First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 178
Chapter 178: Hero
As the saying goes, "A hundred days to heal broken bones and tendons." They wouldn't actually give Lian Sheng such luxurious treatment, but resting for ten days to half a month was unavoidable.
Not long after being hospitalized, though Lian Sheng couldn't engage in strenuous exercise, she was already able to move around freely.
Unable to stay idle, Lian Sheng leaned on Zhao Zhuoluo as the two wandered around during the day to stay active. Sometimes they'd watch the news or search for updates on the 36th District.
The urban reconstruction had entered its formal phase. Though construction hadn't officially begun yet, working overtime, the preliminary plans were already drafted.
The Alliance was truly bleeding money this time. The reconstruction of entire jurisdictional cities and bases would make billions seem like small change.
The government couldn't immediately produce that much funding, but fortunately, support came from all directions, raising a substantial amount of fixed and liquid assets. Moreover, the bidding companies for the mining teams, after being reprimanded, "voluntarily" took on part of the post-war reconstruction responsibilities, providing labor and technology purely as voluntary contributions.
As for how much ore the Gelen United Army had smuggled out of the 36th District and the extent of the losses, these figures weren't publicly disclosed. Presumably, the profits that had tempted them to gather troops and take such risks must have been considerable.
The military was also deeply aggrieved.
Mining operations couldn't stop because they were a major source of revenue. At the same time, during wartime, resource demands were urgent. After the Gelen United Army initiated this conflict, there was no choice but to sever relations. They couldn't just take the beating without fighting back. So personnel couldn't be reduced, and equipment had to be replenished.
Many had sacrificed their lives in this battle. Most weren't from the Expeditionary Force but were regular troops transferred from various regions—infantry, air force, special forces—who had taken on the main tasks of rescue and relocation in the later stages.
Several mechs had been destroyed. The Third and Sixth Army Corps suffered heavy losses.
The arrangements for fallen soldiers and compensation for their families needed to be addressed immediately.
Money was again a major issue.
To put it bluntly—
The Alliance's losses weren't just the ore, an entire city's homeland, the credibility of both military and government, but also the sacrifice of countless talented individuals.
This lesson had been harsh enough that they wouldn't dare act so recklessly again.
Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo sat side by side in front of a large screen, munching on apples and sunflower seeds, sighing and cursing in unison.
His fingers were severely injured, making any task requiring fingertip pressure impossible. But now the flesh on his knuckles was slowly hardening, and soon new nails would grow in.
Zhao Zhuoluo had developed a psychological aversion to using his fingers for picking motions, especially disliking narrow gaps when picking things up.
But they both missed Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's five-hundred-meter-wide bed.
The two calculated the time and realized they might have missed some major events.
"I wonder how Brother Dao is doing here. He hasn't paid me in a while," Lian Sheng said. "But the fact that he didn't send us back to school for treatment makes me think he's up to something."
Zhao Zhuoluo suddenly widened his eyes and pointed down the hallway.
Fang Jianchen and the others were walking toward them in military uniforms.
Not training uniforms—these seemed to be formal military attire.
The group stopped in front of Lian Sheng, giving her meaningful smiles.
"Damn..." Lian Sheng clutched her snacks. "What's going on with you guys?"
Fang Jianchen asked, "How do we look?"
Lian Sheng: "Like proper human beings."
Fang Jianchen snorted.
"The Expeditionary Force recruited us, agreeing to incorporate us into their ranks," Cheng Ze explained. "But it's not official yet—more like training and probation."
Lian Sheng: "Why?"
"Because during the rescue operation, the trainees performed exceptionally, demonstrating the courage to face adversity and showcasing solid skills, proving they have what it takes to be soldiers," Cheng Ze said. "Consider it a reward? Anyway, if we didn't accept this, there wouldn't be any bonuses. At least this has some tangible benefits."
Lian Sheng was deeply unimpressed. The military was so broke it had to scam students.
"Oh..." Lian Sheng thought for a moment, then asked, "What about the selection competition?"
"You should just forget about that. It's already scrapped. So many people withdrew that it couldn't continue. Maybe next year will be more exciting," Fang Jianchen said. "The military let us choose—half went back."
Lian Sheng: "Going back is good."
