Chapter 371: Any Requirements, Just Put Them Forward

"Hey, chief, it's me, I'm right here, right in the Motorized Infantry Company...."

"Those photos are quite interesting; you certainly couldn't guess what they're for......"

"Yes, the yellow washbasin and long bench are called land swimming devices, used for learning to swim on dry land; they add salt to the water, claim you can also add milk or goji berries, hahahaha......"

"The sand on the runway simulates a Sea Training Base, yes, I never thought it could be done like this......"

"And there's something you wouldn't even imagine: those kids were all wearing gas masks, watching a model swimwear runway in a smoke-filled room, saying it trains lung capacity and gets them used to wearing oxygen masks in the sea......"

"I didn't watch, really didn't; I'm not interested in those model shows. My sole focus is Navy construction, all my attention on the upcoming Sea Training Base project......"

Zheng Chengfeng raised three fingers, swearing at the streetlamp overhead, vowing that he is a soldier who has risen above lowbrow amusements.

"I talked to him; he thinks the same as us. However, there's something very interesting."

"I said he's like a torch, warming those around him; he said it's everyone who trims the branches for him, helping him burn, so he hopes to illuminate everyone's path."

Laughter came from the other end of the phone, but nothing was said.

Then, using a meeting as an excuse, the call was hung up.

"Chief, almost everyone has arrived."

"Hmm, let's go."

The man placed the handset back on the phone, stood up, and left the spacious, bright office.

The secretary, holding documents, followed behind; as they neared a set of double doors leading to a hill, two guards at the doorway swiftly opened them.

The moment the doors opened, in the magnificent, solemn grand conference hall, all soldiers dressed in white military uniforms rose from their seats.

"Salute!"

Regardless of rank, even major generals and senior colonels raised their right hands.

The man, while marching, raised his hand in return salute, walked to the front of the hall, and took the vacant seat in the center marked "Navy Commander."

All eyes in the room focused on the man shouldering two stars, hair half black half white, kindly yet stern, wearing an Army uniform.

Without any superfluous words, the man spoke directly: "Let me introduce myself. My surname is Gu, Gu Mingyuan, former Eastern Theater Army Political Commissar."

"I am honored to be transferred to the Southern Theater, taking the position of Navy Commander, and to work together with everyone."

"For the coming long period, we have only one goal: to reorganize the South Sea Fleet and vigorously promote the security construction of our nation's southern maritime and airspace."

"Please be seated; now we officially begin the first agenda item: New dreams, new journey; new opportunities, new challenges!"

"That's all there is to say......"

Sixth Company, in the company headquarters office.

Tan Yuanzhou finished briefing the upcoming work tasks and precautions.

"Tonight, do not schedule any training; this is your last night in the Sixth Company."

"Hold a gathering, allow some beer, everyone lively and happy; after it's over, clean up, take a hot shower, then go to bed."

"A vehicle will come to pick you up early tomorrow; no problem, right?"

"Political Commissar......"

He Zhen Tao suddenly spoke.

Tan Yuanzhou looked at him: "Anything else unclear?"

He Zhen Tao glanced at Ma Qing'an, with a wry smile: "Could we arrange for everyone to go to the Tuan Bu for a photo, leaving a final memory?"

"The soldiers have been enlisted so long, hardly ever taken photos; consider it a keepsake, a commemoration?"

Tan Yuanzhou gladly agreed: "Sure, that's not unreasonable; I can provide the camera..."

He Zhen Tao pulled open a drawer, took out a digital camera: "We have it; we've been prepared for a long time."

Tan Yuanzhou nodded: "Then early tomorrow, first go to the Tuan Bu for photos, then later arrange a vehicle to pick you up; take as many photos as possible, give each soldier two individual portraits."

"Whether Army or Navy, it's the path we came by, worthy of remembrance, also a particularly precious memory."

"Make tonight's meal as grand and abundant as possible; don't worry about cost, the Tuan Bu covers everything."

"Hmm."

"Ah, after all, we've still wronged you, we must begin with you."

Tan Yuanzhou's tone carried some apology, even though the whole company must be reorganized.

But the leading team must exert more courage and resolve.

They are the whole company's exemplar; everyone behind watches them, allowing no mistake.

Ma Qing'an shook his head openly: "From the bewilderment when we first learned this news to our willing acceptance now, in this month we have not only built mental readiness but also made thorough preparations."

"This is the trend of the times, and also the final directive from superiors to our Sixth Company; we will definitely lead well and set a good example for everyone."

