Chapter 381: Chapter 381
The old man seemed very gratified that Zheng Long could say such things, patting his shoulder. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on nοvelfire.net
"Kid, I’m old now, and this might be my last long trip. We are fated, you and I, for me to run this errand for you is also a continuation of the Zheng Family. I’ve been a soldier too and know that the country needs talents like you. No matter what position we’re in, we must do our best. It’s not appropriate for me to stay here. After all, falling leaves must return to their roots. Don’t worry about me. I have my own money, hands, and feet; I won’t starve..."
The old man’s words made Zheng Long’s nose tingle, and he burst into tears. But then the old man gave him a head knock.
"Stupid boy! Why such a wimp? What’s there to cry about? You’re a man, make me proud. I’m still counting on you to get married, have kids, and let me take care of the grandchildren for you."
"Grandpa~~~" Why did his heart ache so much? Seeing the old man consider everything on his behalf made him even more upset. But he was right about one thing: as people age, they yearn for home more, insisting on returning to their roots, wishing even to die on the soil of their hometown.
He couldn’t persuade the old man to stay in the end, but the old man did accept his three hundred yuan. However, he didn’t let him give cash, fearing it wasn’t safe, and asked him to send it home later. Zheng Long hadn’t thought of this, commending the old man’s wisdom. Of course, it was also a relief that he accepted it, otherwise, he might not have let him go.
When the old man set off for home, Zheng Long went to see him off, personally escorting him to the train heading to Beijing. After that, he had to drive back to his hometown himself, as Beijing was just a transfer point.
He had wanted to escort the old man all the way home, but the elder wouldn’t allow it. He could only take him to the city and put him on the train. Watching the train clatter away with its whistle blowing, tears uncontrollably filled his eyes again. A man without any blood relation had done so much for him, whereas those so-called relatives...
Zheng Long shook his head, feeling that society sometimes wasn’t governed by so-called kinship. What truly lasted was the exchange of heartfelt affection.
The old man had promised to send him a telegram once he got home, the quickest and most reassuring method for Zheng Long. Although every large unit had a telephone, the phones of that era required many transfers and were very troublesome, so telegrams were actually faster.
If he were to write a letter, it would take at least ten days to half a month, if not a whole month, to arrive.
After returning to his troop, Zheng Long started formal training. In later generations, conscripts were enlisted in July or August and joined in September, just like starting university. But in this era, they enlisted in February and joined in March. He was about a month and a half late, and being suddenly assigned to train, he might not keep up with the rest.
But Zheng Long wasn’t someone who couldn’t endure hardship, especially since the Cooking Class also had to participate in basic training. Since their branch was different, they didn’t have to join the intensive training just yet.
It’s said that a soldier who doesn’t want to be a general isn’t a good soldier. Zheng Long had never thought about becoming a soldier before, but since he was given the opportunity in this life, he definitely couldn’t miss it.
Every morning, there were two hours of weighted cross-country running. The Cooking Class had to get up two hours earlier than the rest to prepare because they had to cook after training. After cooking, they joined the recruits for basic training, which was shorter in duration because they needed time to make lunch.
In the afternoon, when others took part in intensified training, the Cooking Class still did basic training and then went to the kitchen for professional training. Each position had different responsibilities, and since Zheng Long had just arrived, he was assigned to the pig-feeding team.