Chapter Seventy-One Unexpected

  Wang Hong and others did not dare to disobey the orders of the military district command, so they ended the collection of personnel from wilderness survival training in the evening. The people who had been collected back accounted for about 80% of those who should have been collected back, which was almost enough. Maybe some soldiers didn't see the signal flare or it was fired too far away and they couldn't make it back in time.

  Wang Hong didn't have time to wait any longer, after arranging for people to stay behind at several gathering points, all personnel got on the vehicles. According to the headquarters' orders, they must return to their base in Guanglan City by tomorrow morning at the latest to await further instructions. Tonight, the reconnaissance battalion's officers and soldiers wouldn't be sleeping.

  "Lao Liu, you say the headquarters is in such a hurry to call us all back, even the troops can't finish gathering, is there something going on?" Wang Hong asked Liu Feng in the command vehicle.

  "You ask me, who should I ask? We both see the same order, and headquarters hasn't given me any separate orders." Liu Feng gave Wang Hong a white eye, he knew this guy was eager to have the opportunity to fight, so that he could get closer to his general dream. After taking a puff of smoke, Wang Hong said while spitting out cigarette butts: "I'm telling you, just forget about fighting for now. I've analyzed it, this battle won't start anytime soon. You don't think about it, if there's any movement, the newspapers and radio would have made a fuss already. Now there's no movement at all, so what you're thinking, is probably not going to happen."

  Wang Hong thought for a moment, stretched out his hand and waved it at Liu Feng: "Give me a cigarette."

  Liu Feng rolled his eyes and wanted to say something, but didn't say it. He was too lazy to take one out of the cigarette box, so he directly handed more than half a pack of cigarettes to Wang Hong's hand.

  Wang Hong lit a cigarette and picked up the topic again after a while: "You said our team's training this time has been prepared for how long? It's almost half a year, right? So much money was invested, but it ended in nothing. I don't know what those people at headquarters are thinking. If it's always like this, next year we'll be last again, and the two of us will probably have to move."

  Wang Hong's consideration is not without basis, after all, the Guanglan Military Region has been relatively peaceful in recent years. Moreover, within the controlled area, it does not belong to a strategic location, so equipment and funding are relatively tight. In recent years, the country's main efforts have been focused on economic construction. Except for some main direction troops, more emphasis is placed on strengthening the level of secondary strike, which is also an unavoidable thing. The country's economy is underdeveloped, and good steel can only be used on the blade.

  "Who says it's not? In the past few years, several military regions have started to replace them one after another. But our military region has not moved yet. Our reconnaissance battalion is a bit better, and Commander Chen can still get some things for us. The days of the troops below are much harder. I think this time the headquarters is so anxious to order us back, there must be something good. I reckon that Commander Chen will not let our training funds go down the drain." Liu Feng analyzed.

  "I think so too! Asking Commander Wang for money is like taking his life, if he didn't have anything going on, he wouldn't let us off so easily!" Wang Hong fiercely threw the cigarette butt out of the car window as he spoke.

  "Alright, we'll know everything once it's daylight. Get some rest while you can!" Liu Feng advised Wang Hong. At the same time, he instructed the driver: "Xiao Li, be careful driving and don't go too fast, keep up with the convoy. As long as we can get back to Guanglan City by tomorrow morning, that's fine."

  After finishing these, Liu Feng habitually wanted to smoke a cigarette, but when he touched his pocket, he suddenly remembered that the extra cigarettes were all given to Wang Hong. He looked at Wang Hong again, who was resting with his eyes closed. So he didn't ask Wang Hong for cigarettes again.

  It's worth mentioning that Liu Feng has a certain level of admiration for Wang Hong. The other day, when Wang Hong went to the hospital to discuss compensation with Lu Xiyan and her family, he found out that she had already been discharged after settling her bill, and even returned the medical expenses that Wang Hong had prepaid. Generally speaking, this would have been the end of it. Others who were injured and their families didn't make a big deal about the money, and since both parties bore some responsibility, the matter was considered settled. But Wang Hong thought about it for half a day and still felt that he should compensate the elderly woman somehow. For this reason, he even quit smoking. In fact, quitting smoking in the army is no easy feat! So Wang Hong started handing out cigarettes to whoever would take them. Liu Feng, who had the most contact with Wang Hong, became his free cigarette supplier. But Liu Feng didn't mind. He really admired Wang Hong's sense of responsibility. Nowadays, it's not easy to find a partner like Wang Hong who takes responsibility seriously.

