Chapter 250: Friends Walk Together for Life

"Catch a spy?"

"Catch what spy?"

"Who is the spy, and where did the spy come from?"

Lu Yang and Kang Changyi just approached Zhou Kaidong, explained their intent, and the other side tossed a question at the Third Company.

Lu Yang briefly outlined the background: "At present, we only suspect the other side is a spy, we can't be 100% sure, so we're preparing to take a chance."

Kang Changyi stuck with that line: "That woman has been probing me lately, asking about my situation in the unit, even asking how much I earn—definitely not a good person!"

"You two can go; there's no need to bring me, right?"

Zhou Kaidong's stance was clear: if you earn merit, you two can go.

I'm almost discharged, so I won't join the fun.

But before Lu Yang could persuade him, Kang Changyi grabbed his arm.

"You have to go!"

"Why?"

"Because, because you look honest!"

"Huh?"

Kang Changyi, like a magician, pulled a cheap red plastic mirror from his pocket.

"Look, look at how gentle and kind your features are, how utterly honest you are; with that look, people will let their guard down and show a flaw!"

"Lu Yang is excessively delicate, I'm overly dashing; with our looks we stand out everywhere—what if the other side sees through us?"

"After thinking it over, you're the best fit for me; any sudden situation, your twelve years as a veteran give you far more experience than I have, right?"

Seeing Kang Changyi winking at him, Lu Yang blinked, then nodded vigorously.

He didn't know why Kang Changyi suddenly changed his attitude, wanting to give the chance for merit to Zhou Kaidong.

But at that moment, going along was the best; you can't sabotage the plan on the spot, right?

Kang Changyi gestured as he spoke: "If it's a spy, you act swiftly and capture her on the spot!"

Zhou Kaidong: "Then, what if she's just an ordinary female netizen?"

"Then that's perfect—forge a romance and still take her on the spot!"

"......"

Sometimes, even Lu Yang has to admire this guy's tongue.

Both straight talk and sarcasm, he gets to say it.

Anyway, the main point is one thing: seize, seize everything!

Zhou Kaidong thought it over and finally shook his head: "I can't lead this; at most I can hold the scene for you, the rest you have to do yourself. I haven't talked to her, I don't know the details, and talking might give me away."

"I don't know, I can tell you, just memorize it!"

"Forget it, forget it."

Lu Yang raised his hand to stop him, looking at the over‑enthusiastic Kang Changyi: "Meeting a female netizen is something you should handle yourself. Zhou Kaidong really can't manage it; don't slip up and get us exposed."

"Later, you arrange a meeting at a café or restaurant, and the two of us sit at the next table watching, to prevent any mishap."

"That works too."

The three agreed and prepared to set off.

They set an approximate time and changed into civilian clothes.

Ma Qing'an gave the three a fake leave note, and for safety handed Lu Yang an electric baton before they left.

Since the rendezvous was in the neighboring city, they had to drive, and Kang Changyi had a driver's license, so he took the wheel.

Leaving the camp, the scenery outside the window kept changing; Kang Changyi rolled down the window, enjoying the free wind.

In the back seat, Zhou Kaidong stared blankly at the scenery, lost in thought.

Especially when the car entered a town, with pedestrians and buildings appearing.

Lu Yang could clearly feel Zhou Kaidong's body tightening and stiffening.

Soldiers, after long adapting to military rhythm, inevitably experience a rejection reaction when re‑entering society.

When you're used to commands and whistles, not hearing them makes you unsure how to sit, walk, or eat.

The longer you stay in the troops, the longer the adjustment period after returning to civilian life.

Lu Yang had previously heard his older brother say that after discharge he wanted to sleep in every day, as a form of revenge.

But he found that no matter how late he stayed up, his eyes would automatically open by six a. m. at the latest, and then he would toss and turn, unable to fall back asleep.

Especially since he was used to the hard marching beds in the army, lying on a mattress made his lower back ache terribly.

"Find a broadcast to listen to?"

To lighten the mood, Lu Yang suggested finding a broadcast to listen to.

Kang Changyi turned on the radio, and the station was playing a song.

"The next song was requested by Mr. Zhang for an old friend of his; his good friend is retiring this year..."

"Wow, I didn't expect it's another veteran? Thank you for your service, thank you for your dedication. Speaking of which, when I was young I also dreamed of joining the army."

"Sending comrades, stepping onto the journey, you can guess the song's title—it's the popular singer Dao Lang's 'Camel Bell'."

"BGM: Sending~comrades, stepping~the journey, silently wordless, tears in both eyes, the camel bell rings in the ears~~~"

Sitting in the car, listening to the song, watching the scenery change outside.

Emotion overwhelmed him; Zhou Kaidong's tears burst out, and he covered his face, sobbing.

Lu Yang turned green with anger and gave Kang Changyi a hard knock to the head.

"Turn off that crappy song for me!"

"Quickly turn it off!"

Kang Changyi was also flustered and quickly swapped the console.

Looking through the rearview mirror at Zhou Kaidong covering his face with his hand, head down, his heart also felt uneasy.

After so many years in the army, he had never experienced the feeling of a comrade's parting; this time he finally felt it firsthand.

Although in the past Zhou Kaidong always contradicted him, argued with him, and even resorted to physical force.

But to be realistic, he truly was a responsible good Squad Leader.

During his stint as Platoon Leader, he felt completely adrift.

First Squad Leader and Second Squad Leader dared not offend him, speaking only flattering words; only Zhou Kaidong dared to give him harsh but honest advice.

Moreover, in a previous drill he issued a wrong combat order; Zhou Kaidong knew there was a risk of casualties, yet still executed the command meticulously.

For these reasons, the two words "good soldier" suit Zhou Kaidong perfectly; such an outstanding soldier, if he doesn't lend a hand at a critical moment, it would be not only a loss for the Sixth Company but for the entire regiment.

"Sunny and bright, a fine day with gentle wind and sunshine, weekend gathering with three or five friends for a picnic, a special pleasure, a song by Zhou Huajian, 'Friends', for everyone."

"I know this song, I tell you, I learned it from Zhou Huajian and sound especially alike!"

Kang Changyi cleared his throat, squinted, and thrust his chin forward.

Imitating Zhou Huajian's vocal tone, he sang along with deep affection.

"These years, alone."

"The wind passes, the rain goes."

"There were tears, there were mistakes, still remember what we persisted in."

Lu Yang didn't expect this guy actually had a talent for singing.

Coincidentally, because the song is overly classic, he also knows how to sing it.

Thus, it went from a solo to a duet.

"Only after true love can one understand."

"Will feel lonely, will look back."

"There will be dreams, there will be you, in the heart~"

"Come together! Friends behind, let me see your hands!"

Kang Changyi gripped the steering wheel, as if holding a concert, and suddenly shouted excitedly.

Lu Yang also laughed, wrapped his arm around Zhou Kaidong's shoulder, and brushed his face with his sleeve.

He raised one hand, swaying left and right with the song's melody.

Let the singing dilute the sorrow and melancholy of parting.

"Friends walk together for a lifetime, those days will never return!"

"One word, a lifetime, lifelong affection, a cup of wine!"

"Friends have never been alone; a word 'friend' you will understand!"

"There are wounds, there is pain, still must go, still there is me!"