Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 125 Li Yunlong becomes Wu Wanli's superior!

Steel Seventh Company Headquarters

"Reporting, Company Commander!"

"An urgent telegram from higher command requests that you and Instructor Liu proceed to the headquarters immediately for an operations meeting!"

"The jeep to pick you and the instructor is ready and parked at the entrance of the company's barracks."

Wu Siyi reported.

"Let me go?"

"Shouldn't they have included me in a military meeting of this level?"

Wu Wanli said, adjusting his hat.

"Company Commander, is it because you thwarted the operation of the elite US forces this time, and given your position as a staff officer, that we want you to go over and offer your opinions?"

Wu Siyi said.

"Maybe."

Where is Instructor Liu now?

Wu Wanli smoothed out the wrinkles on his collar and asked.

"I was slightly injured and am getting bandaged up. I'm staying with the prehistoric squad leader and the others."

Wu Siyi said.

"Let's go and inform them."

Wu Wanli said.

"Yes!"

Wu Si shouted.

....................................

Temporary Medical Office

At this time, the room was crowded with wounded soldiers from the Seventh Company, including Liu Hanqing and Chenggong.

"Squad leader, I'm sorry..."

Xu Mumu looked at the hand that Shiqian had injured and said.

"Comrade Xu, you've apologized eight hundred times already, and I've already said it's okay."

"Besides, since you killed an elite American soldier, our company commander will definitely let you join the Steel Seventh Company. Cheer up!"

"Look how happy they are when they succeed."

Prehistoric, clutching the wound on his hand, looked at the success not far away and said...

"Instructor Liu, have some water. You should drink more water if you're injured."

"Have some more of this, American chocolate, to fill your stomach."

"You did a great job on the battlefield! You killed two American devils with just one rocket! That was satisfying!"

Cheng Gong, all smiles, handed the water bottle to Liu Hanqing.

"Comrade Chenggong, go and take care of the other wounded. I only have minor injuries, there's no need for that."

"Or you can tell me something."

Liu Hanqing looked at the food and water bottle being stuffed into his hands, both amused and exasperated, and said...

"Instructor Liu misunderstood. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just taking care of the wounded."

"I hope to fight in the most dangerous places in the future, play a greater role, and reduce the number of wounded in the Seventh Company. That would be enough for me."

Success also knew that too much of a good thing can be bad, so after saying that, he walked over to the other wounded.

"I hope to fight in the most dangerous places..."

Looking at the successful figure, Liu Hanqing murmured to himself, already understanding the meaning of success in his heart.

Wu Wanli was always at the forefront of the Seventh Steel Company, and the most dangerous place was the guard platoon that charged alongside him.

"Instructor Liu, we have orders from our superiors to set off."

Wu Wanli walked in and said.

"Let's go."

Instructor Liu was not too surprised, and got up to follow Wu Wanli to the car outside.

"Wu Siyi, you drive."

“Prehistoric, you should come along too.”

Wu Wanli thought for a moment, then waved and said.

"Yes!"

Prehistoric and Wu Siyi responded.

……

Jeep
"Instructor Liu, aren't you surprised that the higher-ups called us?"

Wu Wanli smiled and said as he walked.

"Such a big thing just happened, the higher-ups will definitely have to hold a meeting."

"Plus, time is running out, and the next operational meeting for the campaign will be held soon."

"Comrade Wu Wanli, have you forgotten that I was a confidential secretary not long ago?"

Instructor Liu smiled and said.

"Hahahaha... I almost forgot about this."

"Any inside information you can share with me beforehand?"

Wu Wanli asked.

"You can probably guess without me saying it: the new legion has entered Korea, and the Ninth Legion should return home to rest and recuperate."

"That's what Instructor Liu said."

"Will our Steel Seventh Company and the 27th Army take a break?"

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then asked.

"The Seventh Steel Company, this sharp blade, will definitely continue to be used."

"However, the 27th Army just suffered a surprise attack by elite US troops, so I don't know what the commander-in-chief thinks."

"I'm not too clear about the other things either, let's just wait and see what the meeting is like."

Instructor Liu sighed and said.

"This matter could be a big deal or a small deal. I hope Commander Kong Jie can be let off lightly."

"By the way, speaking of this raid, the Seventh Steel Company lost a number of comrades, and the remaining recruits basically killed the American soldiers."

"I originally planned to select candidates through training, but I didn't expect it to be through this kind of bloody battle."

Wu Wanli said.

"A bloody battle is the most challenging way to test a person."

"Moreover, they are not real new recruits, but soldiers selected from various units. Even the least experienced comrades, Xu Mumu and Chenggong, have participated in the Battle of Zangmeili."

"After several days of collective training, and a hard-fought battle with the comrades of the old Seventh Company, these soldiers can immediately become combat-ready upon joining."

