Chapter 40: Return to the Night Tiger (4K)

"Three months have passed, and you've certainly made quite a stir. You took first place overall in the scout training camp and earned a Class-Three Merit Citation!"

It was still the very same office, but Su Yang was now well acquainted with the various banners and certificates awarded to the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company by the division headquarters, which hung on the wall behind the company commander's chair.

Now, he had brought back a banner of his own for the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company.

Miao, the Company Commander, carefully hung the banner Su Yang had brought him on the wall, looking at Su Yang with a face full of joy.

"Company Commander, this is only what I should do. Wherever the soldiers of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company go, they are always number one!"

Su Yang straightened his chest and spoke with utmost seriousness.

He could now face praise calmly, as it was something he had earned through unremitting effort.

"Good! A fine answer—always number one wherever you go!"

Company Commander Miao was very fond of Zhuang Yan, the soldier he constantly scolded and played tricks on, because in Zhuang Yan, he saw the shadow of his own youth.

Yet, toward an outstanding talent like Su Yang—so driven, daring, determined, and politically enlightened—his eyes shone with brilliant approval.

In particular, that fierce, roaring spirit of striving for the number-one spot no matter where he was, was something he had rarely seen in other soldiers.

"Political Instructor, shouldn't Su Yang meet the criteria for officer promotion by now?" After praising Su Yang, Company Commander Miao turned to look at Political Instructor Wang and asked.

The political instructor beside him nodded immediately. "Su Yang is a high school graduate, has already earned two Class-Three Merit Citations and a regimental commendation, and is guaranteed to receive the Outstanding Advanced Individual award this year. Naturally, he satisfies all the requirements for officer promotion."

The political instructor understood what Company Commander Miao was getting at, so he quickly reviewed the promotion criteria and gave a definitive reply.

"Good, that's wonderful. Su Yang, you can start preparing to take the officer promotion examination next year. The political instructor and I will definitely give you our full support."

Company Commander Miao said happily to Su Yang. He felt it would be splendid if the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company could produce another promoted officer.

"Thank you for your support, Company Commander and Political Instructor, but I don't plan to take the officer promotion route."

To the surprise of both company leaders, Su Yang actually intended to give up the opportunity for officer promotion.

Company Commander Miao asked with some astonishment, "Why is that, Su Yang? Do you not wish to remain in the military for the long term?"

He figured that since Su Yang was already eligible for promotion, he should send him off to a military academy before he transitioned to civilian life, allowing their Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company to produce yet another officer.

Noticing the puzzlement of the company commander and the political instructor, Su Yang quickly explained, "No, Company Commander, Political Instructor. It's not that I want to retire after my conscript service ends; rather, I want to take the regular military academy entrance exam instead of the direct promotion path."

Su Yang had thought things through very clearly. Although the direct promotion exam was much simpler compared to taking the regular military academy entrance exam—virtually guaranteeing admission if he chose to sit for it—that was not what he wanted.

Su Yang knew very well that the future belonged to the era of informationized warfare. Without an understanding of informationized warfare, one would be at a severe disadvantage.

To understand informatization, one had to study at specialized military academies.

Although he had been a science and engineering college student in his past life, different professions were worlds apart. Without advanced study, even if he knew the military's direction toward informatization, he would not have much say in the matter in the future.

While the direct promotion track might be great for others because it made testing easier, his situation was different. The military academies attended through the direct promotion track were generally determined by the branch to which the soldier's original unit belonged.

Since scouts were predominantly assigned to the military command specialty at the Army Command Academy, he would not be able to acquire professional knowledge regarding informatization there.

Therefore, the only way he could choose his field of study was by taking the regular military academy entrance exam.

"Ah, Su Yang, why would you think like that? Isn't direct promotion and taking the exam for a military academy essentially the same thing? You already possess the hardest qualifications for direct promotion and can easily enter an academy—why must you insist on taking the entrance exam?"

Political Instructor Wang was equally uncomprehending.

"Company Commander, Political Instructor, it's like this. Headquarters has consistently emphasized mechanization and informatization reforms, but our military is severely lacking in specialized talent for informatization. Even if we have a few such individuals, they are strictly technical officers. If we were to have them lead military reforms, I'm afraid the soldiers wouldn't be convinced."

"Therefore, if we want to drive informatization reform, we must have a solid understanding of combat command at the grassroots company level; otherwise, everything is just castles in the air. That's why I want to apply for a technical major at a military academy, so I can truly participate in the informatization reform!"

Su Yang spoke with complete sincerity. As primary leaders of a grassroots company, Company Commander Miao and the political instructor were well aware of the reform momentum constantly emphasized by the military.

Once he explained it clearly to them, Su Yang believed they would understand.

After listening to Su Yang's words, Company Commander Miao looked him over seriously. "You're a clever kid, and your thinking is sound. Our military does indeed need young people who understand high technology more and more. But are you certain you can get into your ideal military academy? The competition is fierce."

Company Commander Miao thought of what he had said to the regimental commander. Indeed, Su Yang was right; the military increasingly needed high-tech-literate military talent. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to take early retirement.

