To please others? It's better to please yourself.

Not long after Shen Yue returned to his unit, he was promoted to regimental commander again. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would be the advance force, heading ahead of the main force.

He calculated that he would have at most two more months to spend with his children. So, whenever he could go home recently, he would try to go back and visit them.

The four children were close in age, and as soon as Shen Yue entered the house, he hugged each of them and then played with them for a while with their toys.

Tang Huiqi brought the baby food from the kitchen and fed the children with Gu Panpan.

Shen Yue looked at Tang Huiqi and said, "Sister Tang, I've been quite busy over the past year and haven't been home often. I'll have to trouble you a lot during this time."

Sister Tang quickly said, "I'm retired now, and all I do at home is sit around doing nothing. Besides, my children are well-behaved and sensible, and I can't bear to leave them."

Tang Huiqi's youngest son enlisted in the army earlier this year. It was Shen Yue who helped him get recruited.

It's clear that Shen Yue is going on a long trip and his family is facing difficulties. The other woman who helped, Sister Lan, went back to her hometown two months ago.

She can't just take advantage of something and then walk away without a care in the world!

In dealing with people, you can't use people when you need them and then discard them when you don't. That will only lead to a narrower and narrower path! Even in a transaction involving mutual benefit, you must still consider each other's dignity.

Gu Panpan watched Shen Yue and Sister Tang talking, lost in thought. She felt that Shen Yue had changed somewhat since his recent visit home.

Even after their last conversation, the two still felt somewhat awkward around each other. Despite Shen Yue's repeated attempts to reassure himself, his words and actions still betrayed a sense of resentment and helplessness.

But this time when he returned, Shen Yue was very calm, or rather, more rational. Moreover, when facing Gu Panpan, he showed no emotional fluctuation whatsoever, as if they were two partners who had come together for mutual benefit.

Based on her intuition honed over many years in her past life, she was certain that a woman had appeared. To be precise, a woman who had captured Shen Yue's heart had appeared.

But Gu Panpan wasn't flustered at this moment. Because she had four children. How many women stronger than her, with any ability and ambition, would willingly be a stepmother to four children?

Those who are willing to come, how much better are they than Gu Panpan? No matter how nice they sound or how glamorous they appear, what essential difference is there between them?

After the children went to sleep at night, Shen Yue and Gu Panpan sat facing each other in the living room.

Shen Yue softened his tone: "You should be able to sense that I might be leaving soon. You don't need to worry about anything else, just take good care of the four children."

Gu Panpan, who had been reborn, knew all too well what would happen at this point in time.

So he nodded: "Don't worry, since it came from my belly, I'll definitely take good care of it!"

Shen Yue pondered for a moment: "Don't take the four children out of the military compound, and definitely not by car. It's a bit chaotic outside right now, and you can't handle it alone."

"My monthly salary will be delivered to me."

"If someone asks you for a favor, don't accept it."

"If everything goes smoothly, that's fine. If anything unexpected happens, just call Mom; I've arranged everything."

……

Shen Yue told Gu Panpan everything he could remember.

As for Gu Panpan herself, Shen Yue didn't need to give her any further instructions. She was a ruthless person who would risk her life to avoid being taken advantage of, so he didn't need to worry about her.

The two of them discussed things and acted with great courtesy, but they just didn't seem like a married couple.

Tang Huiqi, however, was unfazed. She'd been a nurse her whole life; what kind of people hadn't she seen? She wouldn't listen to what she shouldn't hear, and she wouldn't look at what she shouldn't see!

********

Vietnamese diplomats have repeatedly claimed that one Vietnamese soldier can take on thirty Chinese soldiers.

Every Chinese person who hears this will be furious.

"A bunch of ungrateful bastards!"

"When Vietnam was at war with France, and later with the United States, when didn't we provide support?"

"Back then, we all tightened our belts and didn't skimp on anything for them."

"From weapons to medicine, from communications to air defense, engineering, railways, and logistics, haven't we provided enough assistance?"

"That adds up to a total of $200 billion!"

"The North Vietnamese army suffered repeated defeats in the past, and it was our main divisions and military academy officers who went to guide the operations and help them train their troops."

"They're a bunch of ingrates!"

……

At the operational meeting, everyone was filled with righteous indignation whenever Vietnam was mentioned.

Back in November 1977, they were still patting us on the shoulder, saying we were brothers and they would never forget our kindness. But in the blink of an eye, they turned on us and stabbed us in the back. Their betrayal was so blatant it's unbelievable!

Who could be happy about that?

Most men's impression of women is that they are weak and soft-hearted.

Perhaps Shen Yue viewed women the same way ten years ago, but not now.

Because he experienced it firsthand!

From Gu Panpan to her sister-in-law, are they all kind-hearted? Aren't they all ruthless? He wouldn't even let them live in the same courtyard.

How many soldiers aren't chauvinistic? Because these people always believe that war is a man's business.

Most female soldiers are responsible for logistics; very few women go to the front lines to bleed and risk their lives.

Vietnam and the United States fought from 61 to 75, a full 15 years. How many American soldiers died at the hands of Vietnamese women?

Nguyen Van Hue, known as "Vietnam's No. 1 female spy," killed more than 100 American soldiers. The U.S. military even offered a $50,000 bounty for her life.

This forced the US military to use lactation-inducing drugs on these Vietnamese female soldiers. As a result, the war became even more brutal! Because these female soldiers began a suicidal fighting mode.

Moreover, Vietnam is currently in a state of national mobilization. Under such circumstances, women, children, and the elderly cannot possibly remain uninvolved.

Then you must put away any unnecessary sympathy. If you feel sorry for them and lower your guard, you'll be facing utter disaster!

Thinking about this, Shen Yue felt he had to do some ideological work with his men. Otherwise, they would just be easy prey for the enemy.

The regiment held one operational meeting after another. Shen Yue concluded, "As the vanguard, we are the first to face the difficulties. We need to pay attention to roughly these five points:"

"First, Vietnam is a jungle region. Whoever occupies the high ground can control the battle. Moreover, they are good at hiding."

"Secondly, Vietnam is a nation on high alert. Many women and children are feigning help. So if we don't distinguish between genuine and fake help and rush in to assist, what follows will be a suicidal attack. We cannot act out of kindness indiscriminately!"

"Third, capture the prisoners and tie their hands together, one in front and one behind, to prevent them from escaping en route. You can never be too vigilant!"

Fourth, be aware of the problem of acclimatization issues.

Fifth, and most importantly: the Vietnamese are very familiar with our tactics.

Their combat tactics were all taught to them by us. They copied their methods exactly, including tunneling and guerrilla warfare.

Shen Yue sighed: "Besides, that's their home turf, which makes it virtually impossible for us to defend against. It could easily turn into a brutal war of attrition."

"At the pre-battle mobilization meeting, we must do a good job of persuading our comrades. Being careful and cautious will prevent us from making mistakes!"

"Anything else to add? If not, the meeting is adjourned!"

"Achoo—Achoo—Achoo—"

Shen Yue sneezed as he left the conference room. He wondered to himself: Who's been talking about him like this for thirty years?