Chapter 475 - 380: Encounter with the Olympics_2

"When you’re there, you’re not allowed to answer calls, give interviews, or do anything unrelated to your work! Even after you come out, you’re not allowed to reveal any details about the job. Understand?"

All at once, everyone straightened up and shouted in unison, their faces solemn:

"Understood!"

Fang Huai felt even more stirred inside when he heard this.

The most high-level security plan since the founding of the Republic, even surpassing the National Day military parade held every integer year—just being able to participate, even as a mere orderly, was a matter of great pride.

Upon reflection, it seemed that nothing had gone wrong inside the Olympic venues during the Games.

But who knew how much turmoil lay hidden beneath that calm surface?

The one thing Fang Huai was certain of was that the Olympic Games had passed safely without the need for any unnecessary changes. If there was a post for him, he just had to do his best.

Hu Peizhou was visibly excited about the upcoming opportunity to participate in Olympic firefighting security as well. He seemed to want to say something but hesitated several times before ultimately deciding to be cautious, his tone somewhat impassioned:

"Everyone, prepare to climb the mountain!"

"Yes!"

...

These days, Mount Tai wasn’t that crowded.

But today, Mount Tai was buzzing with excitement.

The recent Olympic torch relay ceremony had taken place at the foot of the mountain, attracting many people from out of town who followed the torch all the way here. Seeing the majestic Mount Tai in front of them, many seemed eager to compete.

The phrase "Mandated by Heaven" is historically where emperors would receive their mandate, right here on this mountain.

Mount Tai was the ancient symbol of "Heaven."

Men, though they may no longer receive a mandate from heaven, always have the desire to see what it’s like once they come here.

Fang Huai couldn’t help but think of Ye Jiahong. If this guy came here, he probably wouldn’t climb the mountain straight away but would rather go to the Dai Temple first to pay his respects, like the ancient emperors, and offer a formal sacrifice to the deities of Mount Tai before ascending, spouting some eloquent words.

They all started their ascent from the Mount Tai Middle Road.

At the beginning of their journey, at the red door ticket checkpoint, there were actually quite a few tourists spouting playful banter.

"Haha, who tied this prayer ribbon? It’s tied at the bottom of the mountain; that’s hardly sincere. How could that bring any blessings? This thing is meant to be tied at the peak!"

"Mom, if you feel tired, just stay here and enjoy yourself! As for me, I’ll conquer little Mount Tai and take pictures for you at the peak! Do you want Tianzhufeng or One-line Sky? I’ll decide which way to go after reaching the South Heavenly Gate!"

"Warm reminder... It takes five hours to climb the mountain on foot. Please proceed according to your abilities. You can take the scenic area shuttle from Tianwaicun to reach Zhongtianmen. Are these words here to provoke me? I reject your advice!"

"Look, those soldiers are climbing with such big packs on their backs. If they can do it, so can we, right?"

Hearing these comments, everyone couldn’t help but straighten their backs even more.

Hu Peizhou also quietly reminded everyone in a low voice, "You’re representing the image of the Firefighters! Don’t embarrass us on the way!"

The soldier behind Fang Huai pointed at the empty spot where his badge should be and made a cheeky remark with a laugh:

"What firefighter image? Captain Hu, we’re all wearing camouflage, and we didn’t even put on our Firefighting badges. If someone embarrasses themselves and can’t climb anymore, I’ll just say I’m from the Internal Guard!"

"Damn, hahaha..." A burst of laughter ensued.

"I’ll say I’m from the anti-hijacking unit! Lin Chong is our captain!"

Lin Chong, who couldn’t take a joke, just had his face visibly darken and quickly stepped forward, grabbing hold of soldier number 30 who had spoken.

"Move! You lead the way! If you can’t keep up, let those behind push you!"

Soldier number 30 was now embarrassed, "Stop pulling, stop pulling. I’m from the border guards, I won’t embarrass you. Happy now?"

"Then I’m from the hydropower!"

"I’m from the Mobile Division!"

One by one, they all laughed and claimed their own units, jokingly making their way up the mountain.

People all along the route watched them.

A few teenagers around seventeen or eighteen, seeing soldiers also climbing, shouted, "Let’s go, let’s overtake them!" and darted past them up the mountain.

The soldiers just smiled and kept to their formation, hiking on.

However, orders quietly passed forward from the back of the line.

Speed up!

This command was to everyone’s liking.

Fang Huai at the front with the flag increased his pace by at least 20%, and the whole team suddenly sped up, leaving the tourists beside them behind, staring in astonishment.

Sure enough, within just three minutes, they caught up with the group of kids.

Who were now gasping for breath.

Fang Huai inwardly smirked and surged ahead, matching pace with the youngsters. He slowed a bit, and the kids, somewhat indignant, rushed upward again. Fang Huai’s feet silently sped up a notch.

It was like outsmarting kids.

But, no kidding.

In less than ten minutes, the three kids were drenched in sweat, sitting on the stairs, wiping their foreheads, thumping their legs, their faces and eyes red as if they were about to cry.

The soldiers behind each passed them by with words of "comfort."

"Keep going, pass us!"

"You’re men, how can you stop now? Come on!"

By the time the last soldier walked by them, it seemed one of the kids was already crying out loud.

The soldiers felt immensely satisfied.

All in good fun, but when it came to honor as soldiers, there was no joking.

Everyone ascended the mountain with their full packs, feeling the pressure, but when they came across two porters carrying boxes of instant noodles and mineral water, they still stepped forward to help shoulder their burden.

The porters did not refuse, and they chatted while walking alongside each other.

"Hey, uncle, we read about you in our textbooks when we were kids! ’Porter,’ is it written about you?"