The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 527 Chapter 523 Iron Triangle!!!
Li Erniu only has a junior high school education. He was promoted to officer and admitted to the military academy after making meritorious contributions in the army.

He is two years older than Liu Wu, but he admires Liu Wu very much.

Liu Wu stood out in the class both in terms of academic progress and military skills. In some areas, even Li Erniu, who had been a soldier for two years, could not compare to him.

Liu Wu has a cheerful personality and is keen on making friends. He also took the initiative to help Li Erniu with his cultural studies and also stood up for him.

Therefore, Li Erniu regarded him as a close friend, and the two of them were like shadows.

Together with Sun Xinchun, the three of them, one honest, one brave, and one smart, were jokingly called the "Iron Triangle" by their classmates.

Speaking of which, Li Erniu, who looks honest, is actually not an ordinary person.

When Liu Wu and Sun Xinchun learned about his past, they couldn't help but treat him differently.

Nowadays, thousands of people are thinking about going to high school, taking the college entrance examination, and entering university to achieve their goal of “leaping from the countryside.”

However, due to family reasons, Li Erniu gave up continuing his studies in high school and chose to join the army instead. He had just turned 18 that year.

Li Erniu was very fortunate that he successfully passed the military inspection process.

On the day he received the enlistment notice, during dinner, his father took out his treasured old wine and poured a glass for Li Erniu for the first time: "Today is worth celebrating. You are going to the army and you have grown up. Dad is proud of you!"

Li Erniu smiled and said, "Dad, I'm afraid you had planned this day more than ten years ago!"

After that, the father and son burst into laughter. Li Erniu raised his glass and toasted his father: "Son will not let you down!"

That day, Li Erniu and his father were both drunk.

The next afternoon, Li Erniu was ready to go to the county military department. Before leaving, his father, with red eyes, told Li Erniu: "Work hard in the army and live up to the uniform!"

Li Erniu nodded in response and gave him a not-so-standard military salute.

Then he turned around, got in the car, and gathered at the People's Armed Forces Department.

After all the recruits stayed there for one night, they rushed to the barracks early the next morning.

When Li Erniu arrived at the army, his goal was very clear, which was to stay in the army for a long time. However, there were not many opportunities to be promoted from a soldier. For Li Erniu, the only way was to apply for a military academy.

Li Erniu had a good cultural foundation, so when I went to the military camp, I specially brought my high school textbooks with me.

After the new training, Li Erniu was assigned to a company and worked as a communicator.

During this period, Li Erniu often used his free time to study hard. Finally, his hard work paid off. In his second year of military service, he was admitted to the military academy as he wished.

Before reporting to the military academy, Li Erniu took out a few days to visit his family. It was also the first time he went home in military uniform.

Although the military uniforms of those days seemed a bit monotonous compared to today's uniforms, with a red five-star on the head and red flags on both sides, they were still very capable.

When Li Erniu returned home that day, the neighbor uncle recognized him immediately.

Li Erniu greeted his uncle, who said his father was working in the fields.

He also enthusiastically ran to help Li Erniu inform his father. When his father learned that Li Erniu had returned, he immediately stopped what he was doing and ran back home excitedly.

There was still some dirt on his feet. When he saw Li Erniu, he walked up to him and looked him over several times, saying repeatedly: "Son, you really look so smart in your military uniform!"

When his father learned that Li Erniu had been admitted to the military academy, he was even happier and insisted on inviting several tables of guests to celebrate in the village. Li Erniu could not persuade his father and had to give in.

While drinking, a neighbor suddenly sighed: "Old Li, you have given birth to a son for the government. In the future, your son will spend much more time in the army than with you. Alas, it is useless to raise a son without him by your side!"

Li Erniu could actually understand his neighbor's joke. In the traditional Chinese concept, raising children is to provide for old age, and this concept is deeply rooted in their hometown.

Although Li Erniu didn't take it seriously, this joke deeply hurt his heart.

When the crowd dispersed, Li Erniu started chatting with his father, and asked, "Over the years, your son has not been able to be with you and mother all year round. Do you two feel lonely in this mountain village?"

