Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Seeing his "thunderstruck" and "distraught" appearance, the leader sighed deeply with understanding, reached out and patted his uninjured right shoulder firmly and reassuringly, his tone becoming even gentler, even carrying a hint of comfort:

"Comrade Jian Guo, my good comrade, never lose heart, and never have any wild thoughts. Revolutionary work is only about different divisions of labor, not about high or low status. Building our great socialist new China also needs heroes like you who have been tested by war and are loyal to the Party."

Charging into battle on the front lines is a contribution, but building and developing the rear is equally a great undertaking. Right now, your most important and urgent task is to put aside all mental burdens and focus on fully recovering your health.

Only when you are healthy can you continue to contribute to the revolution. The organization will definitely make the most appropriate and responsible arrangements for your future work and life! Don't worry, get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll come and talk to you in detail about your follow-up recuperation and... work arrangements.

After speaking, the leader stood up again and carefully instructed the nurse next to him, saying things like "take good care of her" and "strengthen observation." Then he turned around and left the ward with steady steps.

The ward door was gently closed.

The moment the door closed, the pained and desperate expression on Liu Jianguo's face receded like a receding tide.

Liu Jianguo thought for a moment that the medicine would expire in 3 days if he didn't use it, and he didn't know if he could be discharged in 3 days, so he decided to use it now.

Liu Jianguo slowly closed his eyes, concentrated his mind, and the body enhancement potion, which emitted a soft, pale blue light and exuded a futuristic technological feel, appeared out of thin air in his hand.

Without hesitation, he injected the medication into his thigh muscle through his hospital gown.

A gentle yet incredibly powerful warm current instantly surged through my entire body, every cell feeling as if it had been parched for a long time and had received timely rain, letting out a joyful groan.

The tearing pain in his chest, the weakness and powerlessness from being bedridden for a long time, and the countless subtle wounds and hidden pains left on this body in the depths of his memory during the three years of brutal war were all being soothed, repaired, and strengthened at an astonishing speed.

An unprecedented feeling of boundless energy replaced all the previous discomfort. He could even clearly hear the strong, powerful beating of his heart.

Peak! This is the state where bodily functions are at their absolute peak of health!

At the same time, his consciousness also clearly "saw" that strange space of ten acres in size. The fertile land was dark and shiny, as if you could squeeze oil out of it. In the center of the space, there was a spring that was bubbling up clear water and exuding a refreshing atmosphere. Everything was full of infinite vitality and hope.

As for the two assassins who had not yet been summoned, he changed his mind and temporarily suppressed the urge to summon them immediately.

The timing isn't right yet. We'll wait until tomorrow when the transfer is finalized and the organization has a clear plan for our future before assigning them the most reasonable and inconspicuous identities, making the best use of them and turning them into hidden assets.

Tomorrow, everything will be different.

Liu Jianguo lay on his hospital bed, the pale sunlight streaming through the window on a winter afternoon in 1954. Hidden beneath the blanket, a restrained yet confident and expectant smile played on his lips.

The winter sun shone through the hospital room window, casting dappled shadows on the floor, making it feel less warm and more chilly.

The next morning, steady, familiar footsteps echoed outside the ward. The curtain was lifted, and the regimental commander of Liu Jianguo's unit walked in. The commander, surnamed Zhao, was a dark-skinned, lean, and wiry man with the marks of years of wind and sun on his face, but at this moment, a deep sense of regret lingered between his brows.

"Jianguo, how are you feeling?" Commander Zhao pulled up a stool and sat on the edge of the bed. His voice was much softer than usual. He took out half a pack of "Dashengchan" cigarettes from his pocket, took one out and put it in his mouth, but did not light it. He just habitually chewed on the cigarette butt.

"Commander, I'm much better." Liu Jianguo propped himself up to sit up, trying to make his complexion look less "peak" and appropriately revealing the weakness of a wounded soldier.

"Sigh!" Commander Zhao sighed heavily, took the cigarette from his mouth, and twirled it between his fingers. "The final diagnosis from the division hospital regarding your condition is in... It really hurts to see it! What a pity, Jian Guo, such a tiger general!"

Liu Jianguo remained silent, his gaze lowered, falling on the faded white quilt.

Regiment Commander Zhao paused for a moment, then continued, "The division commander personally inquired about your situation, and he also felt it was a pity. But things still need to be resolved. After deliberation by the division headquarters, taking into account your physical condition and future development, we are now giving you two options."

He held up two rough fingers: "First, transfer to a logistics department, such as a military supply depot or a clothing factory. The work is easy, and you can stay in the army. The second..." He looked at Liu Jianguo, "is to transfer to civilian work."

Before Liu Jianguo could react, Regiment Commander Zhao leaned forward again and lowered his voice: "Jianguo, to tell you the truth, this first option was something the division commander worked very hard to get for you. Now that the war is over, a large number of officers will be demobilized and resettled, and the quotas are very tight... The division commander really wants to keep you..." His words were clearly implied and meant to persuade him to stay.

"Commander," Liu Jianguo looked up, his face displaying a complex expression of disappointment, helplessness, and feigned strength, interrupting the commander, "I appreciate your and the division commander's kindness. But I know my own situation." He pointed to his chest, "I can't do strenuous exercise anymore. Staying in the army would just be occupying a position and becoming a burden on the organization. Forget it... I'll choose to transfer to civilian work."

He spoke sincerely, with a sense of melancholy like a hero at the end of his road, which made Commander Zhao's nose tingle with emotion.

"You kid... are you really sure?" Commander Zhao stared into his eyes and added in a low voice, "Logistics is pretty good, easy, and the pay isn't bad either."

Liu Jianguo shook his head firmly: "I've thought it through, Commander. I'll transfer to civilian life. I can still contribute to the construction of the new China even after returning to civilian life."

"Alright! Since you've made up your mind, I support you!" Commander Zhao wasn't one to mince words. He patted Liu Jianguo's shoulder forcefully. "When you get back to your hometown, if you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to call me! Our regiment, our division, will always be your home!"

He paused, a slight smile appearing on his face: "The division commander has also spoken. Since you were seriously wounded in battle and are being transferred to civilian work, your rank can be promoted, and you'll be assigned the待遇 (treatment/benefits) of a deputy regimental commander. He'll personally communicate with the local authorities to find you a good place!"

"Thank you, Commander! Thank you, Division Commander!" Liu Jianguo expressed his gratitude at the opportune moment.

"Alright, enough of this formality." Regiment Commander Zhao stood up and gave Liu Jianguo's shoulder a final squeeze. "When you get there, do a good job! Don't embarrass our heroic unit! Come on, the formalities are almost done, I'll have someone take you there."

……

December, 1954, winter.

A green train, billowing thick black smoke, sped northward along the tracks in the biting cold wind. Outside the window lay the vast and desolate North China Plain, with withered trees and bare fields, where occasionally one could see a farmer or two, bundled up tightly, slowly working on the land.

Liu Jianguo, dressed in a brand-new, dark green cotton military uniform without collar insignia or cap badges, sat in the hard-seat carriage. After nearly two months of rest (mainly to adapt to his new identity and familiarize himself with the system), he was now officially embarking on his journey home after being demobilized.