He was so persuasive that he actually practiced extraordinary

"Deserting in the face of battle?" Zhang Beixing was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of trust in his team members. "No way. I know them. The words 'deserting in the face of battle' will never appear in their dictionary."

"Then what are you worried about?" Yang Rui frowned, increasingly puzzled—if he wasn't worried about his teammates backing down, then why did he look so melancholy?

Zhang Beixing calmly looked at Yang Rui, sighing inwardly—perhaps it was a case of "ignorance is bliss." He clearly remembered the terrible price the Jiaolong Commando Team had paid in the evacuation operation in Ivia in his previous life: two team members were killed, two were seriously injured and disabled, and four suffered from nuclear radiation. He absolutely could not allow such a tragedy to repeat itself.

He sighed softly, a deep look in his eyes that seemed beyond his years: "It's precisely because I know they won't back down, and I know that each of them is a brave and daring warrior, that I'm worried."

This time, with him involved, he is determined to change the outcome no matter what—whether it's the Red Cells or the Jiaolong Commando, he will do everything in his power to ensure everyone's safety.

Zhang Beixing spoke slowly, his tone resolute and unwavering: "The evacuation operation in Ivia may not go smoothly, but there's no use saying more now. As long as the team members decide to participate, I will definitely bring them all back safely!"

The moment he finished speaking, the worry on his face vanished, replaced by a confident and decisive air. Just as Zhang Beixing turned to gather the Red Cell team members, Yang Rui suddenly called out to him, "Wait! There's something else I forgot to tell you."

"Oh? What is it?" Zhang Beixing stopped and turned to look at him.

Yang Rui smiled at Zhang Beixing's casual expression and explained, "It's like this, this operation is restricted by international conventions, so we can't carry too many weapons and ammunition. The Ivia government forces promised to provide us with supplies, but..."

He paused deliberately before continuing, "Their bullet type is incompatible with the weapons we usually use. So for this operation, we'll have to switch to European equipment. You're a renowned sharpshooter, so you'd better be mentally prepared for a sudden change in weapons."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Beixing shrugged indifferently, a relaxed smile appearing on his face: "Whether it's European or American, even if it's an alien weapon, I don't care. As long as it's a gun, I can use it skillfully."

He smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of confident teasing: "Besides, no matter what gun I use, my sniping skills will always be superior to your Jiaolong Commando Team, so you can rest assured."

After saying that, Zhang Beixing waved his hand and turned to walk towards the dormitory area for the Red Cell team members. Watching his tall, straight back, Yang Rui couldn't help but shake his head, laughing and muttering, "Hey? This kid really isn't humble at all!"

Despite the criticism, Yang Rui's eyes were full of admiration—with a strong figure like Zhang Beixing participating in the operation, the success rate of the evacuation mission was undoubtedly increased.

Meanwhile, Zhang Beixing strode back to the warship's dormitory area and conveyed the instructions for the evacuation mission to Ivia to every member of the Red Cell team, word by word. He did not exaggerate the danger of the mission, nor did he impose his own will; he simply explained the situation objectively and stated the option that those who did not wish to participate could return with the escort ship.

After hearing the instructions, the Red Cell team members looked at each other, staring at each other for a while, a brief silence falling over the dormitory. Just as Zhang Beixing was about to ask for everyone's thoughts, Song Kaifei broke the silence first, saying with a relaxed smile, "Team Leader Zhang, you're being too polite! What do you mean you can go home just because you have reservations? Ivia is in such a mess, how can we feel at ease letting you go to such a chaotic place alone? If you're going, we'll go together!"

He Chenguang nodded in agreement, his tone firm: "That's right! We are soldiers, it is our duty to protect our country and our compatriots, and the willingness to shed blood and sacrifice is ingrained in our bones. If our brothers in the navy can charge ahead, we Red Cells have no reason to back down!"

Xu Tianlong remained calm and composed, leaning against the bedside as he spoke softly: "Anyway, don't even think about leaving me behind. Whether it's training or missions, our team always acts together."

Li Erniu clenched his fists and nodded heavily: "I'll listen to Captain Zhang! As long as I can help, I'm not afraid of danger, and I also want to protect those trapped compatriots."

