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

Chapter 551 Old comrade!!!
Two flowers bloom, one on each side!
By the way, the youngest son Liu Wu was fighting for the country in southern Xinjiang, and his father Liu Zhiye was also very clear about his role.

He is in his early fifties, at the prime of his life, and has held important leadership positions for many years.

Liu Zhiye is a person who cannot sit still. He likes to go to the troops for research the most.

He knew very well that what he heard was not as good as what he saw. If he didn't go to the grassroots more often, he would always feel uneasy.

People around Liu Zhiye have become accustomed to leaders with such personalities.

Sometimes, I would remind him whether he needs to go downstairs for a walk.

……

In early 1987, the grassroots unit where Liu Changhe was stationed received orders from their superiors.

They were informed that an important military leader would soon come to the village to conduct on-site research and would stay in this remote village for half a month.

As the news spread, the whole village became excited, especially Liu Changhe.

His father, Liu Dongshan, is a veteran in the army. He has always been a strict figure at home and has always had extremely high expectations for Liu Changhe since he was young.

Liu Changhe has always dreamed of achieving something in the army and proving that he is no worse than his father.

"Old Liu, this is a rare opportunity, you have to perform well." Under the persuasion of his comrades, Liu Changhe felt both anticipation and a little uneasiness in his heart.

He knew that the leader's arrival was an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, but it was also a huge test.

On the day Liu Zhiye arrived, Liu Changhe and his comrades were waiting at the village entrance early.

The convoy drove slowly over, and a tall, handsome and kind middle-aged man got out of the car.

He was wearing a simple military uniform and had a smile on his face, looking friendly and approachable.

Liu Changhe's originally nervous mood relaxed a little, but he still maintained the rigor and politeness of a soldier.

"Comrades, you have worked hard." Liu Zhiye simply greeted everyone and looked around. "This village is quite interesting. The people living here must be very simple."

"Reporting to the commander, yes, the villagers are very simple and honest people." Liu Changhe replied with a slightly nervous voice.

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "Well, now that I'm here, I can't always be high and mighty. I'll spend the next half month with everyone and experience the life at the grassroots level."

Liu Changhe and his comrades did not expect this person to be so approachable. They thought he would have a stern face like most leaders, but they did not expect the leader to be so easy-going.

Seeing this, the villagers gathered around and greeted them warmly.

Liu Changhe noticed that Liu Zhiye chatted with each villager, asking about their living conditions and whether they had any difficulties.

He doesn't look like a high-ranking leader at all, but more like a kind neighbor uncle.

In the evening, Liu Zhiye had dinner with the officers and soldiers of the army.

The table was filled with ordinary home-cooked dishes. Liu Changhe accompanied them cautiously, thinking about how to express himself.

During the meal, Liu Zhiye had a very happy chat with the old village party secretary and even told a few jokes, which made the atmosphere very relaxed.

Liu Changhe looked at the scene in front of him and felt a little confused. Why did this chief not look like a leader at all?
After the meal, Liu Zhiye took the initiative to find Liu Changhe and asked softly, "Xiao Liu, are you responsible for the security of this village?"

"Yes, Chief!" Liu Changhe answered, standing at attention.

"Thank you for your hard work during this period. Feel free to come to me if you have any questions." Liu Zhiye patted his shoulder, his tone full of trust.

Liu Changhe's heart warmed up, and he quickly said: "Commander, don't worry, I will do my best to do a good job and will never let you down!"

"Haha, don't be so nervous. I see you're performing very well. If you have any difficulties, we can solve them together. Don't feel pressured." Liu Zhiye said with a smile, as if trying to calm Liu Changhe's emotions.

That night, Liu Changhe lay in bed, tossing and turning, thinking about everything his leader had said and done.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this leader had an indescribable sense of intimacy, which made him feel inexplicably warm and at ease.

However, this feeling of intimacy made him even more confused. Why was the leader so special to him?
"Is it because of my father?"

But Liu Changhe quickly rejected this idea, thinking it was just his own fantasy.

Time passed day by day, and Liu Zhiye's life in the village was coming to an end.

