QTIMP -Chapter 288 Character Persona – Violent (Part 16)

The duty orderly came over and poured water for everyone. The political commissar coughed lightly, and when he saw all eyes turn toward him, he began speaking.

“I already have a general understanding of this matter. Now I just want to ask Comrade Si Qiu—what exactly are your thoughts on this situation? Although that young man does have some mitigating circumstances, as long as your request is reasonable, I will definitely support you.”

Si Qiu turned to look at the political commissar. As expected of a political commissar, his way of speaking was truly artful.

She gave him a soft, delicate smile—so fragile it looked like a flower that could shatter at a touch, making it hard for anyone to speak harshly to her.

“The way you’re putting it makes it sound like I’m being unreasonable. I’m just upset on behalf of my parents. After raising a son with their own hands, they were repeatedly betrayed by him. Just thinking about it makes one feel heartbroken.”

As she spoke, she somehow produced a handkerchief and gently dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

With that single action, Chen Changsheng instinctively raised his hands to cover his head. Realizing Si Qiu was only wiping her tears, he awkwardly lowered them again.

Si Qiu narrowed her eyes slightly, thinking this guy really did deserve a lesson—was he trying to smear her like this?

Then she sniffled again, forcing herself to stay composed.

“I came here this time for two things. First, to inform Shuanzi’s parents that they’ve passed away. Second, to hand over the belongings they left behind.”

She took out a leather suitcase and pulled out a box. Inside were two small gold bars, several silver coins, a nearly-new pocket watch, a silver comb, a pair of silver bracelets, a gold bracelet, a pair of gold earrings, a silver longevity lock, and 1.2 million in cash.

At the bottom of the box was also a letter written by Old Chen.

She placed everything on the desk and pushed it toward the political commissar.

“All the items are here. You can help him check them.”

“Don’t let him twist my words,” she thought.

The political commissar felt a little embarrassed and rubbed his nose. He was simply used to instinctively protecting his own soldiers, but after being called out like that, he felt somewhat awkward.

After all, Si Qiu was not an ordinary comrade. He had already received an investigation call from higher-ups before, and just a few days ago, a commendation call had even come through.

Because of that alone, they had to take her seriously.

When Chen Changsheng saw the silver longevity lock, tears began falling again. That was the lock he had worn until he was thirteen—until it broke while he was climbing a tree to steal bird eggs, and he had to take it off.

He had seen all the other items before as well. Before leaving, his father had told him that once he became an adult, he should take responsibility for the family affairs.

So he had seen this box and everything inside it before.

“Big sister, Dad and Mom already said these things were meant for you. Just keep them—I don’t want them. I’m a grown man now; I can earn whatever I need myself. Besides, over all these years, you took care of our parents and saw them through to the end. These things should belong to you.”

Si Qiu naturally didn’t lack these possessions, and of course she wouldn’t accept them in front of these people. Some debts of kindness can never be fully repaid; once accepted, they bind a person for life.

“I don’t want them. I took care of our parents and saw them through their old age because they raised me when I was young, so it was only right that I support them when they grew old.

As for you—since you don’t want to marry me…

I, Si Qiu, am an educated and independent woman. I am not your accessory, and I have no intention of insisting on marrying you.”

“But we must make things clear in front of the leaders. We can’t let any more rumors spread later. If that happens, don’t blame me for taking action.”

When she mentioned “taking action,” implying she’d beat someone, he still couldn’t help shivering instinctively.

“Sis, I don’t want it, and I won’t take it either. I don’t have the face to accept these things.”

Hearing him try to distance himself, Chen Changsheng felt a bit hurt. He truly treated Si Qiu like his own older sister.

“Then split everything in half,” Jiang Yiming said.

Seeing that Si Qiu was about to refuse, he raised his hand to stop her. “Comrade Si Qiu, you don’t need to refuse either. That bit of stuff can be considered Chen Changsheng’s compensation for letting you wait all these years. It’s not much, and it isn’t worth a lot, but after all, it was left behind by the old couple of the Chen family. Just keep it as a keepsake.”

Jiang Yiming felt that women didn’t have it easy, and it was better for them to have some money in hand.

After hearing his words, everyone chimed in to persuade her. Chen Changsheng was even faster—he quickly split the items into two halves, stuffed one half into his pocket, then put the rest back into the box and placed it into Si Qiu’s hands.

Seeing this, the political commissar quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Comrade Si Qiu, don’t worry. Our army is the most disciplined unit. We absolutely won’t allow this kind of thing to happen.”

He genuinely felt that although the girl had a bit of a temper, she was reasonable and sensible. Plus, with praise from higher-ups, they should properly arrange things for her.

“Comrade Si Qiu, may I ask what your plans are next?”

Si Qiu felt that this man was quite tactful and lowered her eyes slightly. “Although the Chen family is relatively peaceful, I don’t intend to go back. I’ve graduated from junior high school, I can read and write, so I want to see if I can find a job in the city.”

“Oh? You graduated from junior high?” Officer Song leaned forward slightly and said.

Si Qiu nodded. “Yes. My parents cared about me, so they sent me to school.”

After hearing her answer, Officer Song turned back toward the political commissar. The two exchanged a glance, and the commissar smiled.

“In that case, what do you think about joining the police force? If you don’t mind, Officer Song here can arrange for you to attend a police training program. You’ll receive some training and study, and afterward you can be assigned to a public security unit. With your skills, you’re quite suitable.”

At this early stage after the founding of the country, social disorder was still common, and police manpower was clearly insufficient. This kind of training program had emerged to fill that gap. Someone with higher education was already considered rare and valuable at the time.

Si Qiu naturally agreed and nodded repeatedly. “Thank you for the organization’s trust. I will study hard and strive to serve the people and contribute to the country. Thank you, Officer Song, for taking the trouble.”

Officer Song also stood up and shook her hand. “It’s not trouble. You’re educated and skilled, which makes you very suitable for our work.

Since you don’t object, it’s settled. We’ll return to the city together tomorrow.

The school has already been in session for nearly ten days. If you enroll now, you’ll need to catch up quickly and try to graduate with the other students.

But don’t worry, the school provides dormitories and a cafeteria. Accommodation isn’t an issue. As for meals, since you don’t have an official unit recommendation yet, you can buy meal tickets yourself.”

“Alright, Officer Song. I’ll return to the city with you right away and won’t delay the training program. Don’t worry, I will study hard and live up to your and the leaders’ expectations.”

After everything was settled, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But Chen Changsheng still seemed a little unwilling. He grabbed the corner of Si Qiu’s clothes and, like he did when he was a child, gently shook it in a spoiled, pleading manner.