Chapter 205: The Award Ceremony

Representing the country to thank Zhou Ming?

This statement left Zhou Ming and Su Han stunned. Even Du Peng and the other Zhongnanhai staff were completely taken aback by Old Yang and the other senior leaders' actions. As for Brother Tan, he was so shocked that he was left speechless.

As the leader of the younger generation in the capital city, Brother Tan understood the weight of these words. Even an ordinary official wouldn't dare make such statements lightly, let alone someone as revered as Old Yang. As the actual leader of the country, every word and action of his represented the entire Party and even the nation. Therefore, he would carefully consider every word.

Yet, despite this, he still spoke these words and, not only that, he and the other central leaders actually bowed in thanks to Zhou Ming. This gesture was the highest honor one could show a national hero!

Am I dreaming? And is it an absurd dream? How could a mere worker's child like Zhou Ming receive such unanimous thanks from the central leaders? Even though the bowing from Old Yang and the other central leaders was more of a nod, it was still significant. After all, it is impossible for anyone to receive such treatment in these peaceful times.

Brother Tan thought this way because he simply couldn't accept what was happening in front of him; it completely overturned all his previous understandings.

However, despite his thoughts, reason kept reminding him that this was reality. Zhou Ming truly was a national hero being honored by Old Yang and other central leaders.

Emotionally unacceptable but rationally undeniable, this dichotomy was driving Brother Tan crazy.

In contrast, Du Peng and Su Han were also shocked, but their surprise was mixed with joy for Zhou Ming, especially Su Han, whose soft-heartedness quickly led her eyes to redden.

As for the other Zhongnanhai staff, despite their strong psychological resilience, they were also dumbfounded by the scene.

But beyond their feelings, there was a more pressing question: what had Zhou Ming done to warrant such gratitude from the central leaders?

"Old Yang and all the central leaders, you really flatter me. I'm just an ordinary worker's child. How could I deserve such praise?" Zhou Ming said.

Old Yang waved his hand and said, "Comrade, don't be so modest! How could you not deserve it? I think you do. If you didn't, I don't think anyone in the country would. And what's wrong with being a worker's child? Our Party and country represent the working class and peasants. All our worker brothers are the pillars of our nation, the most advanced comrades in our thinking!"

"And due to certain reasons, you might not be aware of your achievements," Old Yang continued. "In the past three days, based on the intelligence you provided, our national security agencies have captured over 300 foreign spies across the country. They were infiltrated by foreign forces through various means, ready to cause destruction at any time. If it weren't for the intelligence you provided, our country might have faced a great disaster!"

"Because of the intelligence you provided, we were able to get this news in advance and eliminate these foreign forces before they could act!" Old Yang said emotionally to Zhou Ming. "Comrade, you are a hero of our Party and our entire country!"

Old Yang's words made Du Peng and Su Han cheer for Zhou Ming internally, while Brother Tan was left completely stunned.

Before this, Brother Tan had speculated what Zhou Ming had done to receive such high praise from Old Yang. Perhaps it was an economic achievement, or maybe Old Yang wanted to further open up the economy and needed Zhou Ming as a figurehead. But he never would have imagined that Zhou Ming's praise from Old Yang was because he provided information about foreign spies.

What is this?

Brother Tan was almost going crazy. He could understand Zhou Ming being recognized for achievements in the stock market in Nanjing, given his financial skills, but how did he end up connected to the spy line? Isn't he just a capitalist?

"Thank you, Old Yang," Zhou Ming said. "But I believe this isn't solely my achievement. Initially, it was just a guess on my part. It was Old Yang's and Chairman Du's trust and the central leaders' decisions that prevented foreign forces from finding an opportunity. I believe Old Yang, Chairman Du, and all the central leaders are the ones who truly deserve recognition in this battle!"

Hearing this, Brother Tan wanted to vomit blood. In his view, Zhou Ming's words were just a pretense, a way of pretending to be humble while actually taking advantage. He was simply a cunning fox!

However, Zhou Ming's words had a positive effect. At least all the central leaders present were smiling, finding this young comrade quite considerate!

