The train rumbled eastward, and in order to allow Zhao to rest along the way, Fan Hua bought a sleeper berth even though the journey was only seven or eight hours, which at least would avoid crowding and make the carriage quieter.
When they arrived in Ji City, it was already dark. However, as soon as they got out of the station, they saw several soldiers holding signs to pick them up. It turned out that Zhao Yilu had contacted the military district in Ji City through his connections long before they set off.
Having participated in drills and competitions for three consecutive years and won first place for three years, Zhao Yilu's title of Soldier King is not only well-known in Guishi and Yangcheng Military Region, but also in Jishi Military Region which participates in drills and competitions every year. In addition, he has now been promoted to regiment commander and is a combat hero fighting on the front line. He is respected wherever he goes.
So when they learned that Zhao Yilu was coming to Ji City for business and wanted to borrow a car from the military district for a few days, the Ji City Military District not only agreed readily, but also directly arranged for several elite groups of soldiers from the military district to come and receive them from the welcoming team, just so that these soldiers could learn something from Zhao Yilu and be inspired by his deeds.
Zhao Yilu was also a little surprised. He didn't expect that the Ji City Military District would make such a big fuss. Zhao Yilu had seen these soldiers before in exercises and competitions, so they were old acquaintances. So he let Fan Hua push him forward to say hello.
Zhao Yilu smiled and said, "Comrades, you are so polite. I came here just to do some personal business. I feel a little embarrassed by your enthusiasm."
The young soldier in the lead stood tall and straight, his face full of reverence. After saluting, he said, "Captain Zhao, you are our idol. We are all very excited to meet you. The reason our superiors arranged for us to come here this time is to let us learn from you."
Zhao Yilu waved his hand and said, "It's not about seeking advice, we can learn from each other. We are soldiers, so we should keep improving."
As he spoke, he turned to look at Fan Hua and introduced her, "Comrades, this is my wife, Fan Hua."
Fan Hua smiled and nodded, "Hello, you guys always told me about the army. I know you guys have a hard time and are excellent."
Several soldiers returned the greeting, "Hello, sister-in-law!"
"The car is ready, Captain Zhao, sister-in-law, let's get in first," said another soldier.
Everyone came to the front of the car, which was a military green off-road vehicle. Not only did the car look majestic, but the interior was also specially modified, which was very suitable for Zhao Yilu's current physical condition. The soldiers helped put the luggage away, and Zhao Yilu and Fan Hua got on the car.
The car was driving on the streets of Ji City. Fan Hua looked at the city scene outside the window, with a lot of thoughts in her mind. In addition to returning to her hometown, she had also come to this city several times when she was traveling and sketching. Now it seems that it has really changed a lot.
The soldiers on the bus were a little reserved at first, but gradually opened up as Zhao Yilu talked casually. They talked about their daily training in the army and some interesting things they encountered during the exercise.
"Captain Zhao, in that exercise, you led your team to launch a surprise attack from behind the enemy lines, defeating the larger force with a smaller one. That tactic was so brilliant that we studied it for a long time," a soldier said excitedly.
Zhao Yilu smiled and said, "In fact, tactics are static, but people are dynamic. The key is to use them flexibly and adapt to the actual situation on the battlefield. In addition, teamwork is also very important. If the team members had not cooperated well, we would not have succeeded that time."
…
Everyone was chatting animatedly along the way, first talking about the exercises and then the front-line combat. Zhao explained everything to them patiently and carefully throughout the whole process. He was full of charm, as if he was glowing.
Fan Hua listened quietly, watching Zhao Yilu explaining things to the soldiers seriously, and felt proud. She knew that Zhao Yilu loved the army and the cause of defending the country, and he really shined in this field and became the object of admiration of many people.
An hour later, the car arrived at the reception arranged by the military district.
"Captain Zhao, sister-in-law, this is the accommodation arranged for you. It's already very late today, so we won't disturb your rest. The canteen at the reception office has reserved some food for you, which will be delivered to your room later. If you have any needs, just let me know. I hope you will have a comfortable stay these days." said a soldier.
Zhao Yilu and Fan Hua got out of the car and thanked the soldiers. "Thank you for your help. I'll borrow the car first." Zhao Yilu said.
"No problem. We have learned a lot from Captain Zhao today. I hope that Captain Zhao can share more combat experience with us after he finishes his work."
Originally, after the military district learned that Zhao Yilu had injured his leg, they wanted them to take turns staying and serving as drivers for Zhao Yilu and Fan Hua. However, after learning that Fan Hua could drive and an extra driver was not needed, they all left in disappointment.
Zhao Yilu and Fan Hua entered the room, washed up briefly, and the food was delivered. The two ate while discussing the next itinerary.
"Let's drive to Yuanshan Village in An County tomorrow. I remember it's not too far from Ji City. We can get there in about two hours by car." Fan Hua said, relying on her childhood memories.
Zhao Yilu nodded, "Should we prepare something in advance?"
He was a little nervous about meeting his father-in-law, even though his little father-in-law was only seven years old this year!
Fan Hua thought for a moment and said, "Then let's go to the supply and marketing cooperative tomorrow to buy some malted milk and peach cakes, and buy some White Rabbit milk candies for my dad. Children should like to eat candies."
After saying that, Fan Hua burst out laughing. "Yilu, when I think about my dad who is only seven years old now, I want to laugh. What do you think he should call you? Uncle, brother, or..."
Zhao Yilu's eyes also showed a smile, "I dare not take advantage of my father-in-law, so I'd better call him uncle and say he is older than me."
Fan Hua couldn't help but burst out laughing and looked forward to tomorrow's meeting even more.
The two finished their meal while chatting. Fan Hua simply washed herself and Zhao Yilu, then got dressed and went to bed. When traveling, everything was inconvenient, so there was no need to be so particular.
After turning off the lights, Fan Hua rested her head on Zhao Yilu's arm and told him many stories about her biological father, Fan Mingqi, especially his inspirational story of how he went from a small mountain village to college and finally settled down in a big city.
Zhao Yilu hugged Fan Hua and listened carefully.
Finally, Fan Hua fell into a deep sleep with her mind full of anticipation of meeting her relatives...
There was an unshakable worry in Zhao Yilu's eyes. If he could really meet his father-in-law tomorrow, then after Fan Hua was born in 1999, would the same world allow for two Fan Huas?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