"I think so too." After this brush with death, Fang Jianchen had many realizations. "You know, thinking you're about to die isn't scary—you even feel heroic. But realizing you survived and looking back? That's terrifying."
Lian Sheng nodded in understanding. She understood better than anyone.
Zhao Zhuoluo eyed them sideways, his tone tinged with envy. "So you just came here to flaunt your uniforms in front of us?"
Fang Jianchen protested, "We have business here! We're gathering at Peace Plaza in the central district this afternoon and just stopped by to see you."
Lian Sheng's hair stood on end at the mention of another gathering, especially in the central district. "What for?"
Fang Jianchen: "No idea. We just got the notice—they didn't say."
"Let's go." Ye Buqing patted Zhao Zhuoluo's shoulder. "Get discharged soon. The barbecue here is amazing. We're waiting for you to join us."
Ye Buqing and the others came and went in a hurry.
Zhao Zhuoluo watched their retreating figures, shoulders slumping, unable to hide his longing.
"Let's go, take a walk." Lian Sheng stood, pulling out her IV drip, and motioned for Zhao Zhuoluo to follow. "What's stopping us from going to the central district?"
They were still in hospital gowns. Since they'd been sent by the military for special observation of their muscle recovery, the gowns had distinctive green markings.
From the moment they arrived, they hadn't seen their personal belongings—not even a change of clothes. The outfits they'd been wearing were long gone. The rescue teams had been focused on evacuation and medical care—who had time to worry about personal items?
More importantly, neither of them had thought to buy new clothes.
Standing at the entrance, using their optical computers to map the route to the central district, they stuck out like sore thumbs.
A car pulled up right in front of them. The driver leaned out and asked, "Are you heading to Peace Plaza?"
Lian Sheng paused, then nodded.
The middle-aged man waved enthusiastically. "Hop in. I'm heading that way—I'll give you a ride."
A woman sat in the backseat. Lian Sheng nodded in thanks and climbed in first, followed by Zhao Zhuoluo.
The woman looked at the scars on their faces with pity. "So young. Doesn't the military have age restrictions?"
Lian Sheng: "...I'm twenty-one. A senior in college."
The woman repeated, as if referring to someone else, "So young... really too young."
Lian Sheng gazed out the window at the passing scenery.
They were in the 29th District, another edge sector of the safe zone.
But it was far more prosperous than the 36th District, with better management. The population was dense, and judging from the shops lining the streets, commercial development was thriving, with an overall upward momentum.
From the numerous public service ads along the road, Lian Sheng sensed this was a decent place.
If the 36th District was unsettling, this place gave a sense of peace.
The car's occupants seemed reluctant to disturb them. Soft music played as they leaned back in their seats to rest.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Peace Plaza. The driver dropped them off at the entrance before finding parking.
The two tried to enter, but nearby residents instinctively gave them space.
The center of Peace Plaza was cordoned off by military personnel.
A crowd had gathered at the periphery, watching from slightly elevated steps. Rows of soldiers stood at attention in formation, facing the empty center as if awaiting something.
Lian Sheng stood at the front, using her optical computer's zoom function to see what was happening.
Zhao Zhuoluo, shielded by Lian Sheng, quietly searched for news updates. Seeing a notification, he leaned over and whispered in her ear.
Fang Jianchen and Ye Buqing, following the veterans' instructions, stood at the end of the formation.
The soldiers waiting here wore uniforms of different colors, indicating they belonged to different units.
Fang Jianchen and the others had been helping with basic paperwork and external communications, so being suddenly summoned left them completely clueless.
Five minutes later, a pure white aircraft approached from the distance. The murmurs from the civilian crowd grew excited.
The leading soldiers unfurled a red carpet from the front, rolling it out smoothly.
The students were stunned by the spectacle.
Fang Jianchen whispered, "Who's coming?"
The veteran in front replied, "Heroes."
Fang Jianchen: "What kind of heroes?"
The soldier didn't answer, lowering his gaze solemnly.
Fang Jianchen said, "I'd love to walk up there too."
The soldier suddenly turned and stared at him intently. "You wouldn't."
Fang Jianchen was taken aback. "Why?"
Soon, he had his answer.
The aircraft landed.
Soldiers emerged first, holding the Alliance flag aloft as they cleared the path.
"Salute—!"
