After returning from Yin Country, everyone deliberately avoided the topic. Such sacrifices are hard on everyone, especially Luo Zheng, who was responsible for command. Snow Leopard glanced apologetically at Luo Zheng but said nothing further, feeling upset himself. Among the casualties, the Snow Leopard Team had lost the most mbers. Ghost Hand stepped in to smooth things over, saying with a wry smile, "Brother, when the ti cos, how do we select people? According to National Blade's standards?"
"According to our standards, I'm afraid we can't choose many," Mountain Eagle reminded.
"Not necessarily, we'll see," Snow Leopard looked at Luo Zheng and agreed.
"Standards cannot be lowered; they must be raised higher. I have an idea; let's discuss it," Luo Zheng said thoughtfully, organizing his thoughts, he continued, "Once we go there, let's start with a twenty-kiloter cross-country run. The top thirty will qualify, and those who can't finish within the set ti are out. This ti standard must follow National Blade's criteria."
"If we use our standards, I'm afraid none will qualify," Ghost Hand reminded.
"If none qualify, then none are chosen. This is a matter of principle. My standards will only rise and not fall. Accepting subpar candidates will only harm others and ourselves, which is unacceptable," Luo Zheng said firmly.
Everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief; they were afraid Luo Zheng might use favoritism. Joining National Blade is a great honor, upgrading one's military rank and providing post-retirent security. If subpar candidates were allowed in, it would spell the end for the Fourth Squadron. Seeing Luo Zheng's strict requirents and intention to raise standards, they couldn't help but smile wryly. The current standards were already harsh; could anyone be selected? But no one pointed this out.
"Slow runners on the battlefield are just courting death; this is a matter of principle. I hope every mber of the Fourth Squadron in the future has a specialty, which is running. Even if labeled as a fleeing army, it's better than dying in a foreign country," Luo Zheng said in a somber tone, his expression turning sorrowful.
Everyone understood Luo Zheng's intentions, no longer raising objections. Luo Zheng continued, "Besides being able to run, I hope mbers of the Fourth Squadron's action team excel in shooting—accurately, quickly, and ruthlessly. This must be based on National Blade's standards."
Everyone sowhat understood Luo Zheng's thoughts, and did not object. Mountain Eagle contemplated and said, "If they run fast, the enemy can't catch them; if they shoot accurately, they can kill the enemy from afar. With these two skills, close combat skills aren't that important since enemies would be shot before they co close."
"Stealth, combat, infiltration, swimming, driving, foreign languages—once they enter the Special Forces, these skills won't be lacking. Although these are very important, I hope our Fourth Squadron develops its own specialty, running and shooting, to resolve enemies from a distance and minimize casualties," Luo Zheng said seriously.
"Our own specialty?" Everyone looked at Luo Zheng in surprise, then followed his line of thought, gradually understanding and smiling knowingly.
"A troop is like an individual, needing its own unique characteristics and style. So troops are known for defense, others for assault, and still others for raiding. I hope the Fourth Squadron is known for speed; fight when able, retreat when not, saving face is unimportant compared to survival. This confrontation with Yin Country taught this lesson: as long as we're alive, we have a chance to eliminate the enemy," Luo Zheng said earnestly.
Everyone nodded understandingly and smiled. Just then, Lan Xue entered, and Luo Zheng explained the selection thod. Lan Xue did not object and inford everyone that Captain Wu had agreed to the request. However, there was one rule: no physical altercations. With that, the decision was made.
Accustod to fighting and smoke, after two weeks of rest, everyone felt restless, eager to return to the battlefield or even a training ground. They couldn't bear staying in the quiet hospital, surrounded by antiseptic odors, wasting precious ti. Without five people, loneliness would be insufferable.
┅┅
Three days later, Captain Li personally flew over in a helicopter. Given his special status, he naturally knew the location of the Fourth Squadron's base. Without prior notification, the helicopter nearly got shot down as an invading enemy. Luckily, Lan Xue and others arrived in ti. Captain Li looked nervously at the anti-aircraft artillery hidden under the grape arbor, breaking into a cold sweat, and pointed to the wine on the helicopter, saying, "A case for your captain, three cases for you. Thirty-year aged, special reserve; is that enough?"
Everyone recognized the familiar packaging, and laughed. Luo Zheng exchanged glances with Ghost Hand, Snow Leopard, and Mountain Eagle, and they hurried forward, each grabbing a case and running. Luo Zheng also picked up another case and said to Captain Li, "Captain Li, your presence is enough; there's no need for such courtesy."
"Courtesy? I see you're not courteous at all," Captain Li said jokingly.
"Alright, let's go to Captain Wu first," Lan Xue reminded impatiently.
"Yes, I'm your cousin; I'm not arguing with you. Let's go," Captain Li laughed and cursed.
The three of them arrived at Wu Jin's office, and Wu Jin ca out to greet them, cheerfully inviting Captain Li inside. They sat down on the sofa. The guard entered to pour water and then left, closing the door. Captain Li said courteously, "Director Wu, thank you for your trust. I guarantee to provide the best candidates for you. If they don't et standards, you don't have to give face. Thank you on behalf of my brothers."
"Don't thank ; thank these two," Wu Jin laughed.
"Without your approval, they wouldn't be able to do anything," Captain Li laughed heartily.
"We're all family, all for the country. As long as they et standards, nothing else matters. You know the rules. Moreover, since your local troops cooperate so well with our work, I should thank you. Ghost was trained by you, and selecting people from the old troops is reasonable. They can quickly integrate into the group and develop fighting power. This is good for them. Ti is critical, and there's no ti to let them adapt," Wu Jin said seriously.
"Is there a mission?" Captain Li asked in surprise. Seeing Wu Jin smile silently, he said awkwardly, "Look at , getting so excited I forgot basic discipline. I've already assembled the personnel, and the political review reports for the candidates are ready for your verification at any ti."
"We have the personnel files from your squadron, and we've completed the corresponding political review formalities over the past three days. After selecting the candidates, we'll conduct final interviews. Since it's the first ti you're visiting, I must offer you a drink," Wu Jin replied jovially.
"No problem," Captain Li replied gratefully with a smile.
Luo Zheng sensed that there was a mission waiting, but with Captain Li present, it was difficult to ask Wu Jin directly. He suppressed his curiosity and continued the conversation, saying, "Captain Li, Captain Wu, should we head over tomorrow? It's not good to wait too long."
User Comments
0 comments from readers