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

Chapter 706 A Net Set in Waiting!

Although he was only in his early thirties, A-Gui had a wealth of experience far exceeding that of his peers.

Having joined the army at the age of twelve, he had already seen all sorts of people and experienced countless trials and tribulations.

Ah Gui knew exactly what was going on.

Zhang Jin said that the three of them would deliberately send him away each time, discussing something in a mysterious way, which must be suspicious.

But Ah Gui had a good impression of the three of them and firmly believed that they were not bad people.

So he pretended not to know what was going on and acted as if he hadn't seen these unusual actions.

Throughout the journey, A-Gui focused intently on driving, never mentioning the true purpose of Zhang Jincheng and the other two's visit.

They stop when told to stop and continue when told to continue, their main characteristic being being honest and obedient.

Zhang Jin said he had been secretly watching A Gui's every move, and after observing him for several days, he was quite impressed with the man's performance.

In Zhang Jincheng's view, soldiers like A Gui, who came from humble backgrounds, were merely going with the flow to make a living. The real scourges on the area came from big shots like Lang San and Mi Gao, who were in the business of selling "flour."

After several subtle probing attempts, Zhang Jin gradually lowered his guard.

He found that A-Gui was honest and straightforward, and acted openly, which was completely different from those treacherous and cunning people.

These personality traits convinced Zhang Jincheng that A Gui was definitely not a spy planted by Mi Gao among them.

Zhang Jin said that after talking with A Gui, he learned about his personal and family situation and gained a detailed understanding of him.

"Ah Gui, if you become rich in the future, what would you most like to do?" Zhang Jin asked casually from the back row.

Ah Gui chuckled and said, "Hehe, I just want to be filial to my parents and to give my wife and children a good life."

Simple words, yet carrying the most sincere smile.

Looking at A-Gui in front of him, Zhang Jin suddenly thought of someone else.

This man is Xin Quan, a soldier Zhang Jincheng led many years ago.

Zhang Jin said he felt that A Gui and Xin Quan were actually very similar.

He will never forget that scene from a few years ago.

—Under the willow tree at the entrance of the garrison, Zhang Jin saw Xin Quan sitting in a wheelchair, staring blankly at the sky.

"Platoon leader, can I still return to the army?" These words were like a knife, piercing Zhang Jincheng's heart.

It was spring a few years ago, and willow catkins were flying everywhere. Zhang Jincheng had just become a platoon leader and was sent to the recruit training camp to train new recruits. He was busy every day.

With the reform and opening up in recent years, many comrades have had the idea of ​​leaving the military and returning home to start their own businesses.

Even the squadron leader, Liu Xiaotao, said that this kid is destined for great things.

Speaking of Xin Quan, when he first came to the army, he was a skinny young man who walked with a rustic air about him.

He carried a patched-up canvas bag, inside which were quilt covers sewn by his mother and two sets of old clothes.

But in less than a year, the boy developed a muscular physique and stood as straight as a poplar tree when standing at attention.

During every military posture assessment, he always managed to be the last one standing.

Old Xin's family is from a rural area in Dongshan. They farm more than ten acres of land, and he is their only son.

His father worked in the fields year after year, his skin tanned dark and his hands covered in calluses. His mother worked at a chicken farm in town, earning only a few dozen yuan a month.

"This child has said he wanted to join the army since he was little. When he was in school, he would watch the People's Liberation Army on TV without blinking." His mother's eyes always light up when she talks about this.

That year, his father sold the family's only cow to buy Xin Quan a new set of clothes and send him to join the army.

On the day they left, the elderly couple stood at the village entrance and watched their son walk until he was out of sight.

I remember the day he enlisted, he was wearing a brand new military uniform, standing straight in the ranks, his eyes filled with determination.

After three months in basic training, Xin Quan was recognized as a model soldier.

After joining the army, this kid lived up to expectations, always taking the lead in everything.

He gets up to run before dawn and continues to train even after finishing his evening workout.

Even during his breaks, he would be engrossed in studying a book on military theory.

His comrades all said, "Xin Quan is sure to get into military academy." He just smiled sheepishly and said, "Once I get into military academy, I'll definitely make sure my parents live a good life."

At the end of that year, the brigade held an exercise. Xin Quan led his team to persevere in the field for three days and three nights and managed to complete all the tasks.