At this command, the entire plaza fell silent.
All soldiers raised their hands in salute, shouting in unison, "Welcome home!"
The mourning crowd bowed their heads in silent tribute.
The Alliance's military anthem echoed across Peace Plaza.
More soldiers followed, pushing coffins draped with military flags. One by one, the ceremonial officers called out their names.
They moved slowly, step by step, from one end of the red carpet to the other.
By the latter half, the escorting soldiers could no longer hold back their tears. Saluting, they sent their comrades to the vehicles waiting ahead.
The scorching sun blazed high in the sky.
They would always stand tall.
After sending off their companions, the soldiers joined the formation. One choked out, "Sorry, sir... I failed."
The officer beside him said, "No, you did well."
The ashes would be interred in the martyrs' cemetery. For those whose remains couldn't be recovered, cenotaphs would stand in their place. Families who wished to take them elsewhere would have their remains transported by the garrison.
And their names would be engraved on the memorial stele at the center of Peace Plaza, remaining there forever.
For the first time, the students faced sacrifice head-on. The sunlight stung their eyes, making tears stream uncontrollably.
They didn't know any of these fallen soldiers.
Yet for some reason, the sorrow in their chests wouldn't fade.
But in that moment, death didn't seem so terrifying. They wanted to protect more people.
Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo paid their respects to the martyrs.
Dressed in military-issued hospital gowns, they received kindness from all around. After buying a change of clothes at a mall, they were safely escorted back to the hospital.
Witnessing the soldiers' homecoming had shaken Zhao Zhuoluo deeply.
The impact came from the tragedy of sacrifice, but also from the people's respect and the soldiers' sense of duty.
Zhao Zhuoluo lay half-reclined by the hallway window, hands behind his head.
Lian Sheng touched her scabbed, itching wounds. "What's on your mind?"
Zhao Zhuoluo said, "Wondering when there'll be peace."
Lian Sheng sighed. "I used to think about that. Not anymore. It's all nonsense."
Zhao Zhuoluo gave her a look like she'd grown a second head.
"They say 'do your best and leave the rest to fate.' But fate is fickle—you never know what it wants. Thinking too far ahead makes people lose themselves," Lian Sheng said. "Protect this city, protect your friends and family, protect what you have now—that's enough. Overthinking shortens your lifespan. Let others worry about the rest."
Zhao Zhuoluo closed his eyes, mulling over her words.
The next day, Hundred Meter Flying Dagger came to hear their final decision.
He visited Lian Sheng's room first. "So, have you decided? Oh, you've already packed?"
Lian Sheng, dressed in new clothes with a half-empty backpack, nodded. "Yep."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "Where to?"
"With you, of course," Lian Sheng said. "What's the plan?"
This time, the Expeditionary Force hadn't just recruited one person but had exceptionally admitted many trainees into their core ranks. They must have had plans. Given their skills, there would likely be adaptation training before deployment.
Lian Sheng asked, "What was the original arrangement?"
"Nothing special—just standard procedure, with an extra identity from us," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "We planned to let you recover here while helping with odd jobs. Then, once you're fit, we'd send you to the 12th District. Not the Alliance's 12th—the former Kafa 12th."
Lian Sheng: "Wasn't Kafa wiped out ages ago?"
"Yeah, now it's an Alliance affiliate. But they're still autonomous—just under a different name," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "They have their own garrison. Every year, we send troops for 'harmonious exchanges.' Their military is formidable. You're alive thanks to them. You know that, right?"
Lian Sheng: "Yeah. I know."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "If you go, you'll be a senior. Don't embarrass the Alliance."
Lian Sheng sensed something in his tone. "What?"
"They have universal military education there. Many child soldiers. At your age, most are already combat veterans. Generations of grudges have piled up—now it's fight to the death." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "But their training methods are top-notch. See if you can keep up, but don't push yourself. If it's too much, we'll negotiate."
Lian Sheng: "Got it."
"It's a war zone. Normally, before joining the Expeditionary Force, you'd get acclimated first." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "You won't be deployed for combat. In emergencies, just follow evacuation orders—you'll be safe. But I doubt you know what 'evacuation orders' mean."
Lian Sheng tilted her head, scratching her ear, then declared seriously, "I do know."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger scoffed.
