The commendation was now for the Yizhou Military Region. Qin Nishui had originally submitted all their names, but during the review, due to the special identities of Zhao Hengyu and Qin Ningyi, it was decided that they could not be publicly commended for the time being.
Fortunately, Zou Xiaoxiao and Huo Rou's names were approved without issue.
One of them was at i
The "security guards" surrounding the stage were stunned by this news. They had no idea about this procedure. How could they be publicly commended? It wasn't standard practice!
Grandpa Qin and the surrounding elder leaders were also surprised; they were unaware of this process.
"Special forces are to be commended too? Won't that expose them?" one elder leader worried. The special forces were special precisely because of their secrecy. Secrecy meant concealment, making them more effective when carrying out certain special missions. Wouldn't this commendation today...
The host quickly resolved this doubt. "To ensure the safety of special forces personnel, the commendation ceremony will have central leaders randomly select guests to accept the honors on their behalf..."
As the list appeared on the big screen, the host briefly introduced the background of the commended individuals while inviting guests to the stage.
"National First-Class Meritorious Dog Shenfeng, who repeatedly participated in combating cross-border illegal activities, anti-terrorism, and maintaining stability. During the Yizhou virus war, it bravely tracked down and apprehended the virus developer before tragically sacrificing itself... The guest accepting this honor is - Huo Rou!"
"National Special Forces Unit Shenji Assault Team, the 'Divine Soldiers of the Nation' who protected the country and its people. During the Yizhou virus war... The guest accepting this honor is - Yi Jun!"
...
Huo Rou's eyes had already welled up with tears upon hearing Shenfeng's meritorious deeds. This wasn't a random selection of representatives at all; it was clearly fulfilling her wish.
When she went on stage, Grandpa Qin also accompanied her. He was to accept an honor on behalf of an organization called "Lone Smoke." Grandpa Qin was still bewildered, but Huo Rou, after a moment's thought, instinctively looked in Qin Ningyi's direction and indeed saw his bright, smiling eyes.
As she and Grandpa Qin took their positions, a person in a wheelchair was jointly pushed onto the stage from the side.
He glided forward alone from the shadows in his wheelchair. He entered the spotlight, his chest adorned with numerous medals that gleamed under the lights. His young, resolute face was revealed, and despite some scars, his handsome features were evident.
He wheeled himself to Huo Rou's side, and as he looked up at her, his eyes were filled with tiny, shimmering stars.
In the ensuing silence, he blinked as if in disbelief, "Captain, is that you?"