Chapter 121: The Kunlun Badge

"Is that so?" Li Xiaofei responded calmly, "Then let's wait and see."

Even if Tan Zhenwei was actually angry because of Tan Qingying's strange actions earlier, he wouldn't do anything to him. After all, Li Xiaofei was a good citizen who had recently donated a pure water source and become a contributor to society.

As for Zhao Bufan, did he think he had become powerful because of a few petty awards? He must have been kicked in the head by a donkey. President Li wasn't being reckless; he was confident.

Xiong Zhigang sneered, "It's truly hard to advise a damned ghost."

"Senior Xiong, why bother with him?"

"This poor wretch won't cry until he sees the coffin."

"In a while, he'll have his moment to cry."

The teenagers at the table became even more arrogant when they saw that Tan Qingying had seemingly given up on Li Xiaofei. Their words grew increasingly vicious, but the two Jiepeng girls remained silent.

Tsukiha Yaiba quietly observed Li Xiaofei, her eyes filled with curiosity. Tsukiha Yaiba was actually quite pleased with Li Xiaofei's predicament. Great Xia people always loved internal strife and couldn’t accommodate true geniuses.

This was fine. When Li Xiaofei was ostracized, slandered, and suppressed to the point of desperation, she would step in to resolve all his troubles. This might not completely win him over, but it would be a good start. Strength was important to truly conquer someone, but winning their heart was essential, especially for a genius like Li Xiaofei. Conquering him required a variety of tactics.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the next segment is the highlight of tonight's event, the formal award ceremony... Please remain silent as we invite Mr. Tan Zhenwei, the city leader of Liuhe Base City, to come on stage for his speech," announced the host in a loud and clear voice, prompting thunderous applause from the audience.

The next major segment of the banquet was about to begin, the awards ceremony!

The charity awards were a mere formality, since the awards given had little significance. But the upcoming awards were the true highlight of the night and were shrouded in mystery. It was said that the awards were added by the authorities at the last minute, and even the host family, the Ye family, hadn't received any accurate information in advance.

Now, the city leader of Liuhe Base City, Tan Zhenwei, considered the most powerful figure in the city, was finally about to reveal the mystery of tonight's prestigious awards.

Countless eyes focused on the main stage. A middle-aged man with graying hair and a commanding presence strode to the podium, his demeanor exuding authority without a hint of anger. He smiled and waved at the audience.

The applause grew louder. Tan Zhenwei raised his hand slightly, and the thunderous applause quickly subsided.

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Ladies and gentlemen, since the establishment of Liuhe Base City, it has protected over five million of our Great Xia's northwest citizens from the slaughter of star beasts and preserved the bloodline of the Yellow Emperor's descendants. This is the result of countless citizens' collective efforts. This city is what five million people call home."

"Everyone works tirelessly, day and night, to protect this home. Researchers risk starforce radiation to study star beasts. Technicians work in shifts in factories running around the clock to produce armor, equipment, weapons, and ammunition. Farmers cultivate various crops in enclosed artificial fields, striving to increase food production and eliminate hunger. Martial artists of all realms form adventure teams, leaving the city at dawn and returning at dusk, to slay star beasts in the wilderness. They eliminate threats and bring back resources for us."

"At the same time, students in schools shed blood and sweat in their cultivation. Teachers in schools pour their hearts into teaching and guiding. Never in human history have we been so united as we are today. And everything we do is for one purpose, to survive."

Tan Zhenwei's voice was loud, clear, and filled with emotion, stirring a deep sense of empathy among many in the audience. Li Xiaofei had a great deal of respect for the city leader, Tan Zhenwei. He had done some research on him and knew that many citizens of the base city held this city leader in high regard.

Since becoming the city leader of Liuhe Base City fifteen years ago, Tan Zhenwei had been diligent and hardworking, a rare practitioner of realpolitik. He was known for his integrity and strong work ethic. His governance was clear-sighted, and his contributions to improving the people's livelihood were significant, earning him an excellent reputation among the populace.

However, many of his policies had damaged the interests of the major families, leading to less-than-harmonious relations with the five great families over the past seven or eight years. Due to passive resistance from these families, Tan Zhenwei had faced numerous difficulties in recent years. His half-gray hair was proof of his struggles.

From Li Xiaofei's perspective as someone who had traveled from five hundred years ago, City Leader Tan was indeed a rare and commendable official who was both honest and strong.

At that moment, City Leader Tan's speech was finally broaching the main topic.

He declared enthusiastically, "At tonight's event, the city government will award ten citizens who have made outstanding contributions to Liuhe Base City in the past year with the third-class Kunlun Badge."

The moment Tan Zhenwei's words fell, the entire venue erupted in excitement. No one had anticipated that this mysterious award ceremony would be of such significant importance.

The Kunlun Badge was an award given by the government to individuals or groups who had made significant meritorious contributions. It was named after the sacred Kunlun Mountains of Great Xia Republic, and divided into three levels, each representing immense honor.

Holders of the third-class Kunlun Badge not only enjoyed great honor but also received various legitimate privileges reserved for distinguished contributors. These privileges included the ability to directly contact the city leader's office, participate in politics, represent citizens' opinions, oversee the actions of government agencies at all levels, and ensure corporate compliance with laws and regulations.

Most importantly, there was a certain level of personal protection associated with it. Any attack on a Kunlun Badge holder would be considered a challenge to the Great Xia government and would be met with extremely severe repercussions.

"They're actually awarding the Kunlun Badge."

"Even though it's just the third-class, it's something countless people dream of."

"This is truly enviable."

"I wonder who will receive it."

"If I could get such a badge, I could coast through life without worry."

The teenagers at the table all showed envious expressions.

"This is a real reward," Xiong Zhigang said, unable to contain his excitement. "One day, I must earn a Kunlun Badge to live up to the prime of my youth in Great Xia."

"Well said."

"Senior Xiong is truly our role model."

The other teenagers echoed his sentiments.

Li Xiaofei glanced at them but refrained from mockery. Whether they were sincere or not, at least in that moment, they genuinely aspired to earn the Kunlun Badge and revealed their youthful ambition. He wished their hearts could forever remain in this state. If so, Great Xia could truly achieve its great revival.

At that moment, City Leader Tan Zhenwei finally concluded his speech and began announcing the award recipients. The venue erupted in applause or gasps of surprise with each name he read.