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

Chapter 703 A Glorious Era!!

Back then, at a crucial moment in that sniper battle, Liu Zhiye's subordinate, Wang Alin, dissuaded him from blowing up the enemy's tanks.

After hearing Wang Alin's words, Liu Zhiye sighed and said, "But if I don't go, who will carry out this mission?"

Although Wang Alin was a veteran who had served for many years and was very conscientious, he gritted his teeth and volunteered, saying, "Company Commander, let me go. You know me, and I will definitely be able to complete this mission successfully."

Initially, Liu Zhiye was reluctant to let Wang Alin carry out this mission because it was too dangerous, and he didn't want to lose a good comrade.

However, unable to resist Wang Alin's repeated requests, Liu Zhiye had no choice but to agree to let him carry out this arduous task.

Thus, Wang Alin charged toward the enemy amidst fierce artillery fire, and with his fearless spirit, destroyed several enemy heavy tanks, successfully completing the mission and killing several enemy soldiers.

After Wang Alin destroyed the enemy's tanks, the enemy, having lost their heavy weapons, had no choice but to flee in all directions, and our army began to pursue the fleeing enemy.

Just when the enemy had been routed by the Volunteer Army, Liu Zhiye went mad searching for Wang Alin on the battlefield.

Finally, he found Wang Alin, who was seriously injured, in a corner.

At this moment, Wang Alin was covered in blood, and many parts of his body, including his right arm, were seriously injured. His right arm, in particular, was already a bloody mess.

Even so, Wang Alin still held the grenade in his left hand and confronted several enemy soldiers single-handedly.

After Liu Zhiye arrived, he helped Wang Alin annihilate the remaining enemy soldiers and then sent the seriously wounded Wang Alin to the field hospital.

On the way to the field hospital, Wang Alin fainted due to excessive blood loss, which made Liu Zhiye, who was used to seeing all kinds of storms, nervous, fearing that something bad might happen to him.

At the field hospital, despite the best efforts of medical staff such as Jenny to save Wang Alin's life, his right arm had to be amputated due to comminuted necrosis.

And so, Wang Alin lost his right arm forever.

After the war, Wang Alin was awarded the title of "Combat Hero" by the Volunteer Army Headquarters.

However, when Wang Alin woke up in the field hospital, he discovered that he had lost his arms and could no longer go to the battlefield.

Seeing how much everyone was taking care of him, the strong-willed Wang Alin felt he had become a burden to them, so he decided to return to China to work.

Then, Wang Alin, with a heavy heart, did not say goodbye to Company Commander Liu Zhiye and his comrades in the company, and returned to China alone, which caused Liu Zhiye to lose all contact with him.

At the time, due to the war and the fact that Wang Alin's fate was unknown and there was no news, many people thought that he had already sacrificed himself on the battlefield.

But Liu Zhiye felt that Wang Alin was a lucky man and would definitely be alright; perhaps he had already returned to China.

Later, after returning to China, Wang Alin faced the problem of finding a job since he had left the army.

Because Wang Alin only has one arm, his job search process was extremely difficult. In addition, due to poor health, he decided to return to his hometown village to settle down.

However, since Wang Alin joined the army before liberation, he had been away from his hometown for many years and had never returned.

When Wang Alin returned to his village, he learned that his parents had passed away and he had no relatives left there.

Even more unfortunately, Wang Alin's house was also destroyed by fire.

Nevertheless, adhering to the belief of returning to one's roots, Wang Alin decided to stay and live in the village.

Because he had no house, Wang Alin was forced to live like a homeless person, sleeping on the ground, and even his blankets were given to him by kind villagers.

Later, seeing that it was not a good idea for Wang Alin to sleep on the ground every day, the villagers arranged for him to live in the village stable, which provided him with a place to shelter from the wind and rain.

Despite his poverty, Wang Alin remained content with his lot, finding satisfaction in simply having enough to eat.

Although he was once awarded the title of "combat hero," Wang Alin never mentioned it to anyone after returning to China. Even his fellow villagers didn't know that he had served in the People's Liberation Army.

Meanwhile, since Wang Alin had lost his right arm when he returned to the village, everyone assumed that he had caused a major disaster outside or offended someone, so no one dared to ask him.

A few years later, Liu Zhiye also returned to China.

After returning to China, the highly capable Liu Zhiye rose through the ranks rapidly.
That year, Liu Zhiye was promoted to deputy commander of the 2nd Guard Division.

Over the years, Liu Zhiye has never given up searching for his comrade-in-arms Wang Alin, but he has never found any clues.

Later, after making many inquiries, Liu Zhiye finally learned that Wang Alin's hometown was Meilihe Village in Hongfeng City, northern Xinjiang. He then decided to go there to see if his old comrade-in-arms, Wang Alin, was still there.

Thus began Liu Zhiye's trip to Meilihe Village.

Upon hearing Liu Zhiye and Wang Alin recount this past event, the village officials and villagers present realized that Wang Alin was actually a "deeply hidden" "combat hero," and they couldn't help but feel admiration for him.

After learning about Wang Alin's heroic deeds, the village committee built a new house for Wang Alin with the help of Liu Zhiye.

Because everyone admired the hero, many villagers arranged blind dates for Wang Alin.

However, Wang Alin felt that he was disabled and too old, and that he was not good enough for those young and beautiful girls, so he repeatedly declined the blind dates arranged by the matchmaker.

Later, Wang Alin married a girl he loved, and the two lived a happy and stable life after marriage.

Because Wang Alin lost an arm, he was unable to work and his life was very difficult. In view of this situation, the authorities decided to take care of his family after learning about it.

In addition, Liu Zhiye also placed a thick envelope under Wang Alin's pillow when he wasn't looking.

It contained more than 800 yuan in cash and some receipts for daily necessities.

Given Liu Zhiye's strength at the time, it wasn't that he couldn't give Wang Alin more, but he was afraid that giving him too much would cause him trouble.

After reluctantly seeing off the old company commander Liu Zhiye, Wang Alin returned to his newly built home.

That evening, while making his bed, Wang Alin's eyes instantly welled up with tears when he found the envelope.

With trembling hands, he carefully counted the money and receipts, each one seemingly carrying Liu Zhiye's warmth.

This money was enough for him to get through the most difficult period, and the ration coupons for supplies were a godsend, as they could be exchanged for rice, flour, and cooking oil to solve his immediate crisis.

When the villagers learned of this, they all praised Liu Zhiye's benevolence and righteousness.

From then on, Wang Alin would receive money and gifts from the old company commander from time to time during holidays.

Wang Alin was a very straightforward man. He felt that the old company commander had a hard time and was always helping him out. How could he make a living?
It was a bitterly cold morning when Wang Alin, dragging his crippled body, struggled to board a train heading south.

His only remaining right hand was tightly gripping a faded cloth bag, his knuckles white from the force.

The bag was filled with precious mountain products that he and his wife had collected from dawn till dusk, traversing mountains and valleys—every mushroom and every herb embodied the couple's hard work and sweat over the past few months.

What's even more touching is that he still kept the money receipts given to him by Liu Zhiye in his inner pocket, carefully wrapped in a handkerchief that had been washed until it was white.

As the train roared forward, Wang Alin gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window, wanting to return this generous gift to the old company commander intact.

Before setting off, Wang Alin specifically used the commune's phone to contact Liu Zhiye in advance.

As the train slowly pulled into Yanjing Station, Wang Alin immediately spotted Yu Miao waiting at the exit.

The young driver, dressed in a crisp Type 65 military uniform, stood out in the bustling crowd.

When Yu Miao saw Wang Alin's figure in the distance, a warm smile immediately appeared on her face.

He quickly stepped forward, took the luggage from the old man's hands, and asked with concern, "Old Wang, was the journey smooth?"

"Hehehe, that's great!"

"Welcome to Yanjing, veteran!" Yu Miao straightened his back and solemnly saluted Wang Alin with a standard military salute, his eyes shining with respect.

Wang Alin nodded slightly, returned the salute earnestly with his only remaining right hand, and replied in a loud voice, "Thank you for your hard work, Comrade Yu Miao!"

Yu Miao helped Wang Alin out of the station. The winter sun shone on the two of them, casting two long shadows.

