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Waltham, Massachusetts.

The cold glass facade of Raytheon's headquarters building stands in stark contrast to the humid, muddy jungles of Vietnam.

Suning, dressed in a well-tailored suit, stood in the office of Martin Frost, the head of the R&D department.

It felt like I had just woken up from a long nightmare, only to step into a new game with completely different rules.

“Mr. Suning Gan, welcome to Thor.” Mr. Frost was a middle-aged man.

Holding Suning's thin resume in his hand, which included not only his MIT degree but also a polished letter of recommendation,
Hu mentioned its "outstanding analytical and problem-solving capabilities in complex environments".

“We are very interested in you, Mr. Gan. Your MIT background is undoubtedly top-notch. And your ‘real-world experience’ in Vietnam is a valuable asset that many of our theoretical engineers lack. You know, designing a weapon and using it and experiencing its performance in a real environment are two different things.”

Su Ning nodded slightly. "I understand, Mr. Frost. I hope my experience can be used in more constructive ways."

“Of course, of course!” Frost laughed. “We’re involved in the Army’s ‘Individual Assault Weapon System’ improvement project, mainly addressing the reliability issues of the M16 rifle in harsh environments. You’ve been in the jungle, so you must be very familiar with its annoying jamming and rust problems, right?”

"Yes! Humidity, dust, and ammunition compatibility are all key issues."

“Very good!” Frost seemed quite satisfied. “Your position is Technical Analysis Assistant. Your primary task is to provide firsthand, frontline insights into our existing test reports and failure mode analyses based on your ‘hands-on experience.’ We need to know exactly where this gun is most likely to malfunction after rolling in mud and marching in torrential rain, not just the data from the lab.”

And so, Suning began his career at Raytheon.

He went from being a "ghost professor" on the battlefield to a technical analyst in a cubicle.

The work environment is clean, tidy, and has a constant temperature and humidity. You can't hear gunfire or artillery sounds, only the sound of keyboard typing, printer humming, and colleagues discussing in hushed tones.

However, he soon discovered that this seemingly rational technological world was also full of invisible battlefields.

His direct supervisor, a senior engineer named Derek Sandel, was clearly wary of Suning, the young man who had been parachuted in with "special experience".

During a project discussion meeting, based on his memory, Suning accurately pointed out a design flaw in the gas delivery system, believing that it was prone to malfunction or even jamming when firing continuously and being covered in dirt.

Engineer Sandel interrupted him impatiently, “Mr. Gan, your battlefield story is vivid, but our design is based on rigorous engineering standards and millions of computer simulations. The problem you pointed out occurred in less than 0.5 percent of our extreme environment tests.”

Suning did not back down. Instead, he countered with laboratory data, "Engineer Sandel, the extreme environment test simulates a uniform mud cover. But in the actual jungle, mud mixes with fine sand and plant fibers, forming a viscous paste that is more likely to accumulate in specific areas. A failure rate of 0.5% means that out of every thousand soldiers, five might die because of this problem. Do you think this probability is acceptable?"

Suning's words silenced the meeting room.

Some of the younger engineers looked thoughtful, while Sandel looked grim.

After get off work, in the coffee shop, a Japanese-American female engineer named Lena Tanaka from my team whispered, "Gan, don't worry too much about Sandel. He's afraid you'll shake his 'authoritative' position. But Sue, you're right, sometimes we really are too far removed from the battlefield. Your perspective is invaluable."

Suning nodded.

Here, the "battle" you need to fight is no longer to eliminate the enemy, but to persuade your colleagues, fight against rigid thinking, and make your voice heard.

He then used his nighttime hours to frantically study weapons engineering, combining his profound knowledge of physics with his observations in actual combat to write an extremely detailed analysis report on improving the reliability of the M16. It not only pointed out the problems but also put forward specific modification suggestions based on physical principles, even including considerations of materials science and aerodynamics.

Instead of handing the report directly to Sandel, it was cleverly delivered through Lina's connections to a senior expert in the department known for his focus on practical application.

A few weeks later, things began to change.

Mr. Frost, his attitude drastically changed, summoned Su Ning again. "Gan, your report... was very insightful! Dr. White highly praised it. The company has decided to establish a special team to specifically study the improvement plans you proposed, and you will serve as the team's technical advisor. Do a good job!"

