It was precisely because he understood his soldiers that Commander Lin was even more anxious. He didn't want to create a situation where two factions checked and balanced each other, because internal conflicts could lead to trouble, and that was unacceptable.
Yes, if he can make it this time, he'll send out those stubborn, hardened soldiers to see what his sister-in-law is capable of. They've been thoroughly humiliated by a little girl this time, and now they'll see what face they have left to be smug when they come back.
While things were bustling around, he happily followed Qin Qinghuai to pick up the child.
It was lively here too. After the children finished eating, they ran out to play in the courtyard. The adults chatted, and Professor Wei and a few other elderly people came to join in the fun. When Qin Qinghuai and Commander Lin returned, there was no longer any room for the young people in the Qin family. Only two guards were left to take care of them.
The others had moved to the neighboring courtyard and were sitting there talking.
Cheng Chao sat sloppily, behaving like a petty thug.
"Ah! It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. I guess I arrived at the perfect moment today!"
A simple, soft hum.
"It's quite a coincidence. I only go up the mountain once this summer and once this autumn, and you managed to catch up with me even though you were busy."
How many days can I stay this time?
Cheng Chao's smile vanished instantly.
"Can't you let me be happy for a little while longer?"
The others immediately burst into laughter.
Commander Lin's joke was tinged with seriousness.
"You've really worked hard. You haven't had a good night's sleep in ages, have you?"
This time, the trip will be much longer than before, probably a month or so? Isn't it getting harder and harder?
I see you brought back a few more people. What's the situation outside like now?
Cheng Chao straightened his expression and shook his head.
"Oh no, it's chaotic everywhere. This time I went straight to small towns and didn't go to big cities. I looked for inconspicuous places and didn't dare to ask for favors from big people, which is why it took me so long."
These people are truly capable, however…
He looked seriously at Commander Lin and Qin Qinghuai.
“I always felt something was off this time. Whether it was finding someone, handling procedures, or even the journey back, everything went surprisingly smoothly. Honestly, in all my years of missions, I’ve never had such a smooth experience.”
Time was tight, so I sent people to investigate their background, but I have a feeling they probably won't find anything.
Anyway, this person is definitely capable, but I can't guarantee anything else. It's up to you whether you dare to use him.
Commander Lin and Qin Qinghuai exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confidence.
"Although we may not be a large or wealthy family, we haven't been living off others all these years."
Putting everything else aside, we have a natural advantage in our terrain. There are only two ways to leave: one is the road, and the other is the mountain behind us. Unless, of course, one of them has the skills of my younger siblings and can safely come out of the deep mountains. If they really have that ability, then we are not worthy of it.
Those intersections, checkpoints, and sentry posts are all manned by trustworthy brothers.
From here, it would take us five or six hours to drive to the next populated place.
Tell me, what else is there to say?
Qin Qinghuai chuckled.
"It is indeed quite difficult."
Our defenses aren't very strict right now, but there's one good thing: whether it's the families, the veterans who have retired, or the people we've brought back, everyone is highly motivated, very united, and has the same goal—to have enough to eat.
In this regard, I will have a few more political training sessions held tomorrow to strengthen ideological education, so that everyone can be more vigilant and supervise each other.
As for the newcomers, this also serves as a warning to them. Even if they have ulterior motives, they should carefully consider the situation and think things through when they arrive in a new place.
However, are you sure they are enemies and not friends?
"I'm not sure. Shouldn't we let someone check?"
And I really didn't expect anyone to have such power and make such a big show of helping me. I don't have that kind of connections; I'm aware of that much."
The group exchanged glances, and then Commander Lin waved his hand.
"It's alright, they're right under our noses, what are we afraid of them causing trouble?"
"That's true,"
Men have nothing to fear; the matter was resolved with a few laughs and jokes, leaving him seemingly thoughtful but actually quite simple-minded.
That evening, Qin Qinghuai asked about it.
"What's wrong? You think something's not right about that?"
"No, I was just wondering who's secretly doing this favor. Didn't you say things are chaotic outside? In such a chaotic situation, how can this person still be so well-informed? Not only did they arrange everything in advance, but what's most frightening is that they seem to have anticipated Brother Chao's next move. Otherwise, how do you explain the fact that everything went smoothly all the way?"
Qin Qinghuai had also thought of that, and nodded as he tidied the blankets.
"It's terrifying to think about, but we can't be sure they're after us. We can't rule out the possibility that they really are Lei Feng (a selfless hero)?"
He stared at him for a few seconds.
"Something's not right with what you're saying. Do you know something?"
"What do I know?"
Qin Qinghuai drew the curtains, reached out and pulled the person to sit on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).
"Don't worry, I'm not that cunning. They call me 'Old Fox,' but I'm not as shrewd as a fox, and I can't predict things that far ahead."
For now, we can't discern their intentions, nor are there any clues suggesting they might harm us. Let's just treat them as altruistic heroes, but we still need to be prepared and vigilant. That's all we can do for now; we'll have to remain calm and wait for things to unfold.
"Alright, as long as you understand,"
This isn't my responsibility; I said a few words to her and she just ignored it.
"Oh, by the way, Xiao Rui mentioned something today that I think I should tell you,"
"What a coincidence, I also have something to discuss with you."
So, when the couple talked it over, they found out it was the same thing. Jian Dan had only one thought in his mind: "Just as I thought."
There's no escaping this task.
But it's still much better than teaching at a school.
"That's no problem. But you'd better give me a heads-up about the knowledge points the teacher has taught, so that I can give them a little pointer when we run into each other. It'll kill two birds with one stone."
Heaven knows, Jian Dan wasn't really trying to help the teacher. If things continued this way, and the teacher was eventually driven away, they might even hold a grudge against him. It was better to help him build up the teacher's positive image, which would also be a way to make some effort for his future peaceful life.
“That’s a good idea. I’ll invite the teacher back after get off work tomorrow, and then have Xiao Rui and Xiao An come over to keep you company. When we go up the mountain, I’ll have them come along to help you keep things in order.”
"Hahaha! Trying to intimidate people? It's not like I'm going to fight a war."
But going together is fine too. They're easier for me to use; they're very obedient and do exactly what I tell them to do.
Qin Qinghuai chuckled.
"And you're talking about me? Listen to what you're saying, you're like a female bandit who just points and attacks wherever you want."
"Haha! If I were a bandit, I would definitely kidnap you and make you my husband."
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