The crowd bid farewell, discussing each other's merits and demerits, while the infatuated love of a woman stirred men's hearts.
He Gang and Jiang Zhifei led the Flying Tiger Cavalry Regiment to escort everyone, quickly withdrawing from the encirclement of the little devils. After walking out for dozens of miles, everyone was exhausted, so they gradually slowed down their pace. He Gang saw that it was now very safe, and said: "Commander, Guo Lianzhang, Chen Lianzhang, Chen Shizhang, you are all safe now, we will part ways here." Guo Yiming smiled and said: "He Gang, you little devil really have your skills. If you had come three or four days later, I'm afraid I, Guo Yiming, would have gone to report to the King of Hell." He Gang said: "Guo Lianzhang, this skill is not mine alone, it's all thanks to what I learned from you. You were my teacher, but now your strategy and wisdom seem to be declining. Isn't this a trap set by the little devils? How could you still fall for it?" Guo Yiming smiled and said: "It's not that my strategy and wisdom have declined, but rather your skills have surpassed mine. This is what they mean by 'the student surpasses the teacher'." Chen Guang said: "He Gang, I didn't expect your skills to progress so quickly. On behalf of the 343rd Regiment brothers, thank you for the Flying Tiger Cavalry Regiment's lifesaving grace." Jiang Zhifei smiled and said: "Chen Lianzhang, don't be too serious. We are all comrades-in-arms, helping each other is what we should do. As the saying goes, 'brothers in arms, fathers and sons on the battlefield', we are all one family after all." He Gang smiled and said: "This time, everyone's safe withdrawal was all thanks to Chen Shizhang's efforts. If the 13th Regiment hadn't launched a surprise attack on the little devils' eastern position, you wouldn't have been able to escape so smoothly. Chen Shizhang's contributions cannot be ignored."
Chen Gang burst out laughing and said, "Where, where, isn't this all due to He Zhengwei's clever plan? If it weren't for He Zhengwei's advice, I, Chen Gang, wouldn't have had such skills." Guo Yiming also laughed loudly and said, "Alright, alright, we're all one family, no need to flatter each other anymore." Chen Guang said, "I say, Old Guo, why does your speech sound so piercing? What's this about mutual flattery? Are you praising them or mocking them?" Guo Yiming smiled and said, "I say, Old Chen, don't stir up trouble, I'm telling the truth. He Gang laughed and said, "Alright, alright, everyone stop teasing us. Don't forget, if it weren't for our Flying Tiger Cavalry Regiment and the 13th Division working together to rescue you, you'd all have been captured by the little devils." Liu Chenzhou burst out laughing and said, "That's true, that's indeed the truth!" Guo Yiming smiled and said, "Brothers, I still have military duties to attend to, so I'll take my leave first." Jiang Zhifei said, "Commander Guo, we won't see you off then?" Guo Yiming smiled and said, "You all just focus on your work, no need to send us off. We'll part ways here."
Guo Yiming finished speaking and left with the Eighth Route Army Independent Brigade. Chen Guang said, "He Gang, I also have something to do, so I'll leave first." He Gang nodded and said, "Okay, I won't see you off either." Chen Guang then left with the 343rd Brigade.
Jiang Zhifei asked Chen Gang, "Commander Chen, how many casualties did your 13th Division suffer?" Chen Gang smiled and said, "My dear, this time we had the least casualties. We not only beat the little devils until they cried out for their fathers and mothers, but our division's casualties were also very small. Only 12 people died and 71 were injured. This is all thanks to Commissar He's clever plan."
He Gang smiled and said, "Commander Chen, don't flatter me anymore. Although you won a great victory this time and helped us a lot, I'm just a poor guy with nothing to reward you with. It's really not good enough." Jiang Zhifei laughed and said, "He Gang, you're really like Pigsy wearing glasses, pretending to be an intellectual. Rewards can only be given by superiors to their subordinates. You're not even in a high position, yet you want to reward others? Who do you think you are?"
He Gang's eyes widened in anger and he scolded, "I'm telling you, Jiang Zhifei, what business is it of yours if I say this?" Jiang Zhifei also scolded back, "You're a knowledge worker, how can you curse at people like that? What kind of person are you?"
He Gang retorted, "What kind of person are you, then?" Chen Gang hastily intervened, saying, "I'm asking you two, what's going on? Why did you start cursing at each other all of a sudden?" Liu Chenzhou laughed and said, "These two guys are like a pair of donkeys. Haven't you heard the saying that one saddle can't hold two donkeys?"
