Special forces soldier demobilization: Starting from the county government compound, a meteoric rise

Outside the window, snowflakes were falling heavily, and in the distance, the sounds of festive firecrackers rose and fell.

Inside the window, the lights were warm and inviting, and the air was thick with the aroma of food.

The New Year's Eve dinner at the Liu family's courtyard house was devoid of delicacies and the usual bureaucratic formalities.

A huge banquet table, made up of several square tables joined together, stretched from the main hall all the way to the old jujube tree in the courtyard.

On the table sat Xi Wanqing, Nangong Yao, and Lin Xiaoxiao, three women who had spent the entire afternoon preparing the most authentic home-style dishes.

Braised pork belly, stewed until tender and falling off the bone, melts in your mouth.

Chicken stew with mushrooms, the aroma is so enticing, it makes your mouth water.

And there were plates and plates of freshly cooked, steaming hot, cabbage and pork dumplings.

……

"Come on in! Don't be shy! Make yourself at home!"

Liu Ming, dressed in a red Tang suit, held a glass of wine in her hand and her face was flushed as she moved back and forth among the guests.

He is almost seventy years old.

That face, which once struck fear into the hearts of countless enemies, is now covered with the kind wrinkles left by the years.

But his still ramrod-straight back and the occasional glint of shrewdness in his eyes continued to proclaim to the world.

—This once mighty tiger has grown old.

But his teeth haven't fallen out yet.

"Old Lu, don't just drink tea! It's New Year's Day, you have to drink! Not drinking means you're not giving me face!"

"Old Lei, your grandson should be starting elementary school next year, right? I'll talk to that old bastard at the Ministry of Education and get him into the best school!"

"Oh my! Little Tank! You've grown taller again! Come here, let Grandpa Liu give you a hug!"

……

The entire courtyard was filled with laughter and cheerful voices.

Those old brothers who had fought alongside him through thick and thin.

Those "disciples and old friends" who were once promoted by him and are now in high positions.

And then there were those ordinary people, whose names he didn't even know, yet who still held him in boundless gratitude and respect.

At this moment, everyone has set aside all their status and airs.

They sat together, eating meat and drinking wine heartily.

Like a typical, yet happiest, large family.

……

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

The snow outside the window is falling heavier and heavier.

I don't know who made that suggestion.

"Old Liu! Let's take a picture!"

"Yeah! Let's take a picture! It's been so many years, and we old folks haven't had a proper 'family photo' yet!"

"Hurry up! Stop eating! Come and line up!"

The crowd was immediately agitated.

Someone brought in a camera.

Someone cleared out the snow-covered open space in the center of the yard.

Liu Ming was pushed by the crowd, like a star surrounded by the moon, to the grand master's chair in the very center.

"Old woman, come here and sit next to me."

He smiled and extended his hand to Xi Wanqing.

Xi Wanqing rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help but smile sweetly.

She walked over and gently sat down on his left.

"And you, Yao Yao, and Xiao Xiao, come here too."

Nangong Yao and Lin Xiaoxiao also walked over with smiles.

One leaned on his right shoulder.

One of them squatted at his feet, like a clingy kitten.

His eldest son, now known as "Little Shura" and holding an important position in the military, stood behind Liu Ming with his wife.

In their arms, they were also holding a chubby-faced grandson who had just learned to walk.

Followed by.

Lu Chen, Lei Tie, Zhang Dapao...

Tank, Lone Wolf, Ghost Hand...

Fan Laogui, Chen Momo, Li Erniu...

One familiar figure after another gathered from all directions!

They stood shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, tightly embracing the man sitting in the center and his family!

Everyone's face was filled with a heartfelt, indescribable smile of happiness!

That was the most sincere emotion that had settled down after experiencing countless storms and life-and-death situations!

It is also the most beautiful tribute to this hard-won peaceful and prosperous era!

……

"Look at the camera!"

The person in charge of taking photos was Ghost Hand's son, a "little genius" who was also proficient in all kinds of cutting-edge technology.

He set up the tripod and adjusted the focus.

"three……"

"two……"

"one……"

"eggplant--!"

……

"Snap—!"

A crisp click of a camera shutter suddenly rang out in the silent snowy night!

That instant.

The snow was falling all over the sky.

The courtyard was filled with lights.

Those were all radiant smiles, brimming with happiness and contentment.

They were all frozen in time on that thin photographic paper, which carried countless stories and legends...

That photo.

Many years later, it was included in the National History Museum.

Its name is very simple.

Yet it is enough to move everyone who sees it.

—"A Patriot, and His Era".

……

"Alright, alright, stop standing there!"

Liu Ming clapped his hands, snapping everyone out of their brief moment of reverie.

"The wine isn't finished yet!"

"The dumplings are getting cold!"

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve!

"No one is allowed to leave my yard standing up!"