Chapter 58 Chapter 15 (2)

The phone of the third tank battalion headquarters suddenly rang at two o'clock in the night, Yuan Jun sat up suddenly from the bed, the call at such a late hour must be something serious, he grabbed the phone: "Hello, I am Yuan Jun, the commander of the third battalion. " Zhou Xiaobai's low voice came from the phone: "Yuan Jun, I'm Zhou Xiaobai." Yuan Jun asked in surprise, "Where are you?" "I'm in the duty room of the hospital, Yuan Jun, I want to ask you a word." "Go ahead." "You told me before that you want to develop our relationship further. Is this sentence still valid now?"

Yuan Jun became serious: "Of course, it will always work." "Well, now I agree, Yuan Jun, let's get married." Yuan Jun opened his mouth in surprise: "Get married right away, isn't it too urgent?" "Aren't you willing? Just say so if you don't want to." "That's not what I mean. Of course I can't wait for it. The problem is that I'm not mentally prepared at all, because just a few minutes ago you and I were just friends, and you suddenly proposed to be my fiancée. It didn't even take me time to get used to it." No, why do I feel a little dreamy?"

Zhou Xiaobai said softly: "How many years have we known each other? Do we need to get to know each other again? You suggested to me before, and I said that I should think about it carefully. Now that I have matured, you feel that it is sudden again. Or we can pretend that we just met , How many more years will you be exposed to it?" Yuan Jun hurriedly said: "I didn't say I didn't want to, why are you upset again? You must let me ask for leave? I am the commander of the first battalion, so I can leave as soon as I can? I will go to the head of the regiment immediately to ask for leave. It shouldn't be too late. Question, I haven't taken my family leave this year."

"Okay, you ask for leave immediately, I'll wait for you." Yuan Jun put down the phone and was in a daze for a while. The camp instructor who was just woken up rubbed his eyes and asked, "What's wrong? Something happened at home?" Yuan Jun replied thoughtfully: "Something went wrong, a damn big thing happened." Zhong Yuemin's change of job was delayed until 1984, when the Chinese government announced the reduction of 1 million troops, which gave him a ray of hope. In the spring, Zhong Yuemin received a notice to go to the military academy for advanced studies. He found that Zhang Haiyang’s name was also listed on the list of regular training personnel. Haiyang still needs to keep people, otherwise they will not be sent to colleges for further studies.Zhong Yuemin thought that his fate had reached a turning point. If he went to the military academy to study, he would have to work in the army for the rest of his life after returning. If he wanted to change jobs, he might not have a chance.Zhong Yuemin decided to seize this opportunity and change jobs and return to Beijing.Because there are not many battalion officers who want to leave, the Political Department is having a headache for the transferred cadres.At this moment, Zhong Yuemin's request for a change of job seems to be a high profile, a little bit of the meaning of taking the initiative to share the country's worries.

In front of the military headquarters building, Zhang Haiyang walked out of the building, and two sentries saluted him. He hurriedly returned the salute, walked along the cement road in the military headquarters compound to the dormitory, and saluted the oncoming officers and soldiers from time to time.Zhong Yuemin chased up from behind in a convertible jeep, he turned the steering wheel sharply, and the jeep lay in front of Zhang Haiyang. Zhang Haiyang asked in surprise: "Yuemin, you haven't been here for a long time, why did you think of looking for me today?" Zhong Yuemin said: "I'm going to the Military Affairs Office, so I'll drop by to see Staff Officer Zhang."

"You're scolding me, aren't you? There are a lot of staff in the headquarters. We're just a bunch of people. We can't compare to you, Captain Zhong. You have the final say in the Special Reconnaissance Brigade." Zhong Yuemin said straight to the point: "Have you heard? This time we will disarm one million troops." "Of course, who doesn't know this? You kid must have another idea?" "It's a matter of bringing up old things again, or changing jobs. This disarmament is an opportunity." Zhang Haiyang pondered and said, "Do you know? The two of us are on the list of people going to the Military Academy this time."

"I know, it is precisely because of this that I decided to change my career. For you and me, now is a watershed in our lives. Once I go to further studies, it means that I will be a professional soldier for the rest of my life. It is impossible to turn back. If If you change jobs now, you can start a lot of things again." Zhang Haiyang said: "Yuemin, let me consider this question, okay?" Zhong Yuemin mocked: "Do you really want to be a general? There will be no more battles in the future, and the army will have nothing to play with." Zhang Haiyang thought for a while and said: "Well, it makes sense. My heart is moving when you say it. This disarmament is an opportunity. Otherwise, the army will not let people go. Have you decided?"

