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墨書 Inktalez
Time always flies when you're busy, and before I knew it, another week had passed. To put it in a way that everyone in the military understands: one moment you're wide awake, working until lights out; the next moment, you close your eyes and stay alert. Training was gradually getting on track, with several Squad Leaders pushing their teams hard. No wonder we ended up last in the last training session; everyone was frustrated. I didn't blame anyone or mention the training at all. I simply told everyone that honor belongs to all of us, and it's up to us to reclaim it! I had already done my best to secure time for Strength Training and adaptation; the rest depended on whether everyone could rise to the occasion. I hoped to see results before my departure.
This wasn't about playing the victim or provoking anyone because I knew that if we continued to rank last in training, it wouldn't be long before I would be replaced. It's understandable; people nowadays are very results-oriented. No one will give you time; everyone is focused on performance. If you can't deliver, they'll find someone else. However, I was prepared for replacement. After all, many of my classmates were still at the Vice Platoon level, and it was already a miracle that I was Acting Company Commander.
Old Tang couldn't offer much help either; he just advised me not to rush. I always smiled at him, saying I wasn't in a hurry—I was just doing what I needed to do. As for whether I would continue as Company Commander, I didn't think it mattered much.
Before I knew it, Saturday had arrived. Since many things were already set in stone, there was no need to dwell on them. I planned to approve the soldiers' leave and go book a place for our gathering, but surprisingly, no one came to submit their leave requests today. Curious, I asked the Duty Squad Leader about it. He scratched his head and explained that everyone wanted to train more; they couldn't afford to fall behind again before the first phase assessment.
I chuckled at these kids; it must have been those Veterans who came up with this idea. The new recruits probably weren't too keen on it either, but under my management, the Veterans had learned that as long as they performed well in training and stayed out of trouble, life would be quite comfortable for them. They certainly wouldn't want another traditional Commander breathing down their necks. Fine then, let’s train!
So this weekend, I was the only one from the entire company going out. I felt a bit guilty about it, but since I had promised everyone to organize a gathering, I had to follow through. Now I realized how challenging it was to be a Unit Commander—especially without a family of my own; if someone had a family, it would probably be even harder.
Once outside the military gate, I took a Taxi and decided that meeting in the city would be more appropriate. For some reason—maybe because I've been in the army for so long—the thought of dining near the base made me feel uneasy.
After wandering around near the train station, I settled on Fire Palace for dinner. After choosing a spot and ordering food, I began calling everyone to gather them up. By the time I finished making calls, it was nearly eleven o'clock.
Well then! Just wait!
The first arrivals were Old Bi and Lulu; it had been months since I'd seen them together, and they seemed even more affectionate now. Lulu clung tightly to Old Bi's arm as they approached. Standing up with a smile, I teased her, "Lulu, why don't you just hang off Old Bi's arm?" She giggled and shot me an annoyed look while I quickly ushered them to sit down and joked with Old Bi, "So when's the big event?"
Despite Old Bi usually being playful with me, he seemed shy around his girlfriend. "Ahem, well... we're still planning!"
"Hahaha! You can be shy too!"
Just as I was joking with Old Bi, Ah Huang and Moya walked in together. They greeted everyone as they approached; love truly changes people—Moya's entire demeanor had transformed; she was no longer impulsive but much more composed than before.
The two women immediately sat down together, chattering away. I, Ah Huang, and Old Bi were sitting together, chatting while waiting for Zhang Xing to arrive.
It had been a long time since I gathered with my brothers. The conversation was lively, and Ah Huang looked at us enviously, saying, "You guys are amazing! You’ve already been promoted so quickly!" Old Bi chuckled and replied, "I’m not that fast; it’s Old Wang who’s quick. This guy became Acting Company Commander in just over a year!" I turned to Ah Huang and said, "Vice Captain of the Criminal Investigation Team—ha ha, you’re impressive too!"
Ah Huang shrugged and sighed, "Well, just like you, I’m only an acting officer!"
Old Bi and I exchanged glances and burst into laughter. Old Bi patted the table, still chuckling as he said to Ah Huang, "Looks like you’re in the same boat! You need to work hard and perform well to get promoted!"
At this point, I suddenly remembered something and asked Ah Huang, "By the way, how did that case from the TV station turn out? Did you find out who that person was?"
Ah Huang's expression grew serious. "We found out about Wei Qiu. He has a high school education and used to be a worker. After he was seven years old, he disappeared without a trace. If you hadn’t reminded us, we wouldn’t have thought he had obtained Japanese nationality. We’re still looking for him and have reported the situation to the relevant departments. They’re also searching for him in Japan."
Seeing Ah Huang looking a bit dejected was understandable; he had hoped to solve this peculiar case but ended up with no suspect caught, especially since it involved international matters. I thought for a moment and said to Ah Huang, "Don’t be pessimistic. I feel that Wei Qiu is likely still in China—maybe even in this city."
