Chapter 443: Generous Treatment, the Jiao Long Battalion Commander

"Lu Yang, looking at these names, this wall of honors on every side, what do you have to say?"

Half an hour ago, Lu Yang was brought by battalion commander Hou Yi to the Jiao Long Special Operations, the most glorious and sacred place.

Hou Yi spoke to him earnestly, passionately, recounting the origin of this unit and its most glorious and sacred mission.

He seemed to be using this approach to sway Lu Yang, to force him to change his mind and voluntarily stay here, becoming a proud Jiao Long Special Operations soldier.

But unfortunately, Lu Yang drank two packets of Southern black sesame paste, bought on credit from a small shop, before sleeping last night, leaving his heart as solid as cement now.

Lu Yang said without hesitation, "Battalion commander, I know the Navy's path has been difficult, and the formation of the Navy's first Special Operations unit was also fraught with hardships; they are pioneers and true heroes, I admire them greatly."

"My old unit, the Special Third Regiment, originated from Longguo Volunteer Army's 17th Division, 303rd Regiment, a force capable of fighting stubbornly against the enemy in subzero thirty‑degree ice and snow, wearing only a single garment and cloth shoes."

"The history of the Special Third Regiment is even more tragic, its battles even more brutal, and the names and photos on its wall far outnumber those here......"

Hou Yi's eyelids twitched wildly; he never imagined, even in his dreams, that this could be "self‑inflicted humiliation"?

The title "big brother of the Army" isn't given in vain; compared to the Navy's development, the Army has a longer history, and its record is naturally more glorious.

Moreover, Lu Yang's former unit was an old force that fought in the Korean War, and later even saw the small‑mountain rotation battles of the 1980s.

Hou Yi coughed, masking his awkwardness: "Little Lu, I'm not saying this to make you compare; I want you to understand that even in peacetime there are turbulent storms."

"In many places you can't see, countless Special Operations troops sacrifice themselves, giving their lives for the country and its people."

"Chief of Staff, Bai Yuan, and Mao Xiaotiao have all mentioned you to me, saying you're an exceptionally outstanding soldier."

"Mao Xiaotiao?"

Lu Yang was startled; he didn't recall knowing anyone with that name.

Hou Yi explained, "Oh, you don't know yet? Mao Xiaotiao is Lao Mao, that's his codename; people just got used to calling him Lao Mao, Lao Mao."

Lu Yang nodded, but beneath his calm expression was an uncontrollable urge to laugh.

When they first landed on the island, Lao Mao's impression on everyone was cold, ruthless, a fierce demon.

Anything he could shout at the top of his lungs would never be spoken calmly; he always wore a sour face as if owed millions.

But it was unexpected that his real name was so "childish," completely at odds with his appearance and aura.

Lu Yang recalled that as a child he had read a book by the Fairy Tale King called "Mischievous Kid Ma Xiaotiao."

Before this, among the people he knew Chen Panpan's name sounded the least aggressive, the softest; now it seems even comrade Mao Xiaotiao is a slight step above.

Hou Yi added, "Mao Xiaotiao was recruited by our Chief of Staff; back then his name was constantly mocked, so he simply gave himself the codename Lao Mao."

"I understand," Lu Yang nodded. "When you're in the army, you want to seem more masculine, so calling him Lao Mao feels more comfortable."

"Yes."

Hou Yi: "If you're willing to stay, you can have your own personal codename; Bai Yuan's codename is White Dragon King—he's seen his speed in water, comparable to a silver fish in the waves."

Lu Yang was a bit surprised; he hadn't expected Bai Yuan's codename to be so imposing.

He truly hadn't thought about codenames, since rank‑and‑file troops in grassroots units usually don't need them.

Codenames are used to conceal identity during external missions and for communication, but for now there seems no need.

Hou Yi looked at him: "I tell you this because after two months of shared learning and growth, we've already treated you like family; I can also tell you clearly that if you're willing to stay, we'll focus on cultivating you."

"Talent is a scarce resource everywhere, and it's no different here; you have talent, you're willing to work hard, endure hardship, and you're clever."

"Stay, become my soldier; your rank will be promoted to lieutenant, and you can choose any post; the shipyard, you can go whenever you wish."

Unlike Zhao Haishen's old cunning, he can see that this commander Hou is a straightforward person who gets things done.

The dignified Jiao Long battalion commander humbled himself and brought himself here.

No grand promises, no motivational speeches, just genuine heart‑to‑heart talk.

Honestly, Lu Yang was indeed a little moved.

A lieutenant rank, any post you choose, free access to Jiao Long's core secrets, the most professional training, and exposure to the world's top military‑industrial weapons.

Such a package would be a smash hit anywhere.

Even now, Lu Yang is considering whether to adopt the suggestion Xu Ce made earlier.

Treating Jiao Long as a platform, a gilded springboard; stay here for two years, master the skills, then apply to transfer back.

Seeing Lu Yang beginning to hesitate, Hou Yi seized the moment and said, "Missing comrades from your old unit is understandable, but everyone has their own path; at a time like this, you should think more about your own future."

"Perhaps, before long, those comrades of yours will also pass the selection and join the Jiao Long family; isn't that great?"

"Battalion commander, I..."

Before Lu Yang could finish, Hou Yi raised his hand to stop him.

"I won't force you to decide immediately; consider it just a suggestion for you."

"Grassroots units have their own advantages: leisure, comfort, and fewer setbacks and difficulties."

"But at twenty, it's the time to fight and forge ahead, to give it your all so tomorrow will be better. If I were you, I'd definitely give it my all."

"You, think it over carefully, and tell me once you've decided..."

Hou Yi finished speaking, turned and left the honor room, and as he reached the doorway he ran straight into the hurried Zhao Haishen.

"Battalion commander, battalion commander, I've been looking for you forever; why are you here?"

"What's wrong, in such a hurry?"

"Someone from headquarters arrived to award honors!"

Hou Yi looked puzzled: "That's good news, hurry and gather those who took part in the island‑seizing mission; do you really need me to teach you that?"

Zhao Haishen shook his head: "Zheng Chengfeng is also here; he came together with you!"

Hou Yi squinted, his expression dark: "The newcomer isn't friendly, I'll go meet him; you gather everyone in the briefing hall and have them change into regular uniforms."

"Understood."

Zhao Haishen was about to leave, then hurriedly asked, "How did the talk go, did that kid change his attitude?"

Hou Yi nodded: "If nothing unexpected happens, he should be willing to stay; after all, once you leave this village there's no such shop, and a grassroots unit can't offer such good treatment."

Zhao Haishen gave a thumbs‑up: "It still has to be a veteran!"