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

Chapter 588 The power of role models!!!
This is just a joke.

At the critical moment, Hao Jixiang was still quick-witted. He said, "Let's find a high slope to park the car, dig a few pits around it, and put up some trip wires.

When the wolves get close, we light torches and shout and scream to scare them away."

This idea sounds risky, but it's the only way to deal with it now.

So under the leadership of squad leader Lao Liang, the soldiers worked enthusiastically, some digging holes, some pulling ropes, and Hao Jixiang was responsible for keeping watch on the roof of the car.

It was dark. The figures of wolves were swaying in the distance. From time to time, there were a few howls, which made people get goose bumps.

"Here it comes!" Hao Jixiang shouted in a low voice.

In the moonlight, they could see a dozen wolves slowly approaching them.

Their eyes glowed green in the dark, like will-o'-the-wisp, which made people feel creepy.

Hao Jixiang and his men held their breath, waiting for the net to be closed.

When the wolves were about fifty meters away from them, squad leader Lao Liang gave an order: "Light the fire!" They lit the torches at the same time, shouting and yelling, as if it was New Year's Day.

The sudden bright light and noise scared the wolves, and a few of the unlucky ones stepped into the trap and started howling.

But the wolves' reaction was beyond Hao Jixiang's expectations.

Instead of running away immediately, the group of beasts gathered in a circle as if they were having a meeting.

The big bad wolf in the lead was baring its teeth at Hao Jixiang and the others. Its posture was exactly the same as when their company commander was angry.

Seeing that the torches were almost burned out, Hao Jixiang and others were so nervous that their hearts were in their throats.

At this critical moment, a rumbling sound suddenly came from the distance.

Hao Jixiang thought it was thunder, but when he listened, he realized it was the sound of the engine! It turned out that the army had discovered that they had lost contact and sent people to look for them.

The wolves heard the noise and finally backed down.

They ran away with their tails between their legs and disappeared into the night.

Hao Jixiang and the others looked at each other and laughed like fools. They finally escaped the disaster.

This shocking experience gave Hao Jixiang a new understanding of life.

He understood that in front of nature, humans are like ants, very small.

At the same time, Hao Jixiang also felt the power of unity.

If they hadn't worked together, they would have become Mr. Wolf's meal long ago.

After returning to the camp, Hao Jixiang and his colleagues' experience quickly spread.

Everyone said that they were lucky, but Hao Jixiang knew that it was not just luck.

It was their courage, wit and unity that helped them overcome the difficulties.

Winter is here again.

The winter in Northeast China is extremely cold. The windows are covered with thick ice, and the breath can instantly freeze into white mist.

At this time, the day for the veterans to retire was approaching, and the entire camp was filled with an atmosphere of both sadness and excitement.

In the duty room, the small stove was burning brightly, making crackling sounds and bringing a touch of warmth to people.

At this time, Bai Siwen, who had just been in the army for a year, stood in front of Liu Wu, hesitant to speak, his face flushed. He looked thin and restrained in his military uniform that had been washed so long that it turned white.

"Battalion Commander, I, I have a favor to ask you." Bai Siwen spoke hesitantly.

Liu Wu smiled and asked him to sit down, "What's the matter? Don't be so hesitant."

Bai Siwen swallowed and said, "Captain, I...I don't know whether I should talk about this."

I poured him a cup of hot water, looked at his red, frozen hands, and encouraged him, "We are soldiers, what can't we say?"

Bai Siwen then said, "Old Soldier Gao Lei borrowed two hundred yuan from me last year, saying he wanted to buy a gift for his girlfriend, but he never returned it to me.

Seeing that he was about to retire, I didn’t dare to ask for it, for fear of affecting the friendship between comrades. "

When Liu Wu heard this, he thought that these two hundred yuan was not a small amount of money for a soldier. A new recruit only received a few dozen yuan in allowance a month, and two hundred yuan was almost half a year's salary.

Liu Wu also knew that in the army, comrades usually borrowed money from each other on their own, and cadres rarely intervened. This kid came to him probably because he couldn't solve the problem himself.

Bai Siwen continued softly, "My hometown is not well off, and my parents can't earn much money from farming all year round. This money was brought from home by me.

I have a younger sister who is in high school. My parents sent me to the army and finally prepared 300 yuan of pocket money for me. I was reluctant to spend it, but squad leader Gao said he was in urgent need of money..."

Listening to Bai Siwen's words, which were full of helplessness, Liu Wu looked at his rough hands and recalled the embarrassment he faced when he first joined the army.

