Courtyard House: Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) Traded for an Aircraft Carrier, the Whole Count

three days later.

Red flags fluttered and drums resounded in the auditorium of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.

The venue, which could hold over a thousand people, was packed to capacity, with even the aisles filled with workers who had brought their own stools. Above the stage, a huge red banner stretched almost the entire length of the stage, with the words "Learning from and Commending Anti-Espionage Hero Comrade Jiang Chen" written in bold gold lettering.

A vibrant and excited atmosphere permeated the air, a unique sense of nostalgia mixed with the smells of tobacco, sweat, and excitement, fermenting in the vast space.

"Here it comes!"

With a loud shout, the entire venue fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes turned to the side door.

A group of people filed in. Leading the way were several high-ranking officials in Zhongshan suits, exuding an air of authority, including the head of the municipal bureau. Closely following behind them was today's absolute protagonist—Jiang Chen.

He wore a crisp security uniform, his posture upright as a pine tree. His young and handsome face showed little sign of being flattered; instead, it exuded a calm and composed demeanor. This air of composure left many young women and wives in the audience speechless.

"play music!"

As the stirring "Athletes' March" played, the top leader personally stepped forward and took a large red flower from the tray held by the hostess.

The large red flower, made of silk, was as big as a washbasin, with the words "Special Class Hero" written in gold on its hanging ribbons. The high-ranking leader, all smiles, personally pinned this large red flower, symbolizing supreme honor, to Jiang Chen's chest and patted him on the shoulder forcefully.

"Comrade Xiao Jiang, well done! You are both brave and resourceful. You are the pride of our public security front and the pride of the working class!"

The leader's voice, transmitted through the microphone, resounded throughout the venue, eliciting thunderous applause.

Below the stage, Xu Damao clapped his hands until they were red, and the veins on his neck bulged. He boasted to everyone he met, "See that? That's Jiang Chen! My older brother! I was telling him the other day while we were drinking that this spy definitely couldn't escape!"

Liu Haizhong, standing next to him, was so jealous his eyes turned red. His beady green eyes were fixed on Jiang Chen on the stage, his mouth watering, but he could only mechanically clap along. He dreamed of standing in that position, even if it was just to show his face.

Sha Zhu, who had just been released from detention and was washing dishes in the kitchen, heard the announcement over the loudspeaker and angrily threw the rag in his hand into the slop bucket.

"Pah! What nonsense! It's just a lucky break!" Sha Zhu cursed indignantly, but his voice betrayed an undisguised guilty conscience.

The proceedings on stage are still ongoing; the main event is about to begin.

"In recognition of Comrade Jiang Chen's heroic performance in this operation to apprehend spies, the higher authorities have decided to award him the following prize!"

The host's voice was loud and passionate:

"First, I will be awarded a Special Merit Citation!"

"Second, a cash reward of 500 yuan!"

"hiss--"

A collective gasp of astonishment erupted from the entire audience.

Five hundred dollars!

In those days when an apprentice only earned 18.5 yuan a month and a first-class worker only earned a little over 20 yuan, 500 yuan was an astronomical sum! That was equivalent to the wages of an ordinary worker who would save for two years without eating or drinking!

These days, if a family can come up with 500 yuan in savings, they are definitely a true "wealthy family".

However, the shock was not over yet.

"Third prize: a nationwide home appliance voucher!"

Even the factory leaders couldn't sit still anymore. Money was one thing, but this "National Household Appliance Voucher" was a rare find that money couldn't buy. With this voucher, whether it was buying in-demand radios or sewing machines, or even rarer items like televisions and refrigerators, there was no need to collect those miscellaneous industrial coupons anymore; you could simply pick up the goods directly!

This is practically the hardest currency of all!

Jiang Chen stood on the stage, accepting the thick envelope and the light yet heavy receipt. He maintained a polite smile on his face, but his mind was racing.

The five hundred dollars came at just the right time.

Although he had a system before, cash flow had always been a problem. In this planned economy era, many things couldn't be accomplished with just supplies; money and coupons were also needed. With this money, plus this universal coupon, many of his subsequent plans could proceed legitimately.

"Finally, there is one more important appointment."

The city bureau chief suddenly stepped forward, took the microphone, and announced solemnly:

"In view of Comrade Jiang Chen's outstanding talent and practical skills in criminal investigation, the Municipal Public Security Bureau has decided to specially appoint Comrade Jiang Chen as a criminal investigation consultant and specially appointed instructor of the Municipal Bureau! He will enjoy a deputy section-level allowance!"

As he spoke, the director solemnly handed a bright red letter of appointment to Jiang Chen.

This caused the entire venue to erupt in cheers.

If the previous bonuses were merely enviable, this appointment letter commands respect.

The titles "criminal investigation consultant" and "specially appointed instructor" carry significant weight. This means that Jiang Chen is no longer just a security guard at the steel mill, but has one foot in the public security system, possessing genuine law enforcement power and influence across jurisdictions.

In this era, this identity is the best protection and the most secure job.

"Furthermore," the factory director added, "after deliberation by the factory's Party Committee, it has been decided to expand the Security Section of the Security Department into a 'Security Division,' with Comrade Jiang Chen in full charge, reporting directly to me!"

Although it's still a section-level unit, the "enhanced independence" and "direct reporting to the factory director" undoubtedly gave Jiang Chen a powerful sword. From now on, in this small territory of the steel rolling mill, no one except the factory director can outrank him.

The conference concluded in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Surrounded by a group of leaders, Jiang Chen walked out of the auditorium, the large red flower on his chest glaringly bright in the sunlight. He subconsciously touched the stiff appointment letter in his pocket, and a genuine, cold smile finally appeared on his lips.

With this backing and this money, who would dare to audit his accounts? Who would dare to question the source of his supplies?

This is not just an honor, but also the capital that allows him to make a living and act recklessly in this era.

"Section Chief Jiang! Congratulations!"

"Instructor Jiang! Please take good care of me from now on!"

Surrounded by fawning smiles, Jiang Chen nodded to each one, but his gaze passed over the crowd and landed on the distant sky.

They gained fame and fortune.

Next, it's time to dig for that real "first pot of gold".