  Unconsciously, Liu Feng also fell asleep. He didn't worry about the fleet's progress at night. The car would take care of everything automatically. Two drivers took turns driving, neither getting tired.

  The Township Enterprise Bureau is actually a very relaxed unit, especially for someone like Bao Yufeng who came from the county committee. No one knows if she's here to get rich or not, and with cadres like her, you have to be careful when using them. It's hard to say that one day she won't fly up high and become a phoenix. So when using Bao Yufeng, Director Li of the Township Enterprise Bureau is still very cautious. Considering Bao Yufeng's special situation, not only does she have a brother who is an officer in France, but also a nephew with British Hong Kong nationality, and it's said that she has a lot of money. Director Li is especially careful when using Bao Yufeng. Originally, the cadres at the Township Enterprise Bureau all liked going to the grassroots level, going down to take a look around. Everyone knows that if you go down, not only will you get subsidies, but you can also get treated to good food and drink. In the end, the grassroots units will even prepare some local specialties, so everyone in the agency likes going to the grassroots level.

  However, Bao Yufeng's situation was different. She was one of the people in the town enterprise bureau who never went to the grassroots level. Since she entered the Pan Shi County Town Enterprise Bureau, she had never gone down. Every time when arranging personnel to go to the grassroots level, everyone was already used to not including Bao Yufeng's name on the list. Director Li had instructed that as long as possible, do not arrange for Bao Yufeng to go to the grassroots level. Many people liked going to the grassroots level, and Bao Yufeng voluntarily gave up her place, which made her very popular in the town enterprise bureau.

  After answering the phone, Director Li of the County Township Enterprise Bureau was stunned for half a day. He had answered many calls from his superiors before, and usually handled them with ease. However, most of the time it was just related leaders from within the city or at least leaders with subordinate relationships who called him. But no one expected that he, a small county township enterprise bureau director, would receive a call from the provincial party committee leadership, and their attitude seemed quite strange. "How is Comrade Bao Yufeng's usual work attitude?" This was what the provincial party committee leadership was more concerned about.

  Today, when the director of the Foreign Affairs Office mentioned to him that a group of French people were particularly concerned about the work of Lieutenant Colonel Bao Yulin's sister, he thought it was because Bao Yu Feng was dissatisfied with her working environment and treatment, wanting to use foreign power to gain weight. This made the provincial party committee leaders extremely angry. If it were true, then this Bao Yu Feng or Bao Yu Lin would be too ignorant of good and evil, trying to achieve their goals through such means is simply despicable.

  Fortunately, Director Lan explained the situation and environment at that time, as well as his views on this matter. Director Lan felt that it was the personal behavior of Captain Martin, perhaps Lieutenant Bao had complained about something, making Captain Martin feel that he should help out a friend, and Colonel Henry and Mr. Charlie happened to be present, so they went along with it. However, no matter what, others have already brought up this matter, and Director Lan was also forced to take a stand at the time, so this matter must be handled as an incident.

  "Comrade Bao Yufeng has performed very well. She was originally the pen holder of the county party committee's secretariat, and since being transferred to our bureau, she has become a skilled hand in organizing materials. Many large-scale materials were mainly organized by Comrade Bao Yufeng. Our bureau leaders attach great importance to this female comrade, feeling that it is not easy for her to achieve this, especially given her complicated family situation. Her younger brother is a French military officer, and a nephew who has always been by her side is a Hong Kong resident. Recently, her mother was hit by a car from the troops and is now hospitalized in Guanglan City. To be honest, it's not easy for a big girl like her to achieve this." Director Li's words were carefully chosen before being spoken. On one hand, he spoke the truth. On the other hand, he felt that Comrade Bao Yufeng was able to shock the provincial party committee leaders into calling to inquire about her, which shows that she has already caught the attention of the provincial party committee leaders. In this situation, his attitude is clearly not a trivial matter.

  Director Li said this with a somewhat gambler's attitude. In his view, since the provincial party committee leaders personally called to show concern for a county-level cadre, they must have had some intention of promoting her. At such times, if he could give her a push, once she got promoted, she would definitely take care of some people in the county below. Even if she didn't get promoted because of his own reasons holding her back, wouldn't she hate him for life? So when introducing Bao Yufeng, it was basically just saying whatever came to mind without any ulterior motives.