***

Therefore, Company Commander Miao understood Su Yang's choice; he was simply worried about whether Su Yang could pass the exams for his ideal military academy.

"Company Commander, don't worry. I have confidence in my own grades. I've been preparing for the military academy entrance exam for a long time. Besides, taking the exam is a matter for next year."

Su Yang patted his chest and said firmly.

Regarding the rules for high school graduates in the military taking the military academy exams, one had to complete at least one full year of service before being eligible to register. Therefore, Su Yang would have to wait until next year; there was no opportunity to do so this year.

"Very well, then go on down and prepare properly!" Seeing that Su Yang was full of confidence, the two company leaders said no more.

Though they had some lingering concerns about whether Su Yang could pass, he had already earned two Class-Three Merit Citations. A year from now, he might have even more, and direct promotion was merely a matter of a year earlier or later.

Replying with a resolute "Understood," Xiao Chen stepped out of the company headquarters office.

"Su Yang, you're amazing! Sun Weihao told us the news—you've won another Class-Three Merit Citation!"

As soon as he stepped out of headquarters, the members of Squad One, who had been waiting for him, rushed forward. Xiwa, in particular, leaped directly onto Su Yang.

"Hold on, hold on! Chen Pai is coming, put me down quickly." Just as Su Yang was about to boast a little to the guys, he glanced sideways and saw Chen Guotao, Zheng Sanpao, and Zhuang Yan walking back from the training ground.

He promptly dropped his luggage into the arms of Xiwa and the others, ran over, and snapped a crisp salute.

"Chen Pai, Squad Leader, and Xiaozhuang!"

After finishing the salute, he looked at Chen Guotao's leg and asked with genuine concern, "Chen Pai, how is your injury?"

Chen Guotao gave him an exasperated glare. "Thanks to you, I spent three months in the hospital. Now Company Commander Miao won't even let me participate in training."

Hearing Chen Guotao put it that way, Su Yang said with a somewhat troubled expression, "Chen Pai, if you feel that I robbed you of your dream of becoming a special operations soldier, you can scold me all you want. But if it happened again, I would do the exact same thing. I couldn't just sit by and watch you cripple yourself through training."

Seeing Su Yang's sincerity, Chen Guotao quickly clarified his previous remark. "All right, I was just joking. I know you meant well. If it weren't for you, I might really never have walked again. Though I can't engage in high-intensity training anymore, I'm still able to stay in the military."

Su Yang felt a sudden weight lift from his heart and continued to ask, "Then, Chen Pai, how has the regiment arranged your future assignment?"

He knew very well that if a grassroots platoon leader suffered an injury and found it difficult to recover in a short time, they essentially lost their path for promotion along the military command track.

After all, platoon leaders were the officers who had the most direct contact with the soldiers. If they couldn't participate in training, they would lose their authority over time.

Knowing what Su Yang was concerned about, Chen Guotao smiled and said, "Don't worry, the regiment's arrangement for me is very good. In the future, I'll be taking the political work officer route."

"The political work officer route?" Su Yang asked in surprise.

Zheng Sanpao, standing beside them, explained, "Chen Pai is already our company's deputy political instructor. When the rank insignia are distributed at the end of the year, he'll be a lieutenant."

"Really? How come I never heard Company Commander Miao mention it!" Su Yang smiled happily. He hadn't expected Chen Guotao to gain a blessing in disguise.

A deputy political instructor—that was wonderful! It meant Chen Guotao could genuinely remain in the military.

"Alright, enough about my affairs. Su Yang, you kid are something else—you actually caught the eye of the Flying Dragons." Chen Guotao waved his hand, changing the subject.

"Caught the eye of the Flying Dragons?" Su Yang asked, puzzled.

"A while ago, leaders from our military region came to inspect, and Senior Colonel Gao from the Flying Dragons Special Operations Brigade praised you, saying you were worth cultivating," Chen Guotao said with a hint of pride.

Su Yang understood instantly. This must have been mentioned by "Dog Head" Gao. What he was more curious about, however, was whether Xiaozhuang had talked back to "Dog Head" Gao just like in the original story.

Since Zhuang Yan was right there, it wasn't easy to ask, so he kept the question to himself, planning to fish for details once they were back in the squad.

Right now, he just wanted to share his joy with Chen Guotao and let him know that he, Su Yang, hadn't disgraced him.

"Of course! How else could I be the number one in the reconnaissance scout training team? No matter how formidable those Flying Dragons are, they couldn't possibly look down on the cream of the crop among scouts."

While playfully acting full of himself, Su Yang smiled and pulled a red plastic-covered certificate from his pocket. With a theatrical sense of ceremony, he held the small booklet aloft with both hands and presented it to Chen Guotao and Zheng Sanpao.

"Take a look! This is my reconnaissance scout training certificate! Issued by the group army."

Chen Guotao snorted, snatched the certificate out of Su Yang's hands, and muttered curses under his breath: "What are you showing off for? It's just a Class-Three Merit Citation. Who among me and Old Pao hasn't earned one?"

"Hehe, true enough!" Su Yang chuckled without taking offense.

