Starting from 1950

The next day.

Su Yang went to the office building first, intending to report to Zhou Zheng that he would no longer go to the Nanta Slaughterhouse.

As soon as he went up to the second floor, he heard a fierce argument. People in the offices were peeking out but dared not come out.

Zhou Zheng's secretary, Li Yan, stood ramrod straight at the door of the factory director's office. Beside him stood a young soldier in military uniform. The two exchanged glances, but neither of them spoke.

The argument was coming from the factory manager's office.

"Old Luo! I volunteered to transfer to civilian work before because I felt the war was over and our main task should be to rebuild the local area. But now, war could break out again at any time, and I have to go back to the unit! Even if you don't agree, I will submit an application to the higher-ups!" It was Zhou Zheng's voice.

"Who told you a fight could break out at any moment?" It was an unfamiliar male voice.

"Don't give me that. I joined the team in '29, a year earlier than you. After fighting for so many years, I can still make that kind of judgment!"

"That won't work either. Your back injury can't handle high-intensity combat. Didn't the doctor in Qiongzhou say that if you don't take good care of yourself, one day you won't be able to walk anymore?"

"Enough nonsense! I've been eating and sleeping well lately, and my back injury is fully healed. You're the regimental commander, and I'm the political commissar. You're in charge of the fighting, but everything else is my decision!"

"Old Zhou, logistical tasks are just as important!"

Su Yang listened silently for a while and gradually understood the cause and effect.

He knew that Zhou Zheng was the regimental political commissar who had been transferred to civilian work, and the other person in the office should be the regimental commander who had previously worked with Zhou Zheng.

Commander Luo's troops have arrived in Shenzhou and will head to Andong after a short rest.

He also took the opportunity to visit his old comrades-in-arms, but Zhou Zheng insisted on returning to his unit after learning about the old unit's next plan.

That's when the two started arguing.

Su Yang was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected that Zhou Zheng, who was usually serious and rigid, would have this side to him, using "I" repeatedly when arguing.

The door to Zhou Zheng's office was slammed open, and a burly, dark-skinned, middle-aged military officer with sharp, eagle-like eyes strode out.

He was wearing an old military uniform that was washed to a crisp but ironed. The iron-blooded aura he exuded on the battlefield was overwhelming, causing the cadres who were peeking out in the corridor to instantly shrink back.

Commander Luo's face was ashen. He stopped abruptly at the door, turned back, and growled at the doorway, "Old Zhou! This is not the time for rash actions! I won't pass a single word of your report up! Stay put at the flour mill and keep the rear under control! That's your combat mission!"

After saying that, he didn't linger. With a rage as fierce as a storm, he strode downstairs, his footsteps echoing heavily in the empty corridor.

Su Yang stood near the stairwell, watching Commander Luo and his bodyguards disappear around the corner in a flurry of activity.

He then walked to the door of the factory director's office.

The door was ajar, and he knocked lightly, somewhat cautiously.

"Come in!" Zhou Zheng's voice carried lingering anger and a hint of weariness.

Su Yang went in, and Zhou Zheng stood with his back to the door and by the window, his broad shoulders tense, his fists clenched, and his knuckles white.

"Factory Manager," Su Yang said.

Zhou Zheng's body trembled slightly, and he slowly turned around.

His eyes were bloodshot, but when he saw that it was Su Yang, the tough lines of a soldier softened a little.

"Xiao Su, is something the matter?"

"Well, just wanted to let you know, the rat infestation at the South Tower slaughterhouse has been basically resolved, so I won't be going there anymore," Su Yang said succinctly.

"Okay, I understand. You've worked hard these past few days. Director Zhao at the slaughterhouse has praised you a lot, saying that you're not only good at exterminating rats, but also a master at slaughtering pigs." Zhou Zheng nodded, walked behind his desk and sat down, his fingers unconsciously tapping the surface, appearing somewhat absent-minded.

His mind was clearly still on the unpleasant argument that had just ended.

Su Yang hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help asking tentatively, "Factory Director, that person just now... was he your old regimental commander? Is it... time for war?"

Zhou Zheng remained silent for a few seconds, then finally let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair.

"Xiao Su," his voice was deep and serious, "don't ask questions you shouldn't ask."

"Factory Director, are you... going back to the army?" Su Yang looked at Zhou Zheng and couldn't help but ask again.

"Me?" Zhou Zheng gave a bitter laugh, filled with self-mockery and helplessness. "Old Luo is right. My old bones are still injured, and I can't go to the front lines. The higher-ups won't approve it either. My battlefield is right here."

He pointed to the ground beneath his feet, "Ensure production and stabilize the rear. The flour mill must operate at full capacity! Once the fighting starts, every extra bag of flour we produce means one more meal for the soldiers on the front lines!"

His gaze refocused on Su Yang: "Xiao Su, I know your abilities. Exterminating rats is also contributing to food security. The situation is serious now, and the factory's production tasks will be even heavier. Protecting food and ensuring supply is ensuring victory! Your burden as the 'pest control officer' will only become heavier! Do you have confidence?"

"Yes!" Su Yang straightened his back and answered without hesitation.

"Okay!" Zhou Zheng nodded emphatically, a smile finally appearing on his face. "Go get busy. Remember, keep your mouth shut and don't cause any unnecessary panic in the factory."

Su Yang nodded, turned and left the office.

In the days that followed, the shadow of war grew ever darker, and the wording in the newspapers became increasingly harsh.

Starting in August, Limin Flour Factory suddenly announced the addition of night shifts, and many unemployed employees' family members were recruited into the factory as workers.

The militia training in the factory was also suddenly intensified, and the workers were forced to go to the security department's firing range every week to fire a few live rounds.

Su Yang's life became more regular and busy.

He is now fully committed to the rat extermination work at the flour mill. In the past, when there were fewer rats, he often worked sporadically.

He has now adjusted his working hours.

Mice are nocturnal creatures and are more active at night than during the day, so he volunteered to work the night shift.

His work hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day.

Wu Xinxue felt sorry for him and complained many times about why a child like him had to work the night shift.

Su Yang would just smile and remain silent each time.

He has now reached level 10 and has excellent physical abilities.

He secretly tested his strength; he could lift four 50-pound bags of flour, and that wasn't even his limit.

He had been hiding it all along simply to avoid causing a sensation.

With the panel's support, working the night shift is a piece of cake for Su Yang and won't harm his body.

......

Once people get busy, time flies by like a galloping wild donkey, and in the blink of an eye, you can only see its tail.

It's almost the end of October.

The newspapers continued to report their respective condemnations.

On the streets of Shenzhou, military vehicles and groups of soldiers came and went in an endless stream.

The city's residents have become accustomed to this.

Su Yang knew, however, that the first batch of pioneers were still secretly entering the battlefield.

Zhou Zheng became even busier, practically living in the office, holding meetings and making plans day and night.