Siheyuan: The Era of Struggle

Chapter 371 A Quick-witted Comrade
The person who called out He Daliang's name was standing at the gate of the military yard, about seven or eight meters away from where the jeep was parked. At this moment, he was looking eagerly at He Yuanchao.

He could call out my former name, could he be the original owner’s former comrade-in-arms?
Thinking of this, He Yuanchao turned around and couldn't help but take a closer look at the man who called the original owner's name.

Judging from his appearance, the man was about forty years old, with a square face, thick eyebrows and big eyes. He was about 1.7 meters tall, not too tall but very strong. He was wearing a brand new Type 58 cadre uniform with a 23-cent military rank on his shoulder, and looked very heroic.

He Yuanchao looked at the man's face and felt that he looked familiar, but for a moment he couldn't remember where he had seen this man.

Just as he was hesitating about how to ask, the middle-aged officer strode towards him with a smile on his face.

"He Daliang is really your boy. Tell me, have you forgotten me?"

The officer put away the smile on his face and said without even waiting to reach He Yuanchao.

Hearing this, He Yuanchao had no intention of hiding anything. He showed an embarrassed expression on his face and was about to speak, but suddenly he saw that the officer who came up to him had a long and narrow scar under his military cap on his forehead.

Looking at the long and narrow scar that almost runs across his entire forehead, a memory from before liberation suddenly appeared in He Yuanchao's mind.

As the memory flashed through his mind like a movie clip, He Yuanchao spoke subconsciously:

"You...you are Instructor Li Hongtao?"

When the officer heard He Yuanchao call out his name and former position, his gloomy face immediately brightened up and he grinned:

"Okay, you have a conscience and haven't forgotten me."

As he spoke, Li Hongtao raised his arm and punched He Yuanchao twice in the chest and continued:

"If you hadn't changed much except for your height and appearance, I wouldn't have recognized you."

He Yuanchao himself had never fought with Li Hongtao, but as the memories of the original owner He Daliang were integrated into his mind, he still felt a sense of familiarity with the officer in front of him named Li Hongtao.

"Coach Li, I didn't expect to see you here. By the way, instructor, why are you here..."

"Why can't I be here?"

Before He Yuanchao could finish his words, Li Hongtao, who was originally smiling, suddenly interrupted with a stern face:
"It seems like you really forgot about me. You didn't even take my job transfer after I was injured into consideration. It's a pity that I always think of you every time I call my old comrades in the army."

Although he knew that Li Hongtao was not really angry, He Yuanchao still quickly explained with an embarrassed expression:
"Instructor, I really didn't forget you. Two years ago, I accidentally hit my head during the military training. After I woke up, I couldn't remember some things clearly. Otherwise, I wouldn't have transferred to civilian work."

After listening to He Yuanchao's explanation, Li Hongtao, who had wanted to tease him, lost the mood to joke and said with concern:

"I also heard about your injury. I thought you were strong and tough, so it wasn't a big deal. I didn't expect you to have a head injury. Why didn't you tell the army about such a serious matter?"

As Li Hongtao spoke, he looked at He Yuanchao twice, and as if he suddenly remembered something, he suddenly changed the subject and said:

"I heard from Lao Wang that the old commander has been wondering why you want to change your job. Is this the reason for your change?"

He Yuanchao didn't expect Li Hongtao's thoughts to jump so much. Just now he looked concerned about his injury, but in a blink of an eye he changed the topic to the issue of career change. He was a little stunned for a moment. After asking the question, Li Hongtao felt a little regretful, blaming himself for not keeping a lid on his words.

Everyone has their own ideas. He Daliang, this kid, must have his reasons for being so eager to transfer back to the local area. Not to mention that they are just comrades-in-arms, even if they are brothers, they should not inquire about each other's thoughts so blatantly.

He had been away from his old unit for several years. Although he still kept in touch with some of his former comrades, he didn't know everything. If something dirty happened, he would be blamed if he dug deep into the matter.

Li Hongtao was a man of quick thinking. He was afraid that he would cause trouble for no reason, so he quickly took advantage of He Yuanchao's silence and said:
"Okay, you don't have to bother trying to come up with lies to deceive me. If the old commander didn't ask, I don't think I'd have that much face.

But then again, since you're on my land, let's have a good drink together, you have to give me this honor, right?"

After saying this, Li Hongtao did not wait for He Yuanchao's response, but turned to Zhang Lide who was standing next to the jeep and said with a smile:

"Comrade He Daliang and I have been comrades-in-arms for many years. It's not easy for us to meet again. Do you think we can..."

"Instructor Li."

When He Yuanchao was suddenly asked by Li Hongtao about the reason for his change of career, he unconsciously thought of what happened when he just crossed over. Now he had come to his senses and hurriedly interrupted.

"Why don't you even give me this little bit of face when you come to me?"

Li Hongtao heard a hint of evasion in He Yuanchao's tone, so he glared at him without waiting for him to say anything.

Afraid that Li Hongtao might misunderstand, He Yuanchao didn't waste time and simply explained that Zhang Lide was his father-in-law and the reason for his coming here.

Hearing that the two men were looking for Zhang Zhao, Li Hongtao knew what was going on immediately. As soon as He Yuanchao finished speaking, he greeted Zhang Lide with a smile, and then said:

"Don't worry about this matter. The higher-ups have already decided on the outcome of the treatment of your brother-in-law."

It is said that Li Hongtao is a man with a quick mind. After he finished his words of comfort, he glanced around and approached He Yuanchao and asked in a low voice:
"Why, your father-in-law is not satisfied with the outcome of this incident and wants to come to the army to protest?"

Li Hongtao asked this question not because he was rude again, but because he was thinking about his comradeship with He Yuanchao. If He Yuanchao had any ideas in this regard, he could give some advice to avoid him carrying a pig's head and not being able to find a temple to worship, and then being cheated again.

Of course, he also had a little selfish motive in mind. As the saying goes, the army may change but the camp remains the same. Although this applies to soldiers, it also applies to officers.

Even though he is now a colonel, he cannot get through this hurdle and get promoted to 24 cents, and he will still face the fate of packing up and leaving.

He knew a little about Zhang Zhao's family background and knew that his roots were in Kyoto. He had no idea about it before, but with the relationship with He Daliang, he couldn't help but want to move forward.

Even if you don't need help right now, you may need it in the future. It is necessary to get to know others now, so as to avoid appearing snobbish and being disliked by others by cramming at the last minute.

He Yuanchao didn't expect that Li Hongtao would have so many thoughts in the blink of an eye. He thought that Li Hongtao wanted to lend a hand out of friendship for his comradeship. He was afraid that this would bring trouble to his comrade, so he smiled and told him the purpose of coming here.

Li Hongtao felt disappointed when he heard that Zhang Lide came here only to repay Zhang Zhao's debt and had no intention of doing anything else. However, he said without showing any smile:
"Daliang, the matter of Zhang Zhao has been resolved. You and Uncle Zhang don't have to worry. It's almost noon now. Let's find a place to have a meal first. I will work with you on this matter in the afternoon."

(End of this chapter)