t have his measurements—would it work if I brought his old clothes?"
Hu Meili agreed without hesitation. "Don’t worry, leave it to me. Oh, and don’t bother cooking lunch—come join us instead. It’ll be nice to have some company."
Jiang Si saw through the invitation but didn’t comment, simply nodding. "Sure, I’ve got a piece of ham at home—I’ll bring it over to add to the meal."
The entire morning passed with Jiang Si staying at the Xiao household, not stepping out once.
But just before noon, He Ping suddenly came rushing over in a frantic hurry.
In his haste, he failed to stop in time and slammed headfirst into Hu Meili’s front door.
Jiang Si winced at the sight. "Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
He Ping quickly waved it off. "I’m fine, Sister-in-law, really! But you need to go back right now—that person is here—"