"In that sense, these elite U.S. troops actually helped us."

"That's what Instructor Liu said."

“I understand all of this. The new steel Seventh Company, forged in blood and fire, is much better than the training camp. It’s just that I feel sorry for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives.”

Wu Wanli sighed.

"The dead cannot be brought back to life, so let's first take care of the arrangements for these surviving soldiers."

"Since we're planning to have them all join the Steel Seventh Company, I think the most crucial position is the guard platoon around you."

"Given Comrade Wu Wanli's fighting style, these men will follow you into battle. We must select the right soldiers."

"That's what Instructor Liu said."

"No soldier in the Steel Seventh Company is incompetent in combat. My biggest requirement is that they can keep up with my speed."

"Of course, you also need to have good stamina, because it might be a long battle."

"We haven't had a thorough review of the performance in the last battle at Xicun, so we're not entirely clear on the abilities of each soldier."

Wu Wanli considered.

"Comrade Shiqian, don't I remember that you were the one who led Xu Mumu and Chenggong on the mission?"

"Comrade Wu Siyi, you also took care of the two of them during the training camp."

"Tell me, how did these two soldiers perform?"

"Instructor Liu asked."

"Instructor, this is a success. He performed his best during basic training and was also very active in the battle of Xicun."

"But... I always felt that this person was fake."

"It's that as soon as I look at him, I know he's noticed me looking at him."

"He's... all smart and shrewd. Although he performs well, I feel like he's just putting on a show for us."

Wu Si thought for a moment and then said.

"I remember this person. He's polite to everyone, but also very competitive."

"I'm wondering if he'll compete with you for the deputy squad leader position if he joins the guard platoon?"

Wu Wanli smiled and said.

"Good! The Seventh Steel Company fought desperately to achieve such great results."

"If he can make a great contribution and win the position, I will not hesitate to give him the position of deputy squad leader."

"I'm serious. He might be able to compete with me in terms of endurance and speed, as you just mentioned, but he's probably still no match for me."

Wu Siyi said with a smile.

"Look at you, you criticize others for arguing, but you also love to argue and be in the lead."

"I admire your unyielding spirit and strong sense of self-respect."

"If you demand success in everything and become too obsessed with it, you might end up failing."

Thinking of the increasingly brutal battles to come, Wu Wanli couldn't help but remind him, "Company Commander, this is supposed to be about new recruits, why are you talking about me?"

“I’m better than the prehistoric squad leader. He observes, thinks, and does a lot, but he doesn’t say anything. I’m really worried that he’ll bottling it up.”

Wu Siyi laughed.

"What do you think of prehistoric times?"

Wu Wanli asked.

"I think... we can let Comrade Xu Mumu join the guard platoon."

After a moment's hesitation, he said...

"what?"

"No, he's not suitable."

Wu Wanli frowned slightly and said.

"Company commander, he runs very fast, and he doesn't even pant after a big battle. I think he perfectly meets the criteria you just mentioned."

According to prehistoric times.

"Company Commander, are you still upset about him surrendering?"

Liu Hanqing asked.

"I don't have that much prejudice."

"If it were peacetime, I would be willing to slowly discover his strengths, and I am even confident that I could train this kind of soldier into a new king of soldiers."

"But this is the Korean War, and we are risking our lives against the world's number one capitalist power, the United States!"

“Isn’t it murderous of me to bring along a soldier like him who is neither outstanding nor very experienced to charge into battle?”

"In short, there's no problem with joining the Seventh Steel Company as agreed, and I will keep my promise."

“But I don’t think it’s the right time for him to be the sharpest weapon in the guard unit.”

Wu Wanli waved his hand and said.

"Company Commander, I have a slightly different opinion."

"Although these soldiers are somewhat dull and lack experience, such obedient blank slates may be much stronger on the battlefield than self-righteous elite soldiers."

"Why don't we take a comprehensive look at the time, or compare them as Comrade Wu Siyi suggested?"

Instructor Liu thought for a moment and then offered his advice.

"We'll talk about it later."

"While there's still some time before we get to the headquarters, let me think about what suggestions I can offer for the next battle."

Wu Wanli said.

Seeing that he was unwilling to continue the conversation, the others dropped the topic and sped off in their jeeps toward Shiji.

....................................

General Headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army
"What's wrong with Kong Jie? His command is completely idiotic!"

"A main force was able to allow more than two hundred American soldiers to infiltrate through the heavily fortified front line!"

"It's a shame he used to be the commander of a veteran main force regiment; now he's brought his 'dough-spreading' mentality to the 27th Army!"

The boss slammed his fist on the table in anger and said...

"Please calm down, boss."

"Kong Jie has indeed made a huge mistake this time, but he has done a good job before, so it may have been a momentary oversight."

"Chief Chen said."

"I know he played well at Chosin Reservoir, but that's no excuse for his mistakes!"

