A young boy from the 1970s, separated from his family, fled famine and led his younger brother into

"Uncle is determined to handle this matter!"

Lu Zhenguo's words were powerful and weighty, striking Su Nianci's heart like a thunderbolt.

After he finished speaking, he didn't hesitate for a moment and turned to walk towards the telephone by the door. It was an old-fashioned black rotary dial telephone, a dedicated line provided to high-ranking officers like them by the military.

He picked up the microphone and quickly dialed a number on the dial.

"Hey? Connect me to the security office, I need to see Wang Zhenshan!" Lu Zhenguo's voice was cold and authoritative, filled with an unquestionable tone of command.

The person on the other end of the phone seemed intimidated by his powerful aura, and all that could be heard was a flurry of frantic phone calls.

Soon, a respectful voice came through the receiver: "Reporting, sir! This is Wang Zhenshan from the Security Department! Please give your instructions!"

"Wang Zhenshan," Lu Zhenguo said through gritted teeth, "I'm giving you a task."

"Sujia Village, Shiqiao Commune, Nanyang Region, Henan Province."

"There is one named Su Weiqiang and another named Wang Guixiang."

"They are suspected of misappropriating the property of martyrs' families, abusing the orphans of martyrs, and... deliberately trafficking children!"

"I don't care what methods you use! Contact the local police or send our own people, it doesn't matter! Within three days, I demand that you take these two people into custody!"

"I will make them pay the most terrible price for what they have done!"

"And another thing!" Lu Zhenguo paused, his voice growing even colder. "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! How exactly did those two beasts obtain Su Weiguo's pension back then? How did their family's assets end up in their hands? Who else was involved, who was their accomplice? Find them all, one by one!"

"I want everyone who has ever humiliated the families of heroes to know what the word 'regret' truly means!"

Wang Zhenshan, the head of the security department on the other end of the phone, was terrified, cold sweat breaking out on his back. In all the years he'd followed Political Commissar Lu, he'd never heard him issue orders in such an almost "out-of-control" tone!

It looks like something really serious has happened this time!

"Yes, sir! I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Wang Zhenshan replied loudly, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Hanging up the phone, Lu Zhenguo felt a slight relief from the pent-up anger in his chest. But he knew this was only the first step. Dealing with those two beasts was merely seeking justice for the children; the death of his brother Su Weiguo and the destroyed letter were the deeper mysteries behind it all!

He turned around and walked back to the sofa.

He looked at Su Nianci, his once dignified face now displaying a much more complex expression. He no longer saw her merely as a pitiful orphan of a martyr in need of protection; he saw her as a key to unlocking all the mysteries!

"Nianci," Lu Zhenguo squatted down, trying to look Su Nianci in the eye as much as possible, "Uncle has already sent people to deal with your aunt and uncle's matter. Don't worry, they will definitely receive the most severe punishment."

"Now, let's talk about your next steps."

Su Nianci looked at him quietly without saying a word. This was the most important link concerning her and her brother's future fate.

"Your household registration is still in Henan. Logically speaking, I should send someone to take you back to your hometown and resettle you," Lu Zhenguo said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Su Nianci's heart leaped into her throat!

Send them back to their hometown?

No! She absolutely cannot go back! That village, that so-called "home," is hell to her! Everyone there was a cold, indifferent bystander, watching her and her brother being abused without doing anything! She barely escaped; how could she possibly go back?!

Seemingly noticing the resistance and fear in her eyes, Lu Zhenguo changed the subject and continued, "However, your uncle thinks it would be too cruel for you to go back to that place filled with painful memories."

"And..." He glanced at Su Nianci, his eyes becoming meaningful, "I think keeping you by my side might be a better choice for all of us."

Su Nianci's heart skipped a beat! She understood the subtext of Lu Zhenguo's words. He needed her, he needed her as a "key witness" to help him investigate the truth behind his father's death!

This was exactly what she wanted!

"So," Lu Zhenguo took a deep breath, as if he had made a huge decision, and looked at Su Nianci and Xiao Shitou, announcing in an extremely solemn tone, "I've discussed it with your Aunt Zhou."

Zhou Yayun, who was standing to the side, immediately nodded in agreement.

"From today onwards, you two siblings will temporarily stay at my house."

"Your Aunt Zhou and I, Zhou Yayun, are your temporary guardians in this world."

"We will take care of your food, clothing, shelter, and education. We will treat you as our own children."

"Until...until we get all the justice for your father! Until we find a truly bright future for you!"

This promise warmed Su Nianci's heart, sweeping away all her gloom and unease. She knew that she and her brother were finally safe. She had not only found a protector, but she had also found a new home for herself and her brother, a place to shelter them from the storm.

"What? You don't want to?" Lu Zhenguo asked, deliberately putting on a stern face, looking at the dazed Su Nianci.

Su Nianci came to her senses and looked at the cold-faced but warm-hearted man in front of her and the loving woman beside him. An indescribable warmth welled up in her heart.

She stood up, took the equally bewildered Xiao Shitou's hand, and walked to Lu Zhenguo and Zhou Yayun.

She did something that surprised everyone. She took Little Stone's hand and bowed deeply to the two of them respectfully.

She raised her head and called out in a clear and loud voice:

"Daddy Lu!"

"Aunt Zhou!"

The words "Dad" and "Mom" stunned Lu Zhenguo and Zhou Yayun, leaving them speechless for a long time.