Seeing this, Wang Yanbing hurriedly tried to speak up, but Zhang Beixing interrupted him mercilessly: "Shut up! The danger of this operation is far beyond what we can imagine. Your arm injury hasn't fully healed yet. Don't think about going along to cause trouble and become a burden. Hurry up and go back with the escort ship to recover!"

Wang Yanbing's face fell instantly, and he cried out, "No, Captain Zhang! You're all like brothers to me, so I'm the only outsider? My injury is no longer a problem. I can still aim and fire without any issues. I definitely won't be a burden to anyone!"

He Chenguang grinned mischievously and patted Wang Yanbing on the shoulder: "Alright, Yanbing, Captain Zhang is just concerned about you. Your wound looks like it's scabbed over, but it hasn't healed properly inside yet. If you move too much on the battlefield, it might reopen the wound and affect everyone. Don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to go to the battlefield in the future. Just listen to Captain Zhang this time and go back to recover."

No matter how hard Wang Yanbing argued, the team unanimously rejected his request—to participate in the competition while injured was not only irresponsible to himself, but also to the entire team. Seeing that his objections were ineffective, Wang Yanbing could only reluctantly accept the outcome with his head hanging low.

Just then, Zhang Nengliang, who had been hiding in a corner of the dormitory, suddenly came over. Hearing that Zhang Beixing was leading a team to Ivia for an evacuation mission, his eyes instantly lit up with fighting spirit, and he immediately declared, "Captain Zhang! I want to go with you!"

Zhang Beixing glanced at him and sneered, "What are you going there for? We're going to evacuate and rescue people, not to go sightseeing. Don't always think about joining in the fun and causing trouble."

"Why can you go but I can't?" Zhang Nengliang retorted defiantly. "You're in the army, and so am I. We're all soldiers. I can also carry a gun and fight. Why exclude me?"

"Combat?" Zhang Beixing frowned, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Have you ever been on a real battlefield? Do you know what it feels like to have a bullet whizz past your ear? Do you know how terrifying it is to see flesh and blood flying everywhere? Do you think the battlefield is like a training ground where you can do whatever you want? If you actually got there, you'd probably be so scared you'd wet your pants. What kind of combat are you talking about then?"

Zhang Nengliang clenched his fists, his cheeks flushed red—he had always wanted to prove that he wasn't just a troublesome "brat," but a good soldier capable of going to the battlefield. This evacuation mission was a rare opportunity for him, and he had to seize it.

"I'm not as cowardly as you say!" Zhang Nengliang gritted his teeth and hurriedly added, "Besides, I can drive a tank! If we encounter a situation where armored support is needed, I can definitely come in handy!" "Drive a tank?" Zhang Beixing was slightly taken aback when he heard this. He remembered that during the last exercise with the 9th Combined Arms Brigade, he had used 10 merit points to exchange for the max-level skills in tank driving and shooting, but he hadn't had a chance to use them yet—firstly, he lacked tank crew members, and secondly, there wasn't a suitable mission scenario, so the skill had been temporarily shelved.

However, the situation in Ivia is complex, and the rebels are very likely equipped with armored vehicles. If a tank standoff occurs, Zhang Nengliang's driving skills might really come in handy. Moreover, he currently has less than 600 merit points. With a major battle imminent, every merit point must be used wisely. He should save as much as possible and there is no need to waste merit points on system skills.

Thinking of this, Zhang Beixing looked at Zhang Nengliang. Zhang Nengliang seemed to see through his thoughts and immediately gave him a firm look, as if to say, "I can do it, don't underestimate me."

Zhang Beixing sighed slowly, finally relenting: "Alright, I'll take you with me. But let me make this clear: once we get to Ivia, you must unconditionally obey my orders. If you disobey even slightly, I'll deal with you before the enemy even makes a move!"

"Yes, sir! I guarantee to obey orders!" Zhang Nengliang instantly beamed with joy, straightened his back, and gave a not-so-standard military salute.

Having resolved the issue of whether the team members would stay or leave, the missile destroyer, having accepted the evacuation mission, immediately adjusted its course, turned its bow, and accelerated towards the port of Ivia. The propellers spun rapidly, creating huge waves on the sea, as if racing against time, eager to reach its destination and rescue its stranded compatriots.

