Family quarters of a military unit in Northwest China.
Xu Changfeng had just returned and hadn't even had time to rest when his comrades dragged him to a farewell banquet for Lu Zheng's demobilization.
Lu Zheng's transfer to civilian work was finally settled, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
During this period, he continued training as usual while also packing his bags.
His transfer to civilian work was a foregone conclusion, and the military leaders, knowing his grievances, specially chose a good place for him that was far away from Jingshan County. If it weren't for waiting for Xu Changfeng to come back so that everyone could have one last get-together, he probably would have left the military several days ago.
Xu Changfeng finally returned, and he felt embarrassed to delay any longer. He had already informed the cooking team in advance, only saying a word in the morning, and by evening, the cooking team had prepared a feast for him.
Lu Zheng didn't invite too many people; he hadn't made many close comrades-in-arms during his years in the army.
It's only enough for one table at most.
He was willing to spend money, and the cooks were also very generous; the dishes on the table were all good accompaniments to drinks, with large chunks of meat and large bowls of wine.
After a few rounds of drinks, everyone relaxed a bit. Since they were eating in Lu Zheng's dormitory, even though Lu Zheng didn't bring his family, he was already high enough in rank that everyone was vying to live in the family building. Some of the bungalows and courtyards were vacant, and he was allocated a small courtyard as well.
It's not big, and the location is a bit out of the way, but it's more than enough for one person.
There are no residents living near his small courtyard for the time being, so even if he drinks too much, he's not afraid of disturbing others.
Therefore, under the influence of alcohol, everyone couldn't help but blurt out what they had been holding back for so long.
Some felt indignant on Lu Zheng's behalf, some felt sorry for him, and some even asked Xu Changfeng, "When you saw your brother and comrade being bullied like this, didn't you stand up for Lu Zheng when you went to deal with the situation?"
Lu Zheng remained quite calm, saying that the outcome was already very good, and that he was very grateful that the military leaders had withstood the pressure and saved him. He was already very satisfied.
After being transferred to civilian work, I can finally start a new life.
Hearing Lu Zheng say this, what could his comrades say? They could only curse Lu Kai as inhuman.
Lu Zheng smiled wryly and could only steer the conversation in another direction.
Somehow, the conversation turned to the recent investigation by the military into the orphans of fallen soldiers.
Someone finally remembered that there was one in Xu Changfeng's family.
"By the way, Lao Xu, what about your daughter, the one who was your company commander back then? Didn't she have a falling out with your sister-in-law and you sent her back to your hometown to be raised by your mother? How's she doing now? She's about sixteen or seventeen years old, isn't she?"
Xu Changfeng's expression stiffened almost imperceptibly, but she quickly lowered her head to drink a glass of wine, then looked up and said casually, "When I went back this time, I was already a grown woman, working at the county department store!"
"That's great! Old Xu, you're so generous. You still remember the kindness of Company Commander Xu. The old company commander only left behind this one child. If we don't take good care of him, we'll have no face to face him in the future!"
"That's right. If this girl gets married in the future, Old Xu, you have to tell us uncles and elders that we should give her a dowry and make sure she gets married in style! We also need to show her in-laws that she's not alone!"
Among the comrades present today, two or three of them were also beneficiaries of Xu Jiefang's kindness back then. They were gratified to hear from Xu Changfeng that the child Xu Jiefang left behind has now become successful.
Over the years, although they haven't taken care of him, they would occasionally ask about Xu Changfeng's children.
Previously, Xu Changfeng had only said that the child was still young, and they had their doubts. However, now that they heard Xu Changfeng say that the child was able to work at the county department store, they figured that Xu Changfeng must have put in a lot of effort, but he just didn't say it.
They all felt they had misunderstood Xu Changfeng, but they couldn't say it aloud. Instead, they poured wine for Xu Changfeng and offered him a toast.
Xu Changfeng seemed somewhat distracted and ended up drinking a few more cups than usual.
However, he did not notice Lu Zheng's gaze. As the host today, he controlled himself and did not drink much, so he naturally noticed that Xu Changfeng was somewhat absent-minded.
Thinking back to Jingshan County, he realized that Xu Changfeng had never mentioned the child's situation.
Several comrades over there had gotten a bit tipsy, and one of them couldn't help but complain, saying that the military is now not only investigating the living conditions of the orphans of fallen soldiers, but also seems to be thoroughly investigating whether anyone has fraudulently claimed orphan allowances or misused the funeral expenses and pensions for fallen soldiers.
He mentioned several examples he knew of where a man died, and his wife took the compensation and ran away, leaving the children unattended.
Whose parents colluded with their brothers to embezzle the pension and funeral expenses, leaving behind orphans and widows to live a miserable life?
This made everyone indignant.
After all, for soldiers, you never know when that day might come.
If, after my sacrifice, my wife and children don't enjoy any of the benefits they deserve, but instead suffer so much hardship and pain, I'm afraid I won't be able to close my eyes in peace even after I die.
Everyone says this should have been thoroughly investigated a long time ago! We can't let those fallen comrades die with their eyes open in vain!
The group was talking heatedly, but Xu Changfeng drank two more glasses of wine and became increasingly silent.
Lu Zheng was puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "Why do you look so worried after you went back to visit your family? Did something happen at home?"
Upon hearing Lu Zheng's words, the others also looked over.
Xu Changfeng gave a bitter smile and wiped his face: "When I went back this time, I realized that my mother has gotten old! I haven't been able to take care of her all these years, and I really feel guilty! Moreover, that child has always stayed in the countryside. Although she works in the county town now, it's really worrying to leave only the two of them at home."
“When my mother saw me leave this time, she cried and said she didn’t know when she would see me again. This might be the last time she sees me before she dies! I’m heartbroken! I’ve dedicated most of my life to the army, and now that I’m old, I don’t know how much longer my mother has to live. I want to go back to be by her side and take care of her!”
These words shocked everyone present.
"Old Xu, what do you mean? You're thinking of changing careers too?"
Xu Changfeng nodded, looking exhausted.
After looking at each other for a long time, someone finally spoke up: "Old Xu, if you want to change careers, now is the perfect time. I vaguely heard that the higher-ups intend to reduce the military, and if nothing unexpected happens, it will be within the next two years."
"If you apply for a demobilization now, you can not only return to your hometown, but with your current rank, you'll at least be a county-level official. If you wait until the major downsizing, it might be much more difficult!"
The most important point is something everyone knows but hasn't said.
Once Xu Changfeng reaches this level, it's almost impossible for him to rise further in the military unless he makes an extraordinary contribution.
It would be better to transfer to a civilian job; there might still be opportunities there.
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