It's better to conquer them than to command the steel torrent

Chapter 52 | A Small Feedback
The foresight of some knowledgeable people in the National Defense Forces deserves recognition. They had already drafted a preliminary plan for military expansion before the Yanshan Winter Exercises.

Having learned from some experiences of the Portuguese Civil War, the organization of the army units must be adjusted. All four-unit square divisions should be changed to three-unit triangle divisions, and firepower needs to be strengthened.

The formation of armored divisions was also put on the agenda. Before this, the Grand Control Federation only had a tank brigade at most.

In fact, the question of Shang's whereabouts has been quite complicated.

At the beginning, his transfer order was to work in the General Staff Headquarters, focusing on theoretical research, but this transfer order was personally rejected by the dean.

The subsequent transfer order was changed to serve in the 31st Armored Division, which was being formed, as the chief of staff of the 93rd Tank Regiment. However, the dean was still not satisfied.

Military promotions were very strict, requiring a comprehensive consideration of academic qualifications, experience, and resume. In a group that only recognized the strong, those who were forcibly promoted would not be able to control the soldiers under their command.

Generally speaking, working in military academies and staff agencies is a nominal position, while working in field troops and on overseas assignments are real positions.

Long-term insignificant positions can lead to faster promotions, but with a bare resume and insufficient stamina, colonel or brigadier general is pretty much the limit. Furthermore, such individuals are unsuitable for transfer to field units, as they will be collectively disliked and ostracized.

Long-term work experience may be very solid, but without the first-hand exposure to the latest military theories, one's thinking patterns will gradually become conservative and backward. In this way, even a promising young person will easily be worn down and become a nobody.

Therefore, the best model is a combination of virtual and real.

In view of Mr. Shang's special situation and from a long-term perspective, the dean finally decided to keep him away from the trouble.

The next day.

The sky is clear and the two-way railway runs north and south through the vast Central Plains.

A train was running on the rails with a grumbling sound, trailing black smoke towards the skyline.

Shang Ke did not stay long. After a short gathering with his classmates, he went back directly.

On the way south, he thought a lot.

When I first came here through time, I was looking forward to having fun and relaxing. However, in the past year or so, I haven't had much fun, but I have done a lot of work.

When I have some free time in the future, I must make up for it by having a party every day! He complained in his heart.

Just a few days later, he arrived at Jane's door again.

After hesitating for a long time and knocking on the door, it was Jian Xi who came to open the door again.

She tilted her head in surprise and asked, "Brother-in-law, why are you here again?!"

Jian Cheng is not at home. He went to the factory to handle business.

There was nothing to hide, so Shang Ke told Jian Keqiu and Lin Mengzhen directly about the transfer order he had received.

Jian Keqiu didn't mind. They should support each other's careers, but she was a little reluctant.

As a mother, Lin Mengzhen had a lot to consider - going so far away? Why did it sound like exile?
Although Shang explained the general reason to her, she was still skeptical.

Lin Mengzhen called the factory and informed her husband of the matter, and Jian Cheng then called a friend at the National Defense Forces office to inquire.

"Going abroad? Portugal? Isn't that place going to be destroyed soon? The observation team has already withdrawn one after another." said a friend.

"Not that, but Hunri. They say he'll be stationed there for a year."

"Hungary, it's not bad. The national strategy is there. If you go there, you will be treated like a guest of honor. It's very comfortable."

“Good，这我就放心了。”

"Who is going? Your son-in-law? Don't let him go. You will be dumbfounded if he brings two girls back." The friend on the other end of the phone joked.

"Okay, I won't talk about it anymore. I have things to do." Jian Cheng was relieved and didn't take the joke.

The factory still has a lot of work to do and must deliver all orders before the Spring Festival.

That night, Jian's parents insisted on asking Shang to stay in the guest room. While making the bed, Shang Ke said to Jian Keqiu, "Your parents really love you."

The latter said "Oh" very stiffly and said lightly: "It's okay."

"Can't you feel it?"

“If humans were less emotional and more rational, there would be fewer troubles in the world.”

Shang Ke, with his hands on his hips, commented, "As expected of you, you're like a cold-blooded animal. It's so rare."

Jian Keqiu smiled slightly and said, "You like cold-blooded animals, which means you are quite unique."

Shang Ke pretended to be angry, pinched her waist, and then slapped her lightly.

The two were flirting in the house, completely unaware that Jian Xi was eavesdropping outside the door.

So that's how my sister and brother-in-law are in private.

Jian Xi left quietly, feeling satisfied.

That night, Mr. and Mrs. Jian also had a serious discussion for a long time.

the next day.

Jian Cheng said solemnly to Shang Ke, "The engagement can be done as soon as possible. If it's inconvenient for you and your father can't spare the time, I won't attend. It's a special matter, so it's okay to keep it low-key and simple."

This is a humble statement.

Now that the crisis is still going on, Shang's father has to face many troubles and may be powerless to do anything.

Then the engagement ceremony can be kept simple, with the mothers of both parties attending and no relatives or friends being invited to a banquet.

Shang Ke also said seriously: "Thank you for your trust, uncle and aunt. Don't worry, I will take charge of this matter."

On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Jian were gambling, betting that they had made the right choice and that someone had a bright future.

But when it comes to Shang Ke's own feelings, what he feels more is trust and expectation.

So before leaving, he suddenly brought up an irrelevant topic.

"You've been in the chemical industry for many years. Do you have any plans to develop new product categories in the future?"

Jian Cheng was surprised and spoke frankly, "My business is nothing to write home about. I'll just keep the factory running. There are so many different types of chemicals, and the competition is fierce. I'm old, and I don't have the energy and spirit of my youth."

"Just kidding, you're not old enough to admit old age yet." Shang Ke said lightly, then said nonchalantly: "You can try xylene amine, it's very promising."

Hearing this, Jian Keqiu beside him frowned slightly, not understanding what he was up to for a moment.

Xylidine (CHN) is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic amine class. It is flammable and highly toxic, with a boiling point of 193°C. It appears as a light yellow oily liquid.

This thing seems to be an intermediate in the industrial production of dyes? Why is it recommended for no apparent reason?
Jian Keqiu knew that Shang would not speak nonsense at this time, but he really couldn't figure out the reason.

"Okay, I'll do some research later." Jian Cheng was also confused. He guessed that this might be some inside information.

Jian Cheng asked Jian Keqiu to drive Shang to the train station to show his respect.

The two were silent when they parted, but they looked at each other for a long time.

Shang Ke reached out and gently pinched her cheek, then smiled and said, "See you next month. I wish you a happy new year in advance."

Jian Keqiu's eyes were as clear and deep as usual, as if filled with autumn water. She said easily, "Yes, we can keep in touch through letters."

(End of this chapter)