From the 7th Steel Company to the Synthetic Division

Hong Yi was capable and humble, neither arrogant nor impatient, which made Chen Jun even more satisfied with him, and his desire to win him over became even stronger than before.

"Why did you come all the way to Chenghai today? Did you come just for me?" Hong Yi said with a smile.

"It really is."

Chen Jun smiled and nodded, saying sincerely, "Our brigade commander and political commissar specifically asked me to come and find you, and I myself have come full of hope."

However, after learning about the situation and reading the report, I feel I'm afraid I'll be disappointed; this trip will likely be in vain.

Chen Jun deliberately used a strategy of first suppressing and then praising to gain more initiative.

The actual results are also very good.

Hong Yi already had a good impression of Chen Jun, especially after they had talked privately and he learned about Chen Jun's temperament and leadership philosophy. His good impression of Chen Jun became even stronger, and he had already accepted Chen Jun from the bottom of his heart.

Seeing the disappointment in Chen Jun's eyes, Hong Yi suddenly felt a little guilty.

He quickly replied, "Don't be disappointed. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know. I can't guarantee it, but I'll definitely do my best."

"Then I'll be frank," Chen Jun said, immediately perking up.

“Chief of Staff Chen, we’re friends now, so just say what’s on your mind. Don’t be so polite with me. This formality is too distant,” Hong Yi said magnanimously.

"Good, that's manly enough."

Chen Jun stopped being coy and said seriously, "As a digitized combined arms force, the theater command's specialized adversary force is in dire need of specialized personnel like you."

So, the only reason I came all this way to see you is to sincerely invite you to join our Steel Seventh Brigade.

Chen Jun got straight to the point, leaving Hong Yi speechless.

"What? You want me to join the Seventh Steel Brigade?"

Hong Yi was so surprised by Chen Jun's words that he stammered.

"Yes, that's right."

Chen Jun nodded affirmatively and said, "We submitted a report on expanding recruitment before, and the theater command has agreed to transfer several key personnel from the field troops to our brigade."

The brigade commander, the political commissar, and I all agreed that you are outstanding, so we reported your name to the war zone.

We originally wanted you to be the commander of the special operations battalion, but after we got your personal information from the war zone, we learned that you had reached the age limit for promotion to colonel.

Therefore, after our meeting and discussion, we unanimously decided to appoint you as deputy chief of staff, join the brigade's party committee, and concurrently serve as the battalion commander of the special operations battalion.

The war zone has basically approved our application, which is why I made a special trip to find you at your 909th Brigade.

As a result, I went to the 909th Brigade to find Political Commissar Xu. He said that I had already submitted my transfer application and was going through the procedures at the group army. I really didn't want to miss out on a talent like you, so I rushed to the Municipal Public Security Bureau to find you.

But after seeing this news, it seems it's too late. It's such a pity.

Chen Jun's words came from the bottom of his heart, without a single false or polite remark. It was this sincerity that deeply moved Hong Yi.

This was a kind of "need" that he had never felt in the 909th Brigade, yet it was the kind of "need" he longed for most.

It was this emotional stimulation that made Hong Yi's long-dead heart start beating again, and his dead dreams were revived.

But when he thought about his current situation, with both he and his wife having secured jobs, Hong Yi's burning passion was suddenly dampened.

It was under these two extreme emotions that Hong Yi's expression became complicated and difficult to understand.

I didn't know what to say for a while.

Chen Jun saw the bitterness in Hong Yi's heart and didn't want to use any more tricks or psychological techniques. He just wanted to complete the recruitment in an upright manner.

So he spoke frankly and honestly: "The treatment you receive here is indeed very generous, and this is a major turning point in your life."

Your choice is also very good. I was thinking that, given my situation, even if I had a higher military rank and position than you, I might not have been able to get such a good job as you.

Now that you have such a great opportunity, you really should think about it seriously.

Whether you return to the military to fulfill your dreams and live a life without regrets, or bow to reality, cherish the opportunity before you, and ensure a comfortable future, the choice is yours.

Chen Jun's final words were very simple and unadorned, clearly pointing out the core of the two paths.

Dreams or reality, choose one.