Company Commander Liu Xiaotao praised him on the spot and said he would recommend him to take the military academy entrance exam.

But fate is unpredictable, and the incident happened on that gloomy, rainy afternoon.

My comrade Xiao Zhang fell behind during the 5,000-meter cross-country race. When I saw this, I offered to run a lap with him again.

"Platoon leader, don't worry, I'll get Zhang through the training." Before leaving, Xin Quan gave Zhang Jincheng a standard military salute.

That day, Xin Quan was wearing a faded training uniform with mud and water all over his trouser legs.

Half an hour later, Zhang Jin said he received an emergency call saying that something had happened on the training field.

At that moment, Zhang Jincheng's heart clenched painfully.

When they arrived at the scene, Xin Quan was lying on a stretcher, his face was deathly pale, and his lips were bloodless.

The comrades around him all had tears in their eyes, and even the usually strict company commander Liu Xiaotao choked up.

It turned out that Xiao Zhang had cramped up and fell on a steep slope. Just as he was about to roll down, Xin Quan rushed over and pushed Xiao Zhang away, but he himself fell heavily onto the rocks.

His blood was still stained on the protruding bluestone.

When she was taken to the hospital, the doctor shook his head and said, "Your lumbar spine injury is severe. You may be paralyzed for more than three years. Even if you recover, it will be difficult for you to return to the army." Upon hearing this, Xin's mother fainted on the spot.

After the news spread, the entire squadron fell silent.

Xin Quan's tall figure was missing from the training field, and even the slogans during morning exercises were a bit quieter.

His comrades all said they would donate their allowances to Xin Quan.

The first time I went to the hospital to see Xin Quan, the smell of disinfectant was so strong it was unpleasant.

In the ward, Xin Quan lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Those once bright and piercing eyes are now dull and lifeless.

"Platoon leader, do you think I'll ever be able to stand up again?" Xin Quan asked, his voice choked with emotion.

Zhang Jin said he saw that his pillow was wet.

Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Zhang Jincheng patted Xin Quan's shoulder: "Don't be afraid, we'll take it one step at a time." Actually, Zhang Jincheng wasn't confident either, but he couldn't let Xin Quan see it.

During that period, Zhang Jin said he would go to the hospital whenever he had free time.

Seeing this sunny and cheerful young man become taciturn, Zhang Jincheng felt as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart.

Sometimes, Zhang Jin would wake up in the middle of the night and think of his question, "Platoon leader, can I ever return to the army?"

His comrades took turns visiting him in the hospital, but Xin Quan shut himself off and spent his days lying in bed in a daze.

Even his favorite hometown dishes remained untouched.

"Son, you must pull yourself together!" Xin Quan's mother cried as she tried to persuade him, but he remained silent.

During that period, most of Xin Quan's mother's hair turned white.

Xin Quan's father, that farmer who toiled in the fields, would always sit silently by the bedside when he came to the hospital, his rough fingers constantly rubbing his hat.

The old man borrowed money from everyone in the village and raised more than 10,000 yuan to continue his son's medical treatment.

"Xiao Quan's mother, look at our son, what's wrong with him?" The old woman asked, her voice filled with unspeakable heartache.

Zhang Jin said he saw him secretly wiping away tears; this was the first time the strong farmer had cried in front of him.

The turning point came before winter when Zhang Jin noticed several books on rehabilitation medicine on Xin Quan's bedside table.

Nurse Xiao Wang told Zhang Jin that Xin Quan had asked to see it.

“These were borrowed for me by Nurse Wang. I want to give it a try.” Xin Quan finally spoke, his voice still weak, but Zhang Jin heard hope in it.

Gradually, Xin Quan began to do some rehabilitation exercises that he could manage.

At first, even lifting my arm was so painful that I was sweating profusely and my teeth were bleeding from the pain.

But this kid is stubborn; he gritted his teeth and persevered.

He does rehabilitation training on time every day, starting with the most basic arm and leg raises. His rehabilitation manual is worn out from being read so many times, and it's covered with his notes.

"The army taught me to never give up, and I cannot admit defeat." Seeing the renewed fighting spirit in Xin Quan's eyes, Zhang Jincheng felt a little relieved.

