Courtyard House: I, the eldest son of the Jia family, have returned from the battlefield.

Bang Geng suddenly looked up, as if he hadn't heard clearly: "Uncle...you...you're going to take me to school on your bike?"

His eyes were shining, as if he was afraid he had misheard.

Jia Dongming laughed: "Do you think I'd try to fool you? Eat up, it's getting late."

Ever since starting elementary school, Bang Geng's memories are only of his grandmother and mother holding his hands and walking through that long alley.

Father Jia Dongxu's figure was always hurried; he would leave before dawn and not return until it was completely dark.

He had also watched longingly as his classmates were carried on their fathers' shoulders or lifted onto the front bar of bicycles at the school gate, and quietly asked his mother why his father couldn't take him there just once.

His mother would always stroke his head and whisper that his father had to work hard to earn money and support the family.

After his father passed away, some mischievous children would often point and whisper behind his back, calling him "the one without a father."

.

Bang Geng, who used to be talkative and cheerful, has gradually learned to walk with his head down and speak less.

But yesterday, this uncle who suddenly returned home not only brought back a table full of meat and snow-white flour, which he ate until he was stuffed, but also gave him a small room with a door, so he no longer had to sleep on the narrow cot in the hall.

At that moment, his uncle surprisingly offered to take him to school.

Bang Geng felt his heart pounding. He hurriedly grabbed his chopsticks and mumbled, "Uncle, please wait a moment, I'll finish eating right away!"

The way he ate his rice carried a long-lost joy.

Qin Huairu felt a lump in her throat as she looked at her son.

She scooped up a spoonful of rice porridge, carefully blew on it to cool it, and fed it to her youngest daughter, saying softly, "Uncle, thank you."

After breakfast, Jia Dongming slung his bag over his shoulder and pushed out his brand-new bicycle.

Bang Geng followed closely beside him, his little face beaming with an undisguised smile.

The father and son had just crossed the front yard when they were spotted by Yan Bugui, who was watering the flowers.

"Section Chief Jia, is this... taking Bang Geng to school?"

Yan Bugui put down the showerhead and asked with a smile.

Jia Dongming stopped in his tracks: "Third Uncle, you're free today? Still tending to the flowers and plants in the yard at this hour?"

"I don't have a class in the first period, so it's okay to go later."

Yan Bugui replied, his gaze sweeping over the bicycle and Bang Geng.

"I'm reporting to the factory today, so I'll give him a ride."

As Jia Dongming spoke, he pushed the cart out of the courtyard gate.

He took a long stride and sat steadily on the cushion, turning around to say, "Bang Geng, come on up, sit in the back, and hold on tight to my clothes."

Bang Geng looked up, his eyes pleading, "Uncle... can I sit in the front? On the beam."

Seeing his expectant look, Jia Dongming couldn't help but laugh: "You little rascal, hurry up and come up, or you'll be late."

Bang Geng scrambled onto the car, sat sideways on the crossbeam, leaning slightly against Jia Dongming, and said cheerfully, "I've never been late walking before, and with Uncle taking me today, it'll definitely be even faster!"

Without saying another word, Jia Dongming pushed off with his foot, and the wheels began to turn steadily, heading towards Hongxing Primary School.

The morning breeze brushed against his cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness and causing Bang Geng's hair to sway gently.

"Study hard at school and listen to your teacher."

Jia Dongming's voice, carried on the wind, clearly reached Bang Geng's ears: "From now on, I'll take you whenever I have time."

As Bang Geng watched the children walking to school in twos and threes along the roadside, a strange emotion suddenly filled his chest, warm and comforting, making him unconsciously straighten his small back.

He turned his head, his voice filled with a cautious inquiry: "Uncle, is what you're saying true? From now on... I can ride in your car to school every day?"

Jia Dongming noticed Bang Geng's silent attachment and said gently, "You just need to focus on your studies. I will never go back on my promise to you."

The bicycle came to a steady stop in front of Hongxing Primary School.

Bang Geng jumped off the bus, and Jia Dongming took out a 10-cent banknote from his pocket and handed it to him, saying, "Take this. Don't be late after school at noon, go home early."

Bang Geng was stunned—he had ridden his bike all morning to take him there, and now he even had some pocket money.

This unexpected concern was a warmth he had never experienced before.

He hurriedly took the crumpled one-cent coin, his voice brimming with joy: "Thank you, Uncle!"

