Chapter 1197: Joining Old A

In the blink of an eye, over half a year passed. It was the height of summer once again, and this was already Wang Yan's fourth year in the military.

It was also at this time that his journey of advanced studies at the military academy for promotion finally came to an end.

When he learned of his assignment, Wang Yan was surprised.

After all, he had been studying command; he was in the sequence of officers who led troops. Yet, the assignment given to him was Old A!

Shi Jin hadn't left, nor had there been any news of Wu Liu-yi being medically discharged. On the contrary, Shi Jin had written to say he had joined Old A, and Xu Sanduo was growing even faster. Wang Yan's mission for coming here was already complete. From here on out, Xu Sanduo's free development would be just fine; there was no need for him to worry. As for himself, he could just leisurely play the part of an officer for a few more years, and basically, that would be it.

He hadn't expected that after all the twists and turns, he would end up at Old A after all.

After packing his duffel bag and carrying his luggage out of the National Defense University dormitory building, he had just reached the ground floor when he saw a jeep parked there.

Yuan Lang was wearing sunglasses, chewing gum, and looking at Wang Yan from afar with a smile, looking extremely smug.

Wang Yan walked over in a few steps and said with a smile, "Not bad, Old Yuan. You really have supernatural powers and reach the heavens."

"Hey, watch your phrasing. It's not about what I did. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being too outstanding. You are a talent, and only in the right place can you exert your effect. Only Old A is your stage. Welcome to the team, my dear comrade-in-arms. Come, come, come, let's have a hug."

Without a word, Wang Yan slammed a fist into his chest.

"Ah..." Yuan Lang shrank back in his seat exaggeratedly. "We're old friends who haven't seen each other in two years, and besides, from today on, I'm your superior officer. Is this how you treat me? Oh my, I'm so heartbroken."

"That's enough." Wang Yan looked disgusted. "Clear things up for me—how exactly did you pull this off?"

"Simple. I wrote an article discussing the future development of special warfare. Afterward, I submitted a report to the superiors explaining your importance. After a period of discussion, it was decided to transfer you to Old A to carry out the exploration and innovation of special warfare."

"Not bad, even a martial man has started playing with the pen."

"Do you think it's still the past? Nowadays, we are all capable of both literary and martial arts. Get in the car; you can't leave now. I said I would definitely get you, and look, didn't it happen? Let me tell you, thinking about the expression on your face when you saw me, I was so excited I didn't sleep well last night."

"Get lost! Stop being so nauseating, don't force me to beat you up."

Wang Yan grumbled as he threw his luggage into the car, then opened the passenger door and sat in.

Yuan Lang let out a strange cry, started the car, and drove out of the National Defense University, heading toward the base in the suburbs...

Along the way, the two chatted idly, mainly about Wang Yan's study life over the past half-year.

Because Wang Yan was a legend wherever he went, his time at the National Defense University was, of course, not peaceful. When it came to all sorts of armchair strategizing, Wang Yan had never lost. He was a genuine tactical master, and his discussions on the international situation and future warfare were well-reasoned and thought-provoking.

Of course, some people would bring up age and seniority, but Wang Yan would curse such people directly.

Naturally, his legend was also about this. Being well-reasoned and thought-provoking wasn't as influential as letting people watch the fun; this was deep-level symbol communication. As a result, Wang Yan's name was also resounding in the military academic circles.

Ultimate foul-mouthedness brought ultimate enjoyment. When problems couldn't be solved by force, Wang Yan didn't spare his spit. Before the "Living Father" looked after him, he swallowed his pride and suffered in silence; after the "Living Father" looked after him, if he still swallowed his pride, wouldn't the "Living Father" have come for nothing...

After chatting on and off like this for quite a while, they finally arrived at the Old A base.

As soon as he got out of the car, Yuan Lang took Wang Yan to see the Mobile Corps Commander, who had two stars and three pips on his shoulders. During the previous exercise confrontation between the 702nd Regiment and Old A, the commander of Old A was this very Mobile Corps Commander. Holding such an important position, it was estimated that it wouldn't be long before he would be promoted to two stars and four pips.

Wang Yan received a warm welcome and very high affirmation. They directly organized some leaders of the special warfare team to hold a rank-conferring ceremony for Wang Yan, conferring upon him the rank of Second Lieutenant and simultaneously appointing him as a squad leader under the First Squadron. From today on, Wang Yan was a member of the special warfare team.

The happiest one was Yuan Lang. After saying goodbye to the various superiors, he personally took Wang Yan to collect his uniform, sidearm, and so on, helped Wang Yan carry a pile of things, and finally arranged his dormitory.

The accommodation conditions here were good: two people to a room, with beds on top and desks below, and the remaining space wasn't small either.

Yuan Lang hugged the things and placed them on the table, smiling, "Do you know who is in the room with you?"

"Wu Liu-yi. His name is posted on the door; I'm not blind."

"No fun." Yuan Lang shook his head. "Knowing you two are good buddies, I arranged it on purpose; I just wanted to give you a surprise. Wu?"

