pertwk Page 9
Page 9
Chapter 12 Returning to Beijing
Life at military academy was fulfilling, at least for Fang Zhenhua.
Fang Yingda, drawing on various classic battle examples from both domestic and international contexts over the past twenty years, meticulously analyzed and dissected them, imparting his insights to each student.
Moreover, Fang Yingda values students' own thinking. He not only strictly requires students to listen attentively in class, but also requires them to write reflections after each class.
If you were the commander, what would you do?
Fang Zhenhua realized that Fang Yingda did not seem to regard these students as just low-level commanders; he seemed to have higher expectations for them.
During his time at the school, Fang Zhenhua also figured out one thing: although Fang Yingda was a teacher, his rank was not low; he was a deputy division-level cadre.
However, military academy life is also monotonous. Every day is the same routine. It's okay for a day or two, but after a few months, it really tests a person's patience.
Fang Zhenhua's life was disrupted by a piece of news brought by Zhao Mengsheng during his fulfilling yet monotonous study life.
It was a day off, and Zhao Mengsheng rushed back to his dormitory and came to Fang Zhenhua.
"Quick, follow me."
Fang Zhenhua was reading Sun Tzu's Art of War, a classic military treatise containing profound military thinking. But when he heard Zhao Mengsheng's words, he couldn't help but raise his head, looking completely bewildered.
"where to?"
"Going to the capital for a blind date."
After Zhao Mengsheng finished speaking, Liang Sanxi and Jin Kailai stopped playing chess, and Lei Kaihua stopped reading "On War." The group of people all gathered around.
Jin Kailai, being a loudmouth, couldn't help but ask immediately.
"Instructor, what's going on?"
"My sister-in-law has given her the approval. I've asked Teacher Fang for leave, and we're going to Beijing for a few days."
Seeing Fang Zhenhua looking somewhat dazed, Jin Kailai patted him on the shoulder.
"What are you standing there for! Hurry up and go see this great opportunity!"
"This...this." Fang Zhenhua stammered for a moment before giving an answer that left people both amused and exasperated.
Should I buy a new outfit?
"I'll buy it for you when we get to Beijing. I'll buy you all the clothes and shoes. Come with me to the train station right now."
"Good good."
Fang Zhenhua was both amused and exasperated, and then went to the side to pack his luggage. At this moment, Jin Kailai spoke up.
“Zhenhua has sent all his allowance back to his hometown. He doesn’t have a penny on him. It would be too embarrassing if he didn’t have any money when he met the girl. I suggest that the rest of us chip in.”
"That's the truth."
Liang Sanxi nodded, agreeing with Jin Kailai's statement.
“Comrade Liang Sanxi, you don’t need to take the money. You still have to pay back the money. Yuxiu just gave birth and also needs money. I’ll cover the majority of the cost.”
"What they said was that I would also contribute to this expense."
"Where did you get the money?"
"I sold the camera."
"Are you crazy? That's an imported camera."
"What do you mean by importing? I'm a soldier fighting in wars, what would I need that stuff for?"
Faced with Jin Kailai's "accusations," Zhao Mengsheng nodded, his words sounding nonchalant.
"Instructor, deputy company commander, count me in too."
“I’m still young, this money is useless to me. Besides, my parents don’t need my allowance. Give the money to Brother Fang, he can’t lose face on his blind date.”
Fang Zhenhua packed his luggage on the side, and he heard all the words his comrades said, which warmed his heart.
However, he didn't say much, but kept it in mind. Comrades who have fought side by side, some things don't need to be said.
The next morning at 7:00 AM, at Beijing Station.
Fang Zhenhua and Zhao Mengsheng got off the train together. A car with military license plates was already waiting outside the station.
According to Zhao Mengsheng's explanation, Fang Zhenhua finally understood that his father, Zhao Xing'an, was now the commander of the Northwest Military Region, while his mother, Wu Shuang, was the deputy director of the Health Department of the Logistics Department of the Beijing Military Region.
Moreover, Zhao Mengsheng specifically mentioned that his sister-in-law's name is Liu Fei, which, when combined with his wife's name, forms the name Lan Fei.
According to Zhao Mengsheng, Liu Fei is pursuing a career as a military doctor. She just graduated from Tongji University in Jiangcheng this year and is preparing to work at the General Hospital of the Army. She is definitely a top student.
Fang Zhenhua was initially taken aback, but then he thought that he was now a student at Changshan Army Academy, so his academic qualifications weren't that much behind!
Since we're already here, getting married is the most important thing.
Fang Zhenhua firmly believed that if he could capture the enemy's high ground, he could also capture Comrade Liu Fei.
The military vehicle drove all the way to the military compound, where the Zhao family still owned a house. Zhao Mengsheng's wife, Liu Lan, was waiting at the door of the house.
As soon as the car stopped, Fang Zhenhua and Zhao Mengsheng got out.
Liu Lan quickly jogged a few steps; she hadn't seen Zhao Mengsheng for almost a year.
After taking the luggage from Zhao Mengsheng, Old Zhao quickly said to Liu Lan.
"Let me introduce you. This is Comrade Fang Zhenhua, born in 58, who is 22 years old this year."
After hearing Zhao Mengsheng's words, Liu Lan began to carefully examine Fang Zhenhua, since he was also her younger sister's blind date.
At first glance, the young man is truly handsome.
