“In the end, Grandpa Gen threw the gun in front of me. Ha, I was scared. I immediately apologized to him and promised that I wouldn’t make a fuss anymore. I was still young and energetic then.”
Suddenly, the topic changed to Ye Jian. “Back then, if we were half as mature as Ye Jian is now, we wouldn’t have troubled Grandpa Gen and Old Chen so much. They wouldn’t have to be so worried about us.”
Ye Jian, who had been quietly watching them reminisce about the past, sniffed lightly and said softly with some sadness, “I’m more mature because of your education. Without your teachings, I wouldn’t be the girl I am today.”
“Ah, your nose is blocked. Are you crying?” Commissar Yan hurriedly picked up a piece of duck and placed it in Ye Jian’s bowl. He smiled gently. “You didn’t rely on others. You relied on yourself.
“Only by relying on yourself can you stand up. If you rely on others, it’ll be like a mirage that’ll be destroyed in the blink of an eye. Girl, it’s great that you’re like this now. In the future, you’ll be like this too. The military is your best home.”
The army couldn’t bear to let go of such a good talent, especially a comprehensive talent like Ye. They could keep her for life.
Commander Liu also said, “Old Yan speaks well. His words are beautiful and pleasant to listen to. I’m straightforward when I speak. Girl, since you’ve taken this path, you must be ruthless when you need to.
“There’s no reason for a soldier to be soft. You’re wearing a military uniform and should bear the responsibility. You have to be ruthless when it comes to military matters. There’s no need to be long-winded. If anyone dares to question you, fine. But they need to name their right to do so.
“If that person has good things to say, then alright. If not, then don’t bother with that person. If one doesn’t have the ability, one should just step aside. Hence, if needed, you can just send the person away. Don’t let them lord over you.”
Ye Jian listened carefully and memorized everything.
Commissar Yan was soft-hearted, while Commander Liu was strict. One was righteous, while the other was gentle. They could make the soldiers obey them and admire them from the bottom of their hearts.
Commander Liu had gone from the deputy regiment to the main regiment. What he said was his true experience. This would be very helpful for Ye Jian when she went to the field to train.
Principal Chen knew that Ye Jian wasn’t feeling too good, but he didn’t say anything. It was normal for soldiers to come and go. She needed to get used to it.
They had known each other for ten years, and now, they were going their separate ways. This meal was destined to be somewhat sad.
Ye Jian continued to drink the hot tea silently. She poured hot tea for the three veterans who had given their best years to the military unit. Then, she sat down quietly and listened to their past.
Perhaps their open-mindedness had infected her. The sadness of parting gradually faded away, and there was a faint smile on her lips.
Although they were parting ways, they were still good friends and close friends. One day, they would meet again.
“Tomorrow night, I need to accompany the leaders who came here today to inspect the automobile soldiers’ training base. We’ll leave tonight.” When it was nine o’clock, Commissar Yan saw that it was getting late. He picked up the cup of hot tea that Ye Jian had just filled up and stood up. He said to Principal Chen, “Old Chen, I won’t be seeing you on the day I leave. This cup of tea is to thank you for your ten years of support.”
“Old Chen, I respect you too. I respect you for not being scared away by my bad temper.” Commander Liu laughed heartily as he lifted his teacup and stood up. Then, he said to Ye Jian, “Ye Jian, I respect you too. I respect your bright future!”
