Chapter 19: Wrapping up, I have a favor to ask Director Liu

The clerk rushed in, knocking and announcing, “Director, someone’s here with banners and thank-you letters.”  “I know. Little Wu, from tomorrow, run two laps around the Revolutionary Committee every day for exercise,” the director said, patting Wu on the shoulder before composing himself to receive the visitors.  He was thrilled; this was his first time receiving banners and thank-you letters, especially with such fanfare, and in front of so many people.  Wu, however, was confused.

As soon as the director stepped out, Yang Mumu and the aunties began drumming and gonging.  Mumu presented two banners and a letter. “Director Liu, I’m Yang Mumu. I’m so grateful for your help. You’re the best leader, the people’s shield, my benefactor.  These are banners I made: ‘Upholding Justice for the People’ for the Revolutionary Committee and ‘Excellent Leader for the People’ for you.  This letter expresses my sincere gratitude.”  She bowed deeply.

Director Liu helped her up. “Please, this is our duty. To serve the people and uphold justice is our responsibility.  We accept this banner and letter on behalf of the Revolutionary Committee. Your trust is our greatest affirmation. We will continue to serve the people.”

“Good!” the crowd cheered.

Mumu then went to the police station, repeating the process.  One banner was for the station, one for the chief, and a letter for Officer Liu.  While giving the chief the banner, she also handed him the letter for Liu.

“Chief, this letter is for Officer Liu.  Thank you for his timely intervention yesterday, saving my life. Please pass it on.”

“Certainly.” The chief, delighted with the banner, planned to reward Liu.  He called Liu over.  “Little Liu, Yang has a thank-you letter for you.”

Liu, his stern face softening, accepted the letter. “Thank you for your trust. I will continue to serve the people.”

Mumu then approached the chief. “Chief, I have something else to discuss.”

“Come to my office.”

Mumu presented IOUs from Li Yuhua and Zhang Cuilan, along with the deeds to their houses.  “Chief, before they tried to cover up Yang Qianqian’s affair, Li Yuhua and Zhang Cuilan, while ostensibly buying groceries, transferred their houses to me.”

“Li Yuhua had borrowed money from me, intending to buy a job for Yang Qianqian to prevent her from going to the countryside.  I suspected something was wrong, so I asked for the money back.  She transferred the house to me, likely thinking she’d get it back eventually.  It’s chilling to think about now.”

“Also, Zhang Cuilan… Zhao Yitian was my fiancé.  I spent a lot of money on him.  I asked Zhang Cuilan to repay me, otherwise, I wouldn’t marry him.  She wrote an IOU, and Li Yuhua suggested using the house as collateral.  They transferred the house to me. I suspected something but didn’t return the IOU immediately.”

Mumu omitted details about the drug’s effects, knowing they were too exhausted to speak after being arrested.  She only mentioned the transferred properties.

“I only learned the full extent of their actions from my cousin’s report.  Thank you for saving my life. Chief, what should I do with these IOUs and houses?  I’m an orphan now, and I’m being sent to the countryside.  They’re useless to me. Could you help me rent them out? Including my father’s courtyard?”  She bowed repeatedly.

“You’re welcome. Keep the IOUs.  They’re gone, so they’re useless.  The houses are rightfully yours. Keep the deeds.” The chief comforted her, saddened by her experiences.

“Thank you, Chief.”

Yang Mumu earnestly requested, “The rent collected should be donated to the city’s orphanage. It’s a way for me and my deceased parents to accumulate blessings.”

The chief was momentarily stunned, then touched. “You’ve suffered so much, yet you still think of those children.” He agreed. “Alright, I’ll do it. The station will rent them out for you.”

He added, “I’ll send half the rent to you and donate half to the orphanage.  Those three courtyards are quite large; you’ll receive a substantial amount. You’ll need money in the countryside.  Your parents will rest easier knowing you’re not struggling.”

“Thank you, Chief. I’ll leave it to you.” Mumu handed him three keys. “These are the keys to the three courtyards. Please manage them after I leave for the countryside.”

“It’s no trouble. I’ll write to you with the details and send you a copy of the lease. Do you know your assignment location? Leave me the address.”

“Not yet. I’ll go to the educated youth office to find out. I’ll let you know. If not, I’ll write to the station once I arrive. I should go now, Chief.”

The chief nodded and personally escorted her out of the police station.