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墨書 Inktalez
"There's no time to talk on the phone. Come back immediately and hold an emergency meeting," Old Tang said urgently, lowering his voice.
"Got it! I'll be right back," I replied without hesitation.
"How long is 'right back'?" Old Tang pressed, his serious nature evident.
I estimated briefly, "Ten minutes! Ten minutes to the main entrance!"
"Just head straight to Battalion!"
"Okay!"
After hanging up, I quickly made a decision in my mind: I had to give up the competition.
There's no denying that I longed for first place. After all this time, it would be a lie to say I didn't care. Moreover, with Soaring Dragon's withdrawal, not only did it give Shen Han a significant advantage, but it also opened up great hope for me. Isn't that right? When you discover that the obstacle between you and victory has vanished overnight, the feeling that rises within you is not just surprise but also yearning and ambition.
But time was of the essence. I knew very well that Shen Han and I couldn't determine the outcome in just one or two rounds; we would need some probing and exchanges before a victor could be declared. However, that would interfere with the urgent mission. I understood Old Tang's character very well; I had taken leave to be here, and he wouldn't joke about something like this—there must be a real emergency.
Alright then, Shen Han, congratulations!
Having made up my mind, I glanced back at Shen Han in the arena and couldn't help but smile wryly. This must be fate, right? Just moments ago, I was puzzled by Soaring Dragon's withdrawal, and now I had to withdraw as well. Shen Han would become the last person standing on the field.
Old Bi noticed my daze and perhaps sensed something was off. He walked over with a grin. "What's wrong? The soon-to-be champion, the top expert of All Military Regions' equipment—how does it feel to have that title within your grasp?"
I frowned and pulled Old Bi aside. I quickly explained my situation and asked him to find Old Ma to submit my forfeit on my behalf, as well as to help explain things to everyone.
It wasn't that I was afraid of explaining myself; it was just that there wasn't enough time. If I went out there, I'd only get caught up in endless questions from everyone. Besides, given Shen Han's temperament and personality, he probably wouldn't accept this outcome easily. It would only lead to more chaos; better to withdraw quietly!
I hurriedly ran to the door, and just as I was about to step out, I turned back for one last glance.
Shen Han, Luo Luo, Qizi... my friends whom I met during the competition, farewell! Friends! Though I felt a bit reluctant, I knew that parting was for the sake of a better reunion next time!
Until we meet again! I silently wished everyone well in their future endeavors as I turned and dashed out of the Venue.
There was nothing to take; everything was in a single backpack. I hailed a taxi at the entrance of the Provincial Military District, told the driver the address, and asked him to drive as fast as possible.
Since I didn’t have time to change clothes, I was still wearing my training outfit. The driver glanced at me and said in a thick Changsha dialect, "Are you in the military? In a hurry?"
"Yes! Emergency mission returning to base. Can you go faster? No, the faster the better!"
"Alright!" The driver stepped on the gas, and the taxi roared off.
That taxi driver was impressive; he navigated through the streets and alleys, taking just a little over ten minutes to get me to the entrance of the base.
After paying the fare, I rushed through the gate and headed straight for the Battalion.
"Where's the Company Commander?! Has Wang Wei not returned yet?! Tang Instructor, do you believe I'll hold your entire company responsible for delaying military matters?!"
As soon as I reached the bottom of the Battalion building, I heard the voice of the Company Commander coming from the meeting room on the first floor. Hmm, there were also sounds of someone banging on a table; the Company Commander was furious!
"Report!" I steeled myself and walked to the door of the meeting room. Everyone turned to look at me with expressions of relief.
"Damn it! You finally came back?! Out having fun?" The Company Commander stood up angrily.
"Leader, didn’t I ask for your permission before going out?" I thought to myself.
"Damn it! You! Yourself! How many nights have you not come back?! Do you think I don't know?! When I approved your going out, it was meant for you to come back! You dare to stay out overnight for a local event?! Do you think I don't know?! Do you believe I will report this to the authorities?! Look at everyone waiting for you, do you understand?"
The Company Commander slammed his hand on the table and entered a furious mode once again.
I stole a glance around the room; indeed, all the Battalion officers were present. Several Unit Commanders surrounded the conference table, while Vice Platoon leaders and squad leaders lined the walls, all watching the Company Commander scold me as if they were enjoying a show. This was quite embarrassing.
"Yes, I know I was wrong!" I dared not breathe too loudly. Although the Company Commander was from my hometown and valued our connection, he was a person of principle—decisive and hot-tempered. When he got angry, he would not recognize anyone. It was best not to go against him at this moment.
"I'll deal with you later! Sit down; I'm going to start the meeting," the Company Commander said fiercely.
"Yes!" I let out a sigh of relief as if pardoned. I had run here without daring to catch my breath, and as I sat down, I began gasping for air. While catching my breath, I looked around and noticed that besides our battalion, the Technical Company Commander was also present. What was going on?
Old Tang pushed a glass of water towards me and glanced my way. Leaning slightly closer, he whispered in a voice barely above a whisper, "I didn’t snitch on you. The Company Commander has been checking on you for three nights in a row, visiting your room every night. Who do you expect to help you lie in bed? Sheng Xiong? He doesn’t seem like the type."