Lian Sheng pointed outside. "I'll find Youxiu and report to your side. He's restless and can't take it anymore. Get us some paperwork—oh, and new uniforms. We're out of clothes."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "..."
Lian Sheng turned to leave.
"Wait!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger called after her, hesitating before adding, "The boss is thrilled you have such selfless, noble ideals—from a superior's perspective. But personally, I hope you've thought this through."
Lian Sheng: "No need. This is my destiny. I was born for this."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger handed her a slip of paper. "Your mom's here. She asked me to tell you she's waiting at this hotel. If you want to go back, meet her there."
Lian Sheng touched her still-healing head, took the note, and nodded. "Got it."
"Hey, Youxiu!" Lian Sheng barged into the next room. "My mom wants to meet you, my hospital buddy!"
"..." Zhao Zhuoluo sat up. "Seriously?"
Lian Sheng raised an eyebrow. "Would Brother Lian lie?"
After packing, they headed to the downtown hotel.
Lin Lie opened the door. At the sight of Lian Sheng, her face lit up with disbelief—but before the joy could fully form, she noticed Zhao Zhuoluo. Realizing Lian Sheng's intent, she forced a smile of welcome.
"Hey." Lian Sheng waved. "Heard the barbecue here's great."
Lin Lie: "..."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."
Lian Sheng got the famous barbecue joint's location from Ye Buqing and led Lin Lie and Zhao Zhuoluo there.
Since Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo were still recovering—no smoking, alcohol, or spicy food—they ordered two plates of stir-fried greens and watched Lin Lie eat.
The atmosphere was surreal.
Zhao Zhuoluo, beyond caring about being deceived, thought this scene was something else.
Lin Lie, ever unflappable, sat poised at the table, chopsticks in hand, eating steadily.
Lian Sheng said, "Head back early. It's unsafe at night, and tickets might be sold out. Oh wait—no rush since you're on vacation. You could tour the area. Seems fun."
Lian Sheng tilted her head. "Seven-day tour, interested?"
Zhao Zhuoluo covered his face.
Lin Lie said, "No need."
Lian Sheng: "Then rest well."
Lin Lie set down her chopsticks. "How's training?"
Lian Sheng said, "Pretty smooth. My face is a mess, but it's all from my own clumsiness. No one's messed with me. Everyone's friendly."
Lin Lie's expression didn't change, but her gaze was skeptical.
Yet Lian Sheng spoke the truth.
Lin Lie asked, "Where next?"
"Orders are orders. Following the military," Lian Sheng said. "Heard we'll train with younger soldiers first. Cultural exchange diplomacy."
Lin Lie looked at Zhao Zhuoluo. He said, "I don't know yet."
Lin Lie's lips thinned, as if sighing silently. To Zhao Zhuoluo, she said, "Thank you for looking after her."
She'd mustered the courage to come. Yet she'd be returning alone.
Sometimes she wished people could be more selfish, more cowardly—how wonderful that would be.
Kindness, bravery—she wanted none of it.
But seeing her alive and sitting here—nothing mattered more.
Lin Lie picked up her chopsticks and resumed eating.
Rare to share a meal with Lian Sheng. Rare indeed. Savor it.
Since Lian Sheng wouldn't return, neither did Lin Lie.
The next day, Lian Sheng officially reported to the military. Given their special circumstances, she and Zhao Zhuoluo began remedial courses and light physical training to ease back in.
During this time, Lin Lie, as a visiting technical expert, lectured the recruits on weapon applications and parameters. They had to memorize these figures for tactical evasion.
This covered what they'd missed in the 36th District.
There were also hundreds of auxiliary tools to learn, demonstrated and practiced hands-on.
The recruits were awestruck, gaining newfound respect for technology.
Techies were the real MVPs!
Apart from this, there was one more piece of good news: Ji Ban.
His Moshi had been wrecked under Dr. Lin's "care," so the military decided to compensate him with a new one.
Fortunately, its operating system and core remained intact—only the exterior needed replacement. But the military couldn't provide high-grade materials on short notice, offering inferior ones instead.
As compensation, Lin Lie, representing the research institute, upgraded it with cutting-edge technology.
But by the time Lian Sheng's group departed for Kafa, it still wasn't ready.
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