On the square in front of the station, a military green jeep was parked quietly, its body still covered with traces of morning dew.

"The commander specifically instructed me to take you to the guesthouse to rest first." Yu Miao opened the car door and carefully placed a pillow under Wang Alin's arm. "He said he would personally welcome you back tonight."

As the car wound its way through the bustling streets, Wang Alin gazed out the window, his thoughts drifting back to the city of Yanjing when his troops marched south. Over a decade had passed, and the city had changed beyond recognition, much like the untold stories of time's passage hidden within his tattered sleeve.

In the courtyard of the guesthouse, the wintersweet is in full bloom.

Wang Alin sat in a rattan chair, watching Yu Miao busily preparing tea.

The young man moved nimbly; the cuffs of his military uniform were worn and faded, but the fabric was starched and kept crisp.

This reminded him of how Liu Zhiye cherished his uniform back in the company.

"Old soldier, please rest for a bit." Yu Miao brought over some hot tea. "I'll go prepare the ingredients for dinner." He hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "The commander said he has a surprise for you."

"Oh, what's the surprise?" Wang Alin asked in surprise.

As dusk deepened, familiar footsteps echoed outside the courtyard gate.

Wang Alin suddenly sprang up from the bamboo chair, spilling a few drops of tea from his teacup.

He squinted at the doorway and saw two tall figures stepping across the threshold against the backdrop of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the ground.

"Wang Alin! Come and see who's here!" Liu Zhiye's loud voice pierced through the twilight, and before he even stepped into the courtyard, his hearty laughter rang out.

Wang Alin rubbed his eyes, and when he saw who it was, his hands trembled involuntarily: "Platoon leader? My God, is it really Platoon Leader Ge?"

Ge Shuping was dressed in a crisp blue police uniform, his epaulets gleaming faintly in the twilight.

He rushed forward in three strides and pulled Wang Alin into his arms with such force that he almost crushed him.

“Good brother!” Ge Shuping’s voice choked with emotion. “Where the hell have you been all these years? The brothers have been heartbroken thinking of you. We all thought you were…” Halfway through his sentence, this tough “fierce Zhang Fei” suddenly started sobbing like a child, and hot tears soaked Wang Alin’s shoulder.

Wang Alin felt a tightness in his chest, and he patted Ge Shuping's back hard, his voice hoarse: "Platoon leader, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?" Before he could finish speaking, his eyes also reddened.

Standing to the side, Liu Zhiye quietly wiped his face, turned around and winked at Yu Miao. The young man understood and left the courtyard, gently closing the wooden door behind him.

The aroma of food soon filled the room. The three sat around the octagonal table. After a few rounds of drinks, Ge Shuping suddenly took out a yellowed cloth bag from his briefcase.

"Do you remember this?" Ge Shuping carefully unfolded it, revealing the roster of the company from back then.

Wang Alin's trembling fingers traced those familiar names. Next to the three characters "Wang Alin," there was still a five-pointed star drawn in red pen by Ge Shuping back then.

“Over the years, every time I’ve been transferred to a new unit, the first thing I do is lock this roster in a safe.” Ge Shuping tilted his head back and downed a glass of wine. “Back then, during the ambush, if it weren’t for you risking your life to blow up the enemy’s tanks…” He suddenly slammed down his glass, the porcelain cup making a crisp sound as it hit the table.

Liu Zhiye changed the subject at the right moment, his tone tinged with pride: "Wang Alin, you probably don't know this, but your old platoon leader is now a renowned criminal investigation expert in our city bureau. The medals he has won for solving major cases could fill an entire room!"

"Huh? Really?" Wang Alin's eyes widened in surprise, forgetting to put down his wine glass. "Platoon leader, you were known as the 'fierce Zhang Fei' in the regiment back in the day. How did you suddenly become a criminal investigation expert? That's quite a transformation!"

Upon hearing this, Ge Shuping laughed heartily and waved his hands repeatedly: "Hahaha, the old company commander is flattering me! If it weren't for his careful guidance back then, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Unable to contain his curiosity, Wang Alin leaned closer and pressed, "Platoon leader, tell us quickly, how did you transfer from the army to the public security system? There must be a lot of stories behind it, right?"