Chen Gang said, "No way, how can they work together for so long?" Liu Chenzhou smiled and said, "They must have their own ways, Chen Shizhang. I represent the brothers of the 11th Division to express our heartfelt gratitude to you. This time, thanks to your 13th Division's assistance, otherwise, our 11th Division might have been completely annihilated." Chen Gang said, "Liu Shizhang, no need to be polite. Half a year ago, my 13th Division was trapped in Linde, if it wasn't for your 11th Division's timely reinforcement, my 13th Division would have been finished long ago. This time, we can consider it even." Liu Chenzhou smiled and said, "Of course, but if one day our 11th Division is surrounded by the little devils again, you must come to our aid once more, Chen Shizhang." Chen Gang said, "Liu Shizhang, don't be so polite. From now on, no matter which division is in trouble, the other division will definitely come to its aid, because we are all Chinese and part of the Chinese army." Liu Chenzhou smiled and said, "Chen Shizhang, you're right. I've always known that you're a general who sees the big picture and takes care of the overall situation." Chen Gang smiled and said, "No need to be so serious, Liu Shizhang. If there's nothing else, we should also head back." He Qiang and Jiang Zhifei quickly dismounted their horses and shook hands with Chen Gang to bid farewell. Jiang Zhifei grasped Chen Gang's hand and said, "Chen Shizhang, I don't know how to express my gratitude. If it wasn't for your assistance this time, I'm afraid all of our troops within the encirclement would have been eliminated by the little devils. You are the true hero."
Chen Gang smiled and said, "General Jiang, don't keep praising me like that. I'm starting to get dizzy." He Guang smiled and said, "It's true, we're not just flattering you, General Chen. Who knows, one day our Flying Tiger Cavalry might be in a tight spot and we'll have to ask for your help." Chen Gang smiled and said, "No need to be so modest, Commissar He. If there's nothing else, we should get going too." Jiang Zhi Fei saluted Chen Gang and said, "Take care, General Chen. We won't see you off far." Chen Gang smiled and said, "Don't bother, I'll come visit your Flying Tiger Cavalry soon and we'll drink together until we're drunk." Jiang Zhi Fei smiled and said, "Sounds good. If General Chen comes to visit, I'll personally lead the cavalry to welcome him." Chen Gang said, "Alright then, let's go," and led the 13th Division away. Liu Chen Zhou looked at Jiang Zhi Fei and He Guang, smiling, and said, "You two are quite something. You've got General Chen all fluttered up." Jiang Zhi Fei said, "General, what are you talking about? We're genuinely trying to be friends with General Chen. What's this 'fluttered up' business?" Liu Chen Zhou said, "Fine, I won't argue with you two anymore. But I still want to thank your Flying Tiger Cavalry. If it wasn't for your timely assistance, my 11th Division might have really been done for this time. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave too. Until next time."
He Gang and Jiang Zhifei also gave Liu Chenzhou a military salute, and Liu Chenzhou led the 11th Division away. He Gang said, "They've all left, let's go back too." Everyone started walking back, and after a while, Xiao Chen said, "Commander, Political Commissar, isn't that Gao Feihua's Third Regiment over there?" The two looked up and indeed saw Gao Feihua leading the Third Regiment running towards them. Gao Feihua arrived in front of He Gang and asked, "How was it? Was this battle smooth? Were the 11th Division and the Eighth Route Army Independent Brigade, as well as the 343rd Brigade, successfully rescued from the encirclement?" Xiao Chen immediately replied with pride, "Of course! Our Political Commissar can be said to have used troops like a god. We not only rescued our friendly forces but also gave those little devils a good beating." Qi Tianzhu also laughed and said, "This time that dog Yamamoto Koji might get angry to death. Who would have thought we got under his nose? Those little devils really couldn't see us; they're all just a bunch of rice buckets!" Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.
Unconsciously, the sky had brightened up, and everyone chatted and laughed as they returned to Changfeng County. Everyone arrived at the troop department, and Jiang Zhifei ordered the troops to rest for three days. After resting for three consecutive days, both humans and war horses recovered their strength. Then, Jiang Zhifei said to He Gang: "He Gang, the weather is getting hotter and hotter. In my opinion, we shouldn't train anymore during this period." He Gang nodded in agreement, saying: "Okay, but we must order the troops not to leave the troop department casually." Jiang Zhifei nodded in agreement.
