In name only: In the name of Zhao Mengsheng's son!

To be honest, we haven't had much contact over the past ten years, so Zhao Zhongxin doesn't need to pretend. The only people who know his temperament are his grandparents. His grandfather is gone, and his grandmother is in Beijing, so there's no need for him to pretend!

After dinner, Zhao Mengsheng called out to Zhao Zhongxin, who was helping to clear the table.

"Zhongxin, go wait for me in the study! I have something to tell you! I'm going to change my clothes!"

Zhao Zhongxin nodded upon hearing this.

"Okay, Dad, I'll go right after I finish cleaning up here!"

Zhao Mengsheng nodded and went upstairs to change his clothes. Liu Lan saw this and smiled.

"Go to the study first, I'll take care of these things. Your dad definitely has something to tell you!"

"OK!"

Zhao Zhongxin nodded, but he didn't know where the study was. His younger sister, Lele, then pulled him to the study!

Zhao Zhongxin surveyed the layout of the study. It was filled with books, followed by photographs. He noticed a photograph in the center and walked over to it.

Nine people pose for a group photo!

Zhao Zhongxin immediately spotted Zhao Mengsheng sitting in the center. Although he was smiling, there was a hint of disdain in his expression. He quickly realized that this must have been taken before the battle!

Next to it was another group photo of the Ninth Company, but there were far fewer people, only a few dozen. Zhao Mengsheng was still sitting in the center, but his eyes were very numb. This must be Zhao Mengsheng after experiencing the baptism of war!

Then Zhao Zhongxin heard the door open and turned around.

"dad!"

"Sit down? Are you looking at photos?"

Zhao Mengsheng opened the kettle, intending to get a cup of hot water for his son, only to find there was none. He was speechless. He had given the nanny a day off today, fearing his son would cause trouble when he returned, because he didn't want to air his dirty laundry in public! Fortunately, Zhao Zhongxin is older now and much more sensible!

His wife was truly from a wealthy family; he hadn't even asked about the dishes being washed, despite the loud clattering. Now that his thermos was empty, he was even less likely to ask!

"Yeah, this is the unit you used to serve in, Dad, right? The one that fought against ungrateful bastards?"

Zhao Zhongxin asked the question knowing the answer already!

"Yes, back then, your dad almost deserted!"

As Zhao Mengsheng thought of this, his memories drifted back to the past! He thought of Jin Kailai, he thought of Liang Sanxi, and as he thought about it, he couldn't help but cover his face!

Zhao Zhongxin didn't ask why; he knew the answer perfectly well! After all, he had seen the movie.

"Dad, it's okay, it's all over!"

Zhao Zhongxin patted Zhao Mengsheng on the shoulder, and Zhao Mengsheng gave a wry smile!

Without water, Zhao Mengsheng could only throw out a pack of cigarettes.

"I heard from your Uncle Li that you've started smoking? Try to cut down!"

Zhao Zhongxin smiled, took out a cigarette, lit it, and asked!

"Dad, what do you want to tell me?"

Why did you choose Handong University, and specifically the Department of Political Science and Law?

At this point, Zhao Mengsheng paused, lit a cigarette, and then asked.

"Do you want to go into politics in the future? Your grandfather wanted you to join the army!"

Zhao Mengsheng originally wanted to arrange for Zhao Zhongxin to attend another 985 university, since that school was ranked higher! But when Zhao Zhongxin chose Handong University, he didn't stop him, because the father and son had a bad relationship before, and he was afraid of escalating the conflict!

"There's nothing wrong with serving in the military to protect your country, but there's a much broader scope for politics to benefit the people!"

Zhao Zhongxin just quoted Gao Yuliang's classic line! Zhao Mengsheng was both amused and exasperated to hear his son already speaking in official jargon before even entering politics!

"Okay, once you've thought it through, get some rest!"

Zhao Zhongxin was also somewhat puzzled. He suddenly asked this question and then suddenly told him to go back and rest!

After Zhao Zhongxin left, Zhao Mengsheng took a deep drag on his cigarette. He remembered what his uncle had said. His uncle was his father's subordinate and wanted him to transfer to civilian work and go into politics. After all, there weren't many veterans left in the army, and his father had passed away. Although the relationship was still there, there were no more battles to fight, and promotion would only be possible by accumulating seniority.

Zhao Mengsheng is 40 years old this year, which is a good age to enter politics. In particular, after hearing that politics would open up a wider world for him, he became more determined in his heart!

Moreover, his son also wants to enter politics. The political resources left by his grandfather can help him, but they can't help his son! The reason is simple: by the time his son rises to power, most of these uncles and elders will have retired, and he will have to leave his son political resources himself!

Thinking of this, Zhao Mengsheng made a phone call!

The arrangements were made quickly. The person on the other end of the phone told him to stand guard for the last time this year. The place he was assigned to was in Handong. He was a full-fledged army commander, so the assignment was equivalent to a deputy provincial-level position. His uncle said that he should stay in Handong for two years and then go back to Beijing!

Zhao Mengsheng could accept this now. He was afraid that if his uncle told him to go to Beijing, his son would be left alone in Handong again! That wouldn't do. He had just managed to mend his relationship with his son a little! If he left, he was afraid of hurting his son again!

Zhao Zhongxin had no idea that his general father was about to become a deputy provincial-level official!

After resting at home for a few days, Zhao Zhongxin returned to school. He had his car drive directly into the school without any attempt to hide it. Given his status, there was no need for him to conceal anything; everyone already knew.

Qi Tongwei was clearly much happier after returning this time, and his smile was even wider. Zhao Zhongxin took out a brand new pair of running shoes from his backpack and handed them to Qi Tongwei!

"This? I can't accept this!"

"Don't mention it, this is a birthday present for you! Happy birthday yesterday!"

Zhao Zhongxin said with a smile, and Qi Tongwei was somewhat moved!

"Brother Xin, how did you know it was my birthday?"

"I glanced at the documents you submitted last time! Don't be so polite! Just treat me to a meal for my birthday next year! Try these shoes on, do they fit?"

Zhao Zhongxin waved his hand. Regardless of what Qi Tongwei would become in the future, Qi Tongwei was indeed a very good friend now. Hearing Zhao Zhongxin say this, Qi Tongwei quickly tried on the shoes, which fit perfectly. Then he dragged Zhao Zhongxin off to do some weighted cross-country running again!

Zhao Zhongxin groaned incessantly. He had just enjoyed a few days of comfort! And now he had to go running again? He wanted to refuse, but seeing Qi Tongwei's radiant appearance, he nodded with tears in his eyes!

"Look, those two guys started running as soon as they got back!"

When the four classmates at school saw Zhao Zhongxin and Qi Tongwei's off-road vehicle, they burst out laughing again!

"How about we give these two guys a nickname? They're always running! Let's just call them Running Bros!"

A senior student wearing glasses said with a smile, while the classmate next to him shook his head!

"That tall guy likes to run in shorts, let's call him Shorts Guy; and the short, dark guy likes to run in white socks, let's call him White Socks Guy!"

"Hey, you're a fucking genius! You got right to the point!"

The students around them all laughed! And then the nicknames "Shorts Guy" and "White Socks Guy" spread far and wide!