Chapter 6: Political Review (Part 2)

  After leaving the police station, the two drove straight back to Ye Yang's house. After ringing the doorbell for half a day, there was still no one at home. They had to start by visiting the neighbors according to the normal political review procedure, starting from the old residents to understand the situation.

  "Oh, you're talking about Xiao Ye? That's a good kid, we've watched him grow up since he was little. He's very filial and well-mannered. We're getting old, it's hard to carry things, in the past when I bought rice back, he would run into me after school and voluntarily help me carry the rice bags. It's rare to see city-bred kids like him who are willing to help others..." said Mr. and Mrs. Wang from downstairs to the two military officers.

  "Dajian, this kid is really emotional! He grew up with his grandma, very filial, and had a deep affection for his grandparents. Ah... when his grandma passed away, it was a huge blow to him. A good university student, every day getting drunk, wailing in his room, it's heartbreaking. We neighbors would sometimes hear him at night and feel our hearts ache... Ah, what a great kid..." A middle-aged man from the 4th floor.

  "Brother Jian is so nice, he started earning his own money in high school and every time he sees me, he buys me a Coke. In the summer, he often takes me fishing for small fish. When I was bullied by older classmates, it was Brother Jian who chased them away." "Exactly! Uncle Jian is the best, he loves me the most." The twin brothers from the second floor of Old Yang's house chimed in on the side. One of them is called Ye Yang and the other is called Shu Shu. It's hilarious.

  "Oh, you're talking about Ye Yang, right? That kid is quite loyal and has a good palate for me. I hold him in high esteem... If he follows me, I can definitely cultivate him into one of our own. I'll let him manage my turf, it's reassuring to have more people like that around..." A heavily tattooed, gold-chain-wearing, pompadour-sporting "big brother" chimed in beside Ye Yang.

  "Is that Ye Yangjian? The one with the long hair in a ponytail? Oh, that really handsome guy! He's so cool when he plays basketball, and many boys in our class admire him, a pioneer of extreme sports in China..." A high school girl who lives nearby.

  The squad leader listened to the surrounding chatter, his eyes wide with wonder, thinking to himself: "What kind of person is this kid? How does he have such good relationships? At the entrance of our house, all sorts of people from all walks of life know him."

  Iron Hammer was delighted on one side, it seemed that he had found a good candidate. Good communication and interpersonal skills were very important in their troops.

  "Yeyang Jian is my nephew, a born soldier!" The crowd dispersed, and a middle-aged, slightly chubby officer walked over. A shiny major general's insignia on his shoulder. Behind him followed Private Li and Colonel Jiang Hai, the regimental commander.

  "Commander! Company Commander!" Iron Hammer and Second Squad Leader immediately stood at attention and saluted, their eyes filled with respect.

  ……

  In a university basketball court in H city, the game is going on fiercely. It's already the last moment, the score is very close, one ball can change the whole result of the game. Cheers and shouts are rising and falling. The verbal sparring between supporters from both sides has entered a white-hot stage.

  "A group of girls shouted in high-pitched voices: 'Japanese system refueling ~ Japanese system refueling ~ You are the most handsome ~'"

  "Damn you! ~ Worshipping the whores of Xiao Niao Island Country ~ The boys from the Engineering Department will take them down! ~" A group of male students from the Engineering Department let out a thunderous roar.

  In the final stage of the game, Ye Yangjian quickly took the ball and rushed towards the opponent's basket after receiving a rebound from a teammate who had fought hard to get it. After shaking off the defender, he jumped high and scored a beautiful three-pointer, sending the ball into the hoop with a loud thud, finally securing the win.

  After falling to the ground, he didn't say a word, walked directly to the back of the basketball frame, lowered his head, with his back facing everyone, his shoulders shaking slightly, as if he was sobbing...

  "What's wrong with Da Jian? Is it a victory excitement leading to tears of joy?"

  "It can't be because you're going to leave us that you're feeling sad......"

  "Leave? Leave what?"

  "You fool, his uncle came to school yesterday and has already helped him drop out of school. I guess he'll be joining the army soon."