  "In other words, you township enterprise bureau think that Bao Yufeng is capable at work and is a relatively responsible cadre? Is she a party member?" the provincial committee leader asked. This was also easy to understand, for a cadre, whether or not they are a party member is the most basic condition for evaluation.

  "Bao Yufeng has submitted her application to join the party several times, but her family background and conditions are relatively complicated, so our bureau's party committee is considering delaying her application for now." Director Li is the deputy secretary of the bureau's party committee and is still very clear about Bao Yufeng's application to join the party.

  "So, this comrade is still actively approaching the party organization? Your grassroots unit's handling of affairs is one-sided. If you could put yourself in others' shoes, you would understand. Take Comrade Bao Yufeng's notice, for example. The fact that she has repeatedly submitted her application to join the party indicates a problem with her stance. As for her family background and the issues with her brother and nephew, those are things she cannot choose. We communists are also born of our parents and have relatives. One's family situation does not represent their personal stance; they have no choice in the matter. So, get Comrade Bao Yufeng's materials in order and try to report to the provincial committee by tomorrow. The specific details can be discussed later."

  The provincial committee leader was still quite objective. He felt that as long as it wasn't something that Bao Yufeng or Bao Yulin had deliberately stirred up, then Bao Yufeng's problem could be easily resolved. Any unit couldn't just arrange for someone to take over? Bao Yufeng has this kind of background, and it would be perfect to arrange for her to go to the newly established provincial committee's office for attracting investment. That place needs someone like that. It also counts as helping Director Lan solve a headache of a problem.

  "Yes! We will sort out Comrade Bao Yufeng's materials today and send them to the Provincial Committee early tomorrow morning, please rest assured!" Director Li guaranteed.

  "All right, then it's settled. You handle things as soon as possible!" The provincial party committee leader said and hung up the phone.

  Director Li was stunned on the phone for a long time. What he is thinking most about now is the problem of one-sidedness in their work mentioned by the leader. As a government official, especially as a first-level government leader, he is particularly worried that his superiors will have a bad impression of him. The leaders come into contact with many cadres every day, and if they have a bad impression of someone or a unit, it is very difficult to change it. Today, the provincial party committee leaders criticized their Banshi County Township Enterprise Bureau over the phone.

  Director Li put down the phone and thought for a moment. Then he picked up the phone again, feeling that it was necessary to inform the bureau leaders and party committee members to discuss Bai Yufeng's application to join the party. If there were mistakes, they wouldn't be afraid of being pointed out by their superiors, and they could correct them quickly, which meant something. At least, the County Township Enterprise Bureau of Panshi was very concerned about and resolutely implemented the instructions of the Provincial Party Committee.

  Bao Yulin didn't know that Major Ma Ding had repaid him a great kindness, and even Colonel Hengli and Charlie helped him out without his knowledge.

  Bao Yufeng was even more unclear about it. She didn't know that her matter had taken so many turns.

  Just before the end of the morning shift, Director Bao Yu Feng was called to the office by the bureau leader. As soon as she entered, she found that both the director and secretary were present. They looked at her with observing eyes, making Bao Yu Feng wonder if there was something wrong with herself somewhere.

  Working in an official unit is like this, sometimes a word, an unintentional glance or an unintentional action may give the leader a bad feeling. After having such a feeling, it's very difficult to eliminate it. Bao Yufeng had experience working at the county committee secretary office and after moving to the township enterprise bureau, she was always extremely careful and kept a low profile, trying not to stir up any problems.

  "Director, bureau chief, what's the matter with you calling me? Is there a problem with my work? If so, please point it out and I will definitely make changes." Bao Yufeng's approach is to take the initiative. In any case, this at least shows your attitude, whether or not there is a problem, leaders will think that you are still very humble.

  "How's that? I'll say it, Comrade Bao is a good comrade, and she still puts her work at heart." Director Li didn't respond to Bao Yufeng's words, his words were directed at the secretary.

  "Not bad, there aren't many young people like that nowadays. He's sensible, generous and responsible with his work, I think he'll do!" said the secretary, nodding his head.

  Bao Yufeng felt uneasy. She knew the leader was talking about herself, but why were they saying this? Was there a problem with her work? Or had someone reflected something about her to the leaders? Bao Yufeng thought anxiously.

  "Comrade Bao Yufeng, I saw that you have written several applications to join the party. What do you think of our party?" The secretary spoke up.