Although Chen Guotao cursed outwardly, he was in a fine mood. Su Yang was his soldier, and that brought him honor.

However, he didn't let himself get carried away. Straightening his expression, he warned Su Yang, "Don't you go getting full of yourself. A few days ago, our company had its turf trampled by the Flying Dragons, and Company Commander Miao was furious. If he catches you acting arrogant and complacent, he won't go easy on you."

***

"Don't worry, Chen Pai, I'm not that kind of person. I'm still planning to go to the special forces. If I get washed out during the selection process later, it would be too humiliating for words."

Su Yang shook his head, firmly denying any tendency toward arrogance.

"All right then. You haven't eaten yet, have you? If not, hurry up and go grab some food, and by the way, find the quartermaster to transfer your ration records back."

Chen Guotao glanced at the silent Zhuang Yan and instructed Su Yang.

"Not yet, my stomach is completely empty. In that case, Chen Pai, I'm off to eat."

Su Yang nodded, bid farewell to the three of them, took his luggage from Xiwa and the others, and headed to the barracks.

Upon returning this time, they had traveled from the comprehensive training base to the division headquarters, dropped off the soldiers from other regiments, and finally returned to their own regiment.

They hadn't eaten or drank a single drop along the way, and once Chen Guotao mentioned it, Su Yang instantly felt his stomach rumbling with hunger.

Therefore, he planned to drop off his things, head straight to the cooking squad's quartermaster to transfer his ration records back to the company, and then invite Sun Weihao to a good meal at the regiment's small restaurant.

After Su Yang left, Chen Guotao glanced at Zhuang Yan and asked, "Do you regret giving up your spot for the training camp? If you had gone with Su Yang, you might have secured a great ranking yourself. Instead, you went to the communications personnel training, and you didn't even get to see your girlfriend."

Zhuang Yan shook his head. "Chen Pai, I'm not Su Yang. I'm not like Xiwa, constantly obsessing over joining the special forces. I have zero interest in special forces, so the training camp wasn't important to me. As for Xiaoying's situation, I can only chalk it up to bad luck."

Chen Guotao's expression darkened. "What do you mean by 'zero interest'?"

Zhuang Yan didn't notice Chen Guotao's changing expression. "I really am not interested! Being a scout is already frustrating enough for me; why on earth would I want to be a special operations soldier?"

Chen Guotao stared intently at Su Yang—no, at Zhuang Yan—and rebuked him sternly: "Special operations soldiers represent the supreme honor of the reconnaissance corps!"

He had never expected that the place he was willing to risk his life to reach was treated with such utter indifference by Zhuang Yan.

"Do you know why I hid my medical condition and trained every single day? It's because I want to become a true special forces soldier. To think that you, as a member of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company, don't even have a sense of honor as a scout!"

Chen Guotao wore an expression of profound disappointment.

Zhuang Yan quickly reached out to grab Chen Guotao's shoulder to explain, "Chen Pai, that's not what I meant."

"Then what *did* you mean?" Chen Guotao shrugged him off.

"I became a scout because of Company Commander Miao and because of you! I know what honor is, but I don't care about honor; I just didn't want to leave our reconnaissance company, and I didn't want to leave you and Company Commander Miao." Zhuang Yan remained stubbornly unrepentant.

"An iron-clad camp with flowing water for soldiers—sooner or later, both Company Commander Miao and I will take off this military uniform and leave the military. You say you don't want to leave us? How is that possible? Especially Company Commander Miao; he's getting older and might transition to civilian life next year or the year after. Where will you go then? Will you be discharged right along with us?"

Chen Guotao felt a deep ache at Zhuang Yan's lack of ambition.

"I... anyway, I just don't want to go to the special forces."

For a moment, Zhuang Yan didn't know how to retort, so he simply dug in his heels.

***

Back in the familiar barracks, Su Yang put his things away and said happily to Sun Weihao, "Old Sun, should the two of us treat the squad to a gathering at the regiment's small restaurant to celebrate?"

Sun Weihao had already finished organizing his living space. Hearing Su Yang's question, he replied, "Celebrate what? I didn't win a Class-Three Merit Citation. You should be the one treating me."

"Hahaha, absolutely! I'll treat everyone. I just received my military allowance recently, even if it's not much." Su Yang nodded in sincere agreement.

"Really? Then let's go, especially since today is a rest day." Seeing Su Yang agree, Sun Weihao immediately urged him on.

"Damn, you're only enthusiastic because I'm paying. Next time you have to treat me back," Su Yang retorted playfully.

However, he wasn't genuinely annoyed; he knew Old Sun wasn't a stingy person, as Sun Weihao had often treated him back at the training camp.

The rest of Squad One immediately cheered up. "Who told you to win a Class-Three Merit Citation? For all we know, you'll be promoted to an officer next year. If we don't bleed you dry now, once you're off at a military academy, we won't have many chances left!"

With that, the group tidied up their appearance and uniform—knowing that visiting the regimental small restaurant meant frequently running into superior officers, and it wouldn't do to have any flaws in their grooming—and followed Su Yang out the door.