"If you want to be a decent person, you should be under my command too."

Yuan Lang laughed, "Let's not talk about who commands whom. I definitely can't command you, but don't ignore advice either. If something comes up, we'll discuss it, don't you think?"

"Why bother? You insisted on dragging me over here, just to find trouble for yourself?"

"I know you aren't that kind of person."

Although he said this, Yuan Lang very nimbly helped Wang Yan organize his things. "How about I make your bed for you?"

"Get lost."

"Alrighty. Then you hurry up and tidy up. Half an hour. I have some things to do, and in a while, we'll go and make an appearance. You aren't a stranger to anyone; everyone is a good comrade-in-arms, a good brother. Oh, right, here for you."

While speaking, Yuan Lang pulled open a drawer and took out a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes. "This was prepared especially for you. I'm bleeding money here; is my sincerity enough?"

"That's enough out of you, hurry up and get lost, your heart is too dirty."

Yuan Lang laughed again, and after joking around for a couple of sentences, he finally left...

Wang Yan tidied up his things by himself—making the bed, folding the quilt, putting away clothes, and so on; the process was very familiar.

His things were also very simple; he had almost no personal items, and everything was issued by the military. There was just a tin of tea leaves and a small tea set. He had bought the tea set himself, and the tea leaves were taken from the university superior. In addition to two sets of casual clothes, that was all he had.

But there were actually quite a few things, because the military issued a lot of clothes, and they were also issued when attending military academy. Now that he had arrived at the special warfare team, there were several more sets.

Very quickly, he finished tidying up, changed into the well-fitting special warfare team training uniform, and put on his combat boots. Wang Yan brewed a cup of tea, opened the Zhonghua cigarettes Yuan Lang had given him, and began to enjoy a moment of leisure...

He looked at Wu Liu-yi's position next to his. The interior was clean and tidy, and just like Wang Yan, there were almost no extra things, only a neat stack of books on the table, indicating that he had been studying all kinds of knowledge recently.

Wang Yan wasn't actually surprised that Wu Liu-yi could come to Old A. To put it simply, he had treated Wu Liu-yi's illness.

He had replenished his deficiencies, nursed his physical injuries back to health, and especially for his lower back, Wang Yan had also performed massage and physical therapy, restoring his health to the greatest extent. As for other things like joint wear and tear, those were occupational diseases of being a soldier, and Wu Liu-yi's problems weren't that big.

With that added to having him as a role model, Wu Liu-yi's strength was also stronger than his peers. Although he still couldn't beat Xu Sanduo, he definitely wasn't much weaker. All in all, he could be considered to be on the same level—both were top-tier soldiers, both were elite scouts.

If one had to quantify it, then Wu Liu-yi had just barely passed the standard to join Old A, so he had just scraped in.

Now that he had arrived at Old A, it could be considered getting his wish, but it was unknown if this was what he wanted...

"Yo, enjoying yourself."

Yuan Lang walked in, opened the door, and seeing Wang Yan's comfortable appearance, walked over and said, "Let's go, let's go see your future comrades-in-arms."

After finishing, he turned and was about to walk out.

"No, wait a minute. Your hands are quite fast. Is there anyone who gives something to someone and then takes it back?"

Yuan Lang felt no embarrassment at all and patted the pack of Zhonghua in his pocket. "Understand, understand. I really bled money; I bought it with my private stash. Do you think it's easy for me? You aren't married, so you don't know the bitterness of life."

"Speaking of marriage, that reminds me. Do we have any social mixers? I'm waiting for the state to issue me a wife."

"There definitely are. The organization will certainly consider your personal situation. You're only twenty-three, what's the rush? Let's go, let's go." Yuan Lang urged impatiently.

Wang Yan drank the tea in one gulp and followed Yuan Lang as he left...

After exiting the building and arriving at the dilapidated building where Wang Yan had once competed with the special warfare team, one could see the special warfare team soldiers inside carrying out a confrontation.

People kept walking out grumbling, and then they saw Wang Yan sitting on a chair with Yuan Lang, crossing his legs.

Although there had been some changes in personnel over the past two years, a considerable portion of them still recognized Wang Yan. Seeing Wang Yan had changed into the special warfare team training uniform, hung the armband, and had one star and one pip on his shoulders, they all couldn't help but crowd over to talk.

Wang Yan, of course, responded with a smile. He got to know those he didn't recognize and joked around with those he did; for a time, it was joyful...

"Wang Yan!"

Hearing the voice, Wang Yan looked over and saw Xu Sanduo, covered in dust, scurrying over.

His happiness was written all over his face. "Is it really you? You came to Old A?"

"Obviously." Wang Yan nodded with a smile. "You've written me fewer letters since you came here. How are things?"

"Everything is fine. I've just been too busy, and there are restrictions on our letter writing." Xu Sanduo scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

This was a genuine confidential unit, so the rules were naturally numerous. Xu Sanduo wasn't the silly boy from the original drama who carried training subjects and wanted to write letters for his father to see.