  Bao Yufeng understood the tone of the secretary, of course, and knew that this attitude represented a formal conversation from the organization. She was very happy. Having worked in an organ unit for some time, Bao Yufeng was clear that joining the party was a necessary condition to do well in the unit. However, she was also aware of her family situation, with such a brother and nephew, and the distance between them was far away. But she had no complaints, applying was her own attitude problem, and examination was the leader's and organization's business. Her brother and nephew were not chosen, and it was an unavoidable issue.

  "Comrades, directors, you also know that since I started working, I have been actively approaching the party organization. It's not because I think joining the party will bring me any benefits. I just feel that as a young person of this era, I should have an active and upward side, and joining the Communist Party is the best manifestation of my progress. I am always learning from the revolutionary spirit and style of party members, hoping to mature politically as soon as possible." These are all clichés, but they do exist in movies, TV shows, and newspapers. And as a spiritual pursuit, Bao Yufeng also wishes to become a party member.

  "Well said!" The secretary praised Bao Yufeng. Then he looked at Director Li and said, "Director, I think Comrade Bao Yufeng's attitude and conditions are all right, I agree with your opinion."

  Director Li nodded: "Since the secretary has acknowledged it, it means I didn't misjudge. How about you say something?" On the party affairs table, of course, it's still better for the secretary to speak first.

  Secretary nodded slightly and seriously said to Bao Yufeng: "Comrade Bao Yufeng, we have considered your application to join the party, and think that your conditions are not bad. We can consider letting you join our party organization. I just consulted with the director, and both of us are willing to be your introducers for joining the party. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

  Bao Yufeng was overjoyed when she heard this, and of course, she understood the implication. With the Party Secretary and Deputy Secretary as her introducers to join the party, the group discussion would be basically a mere formality. In other words, her joining the party was essentially a done deal. How could anyone possibly disagree? "Thank you, Secretary! Thank you, Director! Please rest assured that after I join the party organization, I will continue to work hard as before and strive for even greater achievements!" Bao Yufeng promised.

  "The two of us are just your introducers, whether you can pass or not depends on the result of this afternoon's group discussion. However, as an old party member, I want to tell you that no matter when and where, inside or outside the party, we must work wholeheartedly for the party and for the people. This is the code of conduct and principle of our Communist Party members, you must remember it firmly in your heart!"

  "Comrade Xiao Bao, representing the Panshi County Township Enterprise Bureau, I have a request for you. No matter where you go in the future or what position you take on, I hope you remember that you are an official from our Panshi County Township Enterprise Bureau. Don't ever forget your roots!" Director Li said this with a smile, aiming to create a half-joking atmosphere. This afternoon, Bao Yu Feng's application to join the party will definitely be approved. The key now is that no one knows what step she will take next. However, judging from the situation, Bao Yu Feng's transfer is almost certain, and some words are more effective when said at this time.

  At this time, the Provincial Government's Investment Promotion Office, also known as the "Investment Promotion Office", had received instructions from the provincial party committee leadership. A female comrade who was transferred from a county below would come to the Provincial Investment Promotion Office for a period of time, first to handle the formalities and settle down, and then arrange specific work later. The provincial party committee needed to borrow her for a few days to assist with the work of the Foreign Affairs Office.

  With the provincial party committee leaders making arrangements, Bao Yufeng's matter became a special case. In less than two days, she had already met with Director Lan of the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and become one of his staff members.

  Many years later, Bao Yufeng still remembered when he led Bao Siguo and followed Lan Director to the training ground of Guanglan Armed Police Brigade, seeing his brother covered in sweat. The only thing that made Bao Yufeng uncomfortable was that Captain Martin, who was already so old, didn't care about being in front of people or not, and insisted on making a big deal out of some kind of French etiquette, kissing his hand in front of so many people. Bao Yufeng thought to himself, if it weren't for saving face for his brother at the time, he might have really given Captain Martin a slap on the ear. Although they all understood this etiquette, no one was as scary as Captain Martin.

  Wang Hong and Liu Feng were even more depressed. As soon as they rushed back to Guanglan City, the soldiers rested, but the two of them were ordered to wear armed police uniforms. According to the headquarters' command, for the next few days, both of them had to observe the situation of foreign troops on the grounds of the Armed Police Guanglan Branch. Try to learn something and come back.

  Wang Hong and Liu Feng still remembered that when they walked out of the headquarters wearing brand new armed police uniforms, everyone looked at them with a ambiguous smile. For the officers and soldiers of the field army, the moment they put on the armed police uniform, their worth was different.

  But facing these people, Wang Hong and Liu Feng still had to smile and explain.