Chapter 65: Tempting Others

Song Tingshen had entered a storeroom in the headquarters building. The entire first floor lacked any offices; it was mainly made up of warehouses and various rooms for storing files and miscellaneous items. For security reasons, the offices were all on the third floor and above. At the entrance of each floor's staircase, guards stood watch, and anyone coming or going had to sign in, regardless of which floor they were headed to.

Zhong Xiao was unaware of these protocols. She glanced around the dim room and then looked back at the man before her.

"Commander Song, how soon can I get my commendation certificate?"

It was as if Song Tingshen had only just come to his senses, his thoughts returning to the present as he swept a glance at Zhong Xiao.

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

Zhong Xiao felt a bit embarrassed. She pressed her lips together, thinking for a while, and finally came up with what she considered a fairly reasonable explanation.

"Well... you know, I'm the eldest daughter of the Zhong family. All my life, people have fixated on that name, always mocking me, calling me... a capitalist."

"After the purges began, everyone was desperate to distance themselves from my family, afraid that any association with me would bring trouble upon themselves."

"Over time, I developed a bit of an obsession... I want to get the commendation certificate and the banner, to prove that I’m not some capitalist everyone wants to bring down, but a good comrade serving the people... So, I really want it..."

Zhong Xiao lowered her head slightly, looking pitiful.

Her eyes were already large and fawn-like, naturally stirring sympathy. Now, with her gaze downcast and her lips pursed, her voice took on a soft, delicate tone.

No one could resist such a sight.

For a long moment, Song Tingshen said nothing.

Just as Zhong Xiao began to wonder if she’d overacted and been seen through by Song Tingshen, she suddenly heard his voice from above.

"I'm not afraid."

Zhong Xiao was startled.

She looked up, confusion written all over her face.

"Sorry? Commander Song, what aren’t you afraid of?"

Meeting her pure, clear gaze, Song Tingshen’s eyes flickered away. After a while, he said, "Oh, I’m not afraid of Director Cao. I’ll go and hurry him up for you."

Zhong Xiao’s face lit up with joy.

"Alright, thank you, Commander Song. You’re really so kind."

Song Tingshen’s Adam's apple bobbed.

He quickly turned around, his back to Zhong Xiao, and pulled open the storeroom door.

Light from the corridor streamed in, instantly brightening the room.

Song Tingshen said, "Comrade Zhong Xiao, mind your words—don’t tempt people without cause."

With that, he strode away.

Leaving Zhong Xiao bewildered.

Who had she tempted?

She’d only thanked Commander Song, hadn’t she?

Zhong Xiao scratched her head.

Maybe it was just a military district rule. She’d better be more serious in the future.

Song Tingshen had already gone upstairs. Zhong Xiao didn’t linger in the office; since he said he’d take care of it promptly, she decided to trust him.

If need be, she could always find another chance to remind him tomorrow.

As Zhong Xiao left the headquarters building, Song Tingshen went up to the third floor, headed straight to Director Cao’s office, knocked, stepped inside, and planted both hands firmly on the desk.

Director Cao was so startled he leaned back in his chair.

"Wh-what is it, Tingshen?"

Song Tingshen’s expression was grave, his tone icy and resolute.

"The commendation certificate. I want it tonight!"

Director Cao: "?"

He found Song Tingshen unreasonable. "There’s no way that’s possible so soon. Even if I submit the report, it’ll take two days to get approval!"

But Song Tingshen insisted, "The report goes to Political Commissar Liu for approval. You write it now, give it to me, and I’ll take it to him. I’ll have his signature in half an hour. You write it here and now, and give it to me."

Director Cao: "..."