Ge Shuping raised his glass and lightly clinked it against Wang Alin's, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "This is a long story! I remember that year after I was demobilized, I made a special trip to Beijing to visit my old company commander."

Gradually, Ge Shuping began to recount those old stories…

In the dead of night, Wang Alin got up, put on his coat, and saw Ge Shuping wiping his pistol in the moonlight in the courtyard.

The silvery moonlight outlined the contours of his profile, gradually overlapping with the image of the young platoon leader in my memory who taught new recruits how to disassemble guns in the trenches.

"Can't sleep?" Uncle Ge asked without turning his head, his hands still moving. "Do you still remember the gun disassembly techniques I taught you back then?"

“I remember, I’ll never forget even if I die!” Wang Alin laughed and shook his empty sleeve. The two looked at each other and smiled, their laughter startling the sparrows under the eaves.

The next morning, Yu Miao found three veterans standing in a neat row in the backyard of the guesthouse.

Liu Zhiye shouted the command, and the three of them saluted the national flag as the sun rose.

In the distance came the melodious sound of bugles, indicating which unit was doing morning exercises. The three figures' silhouettes gradually lengthened in the morning light, as if they had returned to that era of war.

The joyful time for old comrades to reunite is always too short, and in the blink of an eye, Wang Alin is about to embark on his journey home.

Before parting, Wang Alin took out the wrapped money receipts from his pocket and solemnly handed them to Liu Zhiye: "Old Company Commander, although I only have one arm left, it is enough to support a family."

Now I have a virtuous wife, and although our lives are simple, we are content.

You should take this money back."

Looking at the stubborn old soldier in front of him, Liu Zhiye felt a pang of heartache in his eyes.

He gently pushed Wang Alin's hand away, his tone firm yet gentle: "Alin, since this money has been given to you, it's yours."

"Your Excellency, I'm capable now, I don't need this little bit."

As he spoke, Liu Zhiye patted Wang Alin on the shoulder and looked into the distance: "To be honest, my greatest wish is to be able to help you old comrades."

Over the years, I have not only provided assistance to you, but also to the families of our fallen comrades and veterans facing difficulties in their retirement.

This is my sentiment, and also my responsibility.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, illuminating their tall and straight figures.

This camaraderie is more precious than money and lasts longer than time.

Decades have passed, but Liu Zhiye and his family have remained true to their original aspirations, working tirelessly for these retired and disabled veterans.

This is why Liu Zhiye became furious after seeing this news in the newspaper.

Liu Zhiye demanded that Yi Yuanchao thoroughly investigate the matter upon his return and find out exactly who was in charge...

Yi Yuanchao felt humiliated. He had followed Liu Zhiye for so many years, and this was the first time he had been criticized like this.

Holding the newspaper Liu Zhiye had given him, Yi Yuanchao turned around and went back to the logistics department.

Upon arriving, Yi Yuanchao first reported the matter to Li Bu, who immediately convened a meeting.

During the meeting, the newspapers that Yi Yuanchao brought back were passed around among everyone.

Everyone who read this newspaper was moved to tears.

Everyone here has served in the military, and those things in the newspapers... naturally remind them of their own experiences.

Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Yi Yuanchao understood what they were thinking.

Some people really need to put themselves in other people's shoes to understand how difficult life is now.

After the newspaper had circulated around, Minister Li finally began to speak.

He told those present that regardless of how things were handled in the past, from now on...

Another night passed, and Liu Zhiye still hadn't received a result from Yi Yuanchao.

He was also absent-minded while eating, shoveling food into his mouth while staring at his phone.

Upon seeing this, Gan Ning couldn't help but start to worry about Liu Zhiye.

Liu Zhiye is not young anymore. He has had chronic stomach problems for many years, and his doctor has long advised him to take care of his health.

"I said, you don't need to worry about everything. Can you manage so many things?"

"You'll be retiring completely in a few years, so trust that your subordinates will handle things well!" Gan Ning advised.

"Hey, I just feel like there's still something I haven't gotten right after all these years of work, isn't it?"

(End of this chapter)