A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

(All stories in this book take place in parallel universes and are purely fictional. Please do not compare them to reality.)

Spring came a little early this year; it seemed like spring had quietly arrived right after the Spring Festival. The warm spring breeze coaxed the tender green buds of the rows of willows by the lake, and the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, with the shadows of the mountains floating in the spring breeze.

Green grass sprouts by the lake, and new swallows peck at the spring mud.

The warm sunlight filters through layers of new leaves, casting dappled shadows that gently bathe the skin, creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere that is incredibly comfortable.

On the training ground, loud commands and slogans rose and fell. The tough command students had long since taken off their winter clothes and were now practicing military boxing in their physical training uniforms. They were fierce and powerful, and their battle cries shook the heavens.

A vibrant scene of spring warmth and blooming flowers, brimming with the youthful enthusiasm and vitality of military academy cadets.

G Military Academy cadet Song Hongfei walked along the tree-lined path on campus, but he felt a little uneasy. Just moments before, his cadet captain had come to tell him to go to the academy's office building immediately, as the dean wanted to speak with him.

"Captain, what's up?" Song Hongfei asked.

"I don't know either. The dean wants you to go to his office right away. You'll find out when you get there." The captain, who had a good relationship with him, added, "His expression was normal; I couldn't tell if he was good or bad."

"Isn't that the dean's usual expression?" Song Hongfei thought to himself as he walked. "I don't think I've made any mistakes lately, have I?"

As he was lost in thought, he saw a tall figure walking out of the college building in the distance.

"Is it her? How did she end up in our courtyard? She doesn't teach us anymore, I wonder if she still remembers me." Song Hongfei's mind raced with thoughts.

Liang Mengqiu—a female instructor at G Military Academy, who taught postgraduate military foreign language to Song Hongfei and his cadet team. This female officer is no ordinary person; she was a top student from a young age, entering university before she was even 16, holding double bachelor's degrees in law and foreign languages, and double master's degrees in military foreign languages, and is reportedly currently pursuing a doctorate. Younger than some of the officer cadets, she was chosen by a few gossipy individuals among Song Hongfei's group of cadets as one of the five most beautiful women at G Military Academy.

But she usually had a cool, aloof, and exceptionally proud demeanor. In this military academy, which was full of masculine spirit, even the toughest officers only dared to admire her from afar. No one dared to approach her and try to get close to her. Not a single person dared to muster the courage to taste the thorns of the rose, for fear that the thorny rose would prick their hands. She herself was thus able to enjoy peace and quiet.

Liang Mengqiu seemed to recognize Song Hongfei. Her eyes flashed, and she glanced at him from afar without any expression before turning away.

"She's truly an ice rose," Song Hongfei thought to himself.

While straightening his already crisp uniform from head to toe to ensure his military bearing was at its best, Song Hongfei walked into the corridor and, upon reaching the dean's office, shouted, "Report!"

"Come in," a dignified and powerful voice came from inside.

Song Hongfei walked in, stood at attention, and saluted: "Reporting to the Dean! Student Song Hongfei has arrived as ordered!"

"At ease." Dean Liu, dressed in a Type 07 major general's uniform, was sitting behind his desk looking at documents, expressionless. The gold stars on his shoulder insignia exuded the imposing majesty of a general.

Song Hongfei stood up straight. He was usually fearless, but he dared not be casual in front of Dean Liu.

This is a veteran who has been on the battlefield and made meritorious contributions. He participated in the 1979 border self-defense counterattack and was recommended to military academy for his meritorious service. In the mid-80s, he participated in the battle between Laoshan and Laoshan, serving as the spearhead company commander of the main assault battalion. Later, he became the garrison hero battalion commander, a renowned combat hero, and a prominent figure known throughout the country at the time.

In the G Military Academy, a place teeming with hidden talents, Dean Liu was a legendary figure. Even the two military academy officers, both holding the rank of lieutenant general, treated him with utmost respect and courtesy.

"Song Hongfei, an outstanding undergraduate student at the military academy, was recommended for direct admission to a doctoral program. He won awards in international competitions and published papers in international journals during his undergraduate studies. He has received two second-class merit awards." The dean looked at him and said calmly, his face still expressionless. Years of war had instilled in him a habit of not showing his emotions, making it difficult to discern his inclinations.

Song Hongfei was tall and well-proportioned, with an imposing presence, bright and piercing eyes, and a spirited air about him. He possessed a refined and elegant demeanor. At this moment, he stood ramrod straight in a standard military posture.

"I called you here for two things." The dean got straight to the point, then handed Song Hongfei two documents. "Take a look. The Southeast Military Region's Group A Army and the Wolf Fang Special Operations Brigade have both sent letters of commendation, specifically praising you."

Song Hongfei took the letters and saw that they were indeed two letters of commendation. He was overjoyed and thought to himself, "I was still practicing the X-operation system in the Wolf Fang Special Operations Brigade during this winter vacation. I didn't expect to receive letters of commendation so quickly. Wolf Fang's style is indeed swift and efficient."

"Over the past few years, you have participated in the research and development of the X combat system in Professor Zheng Hongbin's team, as well as the research on new equipment and tactics based on the X system. You have won the military science and technology award, and the pilot practice in units such as the A Group Army and the Wolf Fang Special Operations Brigade has yielded excellent results." The dean's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes already showed satisfaction.

"During the several consecutive holidays, you undertook an internship in grassroots units of the Southeast Military Region, and you performed well. All the units reported that your management and training were scientific, reasonable, efficient, and well-received by the soldiers. It seems you have a knack for it," the dean said with satisfaction, looking at him.

Song Hongfei secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The dean was in a good mood, so it seemed that nothing serious had happened.

But he didn't dare to be presumptuous. He knew the dean's habits. The dean didn't let him sit down, and he realized that the dean probably had something to say next, and it didn't seem to be anything good.

Sure enough, the dean then changed the subject and suddenly asked, "You haven't passed the CET-6 (College English Test Band 6)?"

"No, Dean." Song Hongfei was taken aback and quickly straightened his body, which had just relaxed.

"You also have a famous saying, something like, 'Lend me three thousand elite warriors, and I'll restore my vast China, so that foreigners will all come to learn Chinese,' right?"

"Ah, yes, Dean." Song Hongfei was a little dumbfounded. How did the Dean even know this?

He became a little embarrassed, and with a forced smile, said, "The commander's intelligence work is truly meticulous." But Song Hongfei could never have imagined that his boast would actually become a reality in a certain time and space, and to a certain extent.

"You're really showing off, aren't you? You've become a celebrity at the school." The usually stern dean was now a little amused. "Since you entered military academy, you've performed well in all aspects. You joined the 'X Combat System' research team in your second year of undergraduate studies, and you did practical training in the military during various holidays. You were also recommended for direct admission to the doctoral program."

The dean looked at him and said, "You represented military academies twice in the Sandhurst Military Competition at West Point, winning multiple individual first places and the team's overall first place twice. You also received the highest honors of the competition, 'Outstanding Squad Commander' and 'Best Military Skills Performance Award,' twice. These are the best results ever achieved by our military's athletes."