During the past half month, Liu Zhiye mingled with the villagers every day, and his footprints could be seen in almost every corner.

Liu Changhe accompanied him throughout the whole process, and he gradually discovered that the leader not only knew the situation in the village well, but also often observed his every move intentionally or unintentionally.

Just when everyone thought that this period of peace would end, an unexpected incident broke the tranquility of the village - the villagers' collective grain was stolen.

As soon as the news came out, the whole village was in an uproar. Everyone was talking about it, and some people even began to question Liu Changhe's work ability, believing that he had not fulfilled his responsibilities.

"Liu Changhe, this grain is the lifeblood of our entire village!" a villager said excitedly, "Aren't you usually quite capable? Why can't you take care of it this time?"

Liu Changhe felt a little aggrieved, but he knew that now was not the time to explain.

When Liu Zhiye learned about this, he did not blame him, but called him aside and said earnestly: "Xiao Liu, this matter is not small, but it is not unsolvable.

The key is that you have to stay calm, find out the truth, and give the villagers an explanation."

"Commander, I will definitely get to the bottom of it!" Liu Changhe answered firmly, his eyes full of determination.

In the next few days, Liu Changhe rushed around day and night, visited every farmer in the village, and investigated and questioned strangers entering and leaving the village.

Liu Zhiye always silently followed Liu Yong's actions, without putting any pressure on him or helping him with the investigation.

In fact, in Liu Zhiye's view, this was just a very simple theft case, and he just wanted to test Liu Changhe's ability to respond.

So every time Liu Changhe came back, Liu Zhiye would ask him softly: "How is the investigation going? Did you find anything?"

Liu Changhe always shook his head and said, "Commander, there is no clue yet, but I will not give up."

After several days of hard work, Liu Changhe finally found some clues.

In a villager's home, he accidentally found several unfamiliar sacks with traces of grain still on them.

Liu Changhe immediately became alert, and after further investigation, he finally identified the real culprit who stole the grain.

It turned out that this villager, whose family was heavily in debt, took the risk of stealing collective grain, intending to sell it secretly to repay his debts.

After the truth came out, the villagers' doubts about Liu Changhe gradually subsided, and some even apologized to him: "Liu Changhe, we blamed you at first, but now we think we shouldn't have done that. You've worked hard."

Liu Changhe waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's okay, as long as everyone understands, I'm just doing my duty."

However, just when Liu Yongchanghe finally breathed a sigh of relief, a greater challenge lay before him.

Late one night, Liu Changhe suddenly received a call from home and learned that his father was seriously ill and might not live long.

This news was like a bolt from the blue, and Liu Changhe immediately fell into great pain and anxiety.

He didn't know how to deal with this sudden change, and didn't know whether he should take leave to go home to visit.

At this time, Liu Zhiye saw Liu Changhe's worry and talked to him: "Xiao Liu, what happened? You seem to be worried these days."

Liu Changhe hesitated for a moment, but finally told Liu Zhiye the truth.

After listening to Liu Changhe's story, Liu Zhiye pondered for a moment, then said firmly: "Family matters cannot be delayed. Let me arrange a car to take you back. You can come back to work after you have settled your father."

"Chief, this... this is against the rules, right?" Liu Changhe hesitated.

"Rules are dead, but people are alive," Liu Zhiye patted Liu Yong on the shoulder and finally told the truth: "In fact, your father and I are old comrades-in-arms, and your business is my business.

Go back quickly, don't delay."

Liu Changhe was so moved that he didn't know what to say. His eyes were slightly red. He choked up and said, "Commander, thank you for helping me so many times. When I settle down at home, I will definitely come back to complete the mission."

"Go, remember, we are all family, and we should help each other when we have difficulties." Liu Zhiye's tone was still gentle, but full of power.

Liu Changhe bowed deeply to him, then quickly packed his luggage and prepared to go home.

However, his mind was full of questions: "Why does this leader care about me so much? Why does he always stand behind me and support me at critical moments?"

These questions are like a fog that lingers.

Liu Changhe stayed by his father's bedside for a few days. Although Liu Dongshan was weak, he still looked stern when he saw his son. "Liu Yongchanghe, you are a soldier. The army's affairs cannot be delayed. Go back. I'm fine."

