The next day.
Morning.
Municipal Party Committee Family Compound.
At home, Luan Xiaoping, Father Qu, and Mother Qu waited anxiously. Dong Xuebin and Qu Yunxuan were no different; none of them had slept much all night.
"Xiao Ping, do you think Hui Lan can pull it off?"
"She went to the Capital City last night. There definitely won't be a problem."
"...Her family is?"
"They're all officials. As long as his family speaks up, Qian Qian will definitely be rescued."
"I hope so. My poor little granddaughter, suffering so much right after she was born."
As Luan Xiaoping and Mother Qu spoke, they began crying again. Seeing this, Father Qu's eyes reddened as well.
Dong Xuebin felt awful. He knew this was entirely his responsibility, so he did not dare say a word. He simply stood by the window, smoking one cigarette after another.
"Smoke, smoke, smoke!" Luan Xiaoping snapped at her son. "All you know how to do is smoke!"
Dong Xuebin paused and stubbed out his cigarette. "Mom."
"Think of a solution!" Luan Xiaoping complained. "What else can you do besides smoke?"
Dong Xuebin had no answer. He silently returned to his chair, his face looking terrible.
Suddenly, the sound of keys came from outside, and Xie Huilan pushed open the door and entered.
"Hui Lan's back!" Luan Xiaoping hurriedly asked, "How did it go, Hui Lan? Did you speak to your parents?"
Xie Huilan nodded slightly, looking somewhat tired. "I did. My father spoke with the higher-ups. The warship delivering the ransom should arrive tomorrow."
"That's wonderful!" Mother Qu said joyfully. "Qian Qian can come back tomorrow?"
Xie Huilan hesitated, then shook her head. "I can't guarantee that. Those pirates are very cunning. It'll probably be difficult to make them release the hostages on the spot. But