The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 1016 - 985 Honor, Shock

Chapter 1016: Chapter 985 Honor, Shock

October 1, 1984.

The sky was clear, and the breeze was gentle and refreshing.

The white clouds above were arranged in clumps like cotton, pleasing to the eyes while also invigorating the spirit.

Today was the day of the grand military parade, eagerly anticipated by all.

"Is everyone ready? Let’s get going!" He Tiantian said with a smile. Today, the whole family was going to watch the parade, and even the three little children were brought along to experience it.

"We’re ready, let’s move out," Third Grandma Qi responded with a laugh, clearly excited; she had never seen a military parade before!

Huo Yingjie checked everything thoroughly and nodded, "OK, we can go now."

"Alright, let’s set off," said He Tiantian, instructing the driver to start the car.

On the way, the air was electric with excitement as everyone chattered non-stop.

Because they had obtained tickets in advance, after passing through several checks, they were directed to their designated spots.

As for Old Man Qi, he was welcomed to join Old Master Huo at the back, as they would later ascend to Tiananmen Tower.

That was an honor of the highest order.

Yet, it was an honor Grandpa Qi had rightfully earned with his own life and blood.

Inside the nanny’s large bag that He Tiantian was carrying, there was a big thermos, filled with water, paper, diapers, snacks, and more.

Once everyone was settled, He Tiantian and Huo Yingjie finally took a moment to sit and rest.

He Tiantian enjoyed participating in group activities with everyone, but each time they went out, as a family with both elderly and young children, they had to attend to all the details, which was exhausting.

However, He Tiantian and Huo Yingjie enjoyed this kind of fatigue; after all, they were young and could recover with a bit of rest.

Secretary Qi and Qi Rongjun were thrilled. Being able to sit here was also thanks to Grandpa Qi and the Huo Family’s honor—a true privilege!

"Dad, I never imagined we’d have the honor of coming here to witness this," remarked Qi Rongjun, a veteran now serving as the head of the Taoyuan County police station. Life might have worn down some of his edges, but his fervor as a soldier ran deep in his veins.

The scenes and images of today reignited the passion in his heart.

"Indeed, coming here was so worth it," Secretary Qi said with a smile, "When we go back, I’ll have stories to share with the villagers. Let’s take more photos to bring back. By the way, is your camera ready?"

"It’s ready, and I’ve brought lots of film specifically to take pictures," Qi Rongjun replied. He planned to show the photos to everyone in the village, his workplace, and to send some to his close former comrades.

Nowadays, travel isn’t convenient, and with jobs to attend to, not everyone has the chance or time to come and see the parade.

The parade officially began following the senior leader’s speech.

The squads, marching in precise formation, passed before the crowd; tanks and armed military vehicles rumbled by.

Like everyone else, He Tiantian was excited, cheering, and carried away by the fervor.

Though Huo Yingjie was cheering as well, it was only superficially; he remained calm at heart.

At that moment, Huo Yingjie closely observed the combat vehicles and weapons in the distance, thinking about how his researched materials would be used in them, and internally calculating what kind of tasks and projects were likely to come his way soon.

As the people around cheered, they also kept pressing the shutter, capturing this stunning moment.

He Tiantian was emotionally moved. Although the military parade was not as advanced as the one she had seen on TV in her previous life, she could feel the passion and determination of the soldiers, and their fearless spirit.

What is seen on TV can never compare to the shock of being there in person.

At this moment, she felt the honor of her country and the heavy responsibility it carried.

She determined to work hard, to be a valuable screw in the construction of a socialist society.

The children, wearing sun hats, were also cheering.

Soon, the military parade quickly passed by, making everyone feel as though time had flown, as if in the blink of an eye.

Afterward, they left in an orderly manner, the spectators feeling a sense of loss, truly wishing they could continue watching.

"Tiantian, it’s our turn to leave now!" Huo Yingjie saw He Tiantian in a daze and whispered in her ear.

This woman, her mind was wandering again.

He Tiantian came back to her senses and smiled, "Hehe, it’s already over."

"Yes, it’s over," Huo Yingjie smiled. "There will be many more military parades in the future, and I’ll bring you to see them, okay?"

"Mm!" He Tiantian nodded. In her simple heart, she always believed that as long as the country was strong and there was no war, the people could live and work in peace and contentment.

Although He Tiantian was not a major political figure, she had seen from news in the future world that some Middle Eastern countries, to overthrow domestic regimes, colluded with foreign powers. Perhaps their intentions were good, wanting to build a so-called free and democratic society similar to those of Western countries. However, they did not consider the differences in national conditions, beliefs, and many other aspects and blindly wanted to transplant other countries’ political systems, which was undeniably delusional.

Thereafter, domestic forces resisted, foreign powers suppressed, and the people fell into war, struggling to survive.

Those idealists who had embraced new thoughts were usually highly educated or came from wealthy families. They could immigrate and leave the areas ravaged by war, but what about the common people? They lost family, friends, and even their lives in the midst of war.

In prosperity, the people suffer, but at least there are peaceful days to live.

In downfall, the people suffer the most. Amidst chaos, when lives cannot even be safeguarded, what else is there to hope for?

We plain folk just want peaceful lives.

The couple, along with everyone else, filed out one after another.

Everyone was discussing the parade they had just witnessed, expressing their amazement.

"Hehe, it was really the right decision to come this time." Qi Rongjun said, "I took a lot of photos, and I’ll develop them later to send to my comrades-in-arms to let them also feel the strength of the motherland."

"Sure, Second Brother Qi, give me the film later, and I’ll find someone to develop the photos for you," He Tiantian smiled. "I promise you can have the photos tomorrow to mail out."

"Then I’ll leave it to Tiantian," Qi Rongjun said with a smile, it’s even better to mail it from Yanjing.

At noon, Huo Yingjie directly took everyone to a restaurant for a meal. He had already booked a spot, and upon arrival, they were led straight to a large private room upstairs.

Feeling exhilarated today, and having expended a lot of energy cheering and clapping, everyone ate more for lunch than usual.

As for Old Man Qi, he did not come back; he had gone to attend a state banquet with Old Master Huo.

This was the treatment Old Man Qi deserved.

Though he had kept to his own corner for many years, his contributions and achievements could not be denied.