Jia Dongming reached out and ruffled the boy's short hair, his tone gentle: "Go on, your uncle should go to the factory."

As soon as the sound of wheels faded into the distance, a skinny figure darted up to Bang Geng.

It was Liu Mingming, a classmate. He gestured with his lip in the direction the bicycle had disappeared and asked in a low voice, "Bang Geng, who's that? Your mom's new girlfriend?"

Bang Geng puffed out his chest, his face beaming with undisguised smugness: "What stepfather! He's my uncle, my dad's older brother."

He paused deliberately, and seeing that several classmates were getting closer, he raised his voice, "My uncle is the head of the security department at the steel rolling mill."

"From now on, if anyone dares to mess with me again, I'll tell them I'll send you all to jail!"

Liu Mingming's mouth hung open, still somewhat doubtful: "Really? Your uncle is really a section chief?"

Don't believe me?

Bang Geng looked around, his gaze sweeping over the curious faces. "Go ask Yan Jiekuang and Liu Guangfu! My uncle said he'll take me there by bike whenever he has time."

"Try messing with me again!"

As dawn broke, Jia Dongming's bicycle rolled across the cement road in front of the factory gate.

Upon seeing the figure in the distance, Wang Jianjun, who was on duty, immediately stood up straight, raised his hand in salute, and said, "Section Chief Jia, good morning!"

Jia Dongming stopped the car and returned the greeting crisply: "Good morning, Comrade Jianjun."

After the ceremony, Wang Jianjun stepped forward and whispered, "Section Chief, Director Lin has been waiting for you in his office since early this morning. He instructed you to go directly there when you arrive."

Jia Dongming nodded.

Yesterday, Li Huaide mentioned in the small canteen that Director Lin had an old injury and had been in a semi-recovery state for the past few years. Sooner or later, the specific responsibilities of the security department would fall entirely on the shoulders of him, the newly arrived department head.

He didn't dare to delay, so he got on his bike and rode towards the drab two-story building of the security department.

The office door was ajar.

Jia Dongming paused briefly outside the door and glimpsed a middle-aged man inside reading a newspaper.

He raised his hand and knocked on the door, and a voice inside said, "Come in."

He then pushed open the door and entered.

Stand still, tuck in your stomach, and raise your hand in salute.

Every movement was as tense as a taut string.

"Director Lin! Jia Dongming, formerly of the Special Operations Battalion of a certain division of the 18th Army, reporting for duty!"

The middle-aged man behind the table stood up upon hearing the sound.

He was slender with deep wrinkles around his eyes, but his return gesture was still upright.

When their hands clasped, Jia Dongming felt the roughness of the other's palm, yet it was warm.

"Comrade Dongming, welcome."

Director Lin released his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, his smile carrying the gentle warmth of an elder. "My health isn't what it used to be, but my superiors have taken care of me, allowing me to stay here in this nominal position to recuperate."

"The department has become lax these past two years, and many things have become mere formalities; I'm well aware of that."

He took a breath and looked at Jia Dongming's face: "I received a notice a few days ago that a comrade with outstanding military achievements is coming to take over."

I've been waiting for you every day—and now you've finally arrived.

This responsibility will now fall on your shoulders.

As for me, I should probably step back too.

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongming nodded and smiled slightly: "Director Lin, health is the foundation of everything."

From now on, you can rest at home and recover. I'll take care of the security department; nothing will go wrong.

A relieved smile appeared on Director Lin's face as he slowly said, "With your words, I can finally rest easy."

Let me first tell you about the structure of our department.

The security department is divided into two sections: internal and external.

The field operations are divided into three teams: Team One is responsible for guarding the factory area, Team Two is responsible for patrolling and maintaining security in the factory area, and Team Three is responsible for maintaining order in the residential area.

"Each brigade is headed by a brigade commander, who oversees two squads."

The team consists of one team leader and thirty team members.

In total, the three brigades had 187 people.

"The logistics department is responsible for equipment supplies and firearms maintenance."

The department is headed by one section chief, who oversees seven people in the canteen, six in the armory, two in the storeroom, and four in the cleaning staff.

"Our department is under dual jurisdiction—it is directly managed by the Internal Security Department of the Public Security Bureau, and it is also affiliated with the steel rolling mill in terms of staffing, with Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide, who is in charge of logistics, nominally assisting in its management."

However, the factory has no command authority; we handle cases independently. Even if factory leaders commit crimes, we will still investigate without fail.

