Soldiers' Assault: Veteran Special Agents and New Recruits

Old friends are always overjoyed to meet, and a lively chat is a must.

After Gao Cheng, Jackie Chan, and Xu Sanduo finished their reunion and exchanging pleasantries, Gao Cheng then picked up his long-awaited son, kissed him several times, and invited Jackie Chan and Xu Sanduo to his home.

The environment in the military compound for families is quite nice; there aren't many people bothering you, making it a good place to chat and talk.

To prepare a meal for Jackie Chan and Xu Sanduo, Chen Li went out to buy groceries and cook, while Xu Sanduo played with Gao Cheng's son, Gao Yuan.

Jackie Chan and Gao Cheng wanted to have a more in-depth conversation, so they chose to take a walk in the courtyard while they talked.

Because many things in the military are classified, especially matters concerning special forces, which are top secret, there's no way to discuss them casually.

Even if they are all from the military, it won't work.

After a brief chat about recent events, we quickly moved on to the selection of instructors.

Because both Jackie Chan and Gao Cheng were participants, they could freely discuss everything related to the military exercise.

Jackie Chan was merely a participant in the exercise; Gao Cheng was the core of the exercise. Since his old company commander was competing for the division commander position, he would naturally do his utmost to help him.

"This opportunity is crucial for you. If you can become the commander of the First Division, then breaking through the barriers and rising to a higher level will be a natural progression."

The barrier Jackie Chan mentioned is the barrier between the senior colonel and the next level.

Anyone below the rank of colonel can rise through the ranks by time. As long as they are not mediocre and do not perform poorly, they can all reach the rank of two-star four-star before retirement.

But it won't work any higher.

Even if it's only half a step away, it's equivalent to having a Himalayas that 99% of the officers can't cross.

Only the one percent of the most outstanding individuals can leap over the dragon gate and achieve this dream.

It is precisely because of the high difficulty of promotion that achieving a breakthrough across social classes within one's lifetime has become the lifelong dream of all officers.

Gao Cheng comes from a prestigious family, so the pressure is greater, and his desire for this dream is even stronger.

Upon hearing about achieving that dream by climbing to the next level, Gao Cheng's eyes gleamed with obvious fervor, which he made no attempt to hide in front of his old subordinates.

He said frankly, "I've had this dream for thirty-seven years."

For others, it's a dream, but for me, it's more than just a dream; it carries a special meaning.

No matter who hears me say this, they'll all think I'm being hypocritical; it has absolutely no special meaning.

But I know you definitely won't, haha.

After Gao Cheng finished speaking, he laughed heartily. His laughter was one of genuine relaxation, a kind of complete trust without any wariness.

"Why do you think I can't? Do you really trust me that much?" Jackie Chan teased.

"Is that even a question? It's been a full ten years since you came to the Steel Seventh Company. That's ten years, not ten days. I've always had high hopes for you," Gao Cheng said earnestly.

"Yes, ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Time really flies."

Jackie Chan rarely showed his emotional side, but then he composed himself and said seriously, "Old boss, there are only a few golden decades in a lifetime."

I know you've been looking for an opportunity to realize your ambitions and talents.

The military region's formation of a new type of digitally integrated division is the perfect platform for you; missing this opportunity would be a lifelong regret.

Although Jackie Chan doesn't have any factional aspirations, he does have personal feelings after all.

Compared to Wu Yiwen, whom he didn't know at all, he definitely hoped that Gao Cheng, his old company commander, could successfully win the election.

"I knew that's why I made the decisive decision to end my studies early and rush back," Gao Cheng said.

"Digitalization and informatization are the future trend, and the new type of digital composite commander is definitely the future of the military. It is undoubtedly the most lucrative opportunity. As long as you can take it, you will have more than one star on your shoulders."

Jackie Chan's words were incredibly tempting, and Gao Cheng's eyes burned with increasing intensity.

"Jackie Chan, your insights have always been ahead of their time. Every time we chat, you enlighten me. Come, let's find a place to sit down and talk slowly."

A thousand cups of wine are less than a confidant.

Gao Cheng, who was getting more and more excited talking to Jackie Chan, pulled Jackie Chan to sit down in a pavilion.

Then, as if by magic, he produced a bottle of Moutai liquor and two small glasses, saying as he poured the liquor, "Your sister-in-law usually doesn't let me drink, but luckily I'm better at it. Let's drink and chat, hehe."

Gao Cheng, who acts boldly and domineeringly in public, is surprisingly henpecked.

Jackie Chan chuckled to himself!

"It's been a long time since we drank together. This feeling really brings back memories. I remember the first time we drank together after I joined the company. I'll never forget that scene," Jackie Chan said with a smile.

