Chapter 308: When the youth are strong, the nation is strong

Eat your fill, drink your fill, work, work!

Everyone, split up and act, seize the time!

After the meal, the new recruits, under the veterans' direction, began working efficiently.

The Hope Primary School in the mountain area, though also called a primary school, has truly rudimentary buildings and facilities.

The windows let in wind, the roof lets in rain, and the desks and chairs creak.

The plastic sheeting, wooden boards, nails, and other tools that Lu Yang had prepared in advance are used to help repair damaged items.

Just over three months ago, these new recruits were all unable to shoulder a load or lift with their hands, doing nothing but reading novels and playing games—'homebodies'.

But now they can not only shoulder heavy packs and trek across mountains and rivers for three days and two nights, but even repairing houses is done with ease.

The new recruits work in squads, cooperating: some hold stools, some pass nails, some saw wood, busy in an orderly manner.

Those climbing the ladder onto the roof are also careful; those holding the ladder hold the ladder, and those passing tools pass tools.

After finishing work in the mess hall, Lu Yang stood in the courtyard, watching the soldiers' orderly busy figures.

Although he did not directly participate in the early new recruit training, being able to serve as their assessment team leader and witness this group of social youths transform into soldiers, Lu Yang still felt a sense of accomplishment.

Perhaps, last year's batch of new recruits, when they bravely fought the mountain fire, the veteran soldiers felt the same kind of satisfaction.

This is the soldiers' heritage, and also the main reason Longguo can develop rapidly in a short time and join the world's top ranks.

"Lu Yang, the instructor is calling you over."

"Coming."

Lu Yang took off his protective jacket and went to a small room at the back.

This was originally the rest room for two teachers; because they worried there wasn't enough space, they voluntarily gave it to them, and the two teachers then borrowed lodging at a nearby villager's home.

The two teachers are a married couple, and they are the only two teachers at this Hope Primary School; the female teacher surnamed Zhang is a native of the mountains, returning here after graduation.

The male teacher surnamed Li came here years ago to teach as a volunteer; they thus became acquainted and stayed together in the mountains, teaching the mountain children to read and write.

This couple has persisted in the mountains for five years; their greatest wish is to, through learning to read and write, send these children out of the mountains so they have a chance to experience the outside world.

Lu Yang, hearing these words, still felt quite moved.

Because for many affluent urban families, letting their child join the military is a last resort.

But for these children, born and trapped in the mountains, as long as they can get out of the mountains, whatever they do is a top choice.

The two teachers also expressed, hoping that when the children grow up they will join the military and strive to build a beautiful vision for the motherland.

So, this encounter might truly be able to change these children's lives.

"Just sit on the edge of the bed; there's no stool."

The couple's rest room is very narrow; because there are many things, it's messy like a storage room.

Gao Feng, He Zhen Tao, Cheng Jun, Lu Yang and a few others will have to huddle in this simple place for the night.

He Zhen Tao said: 'The weather forecast says tomorrow will be a big sunny day; so for the flag-raising ceremony, we want it as solemn as possible, preferably following the format of the flag guard.'

Lu Yang exclaimed: 'According to the flag guard's format, the new recruits can't reach that level, right?'

He Zhen Tao nodded: 'So we thought, we'll still let the veterans do it. At that time you, Cheng Jun, plus two more veterans, each holding a corner of the red flag, then play the national anthem...'

It must be said, the process of this flag-raising ceremony is indeed very solemn.

Even the procedure after the ceremony ends, of presenting this brand-new flag, exists.

Such an activity not only gives the new recruits three days and two nights of drills, completing an elevation.

It can also plant a seed of love for the motherland in the children's young hearts, to guide their path forward.

"When the youth are strong, the nation is strong"—this is the meaning of the final stop of the drill journey.

Gao Feng asked: 'Backpacks, stationery, and new clothes—have you purchased them all on your side?'

Lu Yang nodded: 'All prepared; additionally, each person's pencil case secretly has fifty yuan of change, to improve the children's lives.'

Mountain people value practicality; some stubborn parents are unwilling to let their children study, only thinking about farming.

If you talk to them about the future and ideals, they don't understand; but if you bring meat, new clothes, or even money back, they will.

Only by letting them see the actual benefits will they truly support their children's education; this is reality, and also helplessness.

"After tomorrow's flag-raising ceremony ends, we will go to the armed forces department of the neighboring city for live-fire shooting assessment. At that time, you need to come as a judge."

"Ah?"

Lu Yang expressed surprise: "Me as a judge?"