Stepping out of her supervisor's office, Su Ning looked out the window at the clear blue autumn sky of Massachusetts and took a deep breath.

He successfully took the first step in this new field.

He is no longer the soldier struggling to survive in the jungle, but he still needs to use his wisdom, strategy, and even some necessary means to gain a foothold and a voice for himself.

He took out some stationery and began writing to his younger brother, Forrest, who was still in Vietnam, and to Jenny, who was far away in Memphis.

Suning didn't go into too much detail about the job, only telling them that he was safe, had found a new job, and was trying to adapt.

After all, Raytheon is not the end, but a new beginning, or even just a transit point.

The technical experience and network he accumulates here will become his capital in his future grand strategy.

Having left the battlefield of carnage, they entered another arena, one without gunpowder, but still requiring their utmost effort.

Their own war, in another form, continues.

……

After receiving his first paycheck from Raytheon and being granted a week-long vacation, Suning immediately bought a plane ticket back to Alabama.

The closer he got to home, the stronger the mix of guilt and longing in his heart became.

Mrs. Gan had already learned about her two sons' latest situation through letters and occasional overseas phone calls.

The eldest son, Suning, miraculously retired early from the Vietnam War and went on to work for the renowned Raytheon company.

Although the youngest son, Forrest Gump, was shot in the buttocks, he also benefited from the misfortune. Because of his "special talent" and "heroic act," he was transferred to a military department that comforted wounded soldiers. His main job was to perform ping-pong for the wounded soldiers in various field hospitals and rear rehabilitation centers.

Forrest Gump's amazing reaction speed and focus found their purpose on the ping-pong table, where he became virtually invincible within the US military, bringing rare joy and comfort to countless soldiers who were physically and mentally traumatized.

For a mother, there could be no better news.

The fact that both of her sons had escaped the deadly meat grinder of the front lines brought her more peace of mind and happiness than any medal or honor.

When Su Ning's familiar yet seemingly more upright and slender figure appeared on the path in front of the house, Mrs. Gan was standing under the porch waiting.

"Mom, I'm back."

Mrs. Gan did not answer, but quickly stepped forward and hugged her son, who was a head taller than her, tightly.

It was as if she wanted to confirm that he was real, and not just another phantom that woke her up in the middle of the night.

Her long-suppressed worries, fears, and current ecstasy all turned into silent tears.

"It's good that you're back...it's good that you're back...my child..." she murmured repeatedly, her voice choked with emotion. After a long while, she finally released Su Ning and carefully examined his face. "You've lost weight, but...you're more robust now. You must have suffered a lot over there, right?"

Su Ning held her mother's rough hand. "It's all in the past, Mom. I'm fine now."

Stepping into that familiar and cozy living room, the sweet aroma of baked apple pie filled the air—the warmest taste in his memory.

Mrs. Gan busied herself pouring him milk and getting him snacks, as if he were still the boy returning from school.

"Suning, tell your mother quickly, what's that Thor company like? Is the work tiring? Are the colleagues easy to get along with?" Mrs. Gan asked eagerly, sitting opposite him.

“Raytheon is a very large company, mainly making… electronic equipment and some precision instruments. My job is in the office, looking at blueprints and writing reports. It’s safe and not tiring.” Su Ning omitted the part about office politics and technical debates.

"Oh, it's so good to be in the office! It's safe! A thousand times, ten thousand times better than being in the jungle! I knew it! My Su Ning is so smart, he's bound to amount to something!"

"Forrest Gump said in his letter that he plays ping-pong every day now? Is he really not carrying a gun around anymore? Does his butt still hurt? How's the food over there? Is anyone bullying him?"

Su Ning patiently replied, "Yes, Mom, Forrest Gump is safe now. He plays ping-pong very well, and many wounded soldiers enjoy watching him play. He brings joy to many people. His injury has long since healed, and he said he made new friends there. No one bullies him, so don't worry."

As Mrs. Gan listened to Su Ning's narration, her face radiated satisfaction and happiness.

Looking at her eldest son, who had become more composed and even somewhat aloof, she felt a surge of joy at having regained what she had lost.

"God bless me, I got my two sons back. War is the most foolish thing mankind does, but for ordinary people like us, to be able to live peacefully and have days of family reunion is the greatest blessing."