"You're a true wine connoisseur, you can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, and I'll never forget that, haha."

After Gao Cheng finished collecting the items, he picked up a small cup, placed it in front of Jackie Chan, and said, "Come on, let's toast to this reunion."

"Okay, let's do it."

As always, Jackie Chan didn't hesitate; he picked up his glass, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

After a small amount of alcohol, I didn't feel anything.

"Great, that's satisfying."

After finishing his drink, Gao Cheng exhaled a breath reeking of alcohol, picked up the bottle, poured himself another drink, and asked, "Regarding this exercise, I returned in too much of a hurry and still don't know much. Have you received any information?"

"I don't know much, just some things. Your competitor is called Wu Yiwen. His profile is very strong, and I heard he's the top candidate," Jackie Chan said.

"Wu Yiwen?"

Gao Cheng squinted and thought for a moment, clearly having some understanding of this person. He recalled and said, "I have indeed heard of this person. He is known for his steady personal style and is very strong in coordination and organization."

"Whether he's steady or unrestrained, he's far inferior to you. Let's rely on our strength and beat him black and blue," Jackie Chan said boldly.

"I didn't expect that someone as big and burly as you, whose butt would take up the space of three people, would be so good at flattering people."

Gao Cheng looked refreshed and in a good mood after being photographed, and even cracked a rare joke.

"This isn't flattery, I'm just telling the truth."

Jackie Chan, with his Oscar-winning skills, finished his serious explanation and then reassured everyone, saying, "Although we still don't know what method the higher-ups will use to determine the winner between you and Wu Yiwen."

But let me make this clear first: you're my old boss, Jackie Chan's former boss, and I'm going to do everything in my power to help you take down that so-called top candidate.

"Haha, that's enough with what you said."

Gao Cheng grinned from ear to ear, raised his glass again, and said happily, "Then, let's toast to our pleasant cooperation in advance."

……

Jackie Chan and Gao Cheng were drinking and chatting about the selection process, but they weren't having a very pleasant time.

On the other side, after Wu Yiwen led his team to the designated area, he was also having tea and discussing analysis with Section Chief Gui from the Division's Training Section.

"Don't worry, this time the division commander position is definitely yours. What can he possibly compete with you for?" Section Chief Gui said confidently.

"You're just saying nice things to comfort me."

Wu Yiwen was very happy to hear this, but he still pretended to be modest.

"What do you mean by saying nice things to comfort you?"

Section Chief Gui immediately retorted, saying seriously, "You're wrong. This conclusion was reached after careful analysis and reasoning."

"Alright, since you've put it that way, why don't you analyze it?" Wu Yiwen said.

"Look..."

Section Chief Gui analyzed in a serious tone: "In terms of merit, you participated in the self-defense counterattack and made contributions, while Gao Cheng is just a greenhorn and cannot be compared at all."

In terms of experience, although you two both rose through the ranks from company, battalion, and regiment to become commanding officers, you have the advantage of having worked in administrative offices.

In terms of professional background, Gao Cheng has always worked in the military, and has been a military officer all the way up.

But you are different. You have done both military and political work. In today's terms, you are a versatile talent who is proficient in both military and political affairs and can handle both.

"In terms of age, you're at the perfect age, while Gao Cheng clearly lacks experience and needs more training."

Section Chief Gui analyzed several points in succession, and Wu Yiwen held an absolute advantage in each of them, belittling Gao Cheng to nothing.

Wu Yiwen was secretly overjoyed, but he said with a straight face, "Alright, stop analyzing. According to you, there's no need to choose."

"What, am I wrong?"

Section Chief Gui was a seasoned veteran in government offices, and he saw through Wu Yiwen's feigned modesty at a glance, so he intensified his flattery.

He simply picked up a cup of tea from the table, respectfully made a toasting gesture, and said, "Commander Wu, I'm offering this tea in lieu of wine to congratulate you in advance."

"Look, look, here we go again."

Wu Yiwen frowned, clearly displeased, but the frown lasted less than two seconds before a smile appeared on his lips. He picked up the tea on the table and clinked glasses with it.

"Dry!"

"Ding~"

The crisp sound of glasses clinking together.

Gao Cheng and Jackie Chan toasted again. Gao Cheng put down his glass and said frankly, "Jackie Chan, we've been through thick and thin together for over ten years. I consider you a brother, so I won't beat around the bush with you."

"I, Gao Cheng, am determined to win the position of commander of the First Division. I am prepared to face any challenge."

After a few drinks on an empty stomach, Gao Cheng, feeling the effects of the alcohol, became more frank in his speech.