"Yes, they've all been very kind to me."

Hong Yi's expression was complicated, and he said with emotion, "After I submitted my transfer application, I went to Director Li and didn't make any requests. I just wanted to be an ordinary special forces member."
But Director Li valued me highly and appointed me as the captain.

Even though the appointment was announced verbally by the bureau chief, I knew that as long as the military's procedures were completed, the procedures here would definitely be approved.

Most importantly, it was this sincerity that moved me deeply, it made me…

Hong Yi had some things he wanted to say but didn't, and even though he didn't say them aloud, Chen Jun understood what he meant: he didn't want to betray this sincerity.

Even though Hong Yi still wanted to stay in the army, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Hong Yi".

Chen Jun's heart sank, but he still didn't want to let go of such a good talent, and tried his best to say, "Suppose, I'm just making a hypothesis."

If I had asked you to join the Seventh Steel Brigade two months ago, would you have agreed?

“I will agree.” Hong Yi made his decision almost without hesitation.

"So, in your personal opinion, you'd like to come to our Steel Seventh Brigade, right?" Chen Jun looked at Hong Yi with hopeful eyes.

"Of course I would..."

Hong Yi almost blurted out the last word, but considering that his situation was no longer what it used to be, he swallowed the last word back.

Even the glimmer of hope in his eyes vanished, and he lowered his head in despair.

"That's really my fault. I was too indecisive and had too many ideas. If I had been more decisive back then, I would have just taken you away. Sigh."

Chen Jun shook his head repeatedly in deep regret. A simple matter had become so complicated because of his concerns at the time.

"Chief of Staff Chen, things are unpredictable."

Hong Yi also sighed and continued, "I don't regret making the decision to transfer to civilian work in time, because I don't want to waste my days in the army, and I don't want to be idle all day long, wearing this uniform and pretending to be proud."

Even though I am very reluctant to take off my military uniform, I don't want to wear it just for the sake of wearing it.

Rather than that, it's better to return to society and do something valuable and meaningful. I don't think there's anything to regret then.

Hong Yi spoke from the heart, without any pretense. "Just because of what you said, I think you shouldn't leave the army. The army needs good soldiers like you who are pragmatic, thoughtful, and capable," Chen Jun sincerely praised.

"Actually, I strongly support military reform. I've seen the rapid changes in the military, and many corrupt officials have been exposed, which is very encouraging and motivates me even more. It's a pity..."

Hong Yi stopped mid-sentence and said helplessly, "I know there are many soldiers like me in the army who are unwilling to leave the army under such favorable circumstances, but they have to leave because of organizational restructuring."

I felt very honored that my army and brigade were able to keep me here. I was at least luckier than my old comrades who were talented and ambitious but had to leave the army for various reasons.

Because I still have the opportunity to dedicate my wisdom and passion to the cause I love.

but……"

Hong Yi paused here, as if he had something difficult to say.

"What is that?" Chen Jun pressed.

"But I am also very unfortunate," Hong Yi said, with four parts sadness and six parts indignation.

"Unfortunate??" Chen Jun seemed to be deep in thought.

"I... I have a bad temper."

Hong Yi originally wanted to say that he was unlucky and hadn't met a superior who understood him, but considering that he had already left the army, he couldn't say such a thing and had to swallow his words.

"Haha, what you're saying is misfortune. You can just change your bad temper." Chen Jun knew exactly what was going on, but since Hong Yi didn't say it, he didn't want to point it out.

"I can't change my temper. I just can't stand being there," Hong Yi said, distressed.

“I think you don’t actually have a bad temper, but you have a problem with your brigade commander and his behavior. To be precise, you have a lot of ambition and talent, but you don’t get the appreciation of your brigade commander. You are even suppressed by him. This frustration has led to your resentment.”

Seeing that Hong Yi had taken the lead, Chen Jun decided to expose all the truths and understand Hong Yi's inner thoughts, hoping that he might still have a chance to bring him to the Seventh Steel Brigade.

"I admit that this is one of the reasons."

Hong Yi acknowledged what Chen Jun had said, and his gaze towards Chen Jun held an added layer of gratitude.