With thick eyebrows, big eyes, a clear profile, and distinct facial features, he has a very strong and masculine appearance. To put it simply, for women of this era, Comrade Xiao Fang is the standard template of their dream lover.
What's even more remarkable is that Fang Zhenhua is very tall, at least 1.8 meters, with broad shoulders, a wasp waist, and mantis legs—a perfect clothes hanger. The military uniform looked perfectly appropriate on him.
There's a treasure hidden inside the army!
Liu Lan knew her younger sister very well; the girl had very high standards, and Fang Zhenhua's appearance was absolutely impeccable.
Fang Zhenhua saluted Liu Lan, and Liu Lan smiled and extended her hand.
"Xiao Fang, thank you for saving my Mengsheng."
Fang Zhenhua quickly reached out his hands, gently grasped them, and then quickly let go.
"Sister-in-law, this is what I should do."
"Xiao Lan, I'm taking Zhenhua out for a walk and buying him some new clothes."
“I think it’s fine. These clothes are a bit old. Go and come back quickly. Feifei and her parents are coming for lunch.”
"Do not worry!"
Zhao Mengsheng was familiar with the capital city, so he took Fang Zhenhua to buy a set of youth clothes and a pair of leather shoes, naturally using cloth coupons and shoe coupons.
Looking at Fang Zhenhua, who had changed into a new outfit, Zhao Mengsheng nodded in satisfaction.
"Good lad, even better looking than me, this outfit is definitely fine."
After glancing at his watch, Zhao Mengsheng continued.
"I reckon Liu Fei will be back soon. Let's go home."
Back in the military compound, Fang Zhenhua noticed a large Hongqi car parked in front of the Zhao family's house.
Seeing this, Fang Zhenhua understood. Liu's father was now in charge of the Third Ministry of Machine Building. With his status as a veteran and his current position, a large red flag car was a certainty for him.
Fang Zhenhua straightened his clothes and took a deep breath.
Marrying a good wife is also part of defying fate.
Chapter 13 Blind Date
Just as Fang Zhenhua and Zhao Mengsheng reached the door, a man of similar age to Zhao Mengsheng came out.
Zhao Mengsheng clearly recognized him and quickly went up to greet him.
"Secretary Pei, my father-in-law?"
"The commander is already inside. There are still some things to take care of in the ministry. I'll go back first."
As he spoke, Secretary Pei left the Zhao family, but Fang Zhenhua felt that the secretary looked somewhat familiar.
Zhao Mengsheng glanced at Fang Zhenhua and asked with a smile.
"What's wrong? You know him?"
"do not know."
Fang Zhenhua shook his head, and then Zhao Mengsheng explained to him.
“He is my father-in-law’s secretary, named Pei Yihong, and he is very capable.”
Fang Zhenhua was shocked. The future secretary of the Hanjiang Provincial Party Committee, who later rose to prominence in Beijing, was now actually Liu Lao's secretary.
It seems the Liu family is indeed extraordinary!
Could it be that Mr. Liu will be able to reach even greater heights in the future?
Fang Zhenhua dared not think too much about it; he would see what the future held.
As Zhao Mengsheng and I entered the house, we found three elderly people around sixty years old and two young women sitting in the hall.
It's obvious without even guessing.
Besides Wu Shuang, the other two elderly people were Liu Zhongming, the patriarch of the Liu family, and his wife Chen Qing.
There are also the Liu sisters, Liu Lan and Liu Fei.
Liu Zhongming was sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, smoking, when he saw Fang Zhenhua and Zhao Mengsheng, his eyes lit up slightly.
He then greeted Zhao Mengsheng.
"Mengsheng, you're back?"
Liu Zhongming is from Sichuan and speaks fluent Sichuan dialect. He appears to be greeting Zhao Mengsheng, but his eyes are actually fixed on Fang Zhenhua.
"Dad, I'm back."
Zhao Mengsheng smiled, and feeling the old man's gaze, he quickly stepped aside and introduced the man to everyone.
"Dad, Mom, this is Comrade Fang Zhenhua."
"Hello, Chief."
Fang Zhenhua saluted the two elders of the Liu family and Wu Shuang.
Back in the day, Mr. Liu was a political officer in the military, and he always had very high standards for discipline.
Seeing Fang Zhenhua standing tall and proud, displaying the iron-willed spirit of a soldier, Old Liu secretly admired him.
He really likes young people like this; they're full of energy.
Liu Zhongming was clearly the key figure at this moment, and he looked at Fang Zhenhua and asked.
"Your hometown is in Handong?"
"Handong Rock Terrace".
"How old is this year?"
Born in 58, he is 22 years old this year (by Chinese reckoning).
"I've heard about your exploits in southern Xinjiang. Leading a spearhead platoon and destroying enemy bunkers, you're a very brave young man!"
"Serving the country is a soldier's mission; killing the enemy to serve the country is a soldier's duty."
Old Liu had heard countless compliments, and he was already tired of this kind of nonsense.
But Fang Zhenhua's words today only increased his fondness for Fang Zhenhua.
Fang Zhenhua has a first-class merit award and a second-class combat hero award.
Such a talented young person speaks with far more persuasive power.
On the other sofa, sisters Liu Lan and Liu Fei were whispering to each other, talking about something. Liu Fei secretly glanced at Fang Zhenhua.
Looking at Fang Zhenhua, Liu Fei suddenly blushed.