"Of course, if the leader doesn't choose you, it's definitely not a problem with your ability, but rather a problem with the leader's judgment, letting a gem be hidden," Jackie Chan affirmed.

"I've heard that the chief examiner this time, Deputy Commander Zhong, is very difficult to deal with, so when it really comes down to it, I'll definitely need your help."

Jackie Chan had already made his stance clear, which is why Ko Shing was able to ask for help now.

Otherwise, given the high-ranking officials' obsession with saving face, and considering his own personality as a general, he would probably rather lose than ask anyone for help.

"Old platoon leader, I would have helped even if you hadn't asked. I'm determined to call him Division Commander Gao."

When Jackie Chan called him "Commander Gao," Gao Cheng grinned so wide his mouth stretched to his ears. He said nothing more, picked up the bottle, and poured himself another drink.

……

Outside the conference room of the Capital Military Region.

The high-ranking officials, who had just finished their meeting, walked outside together to see Zhong Yuannian off as he headed to the exercise site to officially kick off the military exercise.

"Old Zhong, you have a heavy responsibility on this trip."

The military region's top leader solemnly said, "It may seem like we're just forming a division, but its significance and impact are far-reaching, and everyone from top to bottom is paying close attention."

The head of headquarters just called to personally inquire about this matter; you'd better handle it well.

As soon as this senior leader finished speaking, another senior leader from the military region chimed in, "It's not just domestically; it's also attracting international attention."

As soon as the troops were mobilized, there were reactions from all sides. Wu Yiwen's two battalions had just gone missing, and it was already being reported as news on the internet.

You need to do your job well, and keep things confidential as well. Thank you for your hard work.

"Okay, I understand."

Zhong Yuannian nodded seriously, raised his watch to check the time, and said, "It's almost time, Commander, Political Commissar, I should go. All the warlords are still waiting for me eagerly."

"I've said what I needed to say, so let me just say one last thing."

The commander composed himself and solemnly instructed, "We hope that the selection of the division commander can be finalized as soon as possible so that the First Division can get back on track quickly."

The political commissar also earnestly instructed, "We are giving you the imperial authority; the selection of the division commander is entirely up to you, and we will not interfere in any way."

This is a statement.

After all, Gao Cheng's background is different, which will affect Zhong Yuannian to some extent.

Now that the big boss and the second boss have spoken, it's like letting Zhong Yuannian go all out without being influenced or disturbed by any external factors.

Although Zhong Yuannian held a high enough position as deputy commander.

But the higher one climbs, the more one must consider saving face.

This is a unique characteristic of China!

Now that he has the support of the big boss and the second boss, and someone is backing him up, Zhong Yuannian can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He said happily, "I hope I won't let you down."

After speaking, Zhong Yuannian stood at attention and saluted, shook hands with the big boss and the second boss respectively, then got into the car by the roadside and went directly to the military region's helipad.

From there, you can take a military helicopter directly to the area where the exercise troops are stationed.

Meanwhile, a wonderful drama was unfolding at the airport where the exercise was being conducted.

Instead of marching according to the planned route, the entire Information Battalion Commander's team crawled into equipment boxes and "boarded" the Army Aviation Battalion's transport plane to arrive ahead of time.

The transport plane stopped at the airport's unloading area. Captain Liang, who was leading the team to unload the equipment of the information brigade, was stunned when he saw a cabin full of female soldiers.

It wasn't until he saw that all the boxes had been opened that he finally realized what had happened.

If Jackie Chan were here, the information captain in charge of this group of female soldiers wouldn't have a much better expression than Captain Liang.

Captain Liang was stunned because the person had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and he couldn't react for a moment.

Jackie Chan's success is due to the information brigade leader himself.

Because the information captain was none other than Long Xiaoyun, with whom he had a long-term collaboration when the Fire Phoenix Women's Special Forces Team was being formed.

More than two years have passed since we parted ways with Fire Phoenix.

Jackie Chan really has no news about Long Xiaoyun.

Unexpectedly, when Jackie Chan left, Long Xiaoyun, who had become the captain of the Fire Phoenix Women's Special Forces, had already left the women's special forces for some unknown reason.

Now, he has appeared in this military exercise as the captain of the information brigade.

Furthermore, there have been significant changes in military ranks.

When they parted ways, Long Xiaoyun was only a captain. Now, just over two years later, he has transformed into a lieutenant colonel.

This speed of improvement is comparable to flying, only slightly slower than Jackie Chan's.

Judging from the speed of their promotion, it's easy to see that the female special forces team has probably accomplished a lot of impressive feats in the past two years.

You deserve a lot of credit for your contributions!

(End of this chapter)