Wang Yan waved his hand. "I understand. I'm not blaming you, what's there to be embarrassed about?"

"Oh my, Wang Yan, did you really come?"

At this time, Wu Liu-yi also parted the crowd and crowded in, seeing Wang Yan immediately.

Wang Yan replied, "Not only did I come, I'm even your roommate."

"More than that." Yuan Lang took over the conversation. "Wang Yan will be the leader of your squad from now on."

"Really?" Xu Sanduo was even happier. "Wang Yan, we're together again."

"Don't be so mushy, I can't stand it." Wang Yan looked disgusted. "Alright, alright, stop crowding around. Everyone is a comrade-in-arms eating from the same pot; there will be plenty of time later. Don't really treat me like a monkey to be watched."

The soldiers laughed and dispersed, turning around in groups of three or five to popularize Wang Yan's heaven-defying combat record to those who didn't know, and thus everyone was in an uproar...

Wang Yan asked, "How is it? Are you used to it here?"

"Used to it." Xu Sanduo nodded with a silly smile.

Wu Liu-yi was the same. He turned to reach out and pull at Wang Yan's epaulet. "You really can't say otherwise. Now that you've become a Second Lieutenant, the whole person looks different."

"How is it different?"

"Just the feeling. I didn't expect that back then I was your squad leader, and now you've become my squad leader."

"What's wrong with that? When our company commander first came, wasn't he also in your Third Squad?"

Wu Liu-yi nodded with a smile. "That's true. Hey, Captain, when are we going to have an exercise with our division again? Now that Wang Yan is here, let's go back and beat our company commander."

Yuan Lang laughed, "Don't say that, just thinking about it feels interesting. It's almost time for exercises anyway. I'll discuss it with the Mobile Corps Commander later. Since you put it that way, I'm even getting a bit impatient, haha..."

"What a perverted laugh, just like a big villain in a movie."

Hearing Wang Yan's words, Yuan Lang nodded repeatedly. "You're right. We are the villains; we are here to fiercely strike at other field units. Everyone finds problems in each other and summarizes experiences and lessons. Only then, when the day comes that we are truly needed, will we be foolproof, worthy of the Party and the country, and worthy of the people."

"As expected of a Squadron Leader, your consciousness is high."

"Don't think you're invincible; you still have a lot to learn."

Yuan Lang hummed, stood up, and shouted, "Alright, is everyone out? If you're out, line up!"

Very quickly, over a hundred soldiers lined up, looking straight at Yuan Lang in front of them, and looking Wang Yan over with emphasis.

"Good."

Yuan Lang nodded and began to speak. "Those who know and those who don't, let me introduce everyone. Standing beside me is an old friend of our Old A, and even more so, my close friend, Wang Yan. He was once affiliated with... the 702nd Regiment, and was a brother in the same company as Xu Sanduo and Wu Liu-yi. Today, he has come to Old A and become one of us. Regarding his deeds, you can discuss them in private; I won't explain them here. Good, everyone applaud and welcome him."

After he finished speaking, over a hundred people, including Yuan Lang, applauded for Wang Yan.

Wang Yan stood at attention and saluted, and the applause gradually faded.

He said, "I won't say too much. We have long days ahead of us to get along; we'll get to know each other slowly and help each other. Finished."

Yuan Lang said, "Next, I will announce the appointments. Comrade Wang Yan is appointed as the leader of the Ninth Squad. Personnel adjustments are as follows: Xu Sanduo... Wu Liu-yi... Wu Zhe..."

He read out the personnel, mainly making transfers for the Ninth Squad. Xu Sanduo, Wu Liu-yi, and several others from other squads were transferred over, and the original people were transferred out.

One thing that needs to be explained is this Wu Zhe. This was also an old acquaintance of Wang Yan's. He remembered that at that time, he was still a sycophant. This time, however, he was much more awesome.

A double bachelor in military science and foreign languages, a master in optoelectronics, young and carrying two stars and one pip on his shoulders, he was at the same level as Gao Cheng, the tiger son of a military family. If this were outside, Wang Yan would have to salute and call him "Chief" upon seeing him.

However, Wang Yan was still a bit more awesome; after all, this was a squad member under his command...

Everyone applauded once again, welcoming Wang Yan to his post as squad leader.

Waiting for the applause to fade once again, Yuan Lang smiled, "Alright, that's all I'll say. In addition, I'll announce one more thing. To welcome Wang Yan's joining, we will have a group meal this noon. Alcohol is allowed, and the afternoon is for rest. Finished, dismissed."

"Good."

Everyone cheered with a buzz and thanked Wang Yan, because rest was truly too rare...

The food was very good; Yuan Lang had specifically instructed the cafeteria to make hearty dishes. There was also plenty of tobacco and alcohol provided, but no soldiers drank heavily or smoked fiercely; everyone had their limits and pursued a state of slight intoxication.

However, they didn't treat Wang Yan that way; they fully displayed their enthusiasm, and as a result, Wang Yan drank Yuan Lang under the table once again, and then shamelessly surrendered... ===== CHAPTER 1198 =====