"Okay, I'll take care of it. You go back to training first and don't delay it." Liu Wu patted his shoulder to reassure him.

After Bai Siwen left gratefully, Liu Wu began to wonder: How could Gao Lei, a veteran who usually behaved well, do such a thing? He had to find a chance to ask him about it.

During the break the next day, Liu Wu called Gao Lei to his office.

Gao Lei is tall and trains very hard. He is a role model for many recruits.

Liu Wu asked straight to the point: "Gao Lei, I heard that you borrowed 200 yuan from Bai Siwen?"

Gao Lei was stunned for a moment, and then his face turned very ugly. He frowned, his eyes flickered, and he stammered, "Captain, I..."

Liu Wu stared into his eyes and asked, "What's going on? You're going to be discharged from the army soon, so do you have to pay the money back?"

Gao Lei's eyes suddenly turned red, and he said, "Captain, I really didn't mean to not return it.

Some time ago, I put all the more than 300 yuan I had saved in the cabinet, planning to pay Bai Siwen back before I retired from the army, and then buy some things to take home.

Who knew that the day before yesterday I found that my money was missing. I thought it might have been stolen, but I was too embarrassed to tell anyone. I was worried about what to do..."

Seeing that he was so anxious that he was about to cry, Liu Wu believed that he was not lying.

After all, Gao Lei is an honest man and he usually performs well. It is impossible for him to ruin his reputation for such a small amount of money. Besides, his family conditions are poor. His father is a coal miner who had an accident two years ago and cannot do heavy work now.

Liu Wu asked, "Is your cabinet locked?"

Gao Lei said frustratedly: "It is locked, but the lock is very old and can be opened with a wire."

Liu Wu patted his shoulder and comforted him: "Well, don't worry, and don't tell Bai Siwen about this. I will find a way to solve it."

Gao Lei choked up and said, "Captain, I really didn't mean to default on my debt. After my father had an accident in the mine two years ago, my mother has been the only one working in the family. When I retired this time, I wanted to bring some money back..."

Liu Wu understood his helplessness and said, "Don't worry, we are all comrades-in-arms, and we should help each other."

When he got home, Liu Wu took out his allowance, which still amounted to several hundred yuan.

To be honest, Liu Wu's family is well-off and he doesn't have to spend much money on a daily basis, so most of his allowance is used to subsidize his comrades in need.

Liu Wu decided to help Gao Lei solve this problem first. After all, the veteran was about to retire, and he couldn't let him go with this guilt.

The next day, Liu Wu called Bai Siwen over, handed him two hundred yuan and said, "Xiao Bai, Gao Lei has already returned the money to you. He asked me to thank you for your help."

Bai Siwen took the money, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he said, "Thank you, Captain! I knew that Squad Leader Gao was not that kind of person."

He carefully put the money into his pocket and said, "Actually, I want to send this money back home. My sister is going to take the college entrance examination this year, and my family is short of money." Hearing him say this, Liu Wu became more certain that he had made the right decision.

The matter was resolved smoothly.

The veterans have retired and left.

One day at the training ground, Liu Wu saw Bai Siwen and suddenly remembered this matter, so he asked, "Did you solve Gao Lei's problem?"

Bai Siwen smiled and said, "It was solved very well! Squad Leader Gao even came to me to thank me before he left! Thanks to the battalion commander for his help."

Liu Wu didn't say much, but he was very happy in his heart. It seemed that Gao Lei didn't tell Bai Siwen the truth before leaving, which saved face for his comrade-in-arms and was considered to be a man of loyalty and righteousness.

Time flies like water, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

Spring always comes a little late in the Northeast, but it is exceptionally vibrant when it comes.

At this time, Bai Siwen had also become a veteran and was promoted to squad leader. Because of his outstanding military qualities, he was assigned to lead new recruits.

This year Liu Wu is also responsible for the training of new recruits in the regiment, and Bai Siwen became one of his squad leaders.

Training new soldiers is not an easy job.

This new recruit had just arrived at the army and knew nothing, so training him was extremely difficult. Sometimes one move had to be taught dozens of times, and his voice became hoarse.

During the entire training period, Bai Siwen was extremely dedicated to his work, never compromised in executing orders, and often took the initiative to work overtime to help Liu Wu organize materials.

One night, Liu Wu passed by the office and saw him writing something seriously under the lamp. Liu Wu walked in and asked, "Xiao Bai, why haven't you gone to bed yet so late?"

He raised his head, his eyes full of seriousness, and replied: "Battalion Commander, I am sorting out the training records of the new recruits to see how they are progressing."

Liu Wu smiled and said, "You are really attentive, kid." Bai Siwen also smiled and said, "Isn't this what I learned from you? If you hadn't helped me get back the two hundred yuan, I wouldn't know how to explain it to my family."

Hearing him say this, Liu Wu felt a little guilty, but he was also secretly happy that his original decision was right.

Liu Wu knew that Bai Siwen worked so hard probably because he was grateful to him for helping him get money that time.

Unexpectedly, an accident happened during a field training.

It was a rainy day, the mountain road was very slippery and visibility was very low.

At that time, Liu Wu was leading the team across a complex terrain. He accidentally stepped on air and fell into a hidden deep pit, breaking his right leg on the spot.

The severe pain made Liu Wu break out in a cold sweat and he felt as if his right leg was torn apart.

"Battalion Commander! Battalion Commander!" Bai Siwen was the first to rush over. Without saying a word, he carried Liu Wu on his back and walked forward with difficulty on the muddy mountain road.

The rain soaked their clothes, mixed with mud and sweat, and they were heavy.

Liu Wu was in so much pain that he broke out in a cold sweat and said with difficulty: "Put me down and call for help."

Bai Siwen gritted his teeth and said, "No! There's blood on the wound. If we delay any longer, it will get worse!"

His breathing became heavier and heavier, but his steps did not stop at all. Liu Wu could feel his body trembling, but he still walked forward firmly.

Bai Siwen panted and said, "Captain, please don't talk. Save your energy. You helped me before, and now it's my turn to help you."

After walking for more than two kilometers, Bai Siwen finally met his search and rescue comrades.

Later the doctor said that it was thanks to the timely delivery that Liu Wu’s leg might have been lost.

Liu Wu was injured, but he didn't dare tell his family because he was afraid that his mother would worry about him.

He stayed in the local hospital for three months. Those days were extremely difficult. At the beginning, even going to the toilet became a problem. Fortunately, his wife Li Qinglan worked in the hospital.

During the convalescence period, Bai Siwen came to the ward to see Liu Wu almost every day. Sometimes he brought some fruit, and sometimes he just came to chat and pass the time with Liu Wu.

One day, Bai Siwen brought a letter from home and said excitedly: "Captain, my sister was admitted to a key university! The whole family is so happy."

Liu Wu was sincerely happy for him and said, "That's really good news. Congratulations!"

Bai Siwen said gratefully: "If you hadn't helped me get the money back, my sister's tuition might have been a problem."

One day, Liu Wu half-jokingly said, "Xiao Bai, I feel embarrassed that you take care of me so much."

Bai Siwen said seriously: "Captain, I will always remember what you have done for me. This is what I should do."

Liu Wu thought he was talking about the two hundred yuan from Gao Lei, and felt a little guilty, after all, he was the one who paid for it. But he didn't say anything, just smiled and nodded.

The news that Liu Wu was injured again reached Liu Zhiye who was far away in the capital.

"Kid, how come you are injured again?" On the other end of the phone, Liu Zhiye's tone seemed reproachful, but in fact it was full of concern.

"Dad, I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm fine. I'll be fine after a few days of rest! But please don't tell my mom about this injury. I'm afraid she'll worry..." There was an apology in Liu Wu's voice.

"Kid, if you really don't want to make your mother worry, you have to be more careful and don't let anything happen again..." Liu Zhiye warned earnestly.

Liu Wu hung up the phone and looked out the window at the gradually darkening sky, feeling mixed emotions. He knew that although his father blamed him on the surface, his concern for him had never diminished.

After recovering from his injury, Liu Wu returned to work in the army and his life returned to its normal pace.

Bai Siwen is still the serious and responsible squad leader, but his attitude towards Liu Wu is always more respectful and caring.

Sometimes when Liu Wu worked overtime until very late, Bai Siwen would come quietly to pour him a cup of hot water; when the weather was cold, the small stove in the duty room was always heated up in advance. These little things made Liu Wu feel a special warmth.

What really surprised Liu Wu was what happened in two months.

That day, Bai Siwen went on stage to speak as the squad leader of the squad members who were about to be promoted to military academy.

He was wearing a neat military uniform, standing straight, and spoke in a firm tone about his growth experience in the army.

The sunlight shone through the window onto Bai Siwen, casting a golden outline. At that moment, Liu Wu suddenly felt that he was no longer the shy recruit.

