Chapter 336: Golden Shield, Forged in Hot Blood

Guo Yongwen then asked, "Is there a big difference between real combat, training, and drills?"

Lu Yang said solemnly, "It's not just a big difference; it's a world apart, not even on the same latitude. These things aren't in any book; they can only be gained through practice."

"A veteran who has seen battle has counter‑recon ability, crisis awareness, tactical thinking, and a ruthless strike that ordinary soldiers can't match."

"I survived because one‑third was skill and two‑thirds was luck."

"That's exaggerated?"

Ding Tengfei looked very surprised.

He had thought skill made up the bulk and luck only a small part.

Lu Yang recalled the week when a gun was pointed at his head and felt a lingering dread.

"Later I learned that the thieves had stolen ammunition from the militia depot, and a batch of damp rounds had slipped in, letting me narrowly escape disaster."

"Besides, in real combat the antagonists are usually ruthless and taciturn; they don't waste time with chatter, unlike the completely deceptive TV dramas."

Whether Guo Yongwen or Ding Tengfei, the hairs on their arms stood up.

This conversation with Lu Yang made them keenly realize how vast the gap is between ordinary soldiers and elite troops.

War is not only a contest of military might and technology, but also a psychological game and a clash of experience.

If back then the two of them faced those guys.

Ding Tengfei might have been killed near the cave where the thieves hid by the armed former armory keeper.

Guo Yongwen, with many years of service and a steady mindset, might fare better. Yet during the pursuit, he would surely be spotted and counter‑killed by that Kui Ge.

Lu Yang's quick mind, speed, and good luck got him into this mess; if they were in his shoes, even the grass on the graves would be thriving.

Ding Tengfei said earnestly, "Brother Yang, I think your experiences could be turned into a novel."

Lu Yang: "It's already brewing."

"Is this it?"

Ding Tengfei casually took a notebook from the bedside drawer.

He had noticed it last time he came, but never opened it.

Lu Yang tried to stop him, but it was already too late.

As the notebook was opened, a few lines of crossed‑out text came into view.

"Who taught you to be a new recruit/Platoon Leader like this?"

"Issue motorcycles to soldiers? Squad Leader, I want a Ferrari!"

"Let the retired old man buy sunflower seeds, and the whole army goes crazy hunting me!"

"That's kind of interesting; are these all backup titles you came up with?"

"Ah…"

Lu Yang gave an awkward nod, tried to take the notebook back, but failed.

"No wonder you're a scholar—so learned; the title itself sounds intriguing."

Guo Yongwen happened to turn to the next page, and a strange title left him puzzled.

"Reborn in the '80s, a domineering general summons me?"

"This title looks a bit odd, doesn't it?"

"What genre is this, why so awkward?"

Lu Yang stammered, saying it's just a period military‑life theme.

The exact plot isn't settled yet; basically it's about a Troublemaker soldier whose unit disobeys, gets summoned, and gradually matures.

Ding Tengfei's eyes lit up, "Brother Yang, you didn't base this on me for inspiration, did you?"

Lu Yang: "……"

He didn't want to dwell on the question, but Ding Tengfei's enthusiasm was too high.

Lu Yang simply tossed the notebook back into the drawer and pulled out the test paper he'd made earlier: "Finished eating, let's grade the test. Hurry, I still need a nap later."

"Oh, okay."

Ding Tengfei reluctantly agreed.

Guo Yongwen, meanwhile, put away the table and the dishes.

Just as Lu Yang began stamping red big X's onto the test paper, a rapid footstep sound came from outside.

Immediately after, He Zhen Tao rushed in, breathless, and said excitedly to him.

"Quick, quick, get ready, hurry up!"

"The Division Commander and the others have arrived; they're already in the parking lot!"

Lu Yang was overjoyed; the long‑awaited honor was finally about to arrive!

But turning his head, he froze, "Prepare what? Should we go to the entrance to greet them?"

He Zhen Tao didn't answer, but hurriedly shoved all the test papers from the bedside cabinet into the drawer.

Then, as if shaking a tractor's lever, he quickly flattened Lu Yang's bed and removed one pillow.

He opened the window to ventilate, letting the food smell dissipate, and tidied the sheets a bit.

"Just lie there, stay like that, okay? Keep that posture."

"Then should I look a bit haggard?"

"Just play it out as you see fit!"