The weather was getting more and more sultry. One day, He Gang was deep in thought in his room when Gao Feihua walked in. However, He Gang was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice. Gao Feihua said: "He Gang, what are you thinking about? You seem so distracted." He Gang looked up at Gao Feihua and slowly said: "I'm thinking that the little devils have suffered several defeats at the hands of our Flying Tiger Cavalry Regiment. They must see us as a thorn in their side, and they will try every means to deal with us. From now on, we must be more cautious and careful. If we're not careful, we might fall into disaster." Gao Feihua said: "That's right, but I believe that with your wisdom, you'll definitely turn danger into safety and adversity into opportunity." He Gang smiled and said: "Feihua, you're overestimating me. I don't have such great abilities." Gao Feihua smiled and said: "I believe in my husband. You must be a wise and far-sighted strategist, as well as an outstanding military leader."
He Gang was shocked to hear this, and said: "Fei Hua, what are you talking about? Don't say such things again, do you hear me?" Fei Hua's eyes reddened as she sobbed lightly and said: "What, He Gang, have you changed your mind?" He Gang quickly looked around and said: "No, it's just that now is not the time to talk about marriage." Fei Hua sobbed lightly and said: "Don't keep making excuses. When will be the right time? I know that in your heart, you've always liked Fei Xue. Fine, I sincerely wish you both happiness." He Gang said: "Fei Hua, don't be like this. Emotional matters can't be forced. I know you're a good woman, but my heart has always had Fei Xue's image. I want to try to love you, but I really can't do it. How about this, Fei Hua? Can you give me some more time?" Fei Hua suddenly lifted her head and said coldly: "No need. From now on, I won't bother you again. We'll just be like strangers, or maybe we don't even know each other." After saying that, Fei Hua turned around and walked away. He Gang quickly grabbed onto Fei Hua's arm and said: "Fei Hua, can you give me some more time?" Fei Hua said: "I've already given you plenty of time. Are you waiting until I'm old and grey before you'll marry me?"
He Gang said, "Alright then, since that's the case, I'll announce our marriage next month. That should be fine, right?" Gao Fei Hua was shocked and asked, "What? Are you telling the truth?" He Gang nodded solemnly. Gao Fei Hua asked, "If you don't love me, why do you want to marry me?" He Gang looked up and said, "The reason is simple. We've already been together like husband and wife. I'm a responsible man, so I should take responsibility for you since we've done that. I also don't want to see you sad every day. When I see your expectant eyes, my heart really isn't at ease." Gao Fei Hua couldn't help but bury her head in He Gang's chest and burst into tears. He Gang said, "Fei Hua, I've already promised to marry you. You should be happy instead of crying!" Gao Fei Hua lifted her head and cried out, "He Gang, are you trying to comfort me on purpose?" He Gang smiled and said, "You're really hard to serve! If I don't marry you, you cry and get teary-eyed. But if I do want to marry you, you say I'm just trying to comfort you!" Gao Fei Hua exclaimed in surprise, "You're keeping your promise?" He Gang nodded. Gao Fei Hua said again, "You can never go back on this for the rest of your life." He Gang nodded once more. Upon hearing this, Gao Fei Hua was overjoyed and asked excitedly, "Then when do you think we should get married?" He Gang thought for a moment before saying, "I think October this year would be most suitable." Gao Fei Hua asked, "Why do we have to wait until October?" He Gang replied, "Right now, Fei Hu is still in closed-door training. I want to wait until he comes out and can attend our wedding ceremony. Isn't that a good idea?"
Gaofei Flower thought for a moment and said, "Yes, now Feihu is still in closed-door training. If Feihu can't attend our wedding, he will be very regretful." Gaofei Flower said again, "No way, what if you are snatched away by another woman?" He Guang listened and laughed, saying, "Silly girl, who else would snatch me? Besides, I am a man with thoughts, not some object that can be snatched away at will." Gaofei Flower said, "Alright, tomorrow you must clarify our relationship in front of everyone." He Guang said, "You're being too impatient. Don't worry, I won't run away." Gaofei Flower said, "Fine, but from now on, you are not allowed to flirt with other women." He Guang got angry and said, "Gaofei Flower, are you a bit overthinking? It's fine, just keep your heart in your belly. However, when there are others around, you should still be mindful of your words and actions."
