I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

Li Jing'an invited the two reporters to sit on the sofa, personally pouring them tea and handing them water. He then offered them cigarettes, which the male reporter taking photos accepted. Li Jing'an himself didn't return to his desk but instead sat down on the single sofa next to him.

"We came here today to get to know you. So we weren't prepared, and I'll just ask whatever comes to mind," the female reporter said with a smile.

"Hey, what do you want to know? Ask away, I promise to be truthful. I used to be in the army, I'm straightforward, and I won't lie. If I say anything wrong, please be lenient."

"I've heard about your story, and you just mentioned that you joined the revolution at the age of 16. Why did you retire from the military at such a young age?"

"Oh, it's like this. After the Korean War ended, I served in the military for a few more years. Suddenly having so much free time made me feel uneasy and I wanted to go home. But then again, contributing in the military is the same as contributing in civilian life. Actually, the most important reason is that my parents are getting old, and I'm their only son. By transferring back to civilian life, I can better take care of them. I've been away from home for so many years, and I owe my parents so much."

When Li Jing'an got emotional, his eyes reddened slightly.

"Chief Li, I understand you very well. We've also looked into your acts of bravery from a few years ago. So what triggered that dispute a few days ago, which ultimately led to a trip to the police station?"

"Well, how should I put it... it's because one of the families involved in the dispute had someone helping us take care of our child. Of course, I didn't step in because I know her," Li Jing'an quickly explained to the two reporters.

"I noticed Xiaolin—the party involved in the dispute—seemingly distressed and distracted. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but after a while, out of concern, I asked her about it. She was initially hesitant to speak, but later told me that because of the subway redevelopment, a neighbor in the same building had secretly changed their housing information. That person was actually a leading cadre in the housing management bureau. I was shocked to hear that such a thing could damage the Party's prestige among the masses. In a moment of impulsiveness, I went to confront him. When I arrived, he was extremely arrogant and overbearing, speaking without restraint. The neighbors were all too afraid to speak up or even leave their homes under his pressure. I couldn't believe it—that such a bad element could exist within our Party, using the Party's authority to oppress people. In that situation, I lost my temper and hit him. To be honest, I regretted it later; I knew I was wrong. I reflected on it and realized I shouldn't punish others for their mistakes."

As Li Jing'an spoke, a look of shame appeared on his face.

"Director Li, you don't need to blame yourself. I believe that anyone with a sense of justice and conscience would have made the same choice in your situation. As we later learned, after you were taken to the police station, so many people gathered outside to support you, which in itself is an affirmation of you by the people. I think that our police force should have some human touch in law enforcement, and cannot be rigid and dogmatic."

The female reporter tried to comfort Li Jing'an, even seeming to defend him. Li Jing'an, however, simply waved his hand dismissively.

"Well, I was wrong, and I won't make excuses. At the police station, the officers criticized and educated me, and I apologized to the other party and obtained their understanding."

"But as you can see, it's no use. The other party came today just to find me. It's because I went to their housing management bureau leader afterwards—not because he did anything wrong, but because he's afraid of his superiors. My temper is really like a dog's... well, a bit vulgar, right? Haha. I admit it, I can't change this temper of mine, let him be. If he sues me again, this is all I can do."

Li Jing'an gave a wry smile.

"Director Li, I think you're doing the right thing. Revolutionary work is never all harmony. It's truly admirable that you've maintained your integrity. Unlike some cadres these days, who lose their edge and become slick after just a few years. We need leaders like you who stay true to their original aspirations and never forget them."

"Haha, don't flatter me. I'm just an ordinary person, and an ordinary person with a temper at that."

Li Jing'an smiled wryly and repeatedly expressed his humility to the reporter.

"Clang, clang," came a knock on the door.

"Director, dinner's ready." Secretary Yang Chunjuan pushed open the door, interrupting their conversation.

"Oh, really? Time flies. Reporters, you didn't tell me in advance, and I didn't prepare anything, so I can only treat you to our 'lunch break'—a working meal," Li Jing'an said, standing up.

"Director Li, look at what you're saying. We've been presumptuous in coming here. Besides, we're just doing our job; we eat whatever comes our way. We'd be making a mistake if we ate anything else, wouldn't you agree?"

"Alright, alright. How about this, I'll treat you to dinner? After all, you came here for me."

"Oh dear, that won't do. Our newspaper provides subsidies, so we'll do whatever we need to. We've brought our food coupons and money."

"Hey, can you at least give me some face? You know my temper; I'm a former soldier, and I mean what I say. Otherwise, I'll get angry and won't be doing this interview this afternoon."

Li Jing'an feigned displeasure. The two reporters could only smile and agree, following Li Jing'an to the staff cafeteria. On the way, taking advantage of the two reporters' inattention, Li Jing'an quickly whispered a few words in his secretary Yang Chunjuan's ear. Yang Chunjuan bypassed them and left ahead of time.

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