"If it weren't for his previous merits, I would have already sent him to feed the livestock!"

"No matter what, he can't stay in the 27th Army any longer. Let's demote him from army commander and promote him by half a rank to be in charge of logistics!"

"I've done everything I could to get promoted after making a mistake!"

The boss snorted coldly and said.

Outside
"Commander, Kong Jie from the 27th Army has come to report!"

Kong Jie heard the cursing coming from inside and mustered his courage to shout.

"Go stand in the next room first, I don't want to see you right now!"

The boss was still angry, so he yelled at the door.

"Just go..."

Kong Jie was already mentally prepared. He sighed, muttered something, and turned to turn around.

"Kong Jie, what are you saying?!"

Chief Chen rubbed his forehead, looking somewhat troubled, and exclaimed.

"Reporting to the old brigade commander, I said I would resolutely carry out the commander's order!"

Upon hearing this voice, Kong Jie immediately stood at attention and shouted.

"You and Li Yunlong stay there quietly and reflect on your actions!"

Chief Chen admonished him.

"Oh, Li Yunlong made a mistake too?"

"I knew it! This kid couldn't have gotten away with fewer crimes than me!"

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie's frustration vanished, and he smiled as he spoke.

"Kong Erlengzi, who the hell are you muttering about!"

"All I did was requisition a batch of cotton-padded clothes from the KMT prisoner-of-war camp and Gongdelin."

"They wouldn't need so many cotton-padded coats back home; they'd be better off giving them to our volunteer soldiers!"

"Tell me, am I much better at this than you?"

At this moment, Li Yunlong came out of the next room, saw Kong Jie, and immediately pointed at him and cursed.

"Li Yunlong, all you can do is do these logistical tasks."

"While I was fighting the American devils at Chosin Reservoir, you were back home, embracing Tian Yu and making love, weren't you?"

Kong Jie was also holding back his anger and retorted directly.

"Kong Erlengzi, you're like a pig with a scallion stuck in its nose, what are you pretending to be!"

"It's just that you got to pick up elite troops like Wu Wanli and the Steel Seventh Company. If I were in their shoes, I would definitely be better than you!"

Li Yunlong said.

"You two, stand guard at the door. If you don't behave, you can go back to China and feed horses and pigs!"

Chief Chen's head was throbbing from the noise, so he yelled back.

Upon hearing this, the two fell silent.

Although they were resentful, they were still willing to stay on the Korean battlefield and strive for the opportunity to fight and make meritorious contributions.

After a while, one leader after another entered the conference room. When they saw the two door gods, they couldn't help but smile and shake their heads.

"Greetings, Commander Hong!"

"Greetings, Commander Deng!"

"Hello, Chief..."

Li Yunlong and Kong Jie exchanged a glance and tacitly took on the role of sentries, saluting in unison as their superior entered.

At this moment, Wu Wanli also strode over, and because he was thinking about the battle plan, he did not notice the person at the door.

Li Yunlong and Kong Jie didn't react in time, and subconsciously saluted and said "Greetings, Commander!" and saluted again.

Wu Wanli subconsciously gave a powerful salute while marching, and then led Liu Hanqing into the conference room.

"Old Kong, who are these two? They look so young to me, am I seeing things?"

Looking at the two men's backs, Li Yunlong sensed something was wrong and asked.

"Hey! That kid Wu Wanli got the better deal!"

"The two of them are Wu Wanli, the company commander of the Seventh Steel Company, and Liu Hanqing, the political instructor."

"In this elite US raid, the Steel Seventh Company made the greatest contribution. Given Wu Wanli's previous strategic capabilities, it's normal for him to serve as an advisor and offer suggestions."

Kong Jie said.

"This Wu Wanli is just like me back then, walking with such high spirits. I like soldiers like that."

"By the way, why is the instructor here too?"

Li Yunlong asked.

"The political instructor of the 7th Company was probably the confidential secretary of the command post before. I guess he came here to help take notes and listen in on the proceedings."

Kong Jie thought for a moment and then said.

"Recording the proceedings..."

Li Yunlong frowned in confusion and muttered to himself.

....................................

conference room
"So what do you plan to do with Li Yunlong? What position should you put him in?"

The boss glanced at Chief Chen and asked.

"I originally wanted to put him in the position of deputy commander of the Third Army Corps, but now that he's done this, I'm afraid he'll have to be demoted."

Chief Chen said with a wry smile.

"Since Kong Jie has committed a crime, I think it would be better to let Li Yunlong take over the position of this kid and go to the 27th Army."

The boss considered it.

"That's fine with me."

"That kid keeps clamoring to put Wu Wanli and the Steel Seventh Company under his command, so let's just grant him his wish."

"I want to see if he can use it well after I give it to him!"

After thinking for a moment, Chief Chen said.

(End of this chapter)