Reborn in the 70s: Pampered by Regiment Commander
Chapter 431 - 298 Reunion

Chapter 431: Chapter 298 Reunion

The first watch of the night arrived, and by the second watch, the coding was complete. I was editing the document, and soon it would be uploaded.

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Xu Zhenghong looked forward to Zhou Mikang expectantly, "Is there some big happy event at home?" As an in-law of the Zhou family, this time he had luckily avoided being involved. To safeguard the family business, he had been so busy that he hadn’t yet found time to visit the Zhou family.

The smile at the corner of Zhou Mikang’s mouth spread unconsciously, "My wife said she likes me, how could I not be happy?"

"..."

An eerie silence fell upon the room as Xu Zhenghong and Zhou Hanliang stared at Zhou Mikang, their eyes wide and unblinking like cocks poised for a fight.

Zhou Mikang frowned displeasedly, "What are you doing?"

Having been startled earlier that morning, Zhou Hanliang was the first to snap out of it, he clenched his facial muscles and exercised his jaw to regain his composure.

Just then, Commander Jiang Jiaming of Brigade B, Commissar Liu Lihui, Commander Lin Hongjiang of Brigade C, and Commissar Qian Qiaoming walked in together. Xu Zhenghong and Zhou Hanliang hurriedly shifted their gaze, adjusting their focus to maintain a composed demeanor.

"Commander Zhou," Jiang Jiaming advanced and hugged Zhou Mikang before giving him a vigorous pat, "You’ve finally returned, I missed you terribly."

Lin Hongjiang pushed him aside and hugged Zhou Mikang himself, "Commander Zhou, without you, I just don’t have the spirit for training."

"Commander Zhou, they really missed you. When you were here, they fought you tooth and nail, but these past days without you, their enthusiasm for training has faded," someone else joined in.

"Yes, when you were here, they were like chickens on a hot plate. Without you, they turned into listless dogtail grass. If you don’t believe me, ask Hanliang."

Liu Lihui and Qian Qiaoming shook their heads, smiling as they teasingly added their comments.

"Really now, you’re just pining for me to come back and rough you up, aren’t you?" Zhou Mikang also gave Lin Hongjiang a hard pat on the back as he laughed.

Had it been before, he would have pushed everyone away who tried hugging and manhandling him, but now, he was overcome with a bittersweet sense of emotion. Even though they often clashed fiercely, even to the point of throwing punches, at this moment, this sincere camaraderie among comrades could not be faked.

"Commander Zhou, don’t throw out your big talk so soon. All those times before, I was just letting you win," Jiang Jiaming said, nudging Zhou Hanliang, "Tell Commander Zhou about our recent competition exercises."

Lin Hongjiang scoffed, "Oh, please. If it wasn’t for the soldiers in Brigade A being demoralized because their commander wasn’t there, do you think you stood a chance to win? Let me tell you why we didn’t surpass Brigade A—it was to boost the soldiers’ morale."

Jiang Jiaming made a small fingers gesture at him, "Hey, have you no shame? If you say that Brigade A was affected by emotions, then your brigade really and truly got defeated by our Brigade B. Don’t try to gold-plate your own face."

Liu Lihui watched the two with an amused look, "Listening to you two argue, I can’t help but feel like, ’In the mountain where no tiger dwells, a monkey claims to be king.’

"Hey, Commissar Liu, which brigade do you actually belong to?"

"No matter which brigade, I speak to the facts."

"..."

Seeing the unprecedented harmony among the commanders and political commissars of his three brigades, Xu Zhenghong wore a smile of relief on his face, "Alright, I’ve seen your unity and camaraderie, let’s start the meeting!"

This was a routine meeting for Division A following Zhou Mikang’s return, and after discussing recent training situations, Xu Zhenghong’s expression turned serious, "I trust you have all received the notice. In the next few days, do a good job on the ideological work with your soldiers. Those who do not wish to participate in the mission should submit their applications in advance."

"Division Commander, regarding the only children of their families, should we keep them back?" Liu Lihui looked at Xu Zhenghong for guidance.

"That still depends on the individual’s personal desire, but each brigade can gather these soldiers for a meeting separately..." Xu Zhenghong paused then continued, "Be sure to tell them that staying behind will not be looked down upon and to consider their family situation comprehensively. Of course, there will inevitably be some differences in how participating and non-participating soldiers are treated. They should be prepared for this mentally."

According to the intelligence they had, when this deployment would return was unknown; although a conflict wouldn’t erupt in the short term, the situation was currently on a knife-edge, ready to ignite at any moment.

For soldiers, it’s said that troops are maintained for years but used just in a moment. Even though weapons don’t discriminate, most would like to prove their value. That was why Xu Zhenghong didn’t adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Using this democratic method, I reckon no one will choose to remain behind," Qian Qiaoming said, frowning, "They’re all at the age of hot-bloodedness. Even if there are a few who are reluctant to go, they probably won’t have the nerve to say it."

"That’s where you political commissars come in. Start by democratically sensing their inclinations. If no one dares to express their opinion, then it’s up to you to forcibly decide the roster. This way, it’ll save face for everyone."

"Yeah, that’s a good approach," Zhou Hanliang nodded in agreement, "That way, at least those who want to go won’t be held back, and those who should stay won’t be taken along."

