Tomorrow is the day we leave the island. Tonight, all the soldiers and their families on the island raise a toast to say goodbye.
Xiao Dan sighed with tears in his eyes.
"I've been here for nearly twenty years. Every blade of grass and every tree is a testament to my service. Every table and chair has been a part of my life. It's really hard to leave this place."
"Dear soldiers, you are all outstanding. I hope you will continue to train hard, perform your missions diligently, defend our country, and make selfless contributions, just like before."
During the 1975 military downsizing, not a single one of his subordinates left, demonstrating that they were all elites among elites.
While the ugliness of the characters' special abilities played a part, their excellence and moral character were the main reasons for their success.
"Yes, sir! We will keep your instructions in mind!" The soldiers' morale was high and their voices were thunderous.
Old friends are reluctant to part.
Li Pengfei's eyes welled up with tears. "Old Xiao, come home and visit often when you have time."
He used the word "home" to express his reluctance to leave.
Yes, this is the home that Xiao Dan built himself; it is his home.
Ding Youliang's voice choked with emotion, "Old Xiao, you have to come back often, otherwise I'll just hide away and drink alone."
All soldiers said, "Commander, you are welcome to come home often."
"Go home and visit, go home and visit~~"
The villagers of Nanwa Village on the opposite bank were drawn by the loud shouts and all looked toward the camp.
"What's wrong with those greenhorns?"
"I don't know, but they sounded very excited."
"It sounds like crying to me. Is someone leaving?"
"That's right, the only thing that could make all these greenhorns cry is that a high-ranking leader is leaving."
"You don't know? I heard that Commander Xiao was promoted, and the soldiers are probably congratulating him."
"Oh, I see. Chief Xiao has been working diligently on our island for over a decade and has managed it very well. He certainly deserves a promotion."
"Commander Xiao is a good commander. He often sends us supplies. Let's congratulate him."
"Yes, yes, let's all wish Chief Xiao a promotion."
The camp was unaware that the villagers had spontaneously offered their blessings, and the military wives all gathered around Shishi to express their reluctance to part with her.
"Shishi, if your dad comes back, you should come back too. We'll miss you." Guo Qiuhong, his former assistant, wiped her eyes.
"Yes, Shishi, we will all miss you." Cao Liqing also sighed, reminiscing about the days when the little girl walked the chickens.
Many of those who had received help from Shishi expressed their reluctance to part with her.
The military wives who built happy families through Shishi's help were particularly moved.
Some women were truly rescued from dire straits by Shishi.
"Matchmaker Zhou, we will miss you."
"Matchmaker Zhou, we will all miss you!"
Following the soldiers' resounding cheers, the military wives' passionate shouts rang out once again.
As for the child soldiers...
They cried their eyes out.
"Waaah, Big Six, don't go, I won't let you go."
"Sixth Brother, don't go! If you leave, we won't have a leader anymore."
"Don't go! The dog hole at home isn't finished yet, waaaaah!"
"I'm sleeping in my parents' bed, not yet, I'll break their legs!"
The little ones were sobbing uncontrollably, which broke the parents' hearts. They didn't even mind the children tearing things up in front of them.
"Boss, don't leave. If you leave, I'll cry, waaaah!"
I don't know which little baby got hold of a megaphone from somewhere, but it let out a loud, wailing cry.
Then, the child soldiers also became fierce, wiping away tears and wailing, "The leader won't leave! The leader won't leave!"
The child's tender voice was filled with unwavering determination.
The soldiers and their wives fell silent, their eyes all red.
The bond forged from wearing open-crotch pants together is truly deep.
Zhou Daliu imitated his grandfather's example, saying, "Don't cry, you're a grown man. Crying is shameful."
"Since the boss isn't here, you guys need to train hard, study diligently, and go to Beijing to find him. Anyone who doesn't come will get a beating."
"Waaah, Grandpa, Mom, why aren't you crying? After spitting this out, I really want to cry, waaaah~~"
The eldest brother cried even louder than the youngest brother; such a small child, yet he could cry so much.
Zhou Xiaoliu buried her face in her grandmother's arms and cried loudly, which made all the other children who were silently shedding tears cry as well.
Xingxing, Daya, Shenqin, and Shenzhao were also unable to stop crying.
"Your Majesty, wait for us. We will try our best to skip a grade and go to Beijing to find you as soon as possible."
"Ugly, Little Master, Little Girl, wait for us!"
The parents of all four couldn't help but wipe away tears.
It was Shishi and her friends who changed the children, and also changed the atmosphere of the camp and the family compound.
Professor Tang and Professor Shen also left the base and sat alone at a small table, enjoying a drink.
"Old Tang, I'll miss you too. We've worked together for so many years, and our teamwork is unmatched."
"We are all contributing to the country, and we are all one family no matter where we are."
"Don't worry, we'll stay in touch. Old buddy, take care of yourself. The country still needs us old guys."
"Indeed, with a genius like Shishi, there will always be projects to collaborate on. Don't worry, I will take care of my health, even if it's not for the greater good but for the sake of my family."
He believes that his health has improved significantly in recent years, which he attributes to the country's gradual improvement. He feels more at ease and therefore healthier.
My two grandsons have been skipping grades for the past two years and are already in the first year of junior high school. If this continues, it will only be a matter of time before the children reunite in Beijing.
Although Master Tao's nose felt a little sore, he didn't cry. His apprentice cared about him and insisted on taking him away, which made him very happy.
Fortunately, he hasn't been idle these past few years. He's mentored two apprentices and also has military doctors sent down from above, so the operation of the camp's medical clinic won't be affected in any way.
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