Chapter 179: Regiment Commander’s Thoughts
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“He’s a capable soldier. When he graduates from military school, I’ll need to come up with a plan to keep him within our unit!”
In the car, the commander of the regiment and the chief of staff were seated side by side. In this moment, the regiment commander grinned at the chief of staff and spoke these words.
The regiment commander felt a slight pang of regret that Wang Ye had declined the offer to become his secretary, but it didn’t bother him much.
Because, just as he had mentioned, Wang Ye was also a member of his Fourth Company.
His recent statement was a result of the shared dilemma faced by military officers in the past army. Whenever they encountered skilled soldiers, they would feel like they were losing them.
“Ah, you’re a remarkable soldier. It’s a pity that 1 have to let it go.” The chief of staff’s expression lacked any trace of a smile.
“Uh… Haha, let’s change the subject, let’s not dwell on that.
By the way, there’s a meeting scheduled at the division headquarters tomorrow. There’s also a certain training session spanning three to four days. You should attend on behalf of our regiment!”
The regiment commander avoided the chief of staff’s gaze as he said this.
This only served to further fuel the chief of staff’s discontent.
Who exactly was this guy?
Was he worried that she would annoy him over the next few days?
He actually found a pretext to send him off to the division headquarters?
And the strategy was so blatantly familiar.
That’s right!
It was indeed familiar!
In the past, when the second battalion commander had been a source of annoyance, he had even suggested to the regiment commander that the second battalion commander should be sent for training…
“Xiao Li, drive smoothly. I need to call my wife!” The regiment commander didn’t spare a glance at the chief of staff. After giving some instructions to the driver in front, he took out his phone and began dialing.
Hmm… he wasn’t quite sure what to say to his wife.
However, at this point, saying anything was better than enduring the awkward silence in the car while being prodded by the Chief of Staff to engage in conversation!
Fuck.
Back then, he knew that if Wu Jianfeng had come to his doorstep with a bad proposition, he would have slammed the door on him.
He’d taken quite the loss.
Yet, as he dialed the number, his thoughts drifted back to Wu Jianfeng.
He held the position of a capable company commander, but he had a streak of audacity. That rascal dared to dig a pit for himself.
Later, he’d need to address this properly…
Of course, he only aimed to impart a lesson.
For instance, he could assign him the task of cleaning the toilets…
Let him realize that there were consequences for his actions.
However, deep down, he didn’t harbor any animosity toward Wu Jianfeng.
On the contrary, he found himself developing a fondness for this company commander.
The military world could sometimes be remarkably straightforward.
Wu Jianfeng had dug a pit for himself and his troops, and it wasn’t a significant issue.
Hmm… The critical matter hadn’t come to fruition yet.
Instead, what he witnessed was a remarkable soldier and a display of profound camaraderie.
Hence, the regiment commander wasn’t feeling uneasy at all.
In fact, he took great satisfaction in having such dedicated officers and soldiers under his command.
Naturally, if Wu Jianfeng had orchestrated today’s mishap solely for his own personal gain, things would be different.
In that case, he would undoubtedly be in dire straits. He might even have to bid farewell to his captaincy and relinquish his military uniform.
Simultaneously, on the other side, the freshly enlisted recruits once again embarked on their road to training.
Marksmanship constituted merely a segment of their marching. Post shooting, they naturally needed to resume their journey.
This time, as they set off again, Wang Ye held the flag and led the procession.
Throughout the journey, Wu Jianfeng didn’t utter a word to Wang Ye.
It was as if nothing had occurred.
Yet, in reality, the rear views of the recruits from different squads remained fixed on the back of the group.
No one was stupid. After Wang Ye’s results were disclosed, in conjunction with the incident involving the target, the recruits exchanged discussions. Upon comprehending the circumstances, to be frank, it was impossible for them not to feel envious of Wang Ye’s treatment.
However, they were merely envious.
Because true jealousy was beyond their grasp.
Among the nine platoons, the highest score was forty-eight points.
A third-class merit. Technically speaking, although Wu Jianfeng’s primary motivation was due to Wang Ye, he had also given them an opportunity.
Regardless of their identities, they would undoubtedly attain a third-class merit if they managed to achieve a perfect score.
Furthermore, unlike Wang Ye, who earned a third-class merit, they wouldn’t inconvenience the regiment commander. The regiment commander would even gladly pin the red flower on them and pose for a photograph.
After all, their circumstances differed from those of Wang Ye.
But that achievement remained elusive for them!
Prior to the altercation, he was brimming with confidence, but post-conflict, he found his words coated in bitterness.
Under such circumstances, what was there to envy?
All he could do was berate himself for being so inadequate.
Around five in the evening, they exited the mountainous terrain and gradually came upon a residential area along the road.
Pedestrians and vehicles populated the road as well.
However, the recruits from the recruit company marched alongside the roadside, causing no disruptions to the local traffic.
In fact, the local residents were evidently intrigued and fervent about the arrival of the new recruits.
“Come, come… No need to stand on ceremony. This water is for you. Pause for a moment and take a sip before you continue!”
“Young brothers, you’ve gone through a lot. Don’t rush off. Auntie will fetch you some eggs!”
In reality, the army’s route was intentionally selected to avoid passing through towns.
For now, it was a village with a sparse population.
Nevertheless, as they passed by certain village homes, everyone was met with an extraordinary warmth.
There were even older women who returned to their houses with baskets of eggs, insisting that the recruits take them.
In the end, Kang Hua couldn’t refuse and bought the eggs.
Even though the older woman didn’t intend to accept payment, Kang Hua stood firm. He would either pay for the eggs or decline them, no matter what.
“Do you sense the locals’ enthusiasm?” Wu Jianfeng slowed his pace slightly and walked alongside Wang Ye. He inquired suddenly.
“Yes.” Wang Ye nodded. The locals were undeniably exceptionally warm.
“It’s because this region is close to the border.” Wu Jianfeng surveyed the surroundings and explained, “This area was even considered a frontline region during battles in the past. They witnessed the war and the sacrifices of soldiers firsthand, comprehending them on a deeper level. Naturally, they have a greater fondness for soldiers.”
Wang Ye remained silent. This rationale had crossed his mind as well.
“Mama… Are those… soldiers?”
As they passed another house, a toddler, no more than three or four years old, still clutching a toy, spotted Wang Ye and his comrades passing by their door. Standing at the entrance, he posed this innocent question to his mother, who held his hand.
“Yes! That’s correct, sweetie. These are soldier uncles who protect us. When Little Tiger grows up, he can wear clothes like theirs too. At that point, he’ll protect Mommy and everyone else, alright?”
“Okay!”
Clutching the toy, the child’s youthful voice rang out clearly.
Wang Ye had already moved several meters beyond them, but he couldn’t help but turn his head. Gazing at the little one fixated on the flag in his grasp, Wang Ye smiled and remarked, “Little buddy, I’ll let you carry Uncle’s flag in the future.”
“Okay!” The child gripped his toy and readily agreed.
“Alright, Uncle will be waiting!”
With a smile on his lips, Wang Ye halted in place and offered a quick salute to the child.
Behind him, Wang Ye had already resumed his stride, yet the little one promptly extricated itself from its mother’s grasp. Clutching the toy in its left hand, it raised its right hand to mimic Wang Ye’s salute.
While the salute might not have been perfectly executed, it prompted the recruits who followed behind to cast sidelong glances. It even caused the squad leaders walking alongside them to reciprocate with a salute as they passed.