Gao Feng laughed: "You were the outstanding recruit of the previous cohort, the sharpshooter of our regiment, and the only one in the division to be promoted exceptionally over these many years."

He Zhen Tao: "From private, to non-commissioned officer, to lieutenant, your experience can inspire people. Shouldn't we say a few words to motivate everyone?"

Cheng Jun: "Just say a few words, offer blessings; of course, if you're willing to show off a bit, that would be even better."

Lu Yang modestly: "Forget showing off; I'll just say a few words later to encourage everyone."

Meanwhile, the recruits working were listening to Kang Changyi boast and talk big.

When the recruits learned that this seemingly insignificant fellow was actually a top graduate of the National Science University, they all showed expressions of astonishment.

Especially when they learned that the platoon leader Lieutenant Lu, who cooks delicious food, enlisted last year and was promoted to platoon leader this year, they were shocked to the point of dropping their jaws.

"In just a short year, from private to platoon leader, how did he manage that?" LiMin's eyes burned with fervor.

"Just by being down-to-earth, step by step, step by step, climbing up."

"Just that simple?"

"Oh right, also reading more."

"Down-to-earth plus reading more, can one become like him?"

"Hmm, also need to earn more merits."

"I seem to have found my struggle goal!"

The recruits' eyes were full of fighting spirit, as if they had found their direction, swinging the hammer with even greater force.

A few people wore eager expressions, full of anticipation for tomorrow's shooting practice.

Almost every year during the new‑training assessment, someone circulates a rumor that scoring a perfect ring earns a third‑class merit.

Even though they aren't sure the rumor is true, as long as there's a chance, they absolutely won't miss it.

Lu Yang happens to be stepping out to use the restroom, sees the group surrounding Kang Changyi, talking about his own matters, and finds it hard to keep his mouth shut.

It makes him think that taking this kid Kang Changyi out was indeed the right move; when it comes to eloquence, Sixth Company has no one better.

Outside the wall, Lu Yang just prepares to dash out to relieve himself, when he suddenly sees a figure standing on a towering hillside in the distance.

He focuses his gaze, strains to look that way, and barely recognizes it as a woman.

But in the blink of an eye, the person disappears.

Lu Yang doesn't think further; after finishing, he returns to find the veteran to rehearse tomorrow's flag‑raising ceremony.

Meanwhile, the People's Armed Forces Department of a township in the neighboring city.

The Armed Forces Department Head is in the office coordinating work matters with the Arms Section Chief.

The People's Armed Forces Department's duties include not only recruitment propaganda and national defense education; they often organize militia training, and local military police sometimes come here for shooting practice.

"Um, the new soldiers of the Special Third Regiment will arrive around eleven or twelve tomorrow; they bring their own weapons, and we will provide the ammunition here."

"The 81‑caliber and Type‑56 rounds are interchangeable, five bullets per person…"

The Armed Forces Department Head emphasizes: "Don't use those wrapped in corner kraft paper; that batch of bullets has been stored for a long time, the gunpowder seems damp. Last year the county armed police squad came for shooting, and several rounds were duds."

The Arms Section Chief nods: "Got it, I've already reported that batch, and someone from above will come to collect them later."

He asks: "Regarding the Cafeteria, should we order more dishes? The comrades at least let them finish the assessment, then have a meal before they go?"

The Armed Forces Department Head nods: "That's exactly what I mean. Call Xiao Liu and have him bring more fresh beef tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Alright, that's all. Take care of your own business; after the kids' evening study session, I have to go pick them up."

The county People's Armed Forces Department's management is not as strict as the troops', operating on a regular work‑day schedule.

When the shift ends, going home to be with wife and children is perfectly normal.

Therefore, many veterans who transition to civilian life choose the county People's Armed Forces Department first.

However, positions in the People's Armed Forces Department are scarce, and staff turnover is low, making it a half‑secure job, so getting hired is still somewhat difficult.

Just as the Armed Forces Department Head changes into civilian clothes, lifts his bag and prepares to go downstairs, he hears a muffled "Bang" from below, followed by the clatter of bullets hitting the floor.

"Someone, hurry up...!"

When the Armed Forces Department Head rushes down in a panic, he is shocked to find the armory doors wide open.

The armory manager lies on the ground, fate uncertain, with a large number of bullets scattered on his back.

The Arms Section Chief lies painfully in a pool of blood, his abdomen pierced by a shotgun, leaving a bloody cavity; the assailant has long fled, nowhere to be seen.

"The guns, the guns were stolen—a handful of Type‑56, three magazines, and many more bullets…"