Chapter 538 - 537: The Grand Reunion (Part 1)

When the verdict was announced, the furious crowd felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

After hours of quiet waiting, the trial concluded. It was only when Beard and the others were led out under guard that the silent crowd finally stirred.

They surged toward Beard and the others, their hatred practically boiling over. The bone-deep loathing in their eyes sent a chill down the spine of even Beard, who, having already been sentenced to death, thought he had nothing left to fear.

As this was a major case that had captured the nation’s attention, and because the sentences were meant to serve as a powerful deterrent, all the verdicts were severe. The lightest sentence handed down was two years.

Whether someone was a new trafficker or it was their first time participating, no leniency was shown.

Qin Shanshan was among those shown no mercy. She caused a huge scene in the courtroom and was quickly removed, but not before everyone in the gallery had heard her clearly.

The gallery was packed to the rafters. Those who didn’t know Qin Shanshan paid her no mind, but those who did took notice.

Tang Yuanxiao, sitting in the gallery, watched Qin Shanshan as a dark look flickered in his eyes.

Su Li paid no mind to Qin Shanshan’s outburst or her actions. She didn’t have the energy to spare any attention for her.

For Su Li, it was enough that Qin Shanshan would finally be punished and get what she deserved.

From the belle and pride of Xinghua Village to a prisoner behind bars, Qin Shanshan’s miserable new life was officially beginning.

While Su Li ignored Qin Shanshan, Tang Yuanxiao heard every word she’d shouted.

Needless to say, Tang Yuanxiao had been on an emotional rollercoaster lately, and his hatred for these traffickers was absolute. He had made sure not to miss a single one of the trials.

He wanted to witness their sentencing with his own eyes.

Tang Yuanxiao waited until the very end of the proceedings before leaving the courthouse.

Carried along by the crowd, Tang Yuanxiao didn’t see the eyes watching him from behind, nor did he hear the tentative call of his name.

After walking out of the courthouse, he looked up at the sky, his gaze drifting eastward unconsciously.

There was a restaurant in that direction, and a special gathering was being held there tonight.

Yes, a very special gathering.

It was a "Reunion Dinner," an event initiated and approved by headquarters. As the name implied, it was for families to reunite.

The event was organized for the victims and families affected by the recent anti-trafficking operation.

Naturally, Su Li and Little Tang Mo were among those invited.

Little Tang Mo was a victim who had been reunited with Su Li, so he was a natural fit for the invitation. Moreover, both he and Su Li were special cases.

For his own safety, what Little Tang Mo had done was not publicly announced through the media, but his praiseworthy actions still needed to be recognized.

Tang Yuanxiao already knew that a leader from headquarters would personally be there. Besides sharing a drink and comforting everyone, the main purpose was to present Little Tang Mo with a commendation banner and a reward, and to thank him on behalf of headquarters.

In addition to Little Tang Mo, they also had to thank Su Li. The Taoyuan Village case was cracked and so many people were rescued all because of her.

The mother and son, Su Li and Little Tang Mo, had done so much. They deserved to be thanked.

The family members who had come to the Imperial City looking for their children all shared a common bond of suffering. They understood each other’s heartache, and even though they were strangers, their hearts were knit together.

During this time, some of them had already heard of Little Tang Mo’s heroic deeds and had messaged Su Li about it in advance.

As the man Little Tang Mo called "Dad," Tang Yuanxiao should have attended this grand reunion dinner. The police had even invited him, but he hesitated.

No, it wasn’t so much that he was hesitating as that he had already made up his mind.

He desperately wanted to go, but he couldn’t.

Wu Sheng would be there. He would be standing by Su Li and Little Tang Mo’s side. It wouldn’t be right for him to go too.

Tang Yuanxiao’s gaze toward the east was filled with a complex melancholy. He just stood there, staring, for a long time.

He didn’t know how long he had been looking. When he finally came to his senses and was about to leave, he suddenly noticed someone standing beside him.

It was none other than Lin Huanzhu.

Lin Huanzhu was standing quietly to the side, looking at something in her notebook.

Tang Yuanxiao was startled to see her. "Huanzhu, when did you get here?"

Seeing that he had finally snapped out of it, Lin Huanzhu closed her notebook. "I’ve been here for a little while."

