Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 2462 The Unique Features of Southeast Asia (Third Update, Please Subscribe)
Will you be going then?

Faced with this unexpected problem, Zhang Lianming immediately became vigilant.

Is this a test?
Why would he ask that? Could it be...? But in an instant, he realized he was overthinking it.

After all, the current environment is different from that of the past.

While secretly thinking that he was being paranoid, Zhang Lianming nodded and said.

"If nothing unexpected happens, we will definitely go."

Then, looking at the other person, he said in a self-deprecating tone:

"You might feel that we have no autonomy, just like..."

Before he could finish speaking, the officer opposite him shook his head and said...

"No, you should go."

The officer's answer surprised Zhang Lianming.

"Just like you've always said—you're family. So, of course you should go when something like this happens."

The other party's understanding was completely unexpected by Zhang Lianming. After all, in the past, they were nothing more than puppets and lackeys in the loudspeaker.

But the goodwill and understanding shown by the officer now far exceeded his expectations.

Zhang Lianming carefully examined the other person, and then said...

"You are different from many people."

"It's different, you mean?"

The other person seemed to have thought of something and said with a smile.

"The past is the past, and the present is the present. Many things are different now. Although we have different positions, we should still try to understand each other."

With this understanding, the two sides became closer and the atmosphere became more harmonious.

Laughter occasionally rang out from the barbed wire fence. They chatted like this for a while, then the officer opposite Zhang Lianming looked at him and said:
"I hope there will be opportunities like this in the future... Actually, we should talk more, only in this way can we understand each other better. Through such understanding, we can avoid some misunderstandings."

"yes,"

Zhang Lianming nodded, and then said:

"That's certainly how it should be, after all, we were supposed to be very close."

"Yes, we've always been very close. There may have been some misunderstandings in the past, but things are different now. Even though there were some misunderstandings in the past, we're still family, no matter what."

The officer, with a cigarette between his fingers, looked at the other man and said:

"We should look to the future now, rather than dwelling on the unpleasantness of the past."

Hearing the officer's words, Zhang Lianming nodded.
"You're right, we should look to the future."

They chatted for a while longer before saying goodbye.

As the other person walked away, Zhang Lianmin heard his subordinates say something.

"Sir, they seem different from before."

"Yes, they've become so enthusiastic now."

Listening to his subordinates' chatter, Zhang Lianming frowned and said:
"It's different, even unbelievable, and somewhat abnormal."

After returning to the camp that day, Zhang Lianming wrote a report about his experience and submitted it.

As a border guard, he naturally needed to report this when he realized something was amiss.

After all, such a change has never happened before.

His report was delivered to Xin'an that same day and appeared on the president's desk.

"Um……"

Looking at the report in front of him, Li Yunhui remained silent for a long time.

He could sense the change coming from the other side. Faced with this change, he simply nodded silently and then said:

"Just keep an eye on things, but don't forget—we're on the front lines here."

This is precisely what makes Shan State so unique. Because of this, even if it senses changes, it can only selectively ignore them. Of course, on the other hand, if the situation in the border areas can be further eased, it would also be a good thing for Shan State.

He then closed the report and looked at his son, asking:
"Even the lowest-ranking officers know that we will definitely send troops. What do you think?"

Hearing his father's question, Li Mingfan pondered for a moment before replying:

“Father, haven’t we already handed over command of the army to the ASEAN Command? All we need to do now is obey the orders.”

Although Li Mingfan was only 26 years old, after graduating from the Army Academy, he had been following his father to learn how to handle political affairs.

In Western countries, this would be clearly abnormal, but in Southeast Asia, it's perfectly normal. After all, the East has its own unique circumstances, and this is especially true in Southeast Asia.

"You're right."

Li Yunhui nodded, and then said:

"For us, joint defense by treaty organizations is our only way to survive. Only by following in Chang'an's footsteps can we survive in the future and achieve economic success."

Here, the rules of survival are extremely simple. When they were stranded in the rainforest, living hand to mouth, they survived thanks to the help of Chang'an and established themselves here, gradually making their way to where they are today.

Therefore, following in Chang'an's footsteps was their inevitable choice.

After a slight pause, Li Yunhui looked out the window and said:
"However, we must also note that not everyone is willing to fight. No one knows how long this war will last. If it continues, it is very likely to cause public discontent, just like when Australians opposed sending troops to Vietnam."