The old man waved his hand and said, "How could that be? We have lived in this mountain for half our lives. With so many neighbors, your mother and I live comfortably. Besides, we have a son in military uniform serving the country. We are very proud and not lonely at all."

Li Erniu was inspired after hearing this. He didn't expect his father to have such awareness and broad-mindedness.

The days at home are always so warm and short. Soon Li Erniu packed his bags and went to the military academy to report.

“Before I left, my father gave me the same instructions as when he sent me to join the army, but he added one more sentence, 'Don't worry about home, your mother and I are doing fine!'” Li Erniu said as he wiped away his tears.

Hi! Liu Wu patted Li Erniu on the shoulder and comforted him: "Don't be sad, our military academy has holidays. When I am on vacation, I will accompany you home to see your parents."

Li Erniu was delighted when he heard this, and then asked, "Really? Then you're not going home?"

A trace of melancholy flashed across Liu Wu's face, and he said, "No, my parents are busy, and I won't be able to see them if I go back. Let's talk about it after the New Year holiday."

At this time, Sun Xinchun came running from a distance, clutching three bottles of soda, and shouted, "Hey, I knew you two were practicing here. Come, have a bottle of soda to cool down... This autumn heat is too harsh!"

Liu Wu saw the soda, raised his hand to wipe the sweat off his face, took a bottle, opened his mouth and bit open the cap with his teeth, then tilted his head back and gulped down the drink.

"Burp!" Liu Wu burped loudly. "It feels so damn good!" he shouted.

Sun Xinchun drank his soda slowly, "Hey, have you heard about it?"

"Huh? What did you hear?" Liu Wu and Li Erniu looked at Sun Xinchun with confusion.

Sun Xinchun said excitedly: "I heard the district captain and others say that our military district leaders are coming to inspect our college..."

Sun Xinchun said excitedly: "I heard from the district captain that the senior leaders of our military region are coming to the college for inspection..."

Liu Wu rolled his eyes after hearing this. He had seen this "big leader" many times before, so he said casually, "Come on, why are you so excited? What does this have to do with us?"

Sun Xinchun said unconvincedly: "Why is it not a problem? I heard that the chief may meet with the outstanding representatives of our freshmen. Oh, it would be great if I could meet the chief!"

"You're just daydreaming!" Liu Wu and Li Erniu said in unison, and then took advantage of Sun Xinchun's lack of reaction and ran away laughing.

"Hey, you two have no conscience, give me back my soda!" Sun Xinchun was so angry that he stomped his feet and chased after them with his teeth bared.

It was another hot day. Liu Wu and other students were taken to the playground and underwent one physical test after another.

Under the scorching sun, sweat soaked their military uniforms, and everyone was gritting their teeth and persevering.

The freshman training at the military academy is undoubtedly a double test of their physical and mental strength.

That night, after a day of training, everyone returned to the dormitory tired and prepared to rest.

Suddenly, the familiar voice of Instructor Li rang out over the dormitory radio: "Attention all freshmen, gather in the auditorium immediately!"

"We have to gather again? Didn't we just finish training?" a freshman complained.

"Stop complaining and let's go." Sun Xinchun urged as a veteran. He knew that in the military academy, obeying orders is the first priority.

The freshmen quickly put on their uniforms and marched to the auditorium in a line.

When they arrived at the auditorium, they found Instructor Li already standing on the stage with a serious look on his face.

"Tonight, I want to tell you a story." Instructor Li's voice echoed in the auditorium, "It's a story about persistence and struggle. I hope it can bring some inspiration to you."

Liu Wu looked at Instructor Li, his eyes full of curiosity.

Instructor Li is a strict but somewhat mysterious person, and he rarely talks to the freshmen.

Everyone was surprised that he was going to tell a story tonight.

"This story happened in...," Instructor Li began, "in a remote rural area. There was a young man named Li Ming. He had a younger brother named Li Le."

"Li Ming was born in a poor rural family. His parents were honest farmers who barely made a living by relying on a few acres of thin land." Instructor Li's voice was low, but every word was clearly heard by the freshmen.

"Li Ming has been determined to change his destiny through studying since he was young. He knows that only knowledge can lead him out of this barren land." Instructor Li continued, "But his younger brother Li Le is a naughty child. He makes trouble in the village all day long and often gives his parents a headache."

