freenovelworld Chapter 456 Change of Career!
Chapter 456 Change of Career!
"Yuemin, are you really determined to leave the military? Won't you reconsider? We've been wearing this uniform for almost twenty years! Through wind and rain, through gunfire, we've finally worked our way up to this position and rank. You're just going to give it all up like that? It's such a waste!"
"Alright, Ocean."
Zhong Yuemin patted him on the shoulder, his tone calm.
"Stop trying to persuade me. Don't you know me? If it weren't for my father and some other things weighing on me, I probably would have retired long ago. I've worn this uniform for over ten years; it's more than enough."
"Chief of Staff Zhang, you can't bear to part with the stars on your shoulders and the ambitions in your heart. I won't try to persuade you otherwise. Stay in the army and do your best; your future is limitless."
"What's there to be reluctant about!"
Zhang Haiyang waved his hand, his neck stiff.
"What I'm reluctant to part with isn't those empty titles, it's my brothers!"
"If you, Zhong Yuemin, are leaving, what's the point of me staying here alone? My wife is still waiting anxiously in Beijing. Perfect, once I'm transferred back, I can be with her every day and have a few peaceful days."
Zhong Yuemin looked at him and earnestly reminded him:
“Haiyang, have you thought this through? If you transfer back to civilian life now, the resettlement pressure will be high, and you may not find a suitable position immediately. You might end up unemployed for a while, or even lose your job altogether…”
"What are you afraid of?"
Zhang Haiyang interrupted him, adopting his usual nonchalant expression.
"I'll just follow you, you big shot, and that'll be fine, right? When the time comes, you, Boss Zhong, could you arrange a job for me? I don't ask for much, just a manager or deputy factory director position in one of your factories, and I'll be perfectly happy!"
Zhong Yuemin was so angry he laughed:
"You're dreaming! Are you really determined to come with me?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Zhang Haiyang's playful expression vanished, replaced by a firm gaze.
“Okay then.” Zhong Yuemin nodded.
Ning Wei, who was standing to the side, also spoke up in a low voice:
“Brother Zhong, Brother Haiyang, if you both leave, then I won’t stay either. It’s no fun for me to be here alone.”
"Ning Wei, you can't do it!"
Zhong Yuemin immediately turned around, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
"How many spots are there for each military officer to study at the military academy? You earned those spots through your own abilities, and I even risked my reputation to negotiate with Commander Li. After your advanced studies, your future will be bright. Now you want to leave? That's ridiculous!"
"But……"
"No buts!"
Zhong Yuemin placed his hands on his shoulders, speaking in the tone of an elder brother to his younger brother.
“Ning Wei, listen to me. You were born to be in the military. This is where you belong.”
The "Old A" team was built and nurtured by me, and I hope it can become a sharp and everlasting weapon. This responsibility is yours to shoulder.
I don't want to see 'Old A' fall apart and lose its spirit the moment Haiyang and I leave, understand? This is an order, and also a request.
Seeing the rare seriousness and entrustment in Zhong Ge's eyes, Ning Wei's Adam's apple bobbed, but he ultimately didn't refuse, agreeing and nodding heavily.
"……Yes!"
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The military region's demobilization and resettlement office is now as busy as a pot of boiling water.
The staff inside were all extremely stressed; the sounds of ringing phones, explanations, and occasional arguments were constant.
The reduction of one million troops is an ironclad order, and the targets allocated to each unit must be met. However, persuading officers and soldiers who were tearful, pleading their case, and even banging on the table is extremely difficult.
The entire military region needs to demobilize tens of thousands of people, but only a few hundred have volunteered so far, leaving a huge gap.
People like Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang, who voluntarily applied for demobilization, are as rare as national treasures. The staff were moved to tears, their eyes red with gratitude, for their support of their work.
The procedures went surprisingly smoothly; in less than half an hour, two light yet weighty demobilization certificates were handed to them.
Holding the certificate, the two left. Standing downstairs in the office building, they were both silent for a moment. More than ten years of military service, the smoke and sweat, the honor and the friendship, all came to a somewhat hasty end with this piece of paper in their hands.
The sunlight was blinding, it felt like stepping into another world!
The day before they left, the two changed into civilian clothes and quietly took a walk around the camp.
The familiar barracks, the training ground where sweat was shed, the obstacle course with countless memories, even the old locust tree at the entrance of the canteen... every blade of grass and every tree looks exceptionally clear at this moment, and is exceptionally nostalgic.
It's no exaggeration to say that they left and dedicated the most passionate and precious years of their youth to this place.
On the day of his departure, he didn't disturb many people. Farewells are always sad, and there was no need for everyone to shed tears. Only Ning Wei, along with a few core "Old A" team members, silently came to the platform to see him off.
There were no many words, only a tight hug, pats on the shoulder... a simple yet powerful wish to take care.
With a long whistle, the train slowly started moving, marking the end of military service and the beginning of the next stage of life's journey.
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Upon returning to Beijing, Zhong Yuemin did not immediately report to the local demobilization office. Instead, he went home first. The gate to his courtyard was open, and a series of clear, cheerful children's laughter could be heard from afar.
In the yard, his nearly three-year-old daughter, holding a small insect net, was chasing after several butterflies all over the yard with her short legs.
Her rosy cheeks were covered in sweat, her big, dark eyes shone brightly, and her two pigtails stood straight up—she was playful and adorable.
He had already carried his luggage into the yard when the girl finally noticed him. Not at all shy, she stopped, pointed the small insect net in her hand at him like a red-tasseled spear, her little face tense, trying to make a fierce expression, and shouted in her childish voice:
"Who are you?! Don't move!"
Zhong Yuemin was amused by his daughter's "silly and fierce" little face. He put down his luggage, squatted down, and tried to meet her gaze, laughing as he teased her.
"Little Ling'er, don't you even recognize your own father? I am your father!"
The little girl tilted her head, blinking her big, dark eyes repeatedly, as if she were trying hard to search through the little warehouse of her memories.
I don't have many impressions of "Dad," mostly from the descriptions in my mother's bedtime stories and the photo of him in military uniform on the wall. The blurry figure gradually matched the travel-worn, smiling adult in front of me.
"father……?"
The little girl repeated it hesitantly, and the wariness on her face seemed to ease a little.
“That’s right! My sweet daughter, come here and let Daddy hug you…” Zhong Yuemin felt a warmth in his heart, opened his arms, and gave his precious daughter a good hug.
But the next second, the little one's eyes darted around, and instead of lunging forward, he suddenly turned around and dashed into the house on his short legs, shouting at the top of his lungs as he ran:
"Grandpa! Grandpa! Oh no! Child thieves! The big bad child thief is here!!!"