Chapter 14

  Dear loved one, please meet with me before I die.

  Author's note

  December 1st, 2005, morning, base medical room.

  Shao Hui, that night we achieved a glorious victory. The next day when we went out to take a look, there was quite a bit of blood on the snowy ground. I reckon many people were killed, and it can be considered as avenging you. You can rest in peace now. Here's a box of cigarettes that I got from our captain, have one whenever you want to smoke. Liu Junhao gently placed the box of cigarettes in front of Shao Hui and turned around to leave.

  Anything in moderation is extremely good, even poison, when injected into a critically ill patient in moderation can save a life. But once it exceeds the limit, even the most beautiful thing will turn into evil. Conversely, just like this snow.

  The snow fell for two whole days, starting with a gloomy and ominous tone, but now the snowflakes are like dancing spirits, crystal clear and transparent, bringing a touch of icy purity to this world filled with smoke and fire. The sky and earth are crisp and refreshing, stretching out endlessly.

  The team members were admiring the snow scene. As the saying goes, "the benevolent see benevolence and the wise see wisdom." Zhao Zhenghao said that it was very difficult to hide one's tracks in this weather. Zuo Ming said that the snowfall was just right for a city battle. Wang Jianbin said that watching the snow at sea, the sky and sea were vast and mysterious, and fighting would be full of romantic atmosphere. Kong Huitian and Yin Mo thought to themselves that if they were in the army, they wouldn't have to train on a snowy day like this. At this time, Liu Junhao walked up to Zuo Ming's side with a heavy gait, and Zuo Ming didn't move, only asking: "How is Shao Hui doing?"

  It's okay, just can't speak. After Liu Junhao joined the team, he took off his gun and started practicing with it behind his back. He looks fine, but has a few stitches on his body that can't move, and there are also some on his face, probably leaving scars.

  Did you comfort him? Zuo Ming maintained his shooting posture, but his eyes were still staring at the distant majestic snow-capped mountains.

  No, let him rest in peace, we'll visit him again when we have time. Liu Junhao's eyes also gazed into the snowy mountains, lost in thought.

  Little Black

  Huh?

  Where is your hometown?

  What's wrong with Hunan?

  You must be the language teacher's proud student!

  Hehe, no, but my language teacher is also my class teacher, and she's especially nice to me.

  If I don't have time to go to Hunan in the future, would you mind helping me out by slapping those two for me? Thanks in advance.

  ……

  Shao Hui stared blankly as Liu Junhao walked out the door, his heart repeating: Grandson, come back, grandson, come back...

  The door creaked open and two people came in. It was Su Yuesong and the old director who had come to visit him together. Shao Hui struggled to sit up and speak, but was stopped by Su Yuesong: "Don't move! Just lie down." Shao Hui wanted to greet them with a smile, but his mouth twitched and the wound on his face throbbed in pain, so he gave up. Su Yuesong brought over a jar of freshly cooked eight-treasure porridge and sat beside him, spoon-feeding him one spoonful at a time. Shao Hui's Adam's apple moved slowly as he swallowed with difficulty, and Su Yuesong couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness:

  Child, you have suffered...

  Shao Hui swallowed another mouthful of porridge with difficulty, his eyes fixed on Su Yue Song, as if he had something to say.

  Kid, I know what you want to say. It's my fault as the team leader for not taking good care of you guys. That's just how it is for us soldiers - either we spend a few peaceful years at home with our wives and kids by the warm stove, or we burn out on the battlefield, leaving scars all over our bodies that are also badges of honor. Those scars are our special forces' medals, and only the brave have the right to wear them! Su Yue Song kept talking as he fed him the entire can of porridge without stopping. He slowly covered the thermos and stood up, saying "The doctor said you just had some superficial injuries, nothing serious. You'll be fine after a few days of rest. Take care of yourself during this time, and don't hesitate to ask for anything you need. I'm waiting for you to complete your next mission."

  Su Yue smoothed out the corner of his quilt and followed Director out the door.

  Shao Hui gazed at the slightly closed door with tears in his eyes: Don't stand and talk, it's not good for your waist. Where is the salted vegetable?

