1978: A Literary Giant Who Began His Military Service

Chapter 63 Commendation Conference
Zhang Lingxiao knocked on the door and entered Zhou Xu's bedroom: "Great hero?"

"Director Zhang, please don't call me that. I'm not used to it at all," Zhou Xu said, standing up from his desk.

"I'm telling the truth!" Zhang Lingxiao said with a smile. "It's like this, the military region's leaders just called. They'll be recognizing all the outstanding combat heroes at the military region's base the day after tomorrow!"

"First-class merit?" Zhou Xu was slightly surprised for a moment.

After all, his first-class merit was a combat-level first-class merit, which he earned through his own bloody battles and killings, not through creation.

“Yes! Of course it’s a first-class merit. Twenty-five enemy soldiers were killed in one defensive battle! This is an outstanding achievement even in a formal selection process,” Zhang Lingxiao said.

The First-Class Merit was already the limit for combat, because after 55, with the end of large-scale wars, the conditions for the Special-Class Merit became very difficult to meet, and the state abolished the selection of the Special-Class Merit.

So when Zhou Xu received the news that he had been awarded a first-class merit, he was both delighted and excited.

When I return to my hometown, won't there be a grand welcome with gongs and drums, and a red carpet laid out along the entire street?

Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration.

However, the emergence of a first-class meritorious person in the county is indeed a remarkable achievement.

"..."

Two days later, when the time came, Zhou Xu tidied himself up, dressed in a neat military uniform, and still leaned on a cane.

Zhang Lingxiao had prepared the vehicle early and was waiting for Zhou Xu to get in: "I heard that even military leaders are going to be there today. I'm a little nervous. Are you alright?"

Zhou Xu, sitting in the passenger seat, said, "It's alright."

We went to the temporary auditorium set up at the command post.

Upon arriving at their seats, Zhou Xu saw two familiar faces among the people who were to receive their medals.

"Comrade Chen, Comrade Song!"

Song Zhipeng and Chen Hui laughed at Zhou Xu, saying, "I knew you wouldn't come to the awards ceremony!!"

"I just received the notification and it was just approved," Zhou Xu replied with a smile.

Sitting down next to the two men, looking at his two old friends, he asked, "Company Commander Song, are you feeling better?"

"Thankfully, I can walk again," Song Zhipeng said.

The group exchanged a few words...

When the time came, the whole room fell silent.

The leaders went on stage, everyone stood up, played the national anthem together, and observed three minutes of silence for all the soldiers participating in the exhibition.

Then, looking at the dignified and composed leader, he began to speak: "This counterattack is because the enemy has repeatedly violated our territory. We must defend our motherland! We must restore the glory of China and make the enemy dare not invade again."

Of course, our army also achieved good results! On the battlefield, the vast majority of commanders, soldiers, and cadres stepped forward and fought on the front line of the war of resistance!
Some of them sacrificed their lives, some were seriously wounded, and some were left with lifelong disabilities! The nation will not forget you, the people will not forget you. These medals, soaked in blood and sweat, carrying mission and glory, are not only the highest commendation for the heroic achievements of these individuals, but also a profound tribute to the countless comrades who sacrificed their lives to defend their country.

"..."

After each speech, everyone applauded.

When Zhou Xu thought of his comrades who had sacrificed or been disabled on the battlefield, he couldn't help but clap his hands louder, his eyes filled with tears!
Victory is hard-won! If he hadn't experienced war, he probably wouldn't understand how he feels at this moment.

"Next, we will commend the first soldier to receive a first-class merit! However, his identity is somewhat special. During our combat company's commendation ceremony, there is an artist soldier present."

The post-war commendation ceremonies were held in batches, with literary and artistic creations, frontline combat, artillery, and other achievements being recognized at different ceremonies.

"Of course, there must be quite a few of you who have heard of or seen news about Comrade Zhou Xu in the newspapers a few days ago! The comrade I'm talking about is among you! He is Comrade Zhou Xu from the Press Office!"
When the field hospital of the xxth Division was attacked, Comrade Zhou Xu, who was a frontline reporter, should have retreated into the air-raid shelter with the medical staff! However, he noticed that the enemy's artillery fire was very heavy.

He realized that the company had been redeployed, and without hesitation, he joined the defense! Despite being outmatched in firepower and equipment, he killed twenty-five enemies! He single-handedly led two platoons to hold out until the company provided reinforcements!

Comrade Zhou Xu's combat achievements are outstanding, and his spirit is commendable! ... He is awarded a First-Class Merit! He has been awarded the title of "First-Class Combat Hero"! Comrade Zhou Xu, please step forward to receive the commendation!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingxiao immediately clapped enthusiastically!
Song Zhipeng and Chen Hui also applauded Zhou Xu from the bottom of their hearts, because only the two of them had truly witnessed Zhou Xu's valiant fighting. They felt that Zhou Xu fully deserved this first-class merit!

"Clap clap!" The applause in the audience had reached its peak, and everyone's eyes were focused on the figure who was slowly standing up in front of them.

Such outstanding results! Every soldier fighting on the front lines knows what it means!
This first-class merit was not shown in any way because of Zhou Xu's status as a reporter! It's a genuine first-class merit! A first-class merit in combat!!
The figure trembled slightly and was extremely thin...

Zhou Xu slowly walked to the front.

The reporters from the press office weren't idle either; they were snapping photos with their cameras. This was their current colleague; wasn't it worth publicizing?
The commander looked at Zhou Xu, a smile appearing on his face, and said in a low voice, "I didn't expect it to be you, Comrade Zhou Xu! Your battle song is very well written, but I'm surprised that you really lived up to the lyrics, unafraid to fight against powerful enemies, and determined to win the battle for the motherland!"

This was the same leader who had seen Zhou Xu's performance last time. Zhou Xu nodded.

Looking at the medal, a warm feeling washed over him, and a few tears welled up in his eyes... As a soldier, he was filled with pride, and the sense of honor he felt at that moment was unparalleled.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the commander put on his First-Class Merit Medal... This medal was made by the General Political Department starting from the counterattack war.

The commander clasped Zhou Xu's hand, and a flicker of emotion crossed the old man's eyes. He exclaimed, "Comrade Zhou Xu! I hope you will continue your efforts in future revolutionary work! Whether it's artistic creation or combat training!!!"

Zhou Xu replied decisively, "Yes!"

Zhou Xu raised his hand and saluted the leader. After the leader returned the salute, he turned around and saluted the people attending the ceremony below the platform.

Watching Zhou Xu give his familiar and proper salute.

Everyone applauded again, and the applause grew louder and louder!
Zhou Xu finished his salute.

I'm back in my place! The excitement inside me is overwhelming...

(End of this chapter)