At that moment, the living room was filled with the warm aroma of baked apple pie, and outside the window was the tranquil afternoon sunlight of Greentown.

Looking at the genuine smile on her mother's face, Su Ning felt the long-lost peace of "home," and the bloody memories of the battlefield seemed to be temporarily dispelled.

Choosing to leave the battlefield and return to a normal life by any means is the right thing to do.

Everything he did was worthwhile to protect the smile on his mother's face and to preserve this simple warmth.

This home was the harbor he longed to return to and protect after braving gunfire and danger.

……

After spending a few days with his mother in Greentown, Suning set off for Memphis, Tennessee.

Both out of courtesy and reason, he had to personally meet Elvis Presley and express his sincerest gratitude to the King of Rock and Roll.

Without his crucial "informal" maneuvering, he would probably still be struggling to survive in the jungles of Vietnam.

Graceland is even more magnificent than Suning imagined, carrying the unique luxury and unrestrained temperament of the South.

After giving his name, he was quickly led inside by a courteous butler.

Passing through the foyer decorated with jungle-themed murals, one is led to a study with a relatively subdued style.

A moment later, Elvis Presley walked in.

Elvis wore a silk shirt and loose trousers, and his face looked slightly paler and more puffy than Suning had seen in the newspaper. Clearly, his heart problems and medication were still affecting him, but his signature smile still had a captivating charm.

“Mr. Gan! Welcome to Ya Garden. Jenny mentioned to me that you might come.”

“Mr. Presley, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to see me. I have come here mainly to express my deepest gratitude to you in person. Without your help, I might not have been able to leave Vietnam so smoothly.”

Elvis waved casually, gesturing for Su Ning to sit down, and then lazily sank into a soft leather sofa.

“Don’t mention it! I told you I owe you a favor.” He pointed to his chest. “The doctors here told me that if it hadn’t been discovered early, the situation could have been very complicated. So, we’re even now, you don’t need to worry about it.”

He picked up an elegant cigarette case from the table, took out a cigarette, and lit it. "So, how are you feeling now? Are you adjusting to life back on the battlefield?"

"I'm trying to adapt. The work environment is very different and full of challenges, but at least... it's safe and it's in an area I'm relatively good at."

"As long as it's safe. Sometimes when I'm in this big house, listening to the screams of the fans outside, it feels like another battlefield. But compared to what you guys experienced in Vietnam, this feels like a vacation." Elvis smiled self-deprecatingly.

"Is Jenny doing well at work here?" Su Ning changed the subject at the right time.

“Oh, Jenny is a good girl, smart, and a quick learner.” Elvis’s tone lightened when he talked about Jenny. “She can handle a lot of sheet music and scheduling for me now, much more stable than before. Speaking of which, I have to thank you for your reminder back then, otherwise she might still be wasting her talent in some shabby bar. What about your brother Forrest? I heard he also left the front lines?”

“Yes,” Suning nodded. “Agan was transferred to the department that comforts wounded soldiers because of his injuries and some special performance. Now his main job is playing ping-pong.”

"Playing ping-pong?" Elvis was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. "That's fantastic! It's much more interesting than holding a gun! God bless him, he's a simple, good lad, he shouldn't have to endure all that."

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour.

Elvis seemed very interested in Suning, this extraordinary young man. He asked some questions about MIT and physics, and also shared some interesting stories from his tour.

Suning responded respectfully and appropriately, neither overly enthusiastic nor distant.

Before parting, Elvis personally escorted Su Ning to the study door, saying, "Listen, son. You have a new beginning, cherish it. This world is complex, whether on the battlefield or in the company. Cherish what you have now, and live well."

“I will, Mr. Presley. Thank you again.” Suning bowed deeply.

Stepping out of the famous music gates of the Garden of Elegance, the Memphis sun shines down on you.

Su Ning glanced back at the manor, a symbol of fame and fortune, and knew that his encounter with Elvis had completely changed the course of his life.

This kindness cannot be repaid with a simple thank you, but he has kept this sentiment in his heart.

He will definitely repay the favor if needed in the future.

Now, he needs to focus on his new battlefield...

By establishing a foothold at Raytheon, I can lay a solid foundation for my future and that of my family.

...(End of chapter)