Cangmang Asks the Way 1: Guardian of the Lamp

The press conference is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The meeting room at the Nancheng Public Security Bureau was small; even with three rows of chairs added temporarily, it still wasn't enough. Reporters crowded into the aisle, and photographers' lenses peeked out from between the people like a row of dark, hollow eyes.

Three tables were set up on the stage. Chen Zhiyuan was in the center, Cang Liuqing was on the left, and Cang Lifeng was on the right.

Cang Lifeng was wearing the light blue shirt Lin Wei had bought him, buttoned all the way up, the collar a little tight. His hands rested on his knees, the backs of his hands bearing indelible cement stains. Someone in the audience recognized him and whispered among themselves. The buzzing voices in the conference room rose and fell like distant tides.

He saw Old Li. Old Li was huddled in the corner of the last row, his back hunched, as if trying to squeeze himself into a crack in the wall. Old Li didn't look at him. Old Li didn't look at anyone, just kept his head down, staring at the ground. Next to him was Xiao Zhang, his leg still in a cast, sitting upright with a cane. Further down were Da Zhou and Old Zhang, several coworkers huddled together, wearing clean work clothes.

He saw Wang Lide sitting on the other side. He was wearing a gray jacket, head down, clutching an unopened pack of cigarettes. The plastic wrapping was crumpled from his grip, but he kept holding on. Ayun sat beside him, holding Nianfeng, who was asleep, his little head resting on his mother's shoulder.

He saw Lin Wei standing at the very edge of the reporters' area. She wasn't carrying a notebook or setting up a camera; she just stood there, like a tree. The reporters around her were exchanging questions in hushed tones, but she didn't participate.

Chen Zhiyuan cleared his throat. The conference room fell silent. The tide suddenly stopped.

"Dear journalists, thank you for coming today. Our bureau hereby issues the following report on the investigation into the collapse at the Nancheng Binjiang New City construction site."

He read from the script, his voice steady:

"Song Jinrong and Song Jiawen conspired to instruct others to add sugar powder to the concrete, causing the top floor to collapse and worker Zhang Zhifeng to be seriously injured. After the incident, they switched the test samples, forged reports, and framed the project manager Cang Lifeng."

He paused, lifting his gaze from the manuscript and sweeping it across the audience. No one knew what he was looking at. Then he continued reading.

"Song Jinrong was killed by his accomplices while on the run. All the suspects, including Song Jiawen, have been apprehended and have confessed to their crimes."

Cang Lifeng listened. Each word fell into his ears—"adulterated with powdered sugar," "switch samples," "frame someone"... He had heard each word countless times, but hearing it from this person carried a different weight. His fingers tightened slightly on his knees. He looked down at his hands. The cement mark on the back of his hand appeared even deeper under the light.

"Our investigation has revealed that Comrade Cang Lifeng was framed in this case. The accusations of 'shoddy workmanship' and 'unscrupulous contractor' in previous media reports are all untrue. Our bureau has withdrawn all investigations against him in accordance with the law, and we commend him for his initiative in paying medical expenses and cooperating with the investigation after the accident."

He put down his manuscript and looked up.

"Now, journalists may ask questions."

The first person to stand up was a reporter from the provincial newspaper, a young man wearing glasses.

"Director Chen, the report mentioned that Song Jinrong was 'silenced by an accomplice.' Who is this 'accomplice'? Has the police identified them?"

Chen Zhiyuan nodded, as if he had been prepared for this.

"The case is under further investigation. We have some leads, but we cannot disclose them at this time."

"Is there any evidence pointing to foreign forces?" another reporter pressed. "There were previous reports that Song Jinrong had financial dealings with certain cultural institutions with foreign backgrounds."

Chen Zhiyuan's tone remained unchanged: "During the investigation phase, relevant information should not be disclosed."

A murmur rippled through the conference room. The reporters were clearly dissatisfied with the answer, but no one pressed for further information—not because they didn't want to, but because they knew they wouldn't get any more answers.

A female reporter raised her hand and stood up. She was wearing a white shirt, had short hair, and spoke very quickly.

"Director Chen, we've learned that the worker who adulterated the concrete is named Li Dehou. He was coerced, but later confessed voluntarily. Comrade Cang Lifeng—" She turned to the stage, "why are you protecting someone who harmed you?"

The meeting room fell silent for a moment. The tide had receded far.

Cang Lifeng did not answer immediately. His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on the hunched figure in the last row. It was Old Li, who was bowing his head deeply, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Cang Lifeng spoke, his voice low and slow: "I remember when I first arrived at the construction site, I knew nothing. I couldn't distinguish the cement grade, and I couldn't recognize the specifications of the steel bars. He taught me to identify materials—coarse sand for laying walls, fine sand for plastering, and if you mix the wrong ones, the walls will crack. He was the first person to introduce me to the construction industry. He was a good man, and I will never forget his kindness."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Someone held a knife to his son's neck and forced him to put the sugar in. He came to me later, knelt on the ground, and banged his head on the ground repeatedly."