"One day, Li Ming's father said to him, 'Ming, you know the situation at home. We can't afford to send you and your brother to school at the same time.' Li Ming was very sad, but he did not back down. He decided to strive for every possible opportunity with his own efforts."

"Li Ming studied very hard in high school and his grades were always among the best, but his family's financial situation was getting worse and worse, and he almost gave up the idea of ​​continuing to go to school." Instructor Li paused and glanced at every freshman in the auditorium. "But at this time, his high school class teacher, Teacher Zhang, learned of his predicament..."

"'Li Ming, you can't give up. You have to believe in yourself.' Teacher Zhang said to him, 'I believe you can definitely get into the military academy. That's where you can show your talents.'"

"Li Ming was moved by Teacher Zhang's words. He made up his mind to enter the military academy and change his destiny." Instructor Li's voice was firm and powerful. "He got up early and went to bed late every day, and spent all his time on studying. In the end, he was successfully admitted to the military academy."

"Before leaving, Li Ming said to his brother Li Le, 'Xiao Le, I will definitely lead you out of poverty and lead a good life.' Although Li Le was young, he looked at his brother's determined eyes and nodded heavily."

"After entering the military academy, Li Ming found that life there was even harder than he had imagined," Instructor Li continued. "Physical training, tactical drills, and theoretical studies all put him under tremendous pressure. But Li Ming did not back down, as he knew he had the responsibility of changing his family's destiny."

"But at this time, he had a conflict with his roommate Zhou Jun." Instructor Li paused, as if giving the freshmen time to think. "Zhou Jun felt that Li Ming was too hardworking and neglected to get along with others. He thought Li Ming was a loner."

"'What are you trying to prove by fighting so hard?' Zhou Jun once said to Li Ming after a training session. 'We are a collective, not just a battlefield for you alone.'"

"Li Ming was silent for a moment, then said, 'I have my reasons, Zhou Qiang. We both have our own dreams and responsibilities. I can't give up.'"

"This conflict made Li Ming reflect deeply, and he began to realize that he should not only stick to his dream, but also learn to unite and cooperate with his comrades."

After graduation, Li Ming was assigned to an important unit as a company commander.

With the indomitable spirit and outstanding military talent he developed in the military academy, he quickly stood out in the army and became a role model and leader in the hearts of the soldiers.

One weekend, Li Ming finally had a few days off.

He decided to return to his hometown to visit his parents and younger brother Li Le.

That day, he wore a brand new military uniform, with a shining military medal on his chest, and set out on his journey home.

When they returned to the village, Li Ming's arrival caused a commotion.

The villagers gathered around him and greeted him enthusiastically, "Li Ming is back! He's a high-ranking official now!"

Li Ming smiled and nodded in response, his heart filled with pride and joy. But what made him even happier was that he saw his younger brother Li Le also standing in the crowd, his eyes full of brilliance.

"Brother, you're back!" Li Le rushed forward and gave Li Ming a tight hug.

"Xiao Le, long time no see!" Li Ming patted his brother's back and felt that he was stronger than before.

"Brother, I also have good news to tell you. I was admitted to university!" Li Le said excitedly.

"We understand that you are working for the country." The father patted Li Ming on the shoulder. "Now that we see that you and Tian Xiaole are so successful, we are very happy."

That night, the family was chatting and laughing at the dinner table.

Li Ming talked about interesting things that happened in the army, while Li Le shared his life in school.

My parents' faces were filled with happy smiles and the house was filled with laughter.

A few days later, Li Ming used his saved salary to build a new house for his family and donated a batch of new books and teaching equipment to the village primary school.

He fulfilled his promise to his brother and family with practical actions.

That night, after Instructor Li finished his story, the auditorium was silent.

Every freshman was thinking about the enlightenment this story brought them.

"Students," Instructor Li said slowly, "Li Ming's story tells us that no matter how great the difficulties are, as long as we stick to our dreams and face them bravely, we will succeed.

Each of us has our own dreams and responsibilities.

I hope you can be like Liu Tianming, firm in your beliefs and not afraid of difficulties.”

