Jiang Xiaochuan bought some trinkets for Jiang Encheng, guessing his father’s interest in old items. Exploring the antique market, he lacked discernment, leading to mostly fake purchases.

Jiang Encheng, an ex-clerk at a pawn shop, identified a genuine copper coin and said to Jiang Xiaochuan, “This is real but have little value.”

Jiang Xiaochuan looked at it and shrugged his shoulder, “I just bought it for fun, I thought you would like it.” He said with a relieved tone.

“Nonsense. Next time you buy, make sure to have the real ones. It’s a waste of money to buy fake things.” Jiang Encheng patten the table with great force and sent the antiques jumped on the table.

Jiang Xiaochuan quickly supported the fake glass bottle on the table, “Father, don’t get excited. I really didn’t spend much money.”

“Okay, okay. No matter how cheap it was, don’t spend it like this.” Jiang Encheng picked up the copper coins and playing it with his rough hands, “go to bed. You have to work tomorrow.”

“I will take care of this first then leave.” Jiang Xiaochuan refused to go.

“Go. I want to play with it for a while.” Jiang Encheng pushed Jiang Xiaochuan away and sat on the sofa, he looked carefully at the little things his son bought.

Jiang Xiaochuan stood for a while to look at his father then he felt a little bit sad.

“I will leave first.”

“Go and have a good sleep.”

Jiang Xiaochuan turned around and walked upstairs to his room. The new small building looked very luxurious; the floor was covered with carpets but it looks ordinary.

Before turning in a corner, he looked downstairs. The living room’s light was a little dim, concerned for his father. Jiang Xiaochuan turned on the light then he proceeded upstairs to his room.

Reflecting on his past and the erosion of ideals, he began writing on the unfinished self-examination letter with a worn-out pen, recalling his passionate oath under the party flag and the harsh reality that nearly erased it. Feeling like a disillusioned warrior, but he was ready to turn back like a madman.

He finished writing, folded the letter, and placed it in the envelope, reading it for a long time under the lamp, the light casting a thick shadow on his face.

After turning off the lights, he laid down to sleep.

.

Early the next morning, he discovered an extra bracelet on his bedside table—a simple copper coin threaded by a thick red string, the same one Jiang Encheng had admired the night before.

Putting it on his right hand, he prepared breakfast before leaving.

Jiang Encheng, accustomed to late breakfasts from his time in Vietnam, had developed the habit to avoid early meals, which caused a problem in the stomach.

In the morning, Jiang Xiaochuan saw Yue Qingci’s car passing the municipal compound.

A vehicle with a military license plate parked next to him. The window rolled down, revealing Yue Qingci’s face: “Deputy Mayor Jiang, would you like a ride?”

Jiang Xiaochuan declined courteously, “I didn’t want to disrupt Major Yue’s schedule. Please go slowly.”

Yue Qingci smiled, