"Carrie, guess what I just received? A one-million donation! A full one million Federal currency!"
An excited female voice came from the other end of the phone.
Carrie was Igarie's nickname, formed from the last two syllables as an affectionate name used by close friends and family.
"Annie, slow down," Igarie said, somewhat confused. She glanced at He Ao, adjusted the headset hanging by her ear, and asked softly, "What one-million donation?"
Her headset leaked a little sound. With He Ao's hearing, it was not difficult for him to hear their conversation.
"Our relief association received a donation of one million!!! From a Federal Investigator—one million, Carrie! My weekly salary is less than a thousand right now. I'd have to go without food or drink for twenty years to save that much money."
Annie was indeed excited, so much so that she was almost incoherent. "Carrie, did you meet some rich young lady or young master out there? Did someone throw a fortune at you?"
"Calm down, calm down," Igarie hurriedly soothed her. In truth, the news had left her own mind struggling to process it as well. She quickly asked, "Annie, what's that person's name?"
"Let me see," Annie paused, seemingly scrolling through a screen. "Found it. The donor listed is Federal Investigator Ander, Ander Stikevich. Wait a second, there's a note underneath. I just saw it—"
The other end of the call suddenly fell silent.
"What's wrong?"
Igarie asked in confusion.
"Carrie, this Ander..." Annie hesitated before slowly saying, "this Ander is a Hero buried in Dumeier National Cemetery. This donation was made in his name by the heir to his estate. It's part of his pension."
The two of them fell silent at the same time.
"This money can't be used carelessly. I'll be right back."