"Let’s settle it like this then. Time is pressing, so everyone expedite finalizing this matter, meeting adjourned," Xu Zhenghong concluded the meeting with decisiveness.

Indeed, time was of the essence. Jiang Jiaming and the others exchanged a few more words with Zhou Mikang before heading back to their respective brigades to get busy.

"Commander Zhou, I’m going to deal with this matter myself; you and the Division Commander can chat for a while longer." Zhou Hanliang dropped a sentence and ran out like a rabbit. He vividly remembered how he had provoked Commander Zhou’s protégé upon entering and was terrified of possible retaliation.

Xu Zhenghong had been preoccupied with that morning’s incident; hesitating for a moment, he sat down beside Zhou Mikang, hand resting on his shoulder: "I’m your little aunt’s husband."

"If you have something to say, just say it..." Zhou Mikang glanced at him indifferently, "You don’t need to play the family card with me first, I have no plans to beat anyone up right now."

All Xu Zhenghong could do was cough lightly: "Do you really like Lin Chuxia?"

"Is that really all you want to ask me?"

"Well..." Xu Zhenghong smiled awkwardly, "I really shouldn’t be the one to ask, as your uncle by marriage, but, you know how much she cares about you since she hardly ever gets to see you."

At first, she suspected that you married Lin Chuxia on purpose, just to shut our family up. But, based on how you’ve protected Lin Chuxia before our family’s recent troubles, I mean, before we underwent that incident, your little aunt started to change her mind, just a tiny bit.

This time, with such a big issue happening in our family, the Lin Family was really supportive, albeit a smaller household; they were not petty at all.

Your little aunt sent me to tell you not to let her down, to not fail the girl. Seeing how you were this morning, it seems your aunt’s worries might be redundant, right?"

"What are you trying to say, exactly?"

"All I’m trying to say is..." Xu Zhenghong scratched his head, huffing and puffing for a long time without uttering a word.

"Does my little aunt know about our mission?"

"Hmm." Xu Zhenghong nodded, "She knows we’re on a mission, but not the details. However, judging by her expression, she can probably guess."

"Why doesn’t she talk to me about it herself?"

"Ah?" Xu Zhenghong was stunned, smiling ruefully, "You’ve guessed what I’m about to say, haven’t you?"

"Isn’t it that you want me to leave behind a child before I depart?"

"Yes, that’s exactly it," Xu Zhenghong nodded repeatedly, "I knew it, you’re smart. There’s nothing for me to explain; you understand already."

"Understand what?"

"..." Xu Zhenghong didn’t know what else to say; was he supposed to spell out ’to plant the seed’ before departure?

"Talking about treating the girl well? Is this how you plan to treat her nicely?" Zhou Mikang snorted, "Tell my little aunt to stop only thinking about herself. If she really thinks the Lin Family is not having an easy time, she shouldn’t be making this request, letting you speak for her. Uncle, do you think your head might be a bit dull? Don’t you know why she doesn’t speak for herself?"

"Hehe..." All Xu Zhenghong could do was give an embarrassed laugh.

"You always indulge my little aunt; don’t you feel spineless?"

"Aren’t you indulging Chuxia all the time? Do you feel spineless?"

After Xu Zhenghong spoke, Zhou Mikang froze. Xu Zhenghong began to regret his words; it had been so hard to convince the stubborn man to finally get married and treat his wife well. He hoped his remark wouldn’t make Zhou Mikang stubborn again.

"I’m different from you," Zhou Mikang stated seriously after a moment of silence, looking straight at Xu Zhenghong. "You blindly obey everything; I make selective choices. So, we’re different." With that, he quickly stood up, pushed the door open, and left.

Stunned for a long while, Xu Zhenghong finally realized, the stubborn guy was actually feeling guilty! With that thought, he immediately called his wife to report, "Yueping, you don’t need to worry too much about Xiaomi. He’s going to be good to his wife..." He then vividly recounted Zhou Mikang’s behavior from that morning.

Who knew, after hearing everything, his wife on the other end of the phone let out a long sigh, "How did this kid become so henpecked all of a sudden? If that’s really the case, I’m afraid my sister-in-law’s hope of having a grandchild will remain unfulfilled for quite some time."

"You all are..." Xu Zhenghong shook his head without finishing his sentence.

"You mean to say we’re selfish, right?" Zhou Yueping’s voice was full of helplessness, "On my brother’s side, whether or not the eldest daughter-in-law can have children now is up to fate. If we have to leave Xiaomi’s situation to fate as well..."

The wife didn’t finish her sentence, and Xu Zhenghong also remained silent. In his position, it was indeed difficult to comment. But could he really call his wife selfish? He wasn’t so sure anymore...

Zhou Mikang, however, wasn’t tangled up in his aunt and uncle’s dilemmas. Back in the regiment, Zhou Hanliang had just finished briefing everyone, and contrary to what some might expect, the soldiers weren’t downcast at the news but were instead excited. The issue wasn’t who would go, but who would have to stay behind...

"Xiaomi, come with me quickly."

Xu Zhenghong ran in urgently, grabbing Zhou Mikang and hurrying out. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (qidian.com), and cast your monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)