Despite what his father said, Liu Changhe still felt deeply guilty.

While his father was in the hospital, Commander Liu Zhiye even called to inquire about the situation and told Liu Changhe not to worry and to focus on handling family matters.

A few days later, Liu Changhe bid farewell to his father and returned to the army.

He thought that this experience would fade away with the passage of time and become a part of his military career. However, after returning to the army, Liu Changhe found that things were far from that simple.

Not long after, he got several opportunities for promotion, and once he was even recommended for a higher position.

"Liu Changhe, congratulations, you've been promoted again!" His comrades congratulated him one after another.

"I didn't expect that our Liu Yong would stand out so quickly. We really envy him!" another comrade joked.

To be honest, Liu Changhe was also a little confused.

He didn't understand why he got all these opportunities one after another when he hadn't made any particularly outstanding contributions.

Liu Changhe began to reflect on his performance during the period of investigation. Apart from uncovering the grain theft case, there seemed to be nothing special about his performance.

"Did I really deserve these promotions?" Liu Changhe asked himself repeatedly in his heart.

Finally, one day, Liu Changhe could not help but ask an old squad leader for advice, "Squad leader, I have been wondering if this promotion is a bit too sudden? I don't think I am ready yet."

The old squad leader glanced at him and said calmly: "Liu Changhe, as soldiers, we must not only look at what is in front of us, but also look behind us.

Think about it, what did you get after that leader left? "

Liu Changhe was stunned, and every moment he spent with Liu Zhiye flashed through his mind. Could it be that all these promotion opportunities were due to the help given by the leader behind the scenes?
"But the leader never said anything..." Liu Changhe murmured in a low voice, and he had a vague answer in his heart.

The old squad leader patted him on the shoulder and said meaningfully: "Some things don't need to be said, just understand them in your heart.

The chief will not easily interfere with your future, but his affection for your father and his concern for you are reflected in places you cannot see. "

Liu Changhe was silent for a moment and finally understood Liu Zhiye's intention.

Although Liu Zhiye never said it explicitly, Liu Yong knew in his heart that these promotion opportunities were not only a recognition of his personal efforts, but also a continuation of the friendship between his father and his comrades.

Half a year passed in a flash. Liu Changhe had established himself in his new position and gradually emerged in the army.

Whenever he encountered a challenge, he would always think of the easy-going yet secretive leader, and his words "Rules are dead, people are alive."

What Liu Changhe didn't know was that the relationship between his father and the military district's top boss Liu Zhiye was far from as simple as he imagined.

One afternoon, slow and steady footsteps were heard in the corridor of a military hospital.

Liu Zhiye, dressed in a neat military uniform, walked slowly towards an ordinary double room.

There was a hint of fatigue on his face, but more of it was anticipation of meeting his old comrades.

Liu Zhiye gently pushed open the door of the ward, and what came into his sight was an elderly man in his sixties lying on the bed with his eyes closed.

This old man is the purpose of Liu Zhiye's trip - his old comrade-in-arms and old leader Liu Dongshan.

Liu Dongshan had been hospitalized for some time due to a serious illness. After Liu Zhiye learned the news, he took time out to visit him.

"Old platoon leader, how are you?" Liu Zhiye greeted softly.

Hearing this familiar voice, Liu Dongshan suddenly opened his eyes and wanted to sit up excitedly.

Liu Zhiye hurried forward to support him and gently advised: "Old platoon leader, please lie down and don't get up."

Liu Dongshan looked at the familiar face in front of him, tears of excitement flashing in his eyes.

He held Liu Zhiye's hand, his voice choking: "Old Liu, why are you here?"

Liu Zhiye smiled and replied: "You are my old leader. How can I not come to see you when you are sick?"

As he said this, he placed the gifts he brought on the bedside table.

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "You are my old leader. I came to see you and brought something with me. Isn't it my duty to do so?"

Perhaps it was Liu Zhiye's constant calling him "old leader" that moved and comforted Liu Dongshan, and a smile appeared on his face.

Then he said to his little daughter who was accompanying him, "Quickly call someone, call Commander Liu."

