My happy life in a courtyard house with triplets.

Chapter 163: Presenting the Banner

Liu Haizhong had just finished distributing money to each household, and the courtyard hadn't even been fully cleared out, when Director Wang suddenly walked into the central courtyard with two policemen. Everyone was startled and instinctively shrank back.

Director Wang glanced at the people in the courtyard and asked in surprise, "I was wondering why there was no one in the front yard. Why are you all gathered in the middle yard today?"

Everyone stared at the police officers behind Director Wang, exchanging glances, speechless. Yi Zhonghai frowned, lowering his voice to ask those around him, "Who called the police?"

Everyone shook their heads, saying they didn't know. Yi Zhonghai's gaze suddenly fell on Zhang Lei, and he said in a deep voice, "It's you!"

Zhang Lei raised an eyebrow and looked over: "Hey old man, are you out of your mind? What reason would I have to call the police?"

Yi Zhonghai was taken aback, but then he thought about it and realized that since Liu Haizhong and the Jia family had just settled their matter, Zhang Lei really didn't need to go through all that trouble.

At this moment, Yan Fugui stepped forward and said with a fawning smile, "Director Wang, what brings you here with the police officers?"

Director Wang smiled and announced loudly, "It's something important, and it's great news!"

Upon hearing the "good news," everyone perked up and turned to look at Director Wang.

Director Wang looked directly at Zhang Lei and said, "Zhang Lei, come here."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhangshi's eyes lit up immediately, and she hurriedly shouted, "Director Wang! Has Zhang Lei done something wrong? Arrest him quickly! Don't let him get away, I'll keep an eye on him for you!"

Everyone rolled their eyes at her impatient look. Zhang Lei chuckled inwardly; this Jia Zhangshi certainly held a grudge. It seemed that the three hundred yuan he had fined her earlier was too little.

Upon hearing Jia Zhangshi's words, Director Wang immediately frowned and reprimanded her, "Jia Zhangshi, are you deaf? I clearly stated it was a joyous occasion; when did I ever mention arresting anyone?"

Jia Zhangshi shrank back as she was scolded, her face turning red and white in turns. Everyone around couldn't help but grin and chuckle.

At this moment, the police officer next to him stepped forward, looked at Zhang Lei, and asked, "You must be Comrade Zhang Lei?"

Zhang Lei nodded and replied, "Yes, that's me."

The police officer immediately had someone bring over the banner and reward he had brought. He saluted Zhang Lei and solemnly said, "Comrade Zhang Lei, thank you for your contribution to capturing the enemy agent. This is your reward and banner."

Zhang Lei took the banner and saw the eight characters "Anti-Espionage Vanguard, People's Role Model" written on it. He quickly declined, saying, "Officer, this is too precious. I only provided some clues. It was your efforts that truly led to the capture of the enemy agent."

The police officer smiled and shook his head: "If it weren't for the clues you provided, how could we have caught them so easily? Besides, the clues you provided last time led to a big fish. We followed that lead and arrested dozens of people in the county, making a great contribution to our counter-espionage work. This reward and bonus were specially applied for for you."

As he spoke, he handed over another hundred yuan. Zhang Lei looked at the money, feeling a little embarrassed—last time the police arrested enemy agents, he had secretly accepted quite a few valuables from them.

Seeing his hesitation, Director Wang urged, "Zhang Lei, accept it. It's an affirmation of your abilities and will encourage everyone to actively provide clues and work together."

Zhang Lei found the idea reasonable, so he nodded and accepted it, saying, "Thank you, officers. You've worked hard."

The police officer nodded in satisfaction: "You're the one who should be thanking us for your hard work, and we're the ones who should be thanking you."

Director Wang then interjected, "Officer, you probably don't know this yet, but Zhang Lei's parents also sacrificed their lives while resisting enemy agents and were recognized as martyrs."

Upon hearing this, the police officer's respect for Zhang Lei deepened. He shook Zhang Lei's hand and said, "I never imagined that your whole family were heroes in the fight against enemy agents."

Upon hearing the word "hero," Zhang Lei quickly waved his hand, saying, "Officer, I dare not accept such praise. My parents sacrificed their lives fighting enemy agents, and as their child, I should have this awareness. Every enemy agent less means less sabotage, and for the sake of the motherland and the people, I have an unshirkable duty."

These words resonated deeply, and everyone around couldn't help but nod in approval.

The police officer praised, "No wonder he's a descendant of a hero; his awareness is truly high." He patted Zhang Lei on the shoulder, "Comrade Zhang Lei, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to the police station to find us."

Zhang Lei nodded in agreement. As the police and Director Wang were about to leave, he stepped forward with the 100 yuan and said to Director Wang, "Director Wang, these are difficult times, and I know many people are suffering from hunger. Consider this 100 yuan my donation; I hope the neighborhood committee can use it to help those in greater need."

Upon hearing this, Director Wang couldn't help but be moved and said, "Zhang Lei, this is your bonus..."

Zhang Lei smiled and waved his hand: "Director Wang, there are many more people who need it more than I do."

These words deeply moved both the policeman and Director Wang. Looking at their expressions, Zhang Lei was secretly overjoyed—he knew that in this day and age, honor and reputation were more precious than anything else. Using 100 yuan to gain the favor of Director Wang and the policeman was a bargain, especially since he didn't lack that kind of money.

Director Wang tried to decline, but Zhang Lei said again, "I have a job and I'm capable of earning money to support my family. Please take this 100 yuan and give it to those who need it more, to buy some food so they can survive. Even if I have to eat cornbread at home, I'll feel at ease."

Hearing this, many people secretly thought to themselves: You eat cornbread? Everyone knows your family eats meat and fish every day. But no one dared to say it out loud—if they spoiled the mood at this moment, it would definitely offend Director Wang and the police, and it wasn't worth it.

At this moment, Director Wang looked at Zhang Lei, then at everyone else, and said, "Comrade Zhang Lei is right. These are difficult times, and we should all learn from Zhang Lei and help each other. As long as we are united, these difficulties are temporary, and I believe our country will get better and better."

Everyone listened, nodded, and began to applaud.

At this moment, Liu Haizhong, wanting to show off, also stepped forward and said, "Director Wang, Zhang Lei is a good person in our compound, with a good character and personality. He often helps everyone and is a very good comrade. Of course, he also owes a debt of gratitude to me. As his second uncle, I usually take good care of him."

Zhang Lei simply replied, "Yes, yes, Uncle Er really does help me a lot."

Director Wang nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself: Comrade Zhang Lei is really good, he's good at everything, and everyone in the institute praises him for it.

Director Wang looked at everyone and said with a smile, "I have seen your performance, especially Comrade Zhang Lei's performance, which was even more outstanding. At the same time, I have decided to award the title of 'Outstanding Civilized Compound' to your No. 95 courtyard house this year."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately burst into applause.

After Director Wang and the others left, Ye Shuqin, Ye Shuqi, and Ye Shuhua came to Zhang Lei's side. They looked at the banner, touched the corners, and their faces were full of joy. They were all happy for Zhang Lei.