Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Chapter 1104: Chapter 1104: The Principles and Bottom Lines of a Soldier

”I know. I know.” Besides feeling depressed, Hen Zhiyuan felt nothing else.

”That’s good you understand. You still have one or two years left before you transfer to another role, just use these two years to achieve something. Perhaps other opportunities might arise, you never know.”

”I will follow the commander’s orders,” Hen Zhiyuan said in a subdued voice.

Guan Qing could see how uncomfortable Hen Zhiyuan was. He tugged at his father’s sleeve and said, ”Dad, if you can help him, please do! He’s had a tough time over the years, can you really bear to watch him climb to this position and then leave the profession?”

”What do you expect me to do?” The situation now is already determined.

”Is Qin Jian really that formidable?”

”Of course! You’re not in the army, so naturally, you wouldn’t know.”

”So there’s really no solution?” Guan Qing couldn’t believe it.

”If I could help, wouldn’t I help Zhiyuan? After all, he is my soldier! But...” Commander Guan’s expression became serious, ”My help is limited to what’s normal and appropriate. If he is outstanding enough, I will naturally recommend him. In a situation like today, if it requires stepping beyond normal boundaries to help, I will not do it! As a soldier, one must adhere to military principles and lines that should not be crossed, Zhiyuan. Can you understand that?”

”I understand! Thank you for your instruction, Commander!”

”Hmm. If you couldn’t understand, then you wouldn’t deserve to be a soldier.” Only then did Commander Guan pick up his chopsticks and continue eating his meal.

Hen Zhiyuan poured a glass of wine for Commander Guan and filled one for himself as well, ”Commander, let me toast you! Thank you for your words that have awakened me from a dream!”

”Good! That’s the spirit.” The commander raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

After Commander Guan finished his meal, Hen Zhiyuan played two games of chess with him.

Looking up and seeing it was getting late, Hen Zhiyuan stood up to take his leave.

”Dad, you rest first! I’ll go out and see him off!” Guan Qing took off her coat and put it on, ready to follow Hen Zhiyuan outside.

”Qing! Come here!” the commander called her, turning to walk into the bedroom.

Guan Qing followed closely, ”Dad, what do you want to say?”

”Think about your own situation! Don’t hang your heart on Hen Zhiyuan every day. He’s married, and no matter how much you give, he can’t reciprocate!” The commander was deeply concerned about his daughter’s situation.

Guan Qing’s mother had died early, leaving him with two sons and a daughter. His sons had established their own families and were doing well, requiring no worry on his part.

It was this daughter who caused him concern.

She had divorced her husband long ago and often neglected her daughter.

She did have a business that was doing quite well, but her personal issues remained unresolved.

Nearing forty, she was still alone.

Then she had taken a liking to Hen Zhiyuan, and after that, no one else caught her eye.

”I know! I just admire him; it’s not like I could break up a military marriage,” Guan Qing said jokingly to her father, ”Don’t worry; I know my limits.”

”If you really knew your limits, would I need to worry this much? There are some things one ought to do and some thoughts one should never entertain. Do you understand?” the commander taught his daughter earnestly.

”I understand!” Guan Qing patted him on the shoulders, ”You, take good care of your health! Worry about the army’s affairs, and don’t worry about mine. Oh, and also take some worry for your niece.”