Old Yang disagreed with Zhou Ming's view: "It's not quite like that. After all, we are in our positions because the people elected us. We're only fulfilling our responsibilities and haven't betrayed the trust of the people. But you, Comrade Zhou Ming, are different. Your actions stemmed from a spirit of selflessness and a dedication to national unity and stability, so you deserve the recognition!"

Zhou Ming wanted to say more, but Old Yang interjected, "Alright, Comrade Zhou Ming, you don't need to say more. Do you want us old folks to waste our expressions here?"

Zhou Ming was taken aback. He didn't expect Old Yang, the actual leader of the country, to make such a joke at this moment.

But since Old Yang had said so, Zhou Ming knew that pushing back any further was futile. He nodded and said, "Alright, I will accept the recognition from Old Yang and the central leaders."

This made Brother Tan internally fume: Damn it, if you have the ability, don't accept it! If you don't accept, others will still want to! Accepting the award with such reluctance is simply against nature!

Seeing Zhou Ming agree, Old Yang continued, "In light of Comrade Zhou Ming's outstanding contributions, our Central Committee has decided to award you the title of Model Hero and a Red Star Medal!"

This outcome surprised everyone, including Zhou Ming. Generally, the title of Model Hero is given to outstanding individuals in the military, so how could an ordinary person receive this title? And what exactly is the Red Star Medal?

Old Yang noticed the confusion in the room and explained, "We believe that the title of Model Hero shouldn't be limited to any specific type of person. It should be extended to all sectors of society. Anyone who makes outstanding contributions to the country and society, such as responsible ticket sellers or doctors who save lives, deserves recognition. Comrade Zhou Ming's achievements fully meet the criteria for the title of hero!"

"The Red Star Medal is an honor specially created by our Central Committee for model heroes with significant contributions like Comrade Zhou Ming!" Old Yang said.

If Old Yang's earlier words were surprising, this last explanation left everyone in shock.

For the Central Committee to create a special medal for someone was a tremendous honor!

Everyone felt this way internally, but Zhou Ming wasn't as shocked. He vaguely remembered that the Red Star Medal was introduced in recent years. So now, it being awarded to him was just an early recognition. In a few years, or even this year, the Red Star Medal might become part of military honors.

Nevertheless, Zhou Ming felt extremely proud. As an ordinary person who isn't a soldier, receiving such a medal was quite rare.

As Zhou Ming was thinking this, a secretary from the Central Office brought out a tray with the pure gold Red Star Medal. Old Yang picked up the medal and, facing Zhou Ming, said, "Comrade Zhou Ming, it is because of you that the foreign forces' conspiracy to subvert our people's government failed. In recognition of your outstanding contributions in this fight against foreign forces, we have decided to award you the Red Star Medal."

As Old Yang spoke, he personally adorned Zhou Ming with the medal. Meanwhile, journalists and colleagues from the Central Propaganda Department, who had been prepared, raised their cameras, continuously clicking to capture this precious moment.

Under the flashing lights, Zhou Ming stood tall. After Old Yang had fastened the medal on him, Zhou Ming said, "Thank you to the central leaders, the Party, and the country for this honor. I will work even harder in my future work and studies to repay the Party and the country's favor with my actions!"

"Very well. Although Comrade Zhou Ming is young, he has a high level of awareness. We look forward to your future performance."

Old Yang, having said this, extended his hand to Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming reached out and shook his hand. At that moment, led by Vice President Du Zhongyuan, the room erupted in warm applause to celebrate this historic moment.

The applause continued for a long time. After it ended, the other central leaders sequentially bid farewell to Old Yang. Clearly, this was a temporary award ceremony, not particularly formal or grand, but the presence of these senior leaders made it sufficiently official.

After the ceremony, Zhou Ming couldn't find Brother Tan anywhere. It seemed that the leader of the younger generation in the capital had left feeling on the verge of a breakdown.

At that moment, Old Yang suddenly said to Zhou Ming, "Comrade Zhou Ming, if you don't have any urgent matters, please stay a bit longer. I'd like to have a chat with you."