"Alright, it's not your fault," I replied. I knew how the Company Commander operated; when he yelled at you in person, it meant he wasn't planning to hold it against you anymore. Unlike some people who would smile in your face but stab you in the back as soon as they turned away—those kinds of leaders were truly troublesome.
"Ahem!" The Company Commander shot a glare at me and Old Tang. "Time is tight; I'm not going to waste words. Let's get straight to the point. An emergency meeting has been called for all camp officers to convey an urgent mission!"
The Company Commander’s expression was very serious. "Half an hour ago, we received notification from higher-ups that the entire camp is entering an emergency situation. After this meeting, everyone should prepare accordingly—pack weapons, equipment, and personal supplies. Each unit should send someone to logistics to collect rations; we will depart by bus at 1 PM."
As soon as the Company Commander finished speaking, there was an uproar below as everyone began discussing among themselves. "What happened?" "Flood control disaster relief?" "Do we really need to bring everything for flood control?" "Is it just our battalion?" Someone even asked incredulously, "Are we going to war?" "Pfft! If we were going to war, it wouldn't just be our battalion!"
The Company Commander slammed his hand on the table again. "What are you all doing?!" He scanned everyone with his gaze. "Let me give you a hint: according to the Deputy Chief of Staff, we are temporarily participating in a Military Exercise."
Military Exercise?! Everyone stared wide-eyed; even the oldest Vehicle One Squad Leader couldn't help but ask, "We have drills every year; what's so special about this one that makes it so urgent?"
Indeed, didn't we just have one in Guangxi last year? There wasn't this much urgency then either. To be honest, as technical troops, we didn't have many tasks anyway. I wondered why the Company Commander was so anxious this time.
"According to the telegram, this Military Exercise is a Live Fire Exercise with the code name: Thunder," the Company Commander stated clearly and deliberately.
“Ah!!” The conference room erupted in excitement. A Live Fire Exercise! We had never had the chance to participate in one before. In an instant, images from old TV dramas flashed through my mind: Joint Reconnaissance, clearing the Battlefield Fog; Air Superiority, various Fighter Jets engaging in Aerial Combat; Key Area Air Defense, the Anti-Aircraft Network guarding the Low Altitude Blind Spot; Red-Blue Confrontation, both sides locked in fierce combat; Live Ammunition Inspection, Moving Tanks becoming Live Targets...
“A Company Commander!” The voice of the Company Commander boomed like thunder in my ears, pulling me back to reality.
“Ah, yes!” I instinctively stood up.
“Stay behind after the meeting,” the Company Commander said.
“Yes!” I was still processing what was happening and asked blankly, “So, where are we going?”
“Alright, no need to guess. Someone will coordinate at the train station, and we'll know where to go then,” the Company Commander glanced at his watch. “It’s just past 10 o'clock. I’ll give each Unit a little over an hour. We’ll gather at 11:45 for the Entire Camp. Get ready! Meeting adjourned!”
“Yes!” Everyone stood up respectfully.
I told Old Tang to go prepare while I stayed behind to wait for further instructions from the Company Commander. He was busy at the door discussing details with a few other Commanders when my phone vibrated.
I took it out and saw a text message from Old Bi.
Opening it, it read: Shen Han may have come in first, but he’s really angry and feels like you let him win. He’s demanding a fair rematch with you. The others think I’m not much of a friend for slipping away quietly. Fortunately, Old Bi cleared things up, and everyone agreed to meet again when they have time. Old Bi is staying there for a farewell lunch with everyone at noon. They’ll leave their contact numbers with Old Bi, who will pass them on to me later.
I smiled; the biggest gain from this event was making these friends. Thinking of this warmed my heart.
At that moment, the Company Commander walked over. “Wang.” His tone was much softer now.
“Here!” I stood up.
“Sit!” The Company Commander gestured for me to take a seat as he plopped down next to me and pulled out a cigarette to smoke.
“Why are the Company Commander and the Technical Company Commander here?”
“I’m just as puzzled,” the Company Commander exhaled a puff of smoke. “If it were Flood Control on a rescue mission, I wouldn’t be surprised, but it’s clearly a Drill now. What do we need the Technical Company for? We don’t have any new equipment to use.”
“Company Commander, don’t think too much about it. You’ll understand when you get there,” I reassured him.
“Wang, your Unit has always been reliable. This time for the Military Exercise, they’ve drawn our battalion. You need to step up and make us proud. Among all the Company Commanders, I have the highest hopes for you. When the time comes, I might really put some pressure on you. After you return, discuss with Tang and ensure that the Mobilization Before War is well organized! How does that sound?” The Company Commander took a deep drag from his cigarette.
“Use me in the first battle, and I will surely win!” I shouted a bold slogan.
“Brat, get out of here!” the Company Commander laughed and scolded, kicking my chair.
I chuckled as I stood up and walked out of the Battalion.
(To be continued, more exciting content tomorrow!)
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