Although Liu Dongshan's daughter did not recognize Liu Zhiye, she could tell that he had an extraordinary aura and was a big leader. She did not expect that her father was actually someone else's old leader.

Just as the little girl was about to speak, Liu Zhiye interrupted and said, "Don't listen to your father. Call him Chief. Just call him Uncle."

Hearing this, tears welled up in Liu Dongshan's eyes again.

He knew that although Liu Zhiye was in a high position today, he had not forgotten their revolutionary friendship back then.

So Liu Dongshan changed his words and said, "Call someone quickly."

Liu Dongshan's children quickly brought a chair and said respectfully, "Uncle, please sit down."

After Liu Zhiye sat down, he asked with concern: "Old platoon leader, how do you feel now? Are you feeling better?"

Liu Dongshan replied: "Much better. Why are you here? Are you busy with work?"

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "Old platoon leader, you are sick. I have to come and see you no matter what. We haven't seen each other for decades."

Liu Dongshan also said with emotion: "Yes, I haven't seen you for decades."

The two old comrades soon fell into a heated conversation.

They recalled the days when they worked together in the 1st Column and talked about their experiences fighting side by side in the Northern Dynasty.

Those days of war and battle seemed to be right before their eyes, and both of their faces were filled with nostalgia.

Liu Zhiye particularly mentioned the guidance and help Liu Dongshan gave him back then.

"Old platoon leader, if you and Lao Ge hadn't taught me those tactical skills step by step, I wouldn't have been able to master them so quickly." Liu Zhiye said gratefully.

Liu Dongshan waved his hands and said modestly: "No, no, you were very smart back then. You learned everything quickly and understood everything at once."

"By the way, Lao Ge, have you heard anything about him? We haven't had much contact since he passed away..."

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "Old Ge, he is now in the public security system in Yanjing..."

Liu Dongshan was pleased to hear this and said, "This fierce Zhang Fei has become so successful now! That's great. I'm really happy for you. This is something I never thought of in my dreams..."

The two talked about their experiences after returning to their home countries.

Time passed quietly during the conversation between the two old comrades.

Gradually, Liu Zhiye noticed that Liu Dongshan's face showed a look of fatigue.

He patted Liu Dongshan's hand gently and said, "Old platoon leader, you should take a rest today. I will come to see you another day, okay?"

Liu Dongshan nodded and watched Liu Zhiye leave the ward reluctantly.

When Liu Zhiye walked out of the ward, a look of displeasure appeared on his face.

He looked around and found that the double room seemed a bit crowded and simple.

Liu Zhiye took a deep breath and walked quickly towards the hospital leadership office.

He thought to himself: "How can the old platoon leader who has dedicated his whole life to the army live in a ward like this?"

So Liu Zhiye found the leader of the military hospital and solemnly put forward his request.

Liu Zhiye immediately found the hospital leaders and asked them to arrange a better ward for his old comrade.

This action fully reflects Liu Zhiye's care and respect for his old comrades, and also shows his noble character of never forgetting his original aspirations.

In the days that followed, Liu Zhiye often took time out to visit Liu Dongshan in the hospital, bringing various nutritional supplements to his old comrade and chatting with him to relieve his boredom.

Although the two old comrades are both quite old, every time they meet they seem to have returned to their youth, chatting about revolutionary past and discussing national affairs.

The friendship over the years has become the warmest footnote in their military career.

After Liu Dongshan's condition improved, the doctor allowed him to be discharged from the hospital for a short period of time to recuperate.

After Liu Zhiye learned about this, he immediately arranged a vehicle and personally accompanied Liu Dongshan to travel to the western Beijing area.

That day, the two old comrades strolled along the mountain path, breathing the fresh air and admiring the beautiful scenery.

Liu Dongshan said with emotion: "I never thought that I, with my old bones, could see such a beautiful scenery again."

Liu Zhiye smiled and said, "We have agreed to watch our motherland become more and more beautiful together."

Ge Shuping, who was standing next to him, shouted, "Let's go, let's go. What's so good about the scenery? Let's hurry home and have a drink!"

(End of this chapter)