Chapter 204 - 87: The Top Star of the 60s Art Troupe (26)

Chapter 204: Chapter 87: The Top Star of the 60s Art Troupe (26)

"Comrade, are... are you really the hero, Huo Tianhao?"

"He looks like him, he really does..."

Although Huo Tianhao rarely appeared in public, some in the crowd had still seen him before.

Gazing at the tall, handsome young man, the crowd’s desire to simply watch a spectacle completely vanished. Overjoyed, they swarmed forward, pushing Xia Zhaoyun and her two children to the side.

"Little Hero Huo, you are truly great! That shipment back then was crucial to our factory’s future! Once that deal was secured, our factory was approved to import five advanced textile production lines. The factory’s profits doubled, and everyone’s wages have been getting higher year after year..."

"Little Hero Huo," one of the aunties even tried to kneel on the spot, wiping away tears as she spoke. "My whole family is so grateful to you. My youngest son was with you on that transport run."

"That route was so dangerous. But as his parents, we couldn’t let him selfishly refuse the assignment. If others could go, how could he be a deserter? Before he left with the transport, he had already written his will. It nearly broke our hearts, me and my husband. His father was so worried in those few days that he lost ten pounds from the stress..."

"I almost cried myself blind!"

"You’re our family’s savior..."

The rest of the crowd also sincerely expressed their gratitude, celebrating his return and wishing him and Little Xia a long and happy life together.

In that era, although people had their own little schemes and selfish thoughts, their hearts burned hot, like erupting magma.

Two years ago, the loudspeakers had broadcast the news of Huo Tianliang’s sacrifice. Many of the more literary employees conducted interviews and wrote articles that were read out by the announcer. For a whole week, everyone passed the time in sorrow, wiping away their tears.

Their reverence and gratitude for a hero was a feeling that transcended the mundane, a purity and passion rarely seen in people of their age.

Huo Tianhao helped the auntie up, but inwardly, he couldn’t help but mock himself.

’He suddenly realized an old saying was particularly true: birds of a feather flock together. He and Xia Zhaoyun truly were a match made in heaven.’

’In truth, ever since Tong Yuxiang had entered the Huo Family’s doors, a seed of resentment and hatred had been planted in the depths of his heart. As he grew up, he devised many ways to take revenge on Huo Xunchang.’

’This perfect escape was a plan he had plotted five years ago. After three years of quietly fanning the flames, everything went according to his design. He got the document severing their family ties and also let Huo Xunchang enjoy the taste of power that came at the cost of his son’s life.’

’He was a hero, one who had been sacrificed at a crucial moment in the factory’s history, single-handedly turning the tide and helping the Zhaoyang Clothing Factory reach new heights.’

’Everyone would remember his good deeds. Huo Xunchang would certainly get his wish, but he would also be constantly reminded that everything he held was bought with the sacrifice of his son. For the rest of his life, that man would probably never find peace or happiness.’

’Yes, at nineteen, he had still been just a young punk. The most vicious method he could come up with was to use his own death to punish that cold-blooded hypocrite!’

’But over the past two years, as his experience grew and his mind and character were further tempered and matured, he had been ready to let it go and completely cut ties with the Huo Family.’

’Who would have thought that this accident named Xia Zhaoyun would come crashing into his life? For the sake of the little vixen who had so rarely captured his heart, he had come back.’

"Auntie, it was what I had to do. Whether in times of war or peace, the development and progress of society always require people who are brave enough to explore and move forward. Sacrifices are inevitable."

"Now that I’m back, seeing all of your smiling faces is reward enough. Please, don’t say any more words of thanks. I believe anyone else in my position would have made the same choice."

"Speaking of which," his voice paused, and a look of shame crossed his face. "My ’sacrifice’ must have caused a lot of trouble for my work unit. I don’t know how much compensation was paid out, or how much special care was given to my family."

"Since I’m still alive and well, doesn’t that mean I’ve taken huge advantage of the organization?"

"These past couple of days, whenever I think about how my family has been taking advantage of the organization on my behalf for the past two years, I can’t sit still. I didn’t want to delay a single moment, so I came back with Xiaxia."

Xia Zhaoyun’s eyes widened as she tried her best to look sincere, holding back a laugh. ’This guy is an even better sweet-talker than I am,’ she thought. ’What happened to the silent, reserved man from before? Why do these supposedly heartfelt words sound so venomous?’

’Whatever benefits and advantages the Huo Family had gained because of him, they would now have to return every single one. They had no choice. After all, who could argue with Little Hero Huo, a man so upright he refused to take advantage of the organization?’