Tan Yuanzhou's smile was filled with satisfaction: "With such resolve, I believe that in the future, regardless of which unit you are assigned to or what position you hold, you will be the most trusted people of the people and the nation."

"Let's work hard together, strive together; the vast world offers great possibilities!"

At that moment, the office door was knocked, and Zheng Chengfeng pushed it open, greeting.

"I've finished my work here; if there's nothing else, I'll leave now, sorry for the disturbance."

"Don't rush off."

Tan Yuanzhou smiled, stepped forward and held him: "Seeing night is about to fall, let's just have it tonight?"

Zheng Chengfeng was a bit uneasy: "Is this appropriate?"

He Zhen Tao, receiving a cue from the Political Commissar, quickly stepped forward to speak: "Why would it be inappropriate? Your arrival makes our Sixth Company flourish brilliantly; we are truly honored."

Zheng Chengfeng is not merely a Navy chief; he also bears the important mission of guiding the 'Army-to-Navy' conversion work.

Moreover, in earlier talks with Political Commissar Tan, they learned that he is also the commander of the Sea Training Base they will soon go to.

That means Comrade Zheng Chengfeng will not only coordinate with them but may also become their temporary superior.

Keeping him allows them to ask more about Navy matters and pave the way for the future.

It also helps build connections, get close, and perhaps ensure future assignment to a good unit or post.

Personally, Ma Qing'an still really wants to go to the Marine Corps Amphibious Motorized Infantry Brigade (Second Brigade) to serve as the Deputy Battalion Commander of the Reconnaissance Battalion.

It's not just because he wants to improve; more importantly it's a matter of professional fit, and as for the specific job assignment, his say doesn't count—it still depends on what they decide.

In the evening, many sparkling little colored lights appeared on the greenbelt and branches in the open space in front of the building.

Each squad had a folding table in front of them, and on the folding table, besides the fine wine and dishes that can only be enjoyed at holiday banquets, there were candies, peanuts, and drinks.

There was also a small grill, allowing the soldiers to roast skewers themselves.

As the weather warmed, holding an open‑air barbecue picnic felt especially atmospheric.

"Whoa, how lavish~"

"Haven't had barbecue in ages; in a bit I'm going to eat about eighty skewers!"

"You eat, you eat; I won't fight you. There's so much food, and they said there'll be grilled oysters later!"

The soldiers, smiling broadly, gathered around the tables; Regiment Commander Wang Zhongxi, after finishing his immediate tasks, also arrived and sat at the same table with Tan Yuanzhou and Zheng Chengfeng.

As the Special Third Regiment Commander, on this special day, he not only secured the venue but also had to actively raise a toast to everyone.

Even though in peacetime there aren't many battles to fight, the Sixth Company, as the vanguard, still deserves recognition and praise for its courage and determination.

"When do we start eating? Can't wait!"

"I'm already hungry, I think—my mouth's watering!"

"Anyone else we're waiting for? Who's not here yet? Seems we're still missing a Company Commander—where did Lu Yang run off to? We didn't see him earlier?"

Just as everyone was looking around searching, the Company Commander drove back with Lu Yang.

The rear compartment opened, Lu Yang pulled out a suitcase from the back, while Ma Qing'an took several microphones and, under his arm, also clutched a small display.

Only when the two approached did they see clearly that Lu Yang was pulling a hand‑crank speaker; combined, these items formed a portable karaoke system.

At that time, KTV was still a very fashionable entertainment option, and it wasn't cheap.

Thus in parks, by the roadside, night markets, and riverbanks, many mobile karaoke stalls popped up.

There were screens, teleprompters, microphones; one yuan per song, and the hottest current tracks could be found on the discs.

Ma Qing'an handled dragging the power strip, Lu Yang was busy ahead fine‑tuning the equipment, and laughed, "Hey hey hey, hey hey hey... good wine, fine food, and we also need music; that's what makes it fun."

"Anyone interested later can come up and belt out a couple of verses to liven everyone up."

"Regiment Commander, Political Commissar, the Navy's heads are all here, so don't fall short~"

"Alright!"

The soldiers all gave them face, responding with cheerful smiles.

Ma Qing'an deliberately put on a stern face: "Talk is cheap; later each squad must sing at least two songs, and anyone who sings badly will have to drink a penalty shot."

"Ah......?"

The soldiers deliberately elongated the sound.

Ma Qing'an switched to a smiling face: "Just kidding."

The soldiers: "Right~"

Ma Qing'an: "Whether it's good or bad, everyone still has to drink as a penalty."

The soldiers: "To hell with you~"