"How do you know?" Despite knowing some of the background, Ah Huang was still surprised.
"Just trust me! Be patient, my Vice Captain," I said with a mysterious smile.
Just then, a loud voice interrupted us. "Have you all arrived?! Sorry I'm late!" followed by a hearty laugh. We looked up to see none other than Zhang Xing!
It had been a while since we last saw him; Zhang Xing looked more energetic than before. Just as I was about to invite him to sit at the head of the table, he casually pulled out a chair at the end and sat down. "We're all brothers; there's no need for formalities!"
Old Bi teased him, "Oh look, the Fire Brigade Captain has arrived!"
Zhang Xing laughed heartily and waved his hand dismissively. "Come on now! Aren't you all acting commanders too?!"
I saw everyone had arrived and turned to shout, "Waiter, bring out the food and beer!"
As the dishes and drinks started to arrive, everyone began to eat, drink, and chat. I raised my glass first and proposed, "Let's toast to our long-awaited gathering!" Everyone eagerly lifted their glasses and downed their drinks. Old Bi then suggested, "Let's toast to everyone for meeting here!" Another round of drinks followed! Zhang Xing raised his glass again, saying, "To our progress!" And we drank once more!
After three rounds, the atmosphere gradually became lively. Ah Huang surprisingly took the initiative to raise his glass, saying, "A toast for Old Wang!" I couldn't help but laugh, "Why are you toasting me?" Ah Huang smiled and addressed everyone present, "I find Old Wang quite remarkable. You see, our meeting here is all related to him. Old Wang, I always feel there's something different about you!"
"Yeah, that's right!" Old Bi chimed in enthusiastically. "I also think Old Wang is amazing. Many things would be bland without him; wherever he goes, there's excitement!"
Xiao Mo Ya added at that moment, "Yes, I feel the same way. It's like there's an aura around him that changes everything nearby."
I laughed heartily, "It's not that magical! But I am truly honored to know all of you here. Come on, let's toast to friendship!"
"Alright, a toast to friendship!" Everyone raised their glasses as I called out, "One, two, three—cheers!" We all drank together again, including the two ladies who elegantly finished their drinks with great enthusiasm, drawing the attention of several tables nearby. Indeed, they were all spirited people. Lulu was someone I met at the bar; Xiao Mo Ya was competitive and had a strong personality—she could drink faster than I could!
"What were you just saying? Old Wang, it sounds like you're quite legendary! How come I haven't felt it?" Zhang Xing looked over at me. I smiled lightly and replied, "Old Zhang, don't listen to their nonsense. I'm not special at all; I'm just curious and stubbornly seek challenges. By the way, what made you switch to firefighting?" I changed the subject.
"Yeah, Old Zhang," Old Bi said in surprise. "You were doing well in the Special Police Unit; why did you leave?" Ah Huang looked at Zhang Xing with curiosity as well.
"Haha!" Old Zhang chuckled and said, "It was too tough in the Special Police Unit. To be honest with my brothers here, I planned to settle down eventually. My family keeps pushing me to date; I thought I needed my own life and circle of friends. So I informed my superiors and transferred to firefighting. It's not bad there; I deal with local matters more and get to know more local people. Who knows? Maybe I'll switch careers again in the future."
"Sounds like you've thought it through," Old Bi remarked thoughtfully.
"Anyway, we're in the same system now—public security and firefighting," Ah Huang smiled.
I felt a bit lost; these brothers were defining their life paths while I had no clear goals. With a sigh of reflection, I raised my glass again and said, "Come on, let's toast once more for Old Zhang's new journey!"
After a few rounds, the atmosphere became even livelier. It had been a long time since I practiced with Old Zhang, so I joked, "Old Zhang, how about we turn around and spar a bit?"
Old Zhang waved his hand vigorously while holding his drink. "Where's the time for that? I took leave this Saturday just to come out! Just got here, busy!"
Old Bi leaned in. "What are you busy with over there? The fire department's pressure shouldn't be too high during this time!"
Old Zhang set down his glass and replied, "You wouldn't know, but there's still plenty to do. Whether it's putting out fires or dealing with all sorts of odd and strange things, it all falls under our jurisdiction."
Xiao Mo Ya, with her curious nature unchanged, asked, "Zhang Ge, what kind of strange things do you have over there?"
Old Zhang pondered for a moment. "Actually, there are quite a few. Let me tell you about a strange incident that happened yesterday."
Everyone perked up at the prospect of a story and urged him to hurry up.
Old Zhang looked up at the ceiling as if reminiscing and slowly said, "This is truly a strange thing. Can you believe that people can spontaneously combust?"
(To be continued, more exciting content tomorrow!)
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