Volume One, Chapter 82: The Veteran

"Step aside, official business!"
At that moment, the airport police officers arrived, just in time to witness what was happening.
The crowd began murmuring as soon as the officers appeared.
"Quiet, everyone. Don’t argue. Speak slowly." One of the officers began to take control of the scene.
An airport staff member stepped forward and explained the situation.
Upon learning that the elderly men were veterans, the officers’ expressions turned solemn, their eyes filled with respect. They stood at attention and saluted.
The old men trembled as they raised their hands to return the salute.
Though age and infirmity had made their movements slow, their salute was impeccable.
The airport staff brought over the security footage.
The officers reviewed the video carefully, a trace of disgust appearing in their eyes. Turning around, one said, "Come with us. We'll take your statements."
"No, officers, this is just a small misunderstanding," Hua Fan hurriedly explained. As a celebrity, being taken to the station and having the news break would have a devastating impact on him.
So, the moment the officers said they would take them back for questioning, he immediately began to apologize.
"We're not your comrades. The footage makes everything clear. Please cooperate with the investigation!" The officer’s eyes brimmed with disdain.
Hua Fan trembled, knowing he had angered everyone. He gritted his teeth and dragged the female fan from behind him.
"Apologize to the elderly gentleman!"
The young woman, terrified by the crowd’s reaction, burst into tears.
"I’m sorry, officer, please don’t take me away. I know I was wrong. I apologize to the gentleman. I won’t be a fan of Hua Fan anymore!"
After apologizing to the officers, she turned to the old man. "Sir, I really was wrong! I’m sorry, I apologize to all of you. Please don’t take me away, please!"
Jiang Yu felt a wave of disgust.
Their apologies stemmed from fear, not sincerity. Such apologies were cheap, but at least they were something.
"Even if you apologize, you must still come back with us for the investigation!"
The officers had no intention of giving them any leeway.
Just then, the old man who had almost been knocked down stepped forward, smiling gently. "Let it go, officers. There’s no need for more."

The officer’s face was filled with anger. "Sergeant, they..."
The old man shook his head and sighed. "I’ve lived a long life, seen everything. They’re just two youngsters who lack proper upbringing."
The officer nodded reluctantly.
"Young man, you’re a celebrity, aren’t you? It seems you have many admirers. The more people who like you, the better you must behave, be a role model."
The old man stepped forward and looked at Hua Fan.
"It’s good to be admired, but when that admiration affects others, it’s no longer good, is it? When I was a soldier, people liked us too. When we first arrived in the capital, the people decorated the streets and welcomed us, inviting us into their homes. But we refused, not wanting to disturb them."
Hua Fan felt frustrated but understood that it was best to let things settle quietly. "I understand. I’m sorry."
The veteran, having seen all kinds of people, knew Hua Fan’s apology was in form but not in heart. Still, it didn’t matter. He turned to the sobbing girl.
"And you, young lady, it’s fine to be bold, but you must understand right from wrong. At the very least, when you bump into someone, you should apologize, right? By age, I might be as old as your grandfather, but calling me an old fool is a bit much, isn’t it?"
The girl was terrified, her tears streaming. "I’m sorry. Really, I’m sorry."
Having said his piece, the old man paid them no more attention.
The airport staff stepped forward to apologize.
The old man waved it off graciously. "It’s just a small matter, nothing serious. But take it as a lesson—don’t let this happen again."
"We understand."
"Sergeant, is this how we’ll resolve it?" the officer asked.
The veteran nodded. "It’s nothing serious. Let’s leave it at that."
The officer turned to Hua Fan. "And you?"
"I agree. Let’s end it here," Hua Fan replied immediately.
"Sergeant, shall we take our leave?" the officer asked respectfully.
The old soldier smiled warmly. "Thank you all."
Once the officers departed, Hua Fan’s eyes were full of resentment and confusion, but he dared not linger and quickly left through the airport gates.
The veteran walked shakily up to Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu hurried to support him.
"Young man, I know you. Wasn’t it you who sang ‘We Who Serve’ on television?"
"Well, sir, you’ve got sharp eyes—it was me!" Jiang Yu replied with a cheerful smile. "Sir, why don’t we step outside and talk? There are too many people crowding around here. If we keep blocking the way, we’re no better than them."
"Haha! Well said. Come, let’s go outside together!" The old soldier laughed heartily.

Jiang Yu laughed too. "Here, let me help you."
The crowd moved outside.
On the way, the old man chatted with Jiang Yu.
"That song was beautifully sung," he nodded in satisfaction. "I joined the army at eighteen and never saw my parents again. That song moved me deeply."
Hearing this, Jiang Yu’s throat tightened, at a loss for words.
For people as admirable as these, no words could ever do them justice.
At that moment, he knew what song he would choose for his solo performance during the National Day celebration.
"It’s all right, it’s been decades," another old man remarked, walking up.
"Kid, you did well slapping that girl. If she were my granddaughter, I’d have given her a few whacks myself!"
"This young man suits my temperament!"
"Hey, I’m having a conversation with him, what are you lot crowding in for?" The first old soldier, Old Li, shot a glare at his friends. "You think it’s decades ago? Don’t spoil such a good lad!"
After scolding his old friends, Old Li turned back to Jiang Yu. "Don’t mind these old fools, kid. Remember what I said—think things through, don’t be too impulsive, all right?"
"I understand!" Jiang Yu nodded immediately. "Where are you all heading? Shall I give you a ride?"
"No need, we have our own bus!" Old Li pointed at a coach ahead. "How about we give you a lift instead?"
"Thank you, sir, but I have my own car," Jiang Yu said with a smile.
Old Li nodded. "All right, then. Let’s exchange contact details. If you ever need help, call me. I’ll sort things out for you!"
"Thank you, sir!" Jiang Yu grinned.
After parting ways with the veterans, Jiang Yu dialed a number.
"Hello, Elder Wang, I’d like to ask a favor."
"It’s about my solo performance at the gala. I’d like to request some footage."
"All right, thank you."