The feeling of being recognized and understood by others!
"As the saying goes, people with different paths cannot make plans together. You and Commander Chu are not on the same path. Your philosophies and ideas on leading troops are completely different, so it is natural that you will have conflicts with him. This actually has nothing to do with your temper. As you just said, it can only be said that it is unfortunate that a thoroughbred horse has not met a discerning eye."

Chen Jun analyzed the incident from Hong Yi's perspective, and then pointed directly to the truth, saying: "I think your idea is very simple, even simple to the point of being naive."

You're looking for an opportunity or platform where you can showcase your talents and realize your self-worth; you don't want to just drift through life aimlessly.

"Yeah."

Hong Yi nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice, as if he had met a kindred spirit. He said earnestly, "Just like today, I was able to personally rescue a mother and daughter from the clutches of criminals. I think everything I did was worthwhile."

"Hong Yi".

Chen Jun composed himself and said formally, "I know you are an outstanding soldier with ability, principles, and ideals. You shouldn't stop now."

You want to do something meaningful, proving that you have lofty ambitions, many ideas and ideals, and you need a platform to showcase them.

I can't guarantee you much about that, but there's one thing I can assure you.

As long as you come with me to the Seventh Steel Brigade, as long as I am in the army, your military career will not stop, and your ideals will be realized in your own hands.

To put it simply, I, Chen Jun, consider you my brother, and I will do everything in my power to help you achieve our shared dream—to make our Chinese army stronger and stronger, and to reach the pinnacle of the world.

Chen Jun rarely makes promises or guarantees to people, and this is the first time in his life that he has made such a formal one.

Chen Jun's heartfelt words deeply shocked Hong Yi, who sat there dumbfounded, unable to react for a long time.

It wasn't that Hong Yi was too inexperienced; it was just that the impact was too intense.

Hong Yi knew better than anyone what Chen Jun's current status was in the military. A colonel in his twenties was destined to climb the pyramid in the future.

This is a person with such a promising future, and now he's making such a guarantee right in front of him.

What does that mean?
Hong Yi isn't stupid!

Although Hong Yi has no interest in fame or fortune, he desperately needs a platform to showcase his talents, which is equivalent to needing a mentor.

If he agrees to join the Seventh Steel Brigade under Chen Jun's leadership, he will have the most secure platform in the world.

With Chen Jun backing him up, Hong Yi's ideals and ambitions could be realized, which was exactly what Hong Yi wanted most.

I am not tempted by fame and fortune.

Absolute approval, however, is Hong Yi's Achilles' heel.

As for whether Chen Jun was just fooling him, or making empty promises to trick him into going to the Seventh Steel Brigade, Hong Yi didn't doubt it at all, because there was no need for it.

A hypocritical and boastful person would never have reached Chen Jun's current level.

Hong Yi now only needs to make a choice—

The question is whether to stay and become the captain of the Special Forces Brigade, or to go to the Seventh Steel Brigade to become the deputy chief of staff.

If you choose the former, you will miss the only opportunity in your life, and your talents in special operations will go unused, which will inevitably become a regret in your life.

If he chooses to take this path, he will miss out on a carefree second half of his life and will also feel guilty towards Director Li for his kindness.

Which path should we choose?

This left Hong Yi in a difficult position.

Seeing the unpredictable changes in Hong Yi's expression, Chen Jun knew that he was in a state of great inner turmoil, torn between various thoughts, and must be feeling very uncomfortable.

In order to ensure that Hong Yi makes the right choice and will not regret it in the future.

Chen Jun will definitely give him enough time.

So he stood up decisively and said, "Hong Yi, this is the most important moment of your life. I hope you can make the right choice."

I'll give you a day to think it over. I'll be here waiting for you at this time tomorrow.

If you are willing to join the 7th Steel Brigade and start your second military career, you will find the perfect platform to showcase your talents.

Then I hope you can come here again, and then come with me to the Seventh Steel Brigade.

If you haven't shown up here by 7 PM, then I respect your choice, and I hope you've thought it through.

After speaking in a deep and serious tone, Chen Jun left decisively without waiting for Hong Yi's reaction. (End of Chapter)