Chapter 126 Xu Zhili Refuses to Join the Army
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic applause and heartfelt praise:
"Great job! Well done!"
"You are truly good comrades from our Xiangyang Brigade. We are proud of you."
"Amazing! You've really made our captain proud!"
"I knew these two kids were something else!"
"Yes, those two kids are really great!"
Xu Zhili was caught off guard by the sudden shower of praise and attention, her cheeks flushing. She instinctively shrank behind Xie Yunze and whispered, "We...we just happened to see it, it was what we should do..."
Shouldn't she show the shyness that a girl her age should have in front of others?
Although Xie Yunze was also surprised and felt pressured, he was, after all, a young man. He tried his best to straighten his back, but he pursed his lips tightly, his eyes showing a hint of confusion and a forced composure. He nodded slightly.
Team Leader Ye looked at the two young men with an approving smile: "Comrade Xu Zhili, Comrade Xie Yunce, there's no need to be modest!"
"Your contributions are remembered by the organization. The county and commune have decided to hold a conference soon to publicly commend you. We hope you will be prepared and continue to carry forward this revolutionary spirit."
Minister Li solemnly added, "Yes! The organization will commend you and reward you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the applause from the surrounding villagers rose up again like a tidal wave, even more enthusiastic and longer than before.
The applause was filled with admiration, gratitude, and a sense of pride.
Amidst the simple and sincere applause, Xu Zhili and Xie Yunce's slender figures seemed to take on a special radiance under the eager gaze of the crowd, appearing exceptionally upright.
Xu Zhili and Xie Yunze exchanged a glance, as if there was some silent communication in the air.
Just then, Minister Li of the Armed Forces Department gestured to his accompanying officer to take out two documents and hand them to Xu Zhili and Xie Yunze respectively.
"Comrade Xie Yunce!"
Minister Li looked intently at Xie Yunze with admiration, "We've all seen your skills and reactions; you're a good candidate for the military."
"The country needs outstanding young people to devote themselves to national defense and protect our people. This is your enlistment application form. Think it over carefully, fill it out and hand it in."
Minister Li's gaze then turned to Xu Zhili, his tone still gentle but more businesslike: "Comrade Xu Zhili, your deeds also demonstrate a high level of ideological awareness. If you are also willing, you can fill out this application form to express your aspirations to the organization."
Xie Yunze took the thin piece of paper, his fingers unconsciously stroking the edge of the page.
When he heard the words "join the army" and "protect the people," an indescribable feeling, a mixture of longing and a sense of heaviness, suddenly gripped his heart.
He subconsciously looked at Xu Zhili.
Xu Zhili clearly saw the intense, almost burning light that burst forth in Xie Yunce's eyes.
She sighed inwardly: It seems that his desire to join the army is deep down.
However, regarding her own situation... Xu Zhili's gaze swept over the equally significant form in her hand, and her heart sank.
My maternal grandparents are still living in the cowshed; this is an unavoidable issue of family background.
She was well aware of how strict the political review process was for applicants.
This is not just a form, but a hurdle that is almost impossible to cross.
Rather than trying with unrealistic hopes only to be rejected by cold reality, resulting in disappointment and potential criticism, it's better to choose to give up from the start.
She took a deep breath, raised her head, her expression calm and sincere, and gently handed the form back to Minister Li.
"Minister Li, thank you for the organization's trust and encouragement. I... I deeply admire soldiers who defend our country and I also yearn to contribute to the nation. However,"
She paused, her voice clear and steady, "Due to my personal and family circumstances, after careful consideration, I believe that I may not fully meet the requirements for enlisting in the military at present."
"In order not to cause trouble for the organization or waste the precious opportunity to participate, I have decided not to register. But I will definitely work hard in my current position and contribute all my strength to building a new socialist countryside."
Minister Li looked at the form Xu Zhili handed back, a hint of understanding and barely perceptible regret flashing in his eyes.
He already knew about the Xu family's situation, so he naturally understood the deeper meaning behind her words.
This young girl, though not very old, was exceptionally clear-headed and sensible.
He nodded, asked no further questions, and solemnly took back the form: "Good, Comrade Xu Zhili, the organization understands your idea. There is much to be done in the vast countryside."
Xie Yunce kept his eyes fixed on Xu Zhili.
When he heard her clearly say "I'm not signing up," the blazing fire that had just ignited in his eyes seemed to have been doused with a bucket of cold water, instantly dimming and leaving only bewilderment and an indescribable sense of loss.
His fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the form, his knuckles turning somewhat white.
Xu Zhili keenly noticed Xie Yunze's eyes dimming instantly and his deep sense of loss.
She felt a tightness in her chest: Was it because she had given up?
Or... does he also have unspeakable concerns about joining the army?
What is he hiding in his heart despite his amnesia?
Immediately afterward, just when Minister Li and everyone else thought Xie Yuance would immediately express his opinion, he lowered his head, his voice somewhat muffled, carrying a resistance that he himself didn't quite understand: "Minister Li... I, I won't sign up either."
"What?"
Xie Jianguo, who was standing to the side, could hardly believe his ears.
He suddenly strode up to Xie Yunce, his face flushed with anger and anxiety.
What on earth did this child do wrong?
The opportunity to join the army is something many people dream of, but he didn't cherish it.
"You little rascal! What nonsense are you spouting? Didn't you always dream of wearing that green military uniform? How many times did you pester me to let you join the army?"
"A tremendous opportunity is right in front of you, the commander is personally delivering the application form to you, and you're telling me you're not going?"
He was so angry that he almost poked Xie Yunze's forehead with his finger. "Did you really break your brain? You dare to shirk your responsibility to protect our country?"
Seeing this, Xu Zhili knew she couldn't let Xie Yunze miss the chance to change his fate because of her or his confused memories.
Xu Zhili couldn't help but recall Xie Jianguo's proud mention more than once, which the villagers also wholeheartedly agreed with: Xie Yunce was born with the spirit of a soldier, as if he was destined to become an outstanding soldier.
She immediately stepped forward, her voice not loud but exceptionally clear, her gaze fixed on Xie Yunze: "Comrade Xie Yunze!"
Xie Yunze looked up at her, somewhat bewildered.
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