"I told him, 'Uncle Li, you taught me how to recognize talent and how to be a person. If someone makes a mistake, we can't let them die because of it.'"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word struck the hearts of everyone present like a hammer blow.

Old Li in the back row buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shrugging. Xiao Zhang reached out and gently patted his back.

A male reporter in a gray jacket stood up. He was from the Legal Daily and spoke with a heavy northern accent.

"Comrade Cang Lifeng, I heard that Wang Lide, Song Jinrong's financial manager, provided crucial evidence that played a key role in solving the case. Why would someone who has served Song Jinrong for so many years suddenly turn against him?"

Chen Zhiyuan continued, "Wang Lide voluntarily surrendered himself to the police after the incident, truthfully confessed, and provided crucial evidence, demonstrating significant meritorious service. The court has already given him a lighter sentence in accordance with the law."

"I asked 'why'," the reporter pressed. "Why would a finance manager, living a life of luxury with the boss, take such a huge risk to betray him?"

Chen Zhiyuan didn't know how to answer, so he turned to look at Cang Lifeng.

Cang Lifeng looked down at Wang Lide. Wang Lide nodded at him, then hurriedly lowered his head, his hands clasped tightly together.

With Wang Lide's permission, Cang Lifeng continued, "Because of Ayun."

"Ah Yun?"

"Brother Wang's wife." Cang Lifeng's voice lowered. "Last year during the bank robbery, Ayun was grabbed by the hair by the robbers, with a knife to her neck. When I rushed in, I never thought she would remember it."

"But she remembered it. She told Brother Wang, 'Every day we live now is given to us by Cang Lifeng.'"

In the audience, Ayun buried her face in Nianfeng's small body. Wang Lide reached out and took her hand.

"Brother Wang stood up because of those words," Cang Lifeng said.

The reporter was silent for a few seconds, then sat down.

Another female reporter raised her hand and stood up to ask:

"What is Wang Lide's current situation? What regulations must he follow during his probation period?"

Chen Zhiyuan briefly answered the legal questions. Then he added, "Wang Lide is also here today."

All eyes turned to the gallery.

Wang Lide stood up. His movements were slow, as if he were carrying a heavy load. He turned around, faced Cang Lifeng on the stage, and bowed deeply.

Ayun, holding Nianfeng, also stood up and bowed along with Wang Lide.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

The applause woke Nianfeng. He opened his bright black eyes, looked at everything unfamiliar around him, then stretched out his hand and made a soft, incoherent sound towards the stage.

Cang Lifeng's eyes were a little red. He didn't speak, but simply bowed in that direction as well.

A male reporter wearing a cameraman's vest stood up. He was from Nancheng TV station and spoke with a local accent.

"Comrade Cang Lifeng, this case took nearly two months from its occurrence to the truth coming to light. During those two months, you were called a 'heartless contractor,' and your brother collapsed on the ring and remains unconscious. Now that the truth is out, what are your thoughts?"

Cang Lifeng remained silent for a long while before speaking:

"I've already said what I wanted to say. Uncle Li taught me how to identify materials, Sister-in-law Ayun remembered a favor, and Brother Wang bravely stood up. I remember all these people and these things."

"As for those who criticize me, I don't blame them. What they see is what others want them to see."

"So the medical expenses and fines you paid in advance have been refunded. What do you plan to do with this money?" another reporter pressed.

Cang Lifeng glanced at his fellow workers below the stage and said, "I'm starting a company. I'll make sure the brothers who follow me... have contracts, insurance, and if anything happens, someone will take care of them."

"What's the company's name?"

"Building together with one heart. The 'zhong' in 'the masses' and the 'zhi' in 'ambition'."

The last question was asked by a female reporter sitting in the corner. She hadn't raised her hand until Chen Zhiyuan was about to announce the end of the press conference, at which point she stood up and asked:

"Comrade Cang Lifeng, how is your younger brother Cang Tianci?"

Cang Lifeng clenched his hands on his knees and answered in a low voice, "He's still not awake."

Three words. The entire hall fell silent. The tide had receded.

Cang Liuqing picked up the conversation and added:

"Tianci is the youngest child in our Cang family. He's only fourteen years old. When he collapsed on the ring, Lifeng was rescuing people at a construction site. He couldn't watch his younger brother's match. This is his lifelong regret."

"Our whole family is waiting for Tianci to wake up. Thank you everyone for your concern!"

No one asked any more questions.

After the press conference ended, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Old Li stood up from the last row and, together with his son Xiao Jun, Zhang Zhifeng (who was on crutches), Da Zhou, Lao Zhang, and several other brothers from the construction site, came to Cang Lifeng and Cang Liuqing, who were shaking hands with Chen Zhiyuan and other leaders to say goodbye.