"I am determined." "Yuemin, let me think again." "Then think about it, I've already handed in the job change report..." Zhong Yuemin stepped on the gas pedal, and the jeep shot out like an arrow. Zhang Haiyang froze for a moment, then suddenly shouted: "Yuemin." Zhong Yuemin braked the car suddenly, and the tires of the car screamed piercingly. Zhang Haiyang said: "I don't care if you leave, why don't you go together, I'll write a job change report right away." "You can think about it, no one is forcing you, don't regret it then."

"I've already made up my mind to change jobs and return to Beijing." The transfer reports of Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang were quickly approved, and the personnel in the cadre department were very busy with so many officers who did not want to transfer jobs, especially some officers from rural areas. Still unwilling to change jobs, the work of these people is difficult to do.Both Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang were military officers who were not allowed to be transferred, but they handed in the transfer report at this time. The cadres were relieved. No matter what, there are now two more places that can be retained. , their work is also easier to do.Director Wang of the cadre department talked to Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang respectively, and also symbolically persuaded them to stay. Zhong Yuemin insisted that his request to change jobs was due to the difficulties of the country, and he had received more than ten years of education in the army. It should be for the country to share the worries.Director Wang didn't believe his nonsense. It wasn't a year or two since Zhong Yuemin changed jobs. Who in the political department didn't know?However, Director Wang is still very grateful to Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang. After all, they took the initiative to ask for a change of job, after all, it relieved the pressure on the cadre department.

In the resettlement office for demobilized soldiers in Beijing, Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang stood in the reception hall wearing military uniforms with their collars removed. They were talking with some demobilized soldiers from various military branches. Zhong Yuemin looked at his watch and said impatiently, "I've been waiting for forty minutes, why didn't you call us?" A demobilized officer in a navy uniform said, "You're getting impatient after waiting for forty minutes? I've been waiting for more than an hour. It's okay. When we get here, we will be in charge of others. Don't lose your temper."

