Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 479 - 295: Commendation from the Big Bosses (Double-Length)

As Qi Yun stepped into the reception room, he immediately felt a solemn and dignified atmosphere enveloping him.

The floor was covered with a thick beige carpet, and a large ink landscape painting with powerful brushwork hung on the front wall. On the sides, several exquisitely framed calligraphy pieces with steady handwriting and profound phrases were displayed.

On the sofa sat, besides Xiao Hanguang, another elderly man and a middle-aged man.

"Leaders, Qi Yun is here," Xiao Han announced softly, then stepped aside and exited.

Xiao Hanguang stood up from the sofa, beckoned to Qi Yun, and then looking at the elder beside him, introduced, "Leader, this is Qi Yun."

Qi Yun dared not be negligent, took a deep breath, and quickly walked forward.

The elder nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Qi Yun’s face, observing him carefully yet discreetly.

Despite the elder’s kind eyes, Qi Yun still felt an imposing aura of authority from someone long accustomed to a high position emanating from him.

This face-to-face encounter felt entirely different from seeing him on television, as if he were standing before a towering mountain.

"Xiao Qi, please sit," the elder finally spoke. Though only a few seconds passed, it felt like an eternity to Qi Yun.

"Yes." Qi Yun inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and somewhat cautiously sat on a single sofa beside him, sitting only halfway, ready to get up at any moment.

It wasn’t that he was stage-frightened; the meeting was too high-profile. Even Secretary Ji would only dare to sit one-third if he were here.

The elder, looking at him, showed a gentle smile and lightly tapped the sofa arm with his fingers, "No need to be so nervous, make yourself at home."

"Okay," Qi Yun nodded, his tense nerves relaxing slightly, yet he still sat upright.

The elder’s smile deepened, "Xiao Qi, Director Xiao has briefed me on some of your work. I invited you here today not only to meet you but also to thank you and commend you on behalf of the country."

"Your discoveries of the Loulan Ancient City ruins and Genghis Khan’s Tomb hold milestone significance for our archaeological research."

"More impressively, you managed to bring precious national treasures back from overseas with your efforts and donated them back to the country, a magnanimity worthy of everyone’s admiration."

As he finished speaking, the middle-aged man next to him took a small velvet box from his briefcase, opened it, and respectfully handed it to the elder, who took it and stood up.

Seeing this, Qi Yun quickly stood up straight, his chest rising slightly as he fixed his gaze on the velvet box in the elder’s hands.

Xiao Hanguang and the middle-aged man also stood up, their expressions solemn.

The elder walked to Qi Yun, slowly lifted the box lid, and a golden medal came into view. On its face were intricate gears and a stalk of wheat, gleaming with a solemn luster.

"After careful consideration, it has been decided to award you the ’Outstanding Contribution to National Cultural Heritage Protection Award,’ with a first-class merit!"

"This not only affirms your contributions but also praises your patriotic devotion."

His voice was grave and forceful, with each word resonating deeply within Qi Yun’s heart.

Qi Yun sprang up, letting his hands rest at his sides, feeling a slight sweat in his palms. This might be one of the most nervous moments in his thirty-plus years of life.

Looking at the medal, his Adam’s apple bobbed twice, "Leader, this... I merely did what I should."

"Being able to bring lost national treasures home and let sleeping ruins reemerge is the greatest honor itself."

"Honor belongs to the meritorious," the elder lifted his hand, gently pinning the medal onto Qi Yun’s shirt, "Cultural heritage is the lifeblood of a nation; your work guards the roots and soul for the entire nation."

"This honor is well-deserved!"

Qi Yun felt a surge of passion at these words, realizing that irrespective of any personal motives, at least at this moment, he would still act selflessly.

"This medal is the answer the nation gives you," the elder stepped back half a step, glancing at the golden medal on Qi Yun’s chest, "and also the testimony history provides."

"Yes! Thank you, leader!" Qi Yun stood straight, raised his right hand, and offered a somewhat informal salute.

Given his role as a field investigator, saluting in this manner was fitting.

Moreover, he was well aware that detailed information about him likely lay on their desks long before this meeting.

The elder patted Qi Yun’s shoulder, gently guiding his hand down, his tone encouraging, "Keep up the good work, the country needs young talents like you."

The middle-aged man conveniently stepped forward and handed over a neatly folded red certificate, "This is the first-class merit commendation order."

Qi Yun solemnly took it with both hands, saluting once more, "Thank you, leader!"

The middle-aged man nodded slightly, his eyes also full of encouragement.

"Alright, be seated," the elder returned to the sofa, "This afternoon, the National Cultural Heritage Administration will hold a special commendation ceremony for you, and the media will highlight your stories to inspire contemporary young people to learn from you."

Qi Yun smiled modestly and nodded obediently.

The elder took a sip of tea, his tone no longer as stern as before, "Xiao Qi, personally, is there anything difficult that you need our help with?"

Qi Yun felt a surge of joy, knowing the main topic had finally arrived.

He discreetly glanced at Director Xiao, who gave an almost imperceptible nod, and Qi Yun felt reassured. He then sat up straight, "Thank you for your concern, leaders. I have no difficulties."