She had some business in the area and, after finishing, decided to watch the trial. She ran into Tang Yuanxiao when it was over and tried to say hello, but he was in a daze and didn’t react at all.

Although they hadn’t known each other for long, they had been through so much together. Just a short while ago, Lin Huanzhu had even helped search for Little Tang Mo, so the two had become quite familiar.

She had a pretty clear picture of the situation between Tang Yuanxiao, Su Li, Little Tang Mo, and even Wu Sheng. She also knew about the reunion dinner happening to the east, which was why she hadn’t disturbed Tang Yuanxiao.

From the look in his eyes, she could tell he wasn’t planning on attending the dinner. Lin Huanzhu, who had originally planned to go, decided against it as well.

The police would be well-represented at this grand reunion. Many officers who had worked hard on the case were allowed to go, and Lin Huanzhu, having distinguished herself, had also been invited.

Looking at Tang Yuanxiao, Lin Huanzhu made a decision. ’I should keep him company. At least he won’t be alone.’

’Being all alone at a time like this must feel awful.’

"Want to go get some Tangyuan?" The thoughts had flashed through Lin Huanzhu’s mind in an instant, and she spoke the words aloud.

At the mention of Tangyuan, Tang Yuanxiao was instantly reminded of the time he’d almost eaten himself sick, and a strange expression crossed his face.

Reading his look, Lin Huanzhu pressed on. "I normally eat Tangyuan at least two or three times a month, but I haven’t had any since last time. Want to go give it another shot today?"

Tang Yuanxiao thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright. My treat. You can have whatever you want."

Lin Huanzhu brushed back her hair, which had grown a little longer recently. "Let’s go, then. We’ll have a good meal tonight."

Watching Lin Huanzhu’s retreating back, Tang Yuanxiao’s expression softened considerably as he followed her.

"Thanks... for before, too."

Tang Yuanxiao was truly grateful to Lin Huanzhu, not just for today, but for everything before.

"Mm, I accept your thanks. You can thank me as many times as you want, and I’ll accept it every time," Lin Huanzhu replied without turning back.

Tang Yuanxiao said no more, but he silently made a vow. ’If Lin Huanzhu ever needs help in the future, I’ll do everything in my power to provide it.’

Meanwhile, Su Li and Little Tang Mo were getting ready to leave for the reunion dinner.

"Little Mo, you should wear a scarf. It’ll be cold when we come back tonight."

’It’s March, and even though it’s spring and the weather is getting warmer, the mornings and evenings are still quite cold.’

"Okay." Little Tang Mo always listened to whatever Su Li said.

Su Li found a scarf and wrapped it around Little Tang Mo’s neck. Seeing him looking so dapper and well-dressed, she nodded in satisfaction. "So handsome. Let’s go."

Hearing Su Li’s praise, Little Tang Mo broke into a grin. "Mama is pretty."

For an occasion like this, they had both dressed up nicely to show their respect.

Everyone attending the grand reunion tonight had probably done the same.

"Such a sweet-talker." Su Li smiled and patted Little Tang Mo’s head.

The two of them had just reached the door and were about to open it when there was a knock.

"Aunt Su! Brother Mo!"

It was Little Tongtong’s voice.

"Little Tongtong is here." Su Li quickly opened the door.

"Aunt Su!" Standing at the door was Little Tongtong’s family of four. Like them, they had all changed into nice clothes for the occasion.

Little Tongtong was wearing a red outfit, her hair tied up in double buns. Beneath her bangs, her big, bright eyes sparkled above a happy smile.

She was so round and plump, she couldn’t have been cuter.

The little bit of weight she had lost while she was abducted had been effortlessly regained over the past few days.

Su Li found Little Tongtong absolutely adorable.

"Little Tongtong, you’re so cute! Come give me a kiss."

’A little girl this cute... I just want to take her home and raise her myself!’

Little Tongtong liked Su Li too, and without a moment’s hesitation, she gave her a kiss on the cheek.

After kissing Su Li, she puckered her lips and reached for Little Tang Mo with her arms and legs.

Little Tang Mo looked at Little Tongtong’s puckered lips, and his face instantly turned red.

Su Li and Tongtong’s mother watched them, trying to stifle their laughter.