After the ceremony, Bai Siwen quietly left an envelope for Liu Wu and said, "Battalion Commander, this is for you."

Liu Wu opened it and saw two hundred yuan in cash and a note that read: "Battalion Commander, Squad Leader Gao Lei told me the truth on the day he retired.

I have waited until today to have the chance to return these two hundred dollars to you in person. Thank you for teaching me what a soldier's responsibility is!"

Liu Wu held the envelope and was speechless for a moment.

It turned out that Gao Lei told Bai Siwen the truth before he left, and he had kept it in mind for the past two years but never mentioned it.

Liu Wu asked in a hoarse voice: "How long have you known about this?"

Bai Siwen replied calmly: "Sergeant Gao told me before he retired." His eyes were full of mixed emotions.

Liu Wu wanted to ask Bai Siwen why he didn't tell him earlier, and why he treated him like this in the past year, but he swallowed the words when they came to his lips: "Then why did you..."

Bai Siwen smiled and said, “Because I understand why you do this.

You are not doing this for the two hundred dollars, but for the comradeship between us. This is much more important than money." His words made Liu Wu's heart warm, and he thought: This kid has grown up.

Bai Siwen continued, "I know it wasn't easy for you at the time, and you used your allowance to subsidize your comrades in need..."

It turns out that he knew everything, but he just didn't say it.

Liu Wu patted his shoulder and said, "I can't take the money. Please donate it to the fund for needy soldiers on my behalf."

Bai Siwen nodded and said, "I knew you would say that. In fact, I'm already prepared. This is another two hundred yuan. Just consider it as a small token of my personal appreciation."

As he spoke, he took out another envelope and handed it to the comrade in charge of the fund for needy soldiers.

Looking at Bai Siwen's back, Liu Wu suddenly felt that it was very meaningful and worth it to persist in doing this for many years.

This story should have ended there.

A few years later, Liu Wu was on a business trip to the south and unexpectedly learned news about Gao Lei again.

The winter in the south is not as cold as that in the north, but the humidity is heavy, making people feel chilly to the bone.

Liu Wu called with the mentality of giving it a try, but he didn't expect that it was really the old soldier from that year.

Without saying a word, Gao Lei immediately put down his work and drove to the hotel to pick up Liu Wu.

He drives an ordinary Japanese car that looks plain but well maintained.

He has changed a lot, his skin has become darker, but he is in good spirits, and his eyes reveal confidence and calmness.

After the meal, Liu Wu learned about Gao Lei's struggle over the years.

He started as an ordinary technician, and with his military tenacity, he climbed up step by step to the position of vice president of technology of the company.

Gao Lei took a sip of wine and said with emotion: "The early days were really hard. When I first arrived in Bao County, even a place to live became a problem. I squeezed into a rented house with a few fellow villagers, and there were so many mosquitoes at night that I couldn't sleep."

Liu Wu agreed with a smile: "That's right, the mosquitoes in the south are more powerful than those in the north."

At the dinner table, Gao Lei took the initiative to bring up what happened back then: "Captain, I have always remembered the matter of the two hundred yuan.

The first thing I did after I was discharged from the army was to save money. Later, I sent Bai Siwen a letter and 400 yuan to repay your kindness. " His eyes were sincere, which reminded Liu Wu of the big boy who was so anxious that he almost cried in the office.

Liu Wu asked curiously, "Why four hundred?" Gao Lei smiled and said, "Two hundred is the capital, and two hundred is the interest." The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes showed the traces of time.

Gao Lei added: "Not only that, I have also sponsored three new soldiers from poor families over the years, just because I remember your trust and help back then."

Listening to Gao Lei's words, Liu Wu suddenly understood what it meant to "repay a drop of kindness with a spring of water."

That little thing back then planted a seed in his heart, which blossomed and bore fruit many years later.

Liu Wu joked, "You are much more talkative now than you were back then." Gao Lei raised his glass and said, "That's what I learned from you, Battalion Commander! Here, let me toast you a glass. Thank you for not embarrassing me in front of my comrades back then."

On the return train, Liu Wu thought of Gao Lei and Bai Siwen again.

The scenery outside the window quickly receded, and the winter sun shone through the car window onto his knees, feeling warm.

Liu Wu couldn't help but sigh that leading troops is actually just like being a person, sincerity for sincerity, friendship for friendship.

Soldiers are actually very simple. If you respect them, they will admire you; if you care about them, they will follow you.

(End of this chapter)