Hearing his father's worries, Li Mingfan shook his head and said:

“Father, we must make everyone realize that this is our responsibility—we cannot simply seek the protection of the Treaty Organization when we need it, but when the Treaty Organization needs to stand aside and act as an ally, we must make sacrifices. Otherwise, what is the point of the Treaty Organization’s existence?”

Hearing his son's answer, Li Yunhui nodded and smiled, saying with satisfaction:

"It's good that you understand that, by the way..."

After thinking for a moment, he said:
"The General Staff is planning to establish an expeditionary brigade. How about it? Want to go and experience it for yourself?"

His father's words made Li Mingfan's eyes light up, and he said excitedly:

"Can I?"

"Of course, don't forget, President Li has also been to the front lines."

The "president" he was referring to was Li Yixuan, who had served in the military and had gone to the front lines in Indonesia, where he had directly fought on the front lines.

It is very common for children of high-ranking officials in the SEA to serve in the military. If someone's child is found to have not served in the military, they will inevitably be criticized by all sides. Moreover, if an official has no military experience, he will be questioned for not fulfilling his civic duty, thus casting doubt on his ability to serve.

This trend also influenced the entire Southeast Asia region.

Now that war is about to break out, what is Li Yunhui thinking?
He wanted his son to join the army, and not only that, he made additional arrangements for him.

"However, organizing an expedition will take some time. Take a look and pack your things; we'll head to Chang'an this afternoon."

Li Mingfan was taken aback by his father's arrangement and asked in return:
"What? What are we going there for now?"

"Elite Soldier Badge!"

Li Yunhui stood up, looked at his son, and said:

"You need to go to the elite soldier school for training and get the elite soldier badge before you can go to the front line."

His father's reminder made Li Mingfan realize that his military resume was missing a crucial element—the elite soldier badge.

The "Elite Badge" is a qualification badge awarded for passing the SEA Army Elite School curriculum, often referred to as Elite Skills Qualification. This badge signifies that the wearer has completed extremely rigorous Elite School training and obtained the relevant qualifications for an Army Elite. The Elite School is a specialized skills training school within the Army, open to the SEA and allied forces; all sergeants and officers are eligible to apply.

The training period lasts 62 days, with a dropout rate as high as 50%. The training includes sleep deprivation, calorie restriction, and high-intensity physical and tactical training. For many years, the "Elite Badge" has held a very high status in SEA infantry culture, considered an "informal threshold" for officer promotion. The absence of this badge may be seen as a flaw in one's resume, affecting their recognition in the military and their promotion opportunities.

It's not a "possibility," but rather that there will be no chance of promotion.

For this reason, in the army infantry, any officer who aspires to be a soldier will complete training and obtain the "elite badge" before being promoted to captain.

The elite soldier training, which can be described as "hellish training," is a challenge for any soldier.

Only those who pass the test will receive recognition.

Li Mingfan is currently a lieutenant, and if he cannot obtain the "elite badge," he will not be able to gain the army's recognition.

This is why Li Yunhui sent him to Chang'an immediately—to pave the way for his military career.

"I understand."

Li Mingfan said directly:
"Then I'll go over and get ready now."

Nodding, Li Yunhui said:

"Go ahead, the plane is already waiting for you at the airport."

Sometimes, as a father, one needs to make some arrangements for one's son, and Li Yunhui was no exception. A short while after his son left the office, his office director walked in. Hearing the footsteps, he said without looking up:

"Mingfan will arrive in Chang'an this afternoon. Have the arrangements been made at the elite soldier school?"

His so-called "arrangement" refers to the school admission procedures and timing. As for favoritism, it is absolutely impossible. After all, no officer would be willing to sacrifice the "elite honor" for personal gain, because if it were to be exposed, it would cause all officers to feel ashamed of him. You should know that this is the "honor" of all officers in Southeast Asia. More than 20 years ago, there were even generals who entered the school for training just to make up for their own shortcomings.

"Yes, the eldest son will train with the officers of the same class."

Nodding slightly, Li Yunhui asked again:
"Any moves being made in Chang'an right now?"

The director, standing by the door, replied:

"The special envoy departed for Lebanon just half an hour ago."

(End of this chapter)