Chapter 473 - 225: Salute to Zhou Yan, the Heroic and Righteous Model

Chapter 473: Chapter 225: Salute to Zhou Yan, the Heroic and Righteous Model

Zhou Yan hurried out the door.

It was quite the spectacle. They had hired the town’s gong and drum team, who were beating away, and had even strung up a banner that read: "Learn from and Salute Our Courageous Hero, Zhou Yan!"

The factory’s closing bell rang, and workers poured out. Seeing all the commotion in front of Zhou Yan’s place, they stopped in their tracks.

Meng Anhe had arrived a little while ago. Standing near the restaurant entrance, she waved at Xia Yao, who had just stepped outside.

"What’s all this about, Aunt?" Xia Yao asked quietly.

"They’re here to present Zhou Yan with an award and a banner for his heroic deeds," Meng Anhe said with a smile.

"Really?!" Xia Yao’s eyes lit up. She spotted the banner in front of the gong and drum team. ’It’s really happening,’ she thought, then whispered, "Is it always this grand?"

Lin Zhiqiang squeezed through the crowd and explained with a smile, "It’s not just for saving you. I overheard them talking this morning. Zhou Yan and his brother captured a gang of violent criminals who were on a crime spree through Suji. Those guys were wanted for murder. It was a huge deal, so the city is giving it special attention."

"Then... that must have been incredibly dangerous!" Xia Yao covered her mouth, her eyes, filled with lingering fear, fixed on Zhou Yan.

Lin Zhiqiang nodded. "Of course it was. Zhou Yan’s brother is a national martial arts champion, and even he got injured fighting that gang."

In no time, a crowd had gathered in front of the restaurant. All eyes were on Zhou Yan, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Huang Chen personally escorted him forward and introduced with a smile, "Zhou Yan, this is Director Wu from the County Committee Office. He is here today as a representative to commend you for your courageous actions and to present you with a banner and an award."

"Thank you, Director Wu, Mayor Huang. You’re too kind," Zhou Yan replied with a modest smile.

"So young! And so distinguished-looking, brave and fearless. Impressive, truly impressive." Director Wu looked at the composed Zhou Yan and reached out to shake his hand. "Our society needs more young people like you—upholding integrity and demonstrating a strong sense of social responsibility! You’ve set a wonderful example for everyone!"

"I only did what any young person in China would have done," Zhou Yan said.

Director Wu nodded repeatedly. "Such admirable principles! You and Zhou Ming truly live up to your family’s legacy. Coming from a Sichuan Military Family, you both embody integrity. You’re role models for society."

"Indeed. Such family character is truly admirable," Huang Chen added with a nod.

"You’re too generous," Zhou Yan said humbly. ’When it comes to my family’s reputation,’ he thought, ’I have to be careful. It’s not just about me anymore.’

Director Wu looked at Zhou Yan, his expression turning serious. "We first visited the No. 1 High School this morning before coming to Suji. We are here to officially recognize and commend both you and Zhou Ming for heroically apprehending the criminals, and also to honor your brave rescue of the drowning university student. We are presenting you with a commendation banner, a fifty-yuan cash prize, and a set of ’Good Samaritan’ awards. Furthermore, your heroic actions will be reported in tomorrow’s Jiazhou Daily as a public commendation."

A staff member stepped forward, presenting two silk banners, two certificates, and two enamel basins. Inside each basin was a towel and an enamel mug.

The basins and mugs were all inscribed with the words "Heroic Citizen."

Zhou Yan held the banner, a wide, irrepressible grin spreading across his face. He was absolutely beaming, flushed with success.

’There’s nothing better than being publicly praised for doing a good deed!’

’Director Wu and Mayor Huang really knew how to pick their moment. Not too early, not too late—they timed it perfectly for when the factory let out. Now the entire textile factory would know he was a ’Heroic Citizen.’’

’Awesome!’

Comrade Zhou and Mrs. Zhao stepped forward, each taking one of the enamel basins, the proud smiles on their faces impossible to hide.

Zhou Momo clutched the two certificates, her little face beaming with pride. In a sweet, childish voice, she announced to the crowd, "This is my Brother~ My dearest Brother!"