The 3 B's- Beauty, Brains and Bravery

Chapter 362: A soldier without a badge

Next Morning, 9:00 a.m., MCO ; 

"Our daughter was kidnapped when she was returning back from her Judo classes. A week ago. We reported to the police too.", the man in his late-thirties informed, his eyes swollen, "I just don't understand how an eleven-year-old could've offended those monsters."

"You have my sympathies, Sir.", Rong Xinghe consoled, "Rest assured, your daughter will get justice."

"And what will that do, Ma'am?", the child's mother interrupted, tears coursing down her cheeks, "Will that bring my baby back?"

Rong Xinghe turned to look at the woman, unable to find words for responding to her. She was right. The woman had lost her daughter. Her only child, in fact. And she didn't even know whom to blame for that.

The girl's name was Li Chen. A brilliant child. A scholar. A hopeful, curious mind. What could she possibly say to pacify the mother of such a child? 

"My girl was strong, Chief! She was a fighter. She used to admire you. Her bedroom had your posters hanging around everywhere. She used to read newspapers because, in some news article, you said you did. She used to sing your songs every morning.

"Once, she came and told me that she wanted to join the Military when she grew up. You were always her inspiration. She wanted to fight for her country, just like you. She wanted to become a Soldier. 

"So I refuse to believe that this was how her life was supposed to end. If anything, my Chen deserved to die as a Martyr. And that too, ears later. Not so soon!", Li Chen's mother clenched her teeth, clutching onto her daughter's photo on her lap, tearing up.

"Mrs. Li. I am so sorry.", Rong Xinghe said, her tone soft, "But believe me or not, your daughter must've tried to fight for her survival, whilst she was lying on those tracks. And that's what a soldier would've had done. So yes. Li Chen did die as a soldier. A soldier without a badge, that is."

Only when the woman listened to the girl's words did she lifted her head up and looked at her. So beautiful. And so strong. No wonder Li Chen liked her. This woman could make anyone feel at peace. Her compassionate eyes could provide solace to the weak and helpless, in an instant. 

"I know that no one can ever replace Li Chen for the both of you.", Rong Xinghe rubbed the woman's back if hands lightly, "And I am sorry for your loss. Really, I am. Please take care. And always remember one thing. Chen would've wanted her parents to smile, and laugh, and enjoy."

As the couple left the girl's office, Ashfakh Ali walked in, confused. "Are we doing Police things now, Chief?"

"Shut up.", the girl shook her head, "Get me a cup of coffee."

"Hey! I am not your errand boy. Alright?", the man protested, "How could you let me mop your boyfriend's floor earlier? And now, you have the nerves to ask me for coffee? Brilliant!"

"Do I need to repeat myself, Mr. Ali?!", the girl massaged her forehead, exhausted.

"So you want Americano or Latte?", the man asked, changing his tone into that of a barista. Who would get on this woman's nerves?! Psycho!

"Cappucino."

"Ok. I will be back in minutes."

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Xi Corporations, 2:00 p.m. ;

"What?! You are going to propose to Sister-in-law?!", Xi Wei jumped up from his seat, utterly shocked, "When?!"

"After her brother's wedding.", the man replied, "Two days later."

"Woah.", Xi Ying covered her wide open mouth, "Have you selected a ring for her?"

"No. I need your help with it, Ying.", Xi Yuan said as he stared at his laptop screen, "This is all so confusing. I don't know what she will like."

Xi Ying walked around the man's table and stood behind him, hugging him from behind, "Of course, I will help you with it! My brother is getting married, after all."

"So do you think she is into heavy rocks? As in ancient huge-type rings."

"Nope. My woman is the Military Chief of a country. It will be very discomforting for her to hold onto her revolver with something like that. Not an option.", Xi Yuan shook his head, "Something light, please."

"Alright. Let me call some jewelry designers first. We will have to visit these shops, though. They do not provide online services. They are exquisitely delicate and prominent in this field. Naturally, they do not work for just anyone. In fact, it's rare for them to work for people like us. You know, business families. They mostly serve Royal families. Nevertheless, you will have to come along with me. 

"Xi Corporations is finally getting its Queen. She isn't going to wear an ordinary glittery ring, Brother. She deserves a special one. Just like her personality. Unique.", the girl smiled, holding onto Xi Yuan's arm.

"I couldn't agree more.", the man smiled. 

"And while we are at it, could you please tell me who proposed whom first?", Xi Wei clapped his hands, seeking attention from his two siblings, who were clearly ignoring him, "And does this mean that the Xis are all geared up to welcome their first daughter-in-law?!"

"More of like, 'the Superfamily is getting a Son-in-law'. Yes, Third Master Xi.", Xi Yuan replied indifferently, "Anything else?"

"Just one more. Did I ever mention how much I love you?", the man grinned.

"You did. Every time you got drunk.", the man shrugged, picking up his suit, "And each time, I replied with an 'I hate you too, Wei'. 

"Now, suit up, young man. We've got a conference to attend."

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Meanwhile, Huang Family Mansion ;

Huang Biu stormed into the living room and grabbed onto her elder brother's hand, placing a Brown envelope into it. "Who was the woman shopping with Yuan yesterday?!", the woman almost yelled, "The staff told me that they were even holding hands. But the girl was wearing a mask, throughout the entire duration, so they couldn't tell who she was. Brother, I want to know the name of this bitch!"

"Calm down, Biu.", the young man looked at the photos, "Firstly, answer me. Are you spying on him? What the hell is wrong with you?!

"We are Huangs. So act like one. And what is your obsession with Yuan anyway? It's like he is all you think about ever since he graduated high school."

"Brother, I thought you would support me. I--"

"Just stop it, Biu! Yuan is a close friend. Personally, and professionally. So don't even think of crossing his bottom line. Ever.", the man cut her off, infuriated. "Huang family doesn't have time for your tantrums and dramas. Okay?"