  Hai! The captain is here! Wang Hongtao issued a warning.

  The team members' gaze quickly shifted from the snowy mountain top to the target in front of them, and the topic that was born from the snow also came to an abrupt end. Su Yue-song walked slowly from a distance, saw the neatly lined up team members standing in the accumulated snow that didn't pass their calves practicing shooting, and couldn't help but praise: "The younger generation is indeed formidable! It's truly an iron-clad team!" Su Yue-song revealed a faint smile after hearing this, he came to the front of the team and looked at each member one by one, nodding lightly: "Everyone please take a short rest."

  With a clang, all the guns dropped simultaneously, their muzzles motionless and pointing at the ground.

  This afternoon, our factory's personnel will go to De Kro town to deliver some comfort goods. At the same time, let everyone take a look at the surrounding terrain. Here, I require everyone not to wear military uniforms, not to carry rifles, and to hide pistols in their clothes. Listen to the instructions of the staff and do not move around randomly. It is also not allowed to have conflicts with local personnel. Does everyone understand?

  Got it! The team members quickly gathered their footsteps and stood at attention.

  After Su Yue-song finished speaking, the old director walked to the front and stood in the center of the team. Seeing that the team members were training without gloves or hats in the severe cold, the old man also took off his hat: Children, I thank you on behalf of all the employees in the factory! You are the most beautiful people in the world! The old man's lips trembled, not knowing how to express his heartfelt gratitude.

  Su Yue-song said beside him: Director, this is what we should do, don't be so polite. Unknowingly whether it was excitement or the language couldn't express his feelings, the old man suddenly bowed deeply to the team members:

  Thank you!

  Su Yue Song hastily went forward to support the old director: "Old brother, what are you doing! The children can't take it, hurry up and get up..."

  Clap...clap...clap...... The team members simultaneously relaxed their rifles and applauded in return to the old director.

  Attention! Su Yuesong shouted loudly. The military salute was raised in unison. The old man walked forward and hugged everyone one by one, after which Su Yuesong supported him as he left.

  Right, the factory has tailored two sets of local long gowns for each of you, go to the office to pick them up after roll call. Su Yuesong said as he turned around.

  After the two left, the team returned to calmness, and everyone raised their guns again to practice standing posture aiming.

  This is the first time someone of this age has kowtowed to me, I really can't take it. Wu Yan said.

  Yes, Director Lao seems to be under a lot of pressure. Such a large base in such a dangerous place, he's been able to stay here for so many years, it's really not easy. Zhao Zhenhao said thoughtfully.

  "Hmm, but he bowed his head just to express his inner feelings. If he didn't do that, he would feel uncomfortable too, right?" Zhang Weize asked.

  Yes. Zuo Ming's answer was very brief. He recalled the task two years ago, an old man kneeling under their guns, constantly knocking his head on the ground, the sound still echoing in his ears, constantly striking the hidden soul within their numb bodies.

  Alas, if Shao Hui were here, it would be great. Zuo Ming suddenly heard a voice that made his heart tremble with fear, and he nervously glanced sideways, indeed, Liu Junhao was talking eloquently: In fact, Shao Hui's contribution is the greatest, without him we wouldn't have been able to win so smoothly, Director should be most grateful to him, this achievement would not have been possible without him.

  The words were very reasonable and righteous, Zuo Ming let out a sigh of relief, this time finally did not appear in the world.

  After we finish training, I'll go to Shao Hui's place and return the director's gift to him. We can't just let him get hurt and lie there waiting for his heart to cool down...

  Zuo Ming's heart was racing wildly, he pulled out his left hand to cover his mouth and asked: Are you going to kowtow three times?

  No need, one is enough.

  Do you still smoke?

  I gave him a pack and let him smoke it himself.

  Three will be enough, light them up and hand them over to him vertically.

  Isn't that for dead people? Liu Junhao finally reacted.

  Good heavens! Strike him dead with a thunderbolt! Zuo Ming didn't bother with him again, raising his hands high and shouting loudly at the sky.