Chen Zhiyuan glanced at the group, then at the Cang siblings, nodded, and led his men away.

Several people stood there, unsure of what to do with their hands.

Old Li spoke first, his voice trembling slightly: "Director Cang... Hello. I'm Li Dehou, the one... the one in the concrete..."

He couldn't continue.

Cang Liuqing looked calmly at the hunched-over, deeply lined old worker before her, her gaze devoid of blame or pity. She nodded and said, "Master Li, it wasn't easy for you to stand up later. Thank you."

Xiao Zhang, leaning on his cane, took a step forward and bowed to Cang Liuqing: "Director Cang, thank you for clearing our boss's name!"

Cang Liuqing looked at the cast on his leg and said, "He's my brother, it's only right that I help him. You're Zhang Zhifeng, right? Take good care of your leg injury."

Xiao Zhang grinned and said, "Yes, thank you, Director Cang!"

Da Zhou and Lao Zhang also stepped forward to greet her. Cang Liuqing responded to them one by one, without any airs.

At this moment, Lin Wei walked over from the reporters' area. She smiled at Cang Liuqing and called out, "Sister Liuqing."

When Cang Liuqing saw her, a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Lin Wei, you've had a hard time these past few days."

Lin Wei shook her head: "It's only right."

Old Li turned to Cang Lifeng, his lips trembling for a long time before he finally managed to squeeze out, "Boss..."

He had so much to say, but couldn't say anything; he just held Cang Lifeng's hand tightly.

Cang Lifeng patted the back of his hand and said, "Uncle Li, if you're willing, you can come work for our company with Xiaojun."

Old Li nodded vigorously, excitedly saying, "Boss, we're willing! We'll definitely work hard and give it our all from now on!"

He turned and pulled Xiaojun in front of Cang Lifeng, saying, "Xiaojun, quickly thank the boss!"

Xiao Jun bowed deeply to Cang Lifeng and said, "Thank you, boss!"

Da Zhou and Lao Zhang also came over. Da Zhou rubbed his hands together and said, "Boss, it's great! We can work together again from now on!"

Cang Lifeng nodded and said, "Yes, from now on we will work together to run our company well. This is also the meaning of the name 'Zhongzhi Construction'."

At this moment, Wang Lide and Ayun, who was holding Nianfeng, walked over together. Nianfeng had already woken up, his bright black eyes darting around, neither crying nor making a fuss.

Wang Lide first bowed slightly to Cang Liuqing: "Director Cang."

Cang Liuqing glanced at Wang Lide, then looked at Ayun standing calmly beside him, and asked with a smile, "You must be Xia Ayun?"

Ayun replied, "Yes, Sister Liu Qing. I often hear Lide mention you."

"Ah Yun, thank you for your understanding! The materials provided by Accountant Wang played a crucial role in this case."

Ayun's eyes reddened, and she quickly said, "Sister Liu Qing, what are you saying? This is what we should do."

Wang Lide's eyes also reddened. He said softly, "What we've done is nothing compared to the immense kindness Lifeng has shown us..."

"Brother Wang," Cang Lifeng interrupted Wang Lide, saying, "Don't ever say such things again."

He paused, then asked, "Brother Wang, what are your plans for the future?"

Wang Lide shook his head and said, "I don't know either. Let's take it one step at a time."

"Brother Wang, would you like to join our Zhongzhi Construction?" Cang Lifeng asked.

Wang Lide asked uncertainly, "Lifeng, is this true? Are you really willing to take in someone with a tainted past like me?"

"Brother Wang, don't dwell on the past. We need to look to the future. I believe we can create a bright future together."

After saying this, he extended his hand to Wang Lide. Wang Lide quickly extended his hand as well. The two hands clasped tightly together.

At this moment, Nianfeng suddenly reached out and grabbed at Cang Lifeng, making "ah ah" sounds.

Ayun smiled and said softly, "Nianfeng also wants to join your company!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Cang Liuqing checked the time and said to Cang Lifeng, "Lifeng, I'm going back to the station now. Let me know immediately if there's any news from Tianci."

"Okay." Cang Lifeng nodded.

Cang Liuqing nodded slightly to everyone again, then turned and walked towards the end of the corridor. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a long shadow of her.

Lin Wei looked at Cang Lifeng and said, "Lifeng, congratulations. It's time for me to return to the society too."

Cang Lifeng looked at her and said with a smile, "Be careful on the road."

"Hmm," Lin Wei nodded, turned and took a few steps, then turned back and said, "Lifeng, meaning 'building together with one heart.' A good name."

She smiled, a very gentle smile, like a breeze rippling across water.

Then she quickened her pace and caught up with Cang Liuqing at the end of the corridor. The two walked side by side, talking in hushed tones, and gradually disappeared into the light.