"Instructor, is that story true?" a freshman couldn't help but ask after the story ended.

Instructor Li smiled and said, "Maybe, but that's not important. What's important is what you can learn from it."

The feeling of life in a military academy can be summed up in four words: "strict", "hard" and "monotonous".

But for the sake of their future prospects, Liu Wu and his classmates always persevered and completed the study and training of various subjects seriously and diligently.

Speaking of the word "strict", the squadron's management is extremely strict, strict to the point of being a bit "harsh". Liu Wu's squadron has the strictest management among many student teams in the school, and is known throughout the school for its "strict management".

Their Second Squadron adheres to the West Point-style management. They often give us educational classes on this subject, watch videos about West Point schools, and instill the West Point school management philosophy into the students.

According to the practice of West Point Military Academy, cadets can only mechanically answer "yes" or "no" to the squadron leader's instructions.

Getting up and doing drills every morning is the most stressful moment for Liu Wu, as the entire squadron must assemble within three minutes.

As soon as the wake-up whistle was heard, everyone jumped up as if they were electrocuted, put on their clothes quickly, and ran to the bathroom while getting dressed like crazy. The corridor was very crowded and the spittoons on both sides of the corridor were often kicked over.

The management of the squadron runs through a day's study, training, and life. Various rules and regulations are like a "tight hoop" that constrains the behavior of every student at all times, which is suffocating.

Even when taking military theory classes in the classroom, students are required to sit upright, place their hands flat on the table, and listen attentively without blinking. Apart from flipping through books and taking notes, they are not allowed to make any other movements.

I remember one morning shortly after I entered school, during a history class, Liu Wu was fascinated by the teacher’s wonderful explanation.

He unconsciously placed his left hand on his chin, and when the team leader discovered it, he criticized him by name in front of all the students in the team and ordered Liu Wu to write a profound self-criticism.

From then on, Liu Wu kept it in mind, kept his guard up and never made the same mistake again.

The squadron has a rule that no student is allowed to smoke, which puts a difficult situation on several "heavy smokers" in the team.

Sun Xinchun, one of the "Iron Triangle", is a heavy smoker. He usually smokes at least a pack of cigarettes a day. He said it is as difficult to quit as smoking opiates.

When he first entered school, he felt extremely uncomfortable when his nicotine addiction came, and he often got up in the middle of the night to secretly smoke a cigarette.

Once, Sun Xinchun was smoking and enjoying himself when he was discovered by the deputy captain during the night check. The next day, he was criticized by name and made to reflect on his actions.

After this incident, he violated the rules twice more and was almost expelled from school.

Many years later, when Liu Wu, Sun Xinchun and others got together and talked about their life in military academy, they would still talk about this incident.

As the saying goes, "Without rules, there will be no order."

Strict discipline is an important guarantee for the troops to win battles and successfully complete various combat tasks.

After long-term and strict education and management by the army, the sense of commemoration of every soldier including Liu Wu has been strengthened.

From then on, they developed the habit of obeying orders and following commands, and cultivated a style of being resolute and disciplined, which played a crucial role in their future life.

If you do not learn martial arts when serving in the army, you are not fulfilling your obligations. If you do not master martial arts, you are not considered a qualified soldier. Formation training is the most basic training for every soldier.

In order to welcome the military district leaders to visit, the academy selected a squadron from among the new students to participate in the drill.

The content of this drill is the formation movements of individual soldiers, including standing at attention, standing at ease, turning while standing still, saluting, ending the salute, marching and stopping.

In order to ensure the fairness and impartiality of the drill, the site has formulated detailed scoring criteria.

The college assigned four teachers with strong professional ability and rich judging experience to serve as referees for the competition.

On-site scoring is adopted, and comprehensive assessment and scoring are conducted in eight aspects, including command commands, formation movements, and mental outlook. This not only examines the trainees' command qualities, but also their overall mental outlook and formation movements.

This is the first official "competition" of the "Iron Triangle" since they were admitted to the hospital, and Liu Wu and his team are eager to go.

"One, two, three, four..." Accompanied by loud slogans, the drill officially began, and each squadron of new students ran into the venue in turn according to the order of the draw.

(End of this chapter)