"Got it!"

Lu Yang instantly got into character, emotions in place.

Soon, footsteps echoed from outside.

Division Commander Luo, bearing the star, entered with Chief of Staff Xiong Yao, Political Department Director, Special Regiment Commander Wang Zhongxi, Political Commissar Tan Yuanzhou, Ma Qing'an and others, filing in one after another.

Lu Yang's eyes at that moment showed a perfectly timed look of shock, then he struggled to sit up from the bed, slowly pulling his hand out from under the blanket.

"Chief, good......"

"Hey, hey, hey, lie down quickly, lie down quickly!"

Division Commander Luo hurried forward to support Lu Yang's shoulder, while Xiong Yao quickly fetched a pillow and placed it behind him.

Lu Yang, as if possessed by Lin Daiyu, wore a listless, haggard, weak, powerless expression as he lay down again.

"Chief, I can't... salute you, cough cough."

"It's fine, it's fine. You just finished surgery not long ago, the wound hasn't healed yet; no need to be stuck on these details."

Division Commander Luo, holding his hand concernedly, asked: "How do you feel? Are you getting used to staying in the ward? How's the food, is your recovery going well?"

Lu Yang nodded vigorously: "Good, everything's good. I'm grateful for the organization's care; it makes me feel a warmth like home."

"Good, as long as you're accustomed, you've suffered enough!"

Division Commander Luo, after a while of concern, went straight to the main point.

Xiong Yao handed over a small box from behind, along with a bright red velvet‑covered certificate.

Division Commander Luo took them, placed them on Lu Yang's blanket, and with a smile said, "Open it and see—this is your honor?"

Lu Yang gave another tactical cough, turned his head to look for Ma Qing'an and He Zhen Tao among the crowd: "Company Commander, Instructor, my arm really can't move—could you help me open it?"

"Here it comes!"

The two of them, radiant with spirit, stepped forward and, in front of everyone, opened the wooden box and the honor certificate.

Inside the box lay a finely crafted, dazzling merit medal.

On the certificate, in bold, were the four characters "First-Class Merit."

Lu Yang bit his lip, his shoulders trembling, and began to continuously stir his emotions.

Rigidly, at this most joyous moment, a few tears squeezed out of his eyes, pushing the atmosphere upward.

He Zhen Tao, watching from the side, genuinely raised his thumb silently: "This kid, he cracks right away, the acting is really spot on!"

Division Commander Luo quickly, with concern, pulled out a tissue and wiped his tears away.

This warm scene was naturally captured by the military newspaper reporter who followed.

Such a great honor doesn't come around even once in many years; it must be publicized properly.

Ding Tengfei and Guo Yongwen were squeezed into a corner, watching Lu Yang—who earlier had been chatting and laughing with them—now looking like "gravely ill", their hearts constantly thinking "damn".

Pure acting type, this job given to them, they really can't pull it off; the performance is way too realistic.

Lu Yang wiped his eyes and, hoarsely, said, "Chief, I made you watch a joke; I really, really couldn't control myself, I'm too excited."

Division Commander Luo tightly held his hand: "Lu Yang, you are a hero, truly commendable. Having a good soldier like you under my command is my blessing, it's a blessing for the Division!"

"Your spirit of fearing no danger and overcoming all obstacles is worthy of every soldier's learning; our Division also shines brighter because of you!"

"Is there anything you want to say, or any request, the unit will try to fulfill as much as possible?"

The military newspaper reporter's camera cut to a close‑up, capturing Lu Yang's progressively deepening emotions.

I have to say, this kid's camera presence is truly great; his emotions are delivered perfectly.

Last time in the Division auditorium, it was also his interview; the footage then was already emotionally spot on, and this time it's even richer than before.

Wang Zhongxi: "Say a couple of sentences?"

Tan Yuanzhou: "Just talk about your feelings, okay?"

Ma Qing'an: "The Company Commander and Instructor are here; if you have words to inspire and encourage everyone, just say them."

Lu Yang, choking up, said: "I'm sorry, I'm really too excited; in this situation, I just want to use a song to express my inner feelings."

Division Commander Luo: "Then just sing it."

Lu Yang, stirring his emotions, grasped the golden‑shining merit medal, eyes brimming with hot tears, looked at the camera and said: "Golden, shield—hey~ hot blood, forged~"