Jia Dongming listened silently, gaining a real sense of the weight of the Security Section's authority and responsibilities.

After he finished digesting the information, Director Lin stood up and said with a smile, "Comrade Dongming, now I'll take you to collect your sidearm and meet the brothers."

The two men walked into the armory one after the other.

When Jia Dongming's gaze swept over the display shelves, he was secretly shocked—this was no ordinary security department setup. In addition to standard firearms, even mortars and anti-aircraft guns were lying quietly deep inside.

He received a Nagant 1910 pistol, along with three magazines and fifty rounds of ammunition, and then followed Director Lin to the training ground.

The venue was already packed with people.

Apart from the sentries on duty, all team members had assembled early in the morning.

Director Lin announced loudly, "Comrades! This is the newly appointed section chief, Comrade Jia Dongming!"

Applause erupted like a tidal wave.

After the commotion subsided, Jia Dongming stepped forward and said, "I am Jia Dongming."

From today onwards, we are comrades-in-arms.

I would appreciate your strong support regarding work-related matters.

He abruptly changed the subject, a sharp glint in his eyes: "In our line of work, strength speaks volumes."

If any comrades think they are better than me, feel free to discuss and exchange ideas at any time.

"If you beat me, your salary will increase by one level, and I'll treat everyone to a meal out; if you lose, you only need to pay thirty yuan to add a meat dish for everyone."

The group immediately erupted in discussion.

A burly man strode forward, his voice booming: "Section Chief! Is this for real? Does winning really mean a raise?"

Jia Dongming sized up the newcomer and asked with a smile, "Comrade, what's your name?"

The man clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Second Battalion, First Squad, Zhan Jun!"

"good!"

Jia Dongming laughed heartily, "Out of a hundred or so people, you're the first to step forward. You've got guts!"

He surveyed the room, his voice suddenly rising: "A man's word is law! I ask you all to bear witness—if Comrade Zhan Jun can defeat me, his salary will be increased, and the entire department will have plenty of food and drink!"

A fighting spirit ignited in Zhan Jun's eyes, and he clasped his hands in a fist salute again: "Section Chief, you're so generous! Then I won't hold back on this reward today!"

Before Zhan Jun finished speaking, his figure shot out like an arrow, his fist carrying a whooshing sound as it aimed straight at Jia Dongming's face.

To onlookers, the attack was so fast it was just a blur, but to Jia Dongming, it was like an autumn leaf swirling, its trajectory clearly discernible.

Just as the fist was about to strike, Jia Dongming shifted his feet slightly, and his right arm suddenly shot out like a dragon—turning his fist into a palm, delivering a solid push that landed squarely on Zhan Jun's chest.

With a muffled thud, Zhan Jun staggered back several steps, a burning pain exploding in his chest. The fierce aura he had just displayed vanished instantly, and a trace of horror flashed across his eyes.

Having been immersed in martial arts since childhood, how could he not recognize that this fierce and powerful short-range force originated from the Bajiquan school? If that palm strike had truly condensed into a fist, he would probably already be suffering from severe bone and muscle damage.

He suppressed the surging blood in his throat, clasped his hands and bowed his head: "Section Chief Jia... I have lost."

Thank you for your mercy.

Jia Dongming stopped and nodded, his gaze sweeping across the entire room: "What I said earlier still stands."

Anyone who thinks they're qualified for a raise, or who wants to test my abilities as a section chief, is welcome to come forward anytime.

Several members of the team who were skilled in martial arts exchanged glances and remained silent; the others, however, looked suspicious and whispered among themselves—why would Zhan Jun give in so easily? Could it be that he was deliberately trying to curry favor with the new leader?

The whispers were like a gentle tide, but no one took another step forward.

Jia Dongming smiled slightly and pointed out a few names to the crowd: "Chief Zhang of the Logistics Section, and the three captains, come with me to the office."

The rest of you may leave.

Zhan Jun stood there, watching the tall figure walk across the field, and suddenly realized: What kind of friendly competition was this? Fen Ming was using him as a pretext to intimidate others.

"LeBron, you're acting quite differently today!"

A familiar team member emerged from the dispersing ranks, lowered his voice, and leaned closer, "Could it be setting up a stage for the new section chief?"

Zhan Jun remained silent, only quietly opening his shirt.

A purplish-red palm print was clearly branded on his chest, like a cinnabar imprint.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent, and the sound of several people gasping for breath could be clearly heard.

*?*?*