His comrades took turns accompanying Xin Quan during training, sometimes massaging his legs, sometimes helping him do simple standing exercises.

During that period, you could often hear them laughing and talking in the ward.

After more than a year of perseverance, a miracle really happened.

Xin Quan was actually able to walk slowly while holding onto the wall.

Zhang Jin recalled that when Xin Quan walked one meter independently for the first time, everyone cried.

Although he walks unsteadily and has a slight limp, he is finally able to live independently.

This stubborn young man defied fate with sheer willpower.

Xin Quan said, "Platoon leader, I can't handle the high-intensity training, but I want to help my comrades who are like me."

What's even more touching is that Xin Quan volunteered to become a rehabilitation coach at the military rehabilitation center, helping more wounded soldiers like himself regain their confidence.

I get up at five o'clock every morning, exercise for two hours, and then start my workday.

“I know the suffering they are going through, so I feel even more obligated to help them. It’s my responsibility,” Xin Quan said with a simple, honest smile.

Zhang Jin said he saw a light in his eyes, a light that was brighter than before.

This Spring Festival, Zhang Jin also visited Xin Quan at the rehabilitation center.

The moment I opened the door, I saw Xin Quan patiently instructing a young soldier on rehabilitation training.

His leg was still slightly lame, but his back was ramrod straight.

"Xiao Wang, yes, that's it. Take your time, no rush."

"When I first started training, I couldn't even stand up straight." Xin Quan's voice was gentle yet powerful, just like his comrades had told him back then.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Xin Quan's slightly pale face.

At that moment, Zhang Jincheng seemed to see the spirited and outstanding soldier he once was again.

This time, however, Xin Quan's eyes held a deeper depth.

"Platoon leader, do you remember when I was first injured? If it weren't for you all staying with me, I really don't know what would have become of me now," Xin Quan said, holding Zhang Jincheng's hand as he left.

Xin Quan's hands are calloused, a mark left by years of rehabilitation training.

Zhang Jincheng smiled and shook his head: "Over the years, you have helped so many people stand up again, and we are all proud of you." Seeing the "Outstanding Rehabilitation Coach" certificate on his desk, Zhang Jincheng's eyes welled up with tears.

Standing under the familiar willow tree, watching the busy figures in the rehabilitation center, Zhang Jincheng couldn't help but recall that spring that has long gone by...

"Brother, what are you thinking about?" Lei Jun gently nudged Zhang Jincheng, who was lost in thought. Why did he start daydreaming after exchanging a few words with A Gui?

After regaining his senses, Zhang Jin leaned back in the seat and said, "It's nothing, I'm a little tired, I'll take a nap first, you guys keep an eye on things."

……

After Zhang Jincheng and his two companions went to the "Jin San area," Liu Wu led the command post to be stationed at that military base to await news from them.

After waiting for more than ten days without any news, everyone became anxious as time went on.

Not only are we worried about them, but the constant waiting is also frustrating for them.

Because they had to wait for Zhang Jincheng and the other two to provide detailed information about the enemy before the command could formulate the next course of action.

Until they received concrete intelligence, they could only wait.

He Qiu had a premonition that Zhang Jin might contact headquarters by radio, so every hour or two he would stroll around the communications room next to the command center.

Persistence pays off. One day at noon, Zhang Jincheng's call finally came over the radio.

He Qiu excitedly ran into the command hall and shouted to Liu Wu, "Old Liu, good news! We've received a call from 'Phoenix'!"

"Quick, take it!" Liu Wu was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Although Liu Wu appeared calm on the surface these days, others could sense that he was also very anxious and worried about Zhang Jincheng and the other two.

Zhang Jin gave Liu Wu a brief report on the situation after the three of them arrived in the "Jin San area".

Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu concluded by saying to him, "Very good, your first step was very successful."

These flour dealers are extremely cunning and ruthless. You must be careful. I await your good news.

The day after establishing contact with Zhang Jincheng and the other two, the command center received intelligence that "big flour dealer" Lang San was about to enter the country.

This is important news. Liu Wu personally oversaw the operation, mobilizing all forces to spread a wide net in areas where Lang San might enter the country, quietly waiting for this big fish to fall into the trap.

That evening, the command center received a second top-secret intelligence report from Zhang Jincheng, which provided detailed information on the exact location and defense status of Lang Laoda's missile launch site.

Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu handed this intelligence to Chief of Staff He Qiu, instructing him to formulate a detailed strike plan based on the intelligence and to destroy the enemy's missile base at the opportune moment.

Liu Wu was very satisfied with Zhang Jincheng and the other two, not expecting them to send back two important intelligence reports in such a short time.

He said to He Qiu with delight, "These three 'Phoenix's' truly deserve to be called our elite special forces. They sent back such important intelligence as soon as they entered the 'Jin San area.' We must commend them for their merits."

"This proves that your choice was correct, Brigade Commander. The three of them are not only highly qualified individually, but also work together seamlessly and are invincible," He Qiu said sincerely.

Looking at the electronic sand table, Liu Wu said with emotion, "This Jinsan region can be said to be one of the most complex and dangerous regions in the world. It is not easy to quickly gain a foothold and carry out work here."

Taking the opportunity, Captain Liu Xiaotao said, "Commander, if the mission requires it, I would also like to enter the 'Jin San area' and fight alongside 'Phoenix' and the others."

To be honest, Liu Xiaotao really didn't like working in the command center; he was eager to get to the front lines.

Liu Wu smiled and said to Liu Xiaotao, "Hahaha... Don't be in a hurry. Our work has only just begun. There are still many tasks waiting for you to complete."

You think I transferred you here just to deliver messages?

I might as well transfer a regular soldier.

"Yes, I understand!" Liu Xiaotao said excitedly upon hearing this.

Liu Wu picked up a laser emitter, aimed it at the map at the front of the hall, and drew a circle around a red dot on a spot. He said, "I predict that Lang San is very likely to enter the country from this area. Cooperate with the local authorities... and pay close attention to people entering the country."

We must do everything we can to bring this guy to justice.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission!"

Liu Yong sent Liu Xiaotao to a small, inconspicuous county town on the outskirts of town.

Across from it is a small town in the "Jin San area". Over the past ten years, many gambling dens have opened there. Locals know that these gambling dens are all set up for people across the street.

In less than two years, this small town became abnormally prosperous, offering everything from food and drink to entertainment, and also becoming a gathering place for all sorts of people.

That afternoon, Liu Xiaotao selected several elites from the brigade and then rode in two "Warrior" off-road vehicles straight to the small county town.

Although it was only a few hundred kilometers away, the off-road vehicle took more than ten hours to travel.

Many mountain roads in border areas are indeed difficult to travel, and some sections are so dangerous that people from inland areas can't even imagine them.

The next afternoon, Liu Xiaotao and his group finally arrived in the small county town.

Liu Xiaotao contacted the local border defense authorities. The station chief, Chen Gang, was a WJ major. They had received orders from above to closely monitor outsiders in their jurisdiction.

Director Chen warmly welcomed the arrival of the arrest team, who were short-handed, and the arrival of Liu Xiaotao and his team could relieve the pressure on the station.

Liu Xiaotao and Director Chen exchanged information and developed several arrest plans.

After the meal, Director Chen personally drove Liu Xiaotao around the city for a field trip.

This county town is small, with only two or three main streets, but it is very prosperous, with a well-developed commerce and service industry, especially with many small hotels and guesthouses.

As Director Chen led Liu Xiaotao along, he said, "These hotels and guesthouses don't have peak or off-peak seasons; they're usually fully booked."

Especially in the last two years, there have been both legitimate businesspeople and unscrupulous individuals looking for "fun" across the street; all sorts of people have mixed in.

"The prosperity of the border region is very beneficial to the development of the local economy, but it also brings great challenges to your management, right?" Liu Xiaotao said with deep feeling.

"That's right, some criminals hide among them, especially those 'flour dealers' who often use legitimate foreign trade as a cover to operate in secret..."

Chen then took Liu Xiaotao to the sideline for a look, where they could clearly see the flashing neon lights on the other side.

He pointed to the tall building across the street and said to Liu Xiaotao, "That's an entertainment venue, to put it bluntly, a place to 'gamble' money."

Some entertainment venues are less than 100 meters from the boundary line; it only takes us a minute or two to get there from here.

"No wonder the commander suspected that Lang San entered the country from here," Liu Xiaotao said, suddenly realizing.

(End of this chapter)