Meanwhile, within Ivia, chaos reigned. The incessant rattling of rifle bullets and the deafening roar of rocket launchers filled the air. Panic gripped the city; the streets were deserted, save for the occasional remnant soldier wandering aimlessly.

Smoke filled every corner of the city. The usually bustling shops were closed, some even shattered by artillery fire. The towering office buildings were riddled with bullet holes, some floors collapsed, and rubble was scattered all over the ground. The once clean streets were now a mess.

Guided by government troops, a group of local residents and foreign nationals formed a crooked line, their faces filled with panic and their steps hurried toward the evacuation assembly point. Their faces were full of fear, and they would occasionally look back—just two streets away, government troops and anti-government forces were locked in fierce fighting, and no one knew where the next shell would land.

One after another, tan armored vehicles drove into the war zone, their cannons aimed at the rebel positions and firing incessantly, the thunderous explosions shaking the ground. Soldiers huddled behind the armored vehicles, carefully dodging incoming shrapnel; each time they looked up to fire, it felt like a battle with death. Ivia, a once relatively peaceful country, was now completely engulfed in the vortex of war.

Five kilometers from the city's evacuation center, a building flying the Chinese flag stands out prominently—this is the Chinese Embassy in Ivia. At this moment, the situation inside the embassy is equally dire.

Overseas Chinese citizens who couldn't evacuate in time crowded the embassy's lobby and corridors. Everyone looked tense and listened intently. The whistling sound of bullets passing by on the street was clearly audible, making one's scalp tingle.

"Okay, thank you! All the staff and overseas Chinese at our embassy are waiting for your arrival!" Consul He Qingliu hung up the phone, let out a long sigh of relief, and turned to face the crowd, forcing a reassuring smile on his face.

"Don't be afraid, everyone. I have just made contact with our warships, and they are expected to arrive at the inner harbor of Ivia this afternoon. At that time, we will be escorted to the port by the Ivia government forces, and naval soldiers will come to take us home!"

"Really? That's great!" someone in the crowd shouted excitedly. "We're finally saved! I thought we were going to be trapped here forever!"

"Waaah... Our motherland has finally come to take us home! I want to go home so badly!" A middle-aged woman couldn't help but cry, her voice filled with grievance and relief.

"It's so good to have a strong motherland! When we encounter danger overseas, only our motherland will lend a helping hand immediately. No other country can match this sense of security!" The crowd discussed excitedly, their fear gradually replaced by excitement and exhilaration—they knew they were saved, and their motherland had come to take them home!
In the crowd, a little boy timidly snuggled into his father's arms and whispered, "Dad, I'm scared... I miss Mom, I want Mom to come with us."

The man holding the child was a doctor named Lu Feng. He gently stroked his son's head and softly comforted him, "Don't be afraid, Mom will evacuate with her company. When we get to the port, we'll see Mom, and then the three of us will go home with the warship."

"Hmm." The little boy nodded as if he understood, but perhaps he was too tired, and soon he fell into a deep sleep in his father's arms.

He Qingliu walked to Lu Feng's side and asked softly, "Dr. Lu, have you called your wife Deng Mei to check on her condition?"

Lu Feng shook his head helplessly: "We were in such a hurry when we left yesterday that I don't know where I left my phone and haven't been able to contact her since."

He Qingliu immediately took out his own phone from his pocket and handed it over: "Use mine to call her. Quickly let her know you're safe and sound, and put her mind at ease. Don't let her keep worrying about you and your son."

"Thank you, Consul." Lu Feng took the phone and quickly dialed Deng Mei's number. Once the call connected, he hurriedly said, "Xiao Mei, it's me. My son and I are at the embassy, ​​we're safe, don't worry. Government troops will escort us to the port soon; I heard the warship will arrive this afternoon."

Deng Mei's slightly hurried voice came from the other end of the phone: "That's great, I'm so glad you're all alright! I'm also preparing to evacuate. The company will organize us to meet at the port, see you there. I have to go pack my things now."

"Okay, see you at the port, be careful." Lu Feng hung up the phone, and the weight on his heart finally lifted.

Inside the embassy, ​​many people like Lu Feng were calling their families to let them know they were safe. Everyone took turns using the phone to tell their loved ones far away about their current situation, their voices filled with longing for reunion. (End of Chapter)