402: Present your statement in Beijing

Imagine how many ordinary people would have the chance to fly on a military aircraft; thus, both of them were very excited throughout the journey.

When the plane landed, Yang Qi realized that it seemed to be a military camp. Moreover, it must have been of a fairly high level, as he could see fully armed soldiers on guard from time to time.

The two of them were led into a building and entered a room. Seven or eight people were sitting in the conference room, with a middle-aged man in his fifties sitting right in the center.

As the two walked in, everyone fixed their eyes on them. This caused Yang Qi and Bai Xue's hearts to race; they were quite nervous.

"Please, have a seat!"

"Comrade Yang Qi, Comrade Bai Xue, hello. I am Tang Bangqiang. First of all, on behalf of the country and the government, I would like to thank you for your contributions. Secondly, I would like to hear the details of how this event transpired."

The middle-aged man looked at the two with a kind and amiable expression and said,

"Don't be nervous, take your time."

Yang Qi hurriedly stood up and said:

"Hello, Leader. It happened like this: that day, we arrived near the Zhongsha Islands..."

He recounted how, after fishing that day, he and Bai Xue went diving to catch Sea snail and pick up White Butterfly Shells, and then accidentally discovered the boxes.

Then he explained how they continued to search for more boxes, which led to the accidental discovery of a shipwreck located in the waters of the Philippines.

He described how, during the exploration, they found that small box in the captain's cabin.

He told them how the two of them spent over two days salvaging the items from the ship's hold.

He even mentioned the grain that appeared to have rotted away and the paper cultural relics. This included the items that had survived inside the iron boxes, which the two of them had transferred into those empty boxes.

Because these things simply could not be hidden, nor was there any need to hide them.

However, they certainly couldn't mention the fact that the two of them had performed the salvage dive without equipment; otherwise, they might be taken away to be sliced up for research. Even the specific number of treasure chests was stated by him as twenty-seven.

Fortunately, there were two sets of professional deep-diving equipment on the setting sail. Yang Qi had bought them as cover after the first time he salvaged a shipwreck, and they had never been used.

This was all verifiable, and Yang Qi believed the state must have already checked it.

"Leader, please forgive my selfishness, but we privately kept four boxes of gold bricks and one box of gold jewelry."

In the end, Yang Qi took the initiative to confess that they had kept five boxes of items. His expression was full of embarrassment.

The leader looked at him with an 'as expected' expression, then smiled appreciatively and said:

"In just two nights, the two of you, using simple machinery, managed to quietly salvage twenty-seven boxes of treasure from over 150 meters underwater. It was truly not easy."

The leaders of various levels sitting in the conference room also nodded in agreement.

"I believe the two of you put in an immense amount of hard work and effort. Yet you only kept a mere few boxes of treasure for yourselves, while taking the initiative to hand over the vast majority of the rest to the country. Not to mention that specific item."

"Rest assured, those remaining items will henceforth be your legal private property. No individual or organization shall covet them."

"The things you have handed over to the state are enough to show that you are both noble-minded, patriotic, and party-loving good comrades. On behalf of the country and the government, I thank you!"

After saying this, the middle-aged man took the lead in standing up and applauding. For a moment, thunderous applause filled the conference room.

Yang Qi and Bai Xue stood up hurriedly, overwhelmed by the unexpected favor and not knowing what to do.

"Comrade Yang Qi, since this matter involves many different areas, some things are not suitable for public disclosure."

"In a while, there may only be some private commendations for you. Also, rest assured that the country will not mistreat any meritorious official. If you need anything, come to us."

"Alright, I see that staying here with us old men makes you uncomfortable. I'll have someone see you out of the military camp. Xiao Long is still waiting for you outside. Go on!"

After saying this, he waved his hand to have someone lead the two of them away.

Only then did Yang Qi remember that this person should be Tang Long's second uncle. He had been too nervous just now to think in that direction.

The two of them stood up, bowed, and left the conference room. A soldier who had been waiting at the door for a long time drove a military vehicle to send them out of the camp.

Yang Qi and Bai Xue looked at each other and smiled. This matter had finally settled; the remaining affairs were not something they could participate in.

"Hahaha, Ah Qi, you're finally out! I've been waiting until the flowers have withered!"

Upon arriving at the main gate, just after getting out of the car, they saw Tang Long getting out of a nearby vehicle and walking excitedly toward them.

"Thank you!"

Yang Qi said a word of thanks, took the suitcase from the soldier, and went to meet Tang Long.

"Brother Tang, thank you so much this time!"

Yang Qi said with a smile.

"Saying that! Are you not treating me like a brother?"

Tang Long feigned unhappiness.

"How could that be? I definitely consider you a brother."

"Then don't say such things. Let's go, let's go, get in the car and leave this place quickly. This place is too serious."

"Since everything is settled, you two should stay in the Capital for a few more days to have fun. Now, I'll take you to eat."

Tang Long immediately ushered the two into the car to leave.

"It's freezing cold; staying for a few more days is probably out, but eating is fine. I really am hungry."

"It's better to wait until the weather gets warmer after the spring starts to come back and have a good time for a few days."

Yang Qi said with a smile.

"Since you're already here, you have to stay for at least a few days before going back, right?"

Tang Long invited them again.

"Alright then, we'll stay for three days. Will that delay your business?"

Yang Qi asked.

"How is that possible? Since you two are here, even the most important matters have to be pushed aside. My task for the next few days is to accompany you two well."

At this moment, Tang Long truly looked like a typical Capital chatterbox. From the moment the two got into the car, his mouth hadn't stopped yapping.

"What would you two like to eat for lunch?"

"I only know Quanjude Roast Duck, Donglaishun Instant-Boiled Mutton, and Kaorouji's Mutton Skewers. I don't know anything else, so you arrange it."

Yang Qi said.

"So you like these century-old brands! No problem, we'll go through them one by one. I guarantee I'll arrange for you to try them all over the next few days."

Tang Long said while driving.

"It's mainly because I haven't heard of anything else!"

Yang Qi's words made Tang Long burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, no problem. I'll arrange the rest, and I guarantee it'll be handled perfectly."

They had originally planned to stay for three days, but in the end, they stayed for five. Tang Long accompanied Yang Qi and Bai Xue to visit famous scenic spots such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace. They also tasted many Capital delicacies.

Five days later, the two of them arrived at the airport with many gifts prepared by Tang Long.

"Ah Qi, come back to visit when spring arrives, and bring your parents along next time."

At the airport, Tang Long bid them a reluctant farewell.

"Alright, we will definitely come. I'll have to trouble you then. Also, when you're free from work, let's go fishing in the South China Sea."

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