Zhang Haiyang said: "Yuemin, we have almost no majors in this branch that can match us, that is, the criminal police team of the Public Security Bureau can make some connections. If we are assigned to the Public Security Bureau, will you go?" "No, I want to be a free citizen. I can't just take off my military uniform and put on a police uniform. Then why should I change my job?" Zhang Haiyang said, "I'd like to go. Being a policeman is not bad, buddy. If you commit a crime in the future, I'll come and get you." "Fuck, do you fucking hope that I will get better? I want to go to you, anyway, I won't go, now that the reform and opening up, there are many things I can do, if there is no suitable job for the re-transfer office, I will set up a stall as a self-employed." "Don't talk nonsense, you are a battalion-level cadre going to be a self-employed person?" The staff in the office were shouting: "Have Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang come?" The two agreed to enter the office, and a staff member came over to shake hands with the two: "Congratulations, the Public Security Bureau read your materials and was very interested. They said that you old scouts are welcome to work in the criminal police team. How about it?" Are you satisfied with this job?" Zhang Haiyang said: "I am willing to go." Zhong Yuemin asked: "Is there any other job?" "Not yet. If you are not satisfied with this job, you have to wait. Of course, you can also contact the unit yourself. If there is a unit willing to accept you, I will go through the formalities for you immediately." The staff member said. Zhong Yuemin said: "Forget it, don't bother. Just now I saw a pancake stand in front of your door. The business is quite prosperous. I can also do this skill. If it doesn't work, I will set up a pancake stand." A girl who was filling out the form looked up at Zhong Yuemin, then lowered her head again. The staff member said: "Captain Zhong, if you want to set up a pancake stand, don't come to my door. When the time comes, the leader will say that we haven't done a good job, and we can't bear the responsibility if we ask a battalion-level officer to set up a stall." "Okay, not at your door, I'll put it at the door of their Public Security Bureau." Zhang Haiyang said: "Yuemin, if you don't go, you will be a grandson. I will have breakfast for free in the future." The staff handed over a form: "Comrade Zhang Haiyang, please fill out the form." Zhang Haiyang began to fill out the form. Zhong Yuemin said: "Yangyang, I'm going back first, let's get in touch again." "Yuemin, don't think about it, you kid. If you have something to discuss with your buddies, I will call you." Zhong Yuemin was picking up his bicycle outside the gate of the retransfer office, when he suddenly found that the girl who had just filled out the form in the office was also picking up the bike, Zhong Yuemin nodded politely to her, and the girl smiled sweetly. Zhong Yuemin asked strangely: "What are you laughing at?" The girl smiled and said, "You're so funny. A regular military officer is going to set up a stall to sell pancakes. Are you joking?" "Why am I joking? One day when I am happy, I will actually set up a stall and rely on labor for a living. It's not shameful. Who stipulates that battalion-level cadres cannot be self-employed?" The girl said, "Are you really kidding?" "Well, it seems that you are also interested? Then I welcome joining, how about we set up a pancake trust? When it grows bigger in the future, we will increase the export business and let the pancakes go to the world." The girl smiled and bent over: "You can really talk..." "Let me introduce myself, my name is Zhong Yuemin, what's your name?" "My name is Gao, I'm from the South China Sea Fleet Communication Center, and I've just been demobilized." Zhong Yuemin asked: "How is it? Have you been assigned a job?" Gao replied: "Where? Even you demobilized officers don't have any suitable jobs, let alone us soldiers. By the way, isn't the Public Security Bureau pretty good? Why don't you go?" "Do you know why I changed my career? The reason is very simple. I want to live a free life after being controlled by others. That is to say, other than obeying the laws and regulations of the country, I will not be controlled by others." Gao smiled: "You are very free and easy, I have never seen an officer like you." Zhong Yuemin pretended to be serious and said: "I have been a soldier for more than ten years, and it is time for me to live a life as a commoner. Since the country has difficulties in resettling work, let's be considerate and find a job by myself." "Yo, the consciousness is really high, as expected of a cadre who has been educated by the party for many years." "Sorry, it's still far from what the party and the people want." Gao covered his mouth and smiled: "It still looks like it's real." Zhong Yuemin said: "Now there is no distinction between demobilized cadres and demobilized soldiers. We are all unemployed youths. You and I feel sorry for each other. I decided to accept you as a team." Gao asked back, "Did I say I was going to join the gang?" "Anyway, you haven't been assigned a suitable job, so you can join the group first, and leave when you get a good job." Gao thought for a while and said, "Your idea is quite interesting, it's a bit shocking. I really want to try it, but I have conditions." "Look, you haven't joined the group yet, so you should make the conditions first. When you were a soldier, you also bargained with the leaders like this? Okay, let's talk about it first." "My condition is that no bullying is allowed." "That's fine, any more?" Gao said: "As a partner, you and I are equal. Don't always call yourself a leader in front of me." "Equality between officers and soldiers is a fine tradition of our army, and that's fine." Gao suddenly grasped the fault of his words: "Aren't they all unemployed youths? Where are the officers and soldiers? Don't always think about your status as an officer. Now you are just an ordinary citizen. Don't put on airs as an officer with me." "Okay, let's change a graveyard to a vegetable garden -- level it out, let's talk about the specific issues of the partnership sometime, and I'll leave you a phone number." Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong were very excited by the news that Zhong Yuemin had changed jobs and returned to Beijing. We hadn't been together for more than ten years, and it was difficult to get together every year when we took family leave. Often, one just left and the other came back.Now everyone can finally live in one city. Yuan Jun was already married to Zhou Xiaobai. Zhou Xiaobai was assigned to a certain hospital in Beijing after graduating from the Military Medical University. Yuan Jun was also transferred to work in the headquarters in Beijing a year ago. Compared with the field army, his job now is much more relaxed. Zheng Tong and Jiang Biyun have been married for several years, their children are three years old, their jobs are stable, and their lives are contented. In contrast, Zhong Yuemin's life seems a bit desolate. He is in his thirties and is still single. Over the years, part of his salary has been sent to Wu Mantun's parents, and the rest is spent in a daze. I have been an officer for more than ten years but I have no savings. Fortunately, when I changed jobs, I was paid several thousand yuan in transfer fees, otherwise I would be really poor. Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong welcomed Zhong Yuemin in a restaurant, and everyone was very excited sitting around the dining table.Yuan Jun and Zhou Xiaobai were wearing new-style military uniforms, Zheng Tong was wearing white-rimmed glasses, a suit and leather shoes, and looked like an elegant scholar, Jiang Biyun was wearing a suit and skirt, a typical image of a professional woman, only Zhong Yuemin was wearing a white-washed old-fashioned military uniform, looking very shabby . Yuan Jun raised his glass and proposed: "Yuemin has just returned from changing jobs, let's toast to his new life that is about to start." Cheers everyone. Zhong Yuemin smiled and said: "Okay, my brothers have all come out, Yuan Jun has also been transferred to the headquarters, and served as a soldier at the door of the house. This was something I didn't even dare to think about before. Zhou Xiaobai is the attending doctor of the general hospital. Zheng Tong Both of them have become intellectuals, and both of them are better off than me. Qiang, I don't even have a job yet. " Zhou Xiaobai comforted him: "Don't say that, isn't this just a new job? The new life hasn't started yet, if you need help, everyone will try their best, I don't believe that the best among us will not find a job. " Zheng Tong joked: "Yuan Jun, listen to your wife's praise of Yuemin? Are you feeling sour right now?" Jiang Biyun stopped and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Is there such a joke?" Yuan Jun said: "It's okay, our brothers are used to making jokes, besides, if Yuemin hadn't promoted his style back then, how could I have anything to do with me? This Zhou Xiaobai, I think only Yuemin can rule her. Her husband makes her wash her feet every day, unlike me, she has no status at home, and she has the final say on everything, and she is not even allowed to smoke." Zhou Xiaobai hit Yuan Jun with chopsticks: "Shut up, talking nonsense again? If you talk about it again, I will really relive old dreams with Yuemin. Anyway, he is not married yet. Hey! Yuemin, what do you think?" Zhong Yuemin said: "No problem, if he dares to bully you, you can come to me. The door of my house is always open. I welcome all young women." Jiang Biyun smiled and said, "Zhong Yuemin is still such a hooligan." Zhou Xiaobai pointed to Zhong Yuemin and said, "Who do you think they are? They were all famous hooligans on the ice rink back then, especially Zhong Yuemin, who chased after girls whenever he saw them, and his mouth was very poor." Zheng Tong said: "Yuemin, we have a new group of college students assigned to our unit, and some of them are pretty good-looking, do you want me to introduce one to you?" Jiang Biyun said: "Zheng Tong, don't send a good-looking girl to the tiger's mouth, whoever will be unlucky with him." Zhong Yuemin agreed: "Jiang Biyun still understands me." Zheng Tong said: "Even if it's a tiger, don't you have to feed it? You can't just watch the tiger starve to death. If it's a tiger, you have to eat meat. You can't fool the tiger with cornbread mixed with cabbage." Zhong Yuemin said: "It doesn't matter, my tiger is used to it anyway, and the cabbage gang will get used to it." Yuan Jun took a sip of the wine and savored it carefully: "Yuemin, don't you think the taste of this wine is a bit wrong?" Zhong Yuemin also took a sip: "This is not the taste of "Wuliangye", it is fake wine." Yuan Jun angrily shouted to the waiter: "Go, get your boss here." Zheng Tong also threw his chopsticks on the table: "This fake wine sells at a higher price than the real one, so I'm so fucking black." Zhong Yuemin shouted at the waiter: "If your boss doesn't have time to come, we won't wait, and he will pay for the meal." A man in a suit and leather shoes came out from behind: "Gentlemen and ladies, I have something to discuss..." The boss's words stopped suddenly, Zhong Yuemin raised his head and was about to speak, when he was also stunned: "Ning Wei..." Ning Wei called out: "Company Commander, Brother Zhong." He hugged Zhong Yuemin. Zhong Yuemin held Ning Wei's shoulders and looked carefully: "Well, it's still the same as in the recruit company back then, not much changed, why are you the boss now?" Ning Wei yelled to the waiter: "Remove this table of food and put it on another table. Brother, when I was demobilized, I didn't have any good jobs. There have been too many demobilized soldiers over the years, so I can't arrange it at all. My relatives and I I borrowed some money to open such a restaurant, but the business has not been very good, let's just make do with it, brother, why did you change your job?" Zhong Yuemin said: "Didn't I tell you that? The army is not a place to support people. Everyone has to leave sooner or later. You left a few years earlier than me and became the boss. I came back late."