Chapter 168: Chapter 167: The Wolves Retreat, Major Moves

The wolf pack retreated, and everyone tightly gripping their weapons collectively sighed in relief. Da Quan sat heavily beside the injured horse, hugging its neck and weeping.

The horse had multiple injuries. If it were a person, they would certainly try their utmost to save it, but for a horse, it’s very likely they wouldn’t. Da Quan had been in the military for a few months, washing and feeding the horses for months. He had become familiar with several horses, especially this chestnut one, which was extraordinarily close to him, like a brother or friend, providing the companionship and closeness to a young boy leaving home for the first time, feelings that were incomparable.

Especially this time, the wolf attack was caused by his ignorance. Da Quan felt both upset and guilty, along with fear. He feared the chestnut horse wouldn’t heal and was also afraid the post would abandon it…

The young boy’s cries echoed without restraint, loud and clear even in the strong wind and rain.

Veteran Da Pang, also the master cook at the post, came out to call: “I’ve made ginger soup and boiled hot water; everyone should come have a bowl of ginger soup to avoid catching a cold.”

After speaking, he carried a bowl of ginger soup to the stable.

Da Pang, enlisting ten years ago, had three children back home; the eldest was already nine. As an old father, seeing the newly enlisted, young and frail Da Quan, his heart ached a lot. He provided him with ample care in his diet and living conditions, and as he heard Da Quan’s cries, he felt even more sympathetic.

Ling Chengyan stopped Da Pang, quietly saying, “I know a remedy for treating wolf bites. The herbs are nearby. Once the rain stops tomorrow, I’ll take him to gather them.”

“Hey, hey!” Da Pang agreed repeatedly, pausing briefly before adding, “Thank you, Commander Ling. If it weren’t for you, tonight’s situation might have been different.”

Ling Chengyan waved it off, “No need to say that. I bear some responsibility here too. Da Quan and I didn’t supervise it well. All right, you get busy.”

Though Ling Chengyan stood under the stable’s eaves, the wind and rain were overwhelming, and she was soaked to the bone. With the issue resolved, she also felt chilled.

The temperature fluctuated greatly in the grasslands, with single clothing suitable for daytime and quilts needed at night. Having been drenched by the icy night rain, an average person wouldn’t have been able to withstand it.

Ling Chengyan ran back to the room’s doorway, where Zhang Wanxiang was bringing a bowl of ginger soup: “Sister Yan, drink while it’s hot!”

After speaking, he turned and ran off. His voice carried back through the wind and rain: “Wait for me a moment, I’ll get you some hot water.”

Ling Chengyan held the scalding ginger soup, her eyes and lips curving simultaneously: Wanxiang was pure and sincere, wholeheartedly good to others.

Hmm, maybe she should consider connecting him with Liu Caixia and Lin Xiuqin, one in the neighborhood office and the other in the hospital. They probably know many unmarried young ladies. It’s time to think about matchmaking for Zhang Wanxiang and the young men in the company.

The rain lasted until late at night; by morning, the sky had cleared, though the temperature remained a bit low.

Ling Chengyan went out, running five kilometers along the road in front of the post. On her return, she saw Zhang Wanxiang yawning as he exited the building. Upon seeing her, he raised his hand to greet her, though his voice was a bit nasal.

Ling Chengyan: “Caught a cold?”

Zhang Wanxiang nodded, tried to speak but sneezed twice in succession. After sneezing, he said, muffled, “My nose is a bit blocked, but it’s nothing serious.”

Ling Chengyan glanced at him, went inside, and took some medicine from her duffel bag for Zhang Wanxiang: “Take one pill.”

Looking at the Yinqiao Detoxification Pill in his hand, Zhang Wanxiang crumpled his face and said, “Sis, it’s really not serious, no need for medicine.”

However, his plea automatically fell silent under Ling Chengyan’s cool gaze.

It’s not that he’s a fussy man, but Sister Yan has a preference for dissolving pills in water and drinking them like a herbal soup.

Zhang Wanxiang grimaced, asked Da Pang for half a bowl of hot water, tore the pill into small pieces, tossed them in, stirred with chopsticks, then shut his eyes and gulped it down in one go. He immediately scooped half a bowl of cool water to rinse his mouth, the bitterness overwhelming, bringing tears to his eyes, numbing his tongue.

Returning the bowl, still grimacing, Da Pang chuckled, “Kid, you don’t know how lucky you are. Having such a leader is your fortune, don’t squander it.”

Zhang Wanxiang chuckled foolishly, “I know our commander cares for me; I’m not foolish.”

After speaking, he ran off merrily. Da Pang watched the big goof run outside, smiling and shaking his head: That’s what they call a simpleton’s fortune!

Others thought similarly to Da Pang, like Staff Sergeant Xing and Political Commissioner He, who were far away in Huicheng. The pair went to report work in Leader Han’s office, and after they finished, Leader Han shared some news: “Shannan District has sent several reports, applying to our district for some capable personnel. Among them, they’re particularly eyeing our district’s automobile soldiers, quite eagerly!”

Political Commissioner He glanced at Staff Sergeant Xing, both simultaneously thinking of one person, a real asset to their district. Internal transfer within the district was acceptable, but to send people freely to Shannan District, that wasn’t happening.

Staff Sergeant Xing spoke smilingly, “We’re already helping with personnel and vehicles; asking to poach directly seems a bit… excessive, doesn’t it?”

Commissioner He quickly added, “Actually, I think some comrades exhibit exceptional talent and performance, with a high level of ideological awareness. Keeping them in the front lines could be a waste of talent. I suggest transferring them to… the Special Service Company, what do you think?”

The Special Service Company was a newly forming unit, based previously on the Reconnaissance Company, and had drawn some high-quality, strong-warrior soldiers from the Guard Company. The formation criteria were top-notch selection to create an elite unit… If they could pick from the Guard Company, they could certainly pick from the Automobile Company too!

Staff Sergeant Xing immediately agreed, “Old He’s suggestion is excellent. Since it’s a top-notch selection, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to the Reconnaissance Company and Guard Company; expanding the range might uncover some surprises… By the way, the Automobile Company has intensified physical and tactical training since the year before, and I’ve heard their results are impressive. Many have skills not below those of the Guard Company.”

Political Commissioner He chimed in, “The future trend is modernization and mechanization; being able to drive is a significant technical advantage.”

Leader Han was amused by his two subordinates, gesturing with his hand and smiling, “You two don’t need to say so much; since you’re decided, go ahead and arrange it.”

Staff Sergeant Xing and Political Commissioner He rose to leave, but Leader Han called them back: “By the way, if you’re selecting, don’t limit it to any single department. All front-line units in the district…”

Indeed, selecting for the Special Service Company focused on combat capabilities, so the district’s clerical staff need not apply.

Political Commissioner He and Staff Sergeant Xing agreed and left. After a brief discussion, Staff Sergeant Xing made arrangements to call the Automobile Company’s Instructor Wu Yushu to convey the latest selection plan: all basic front-line units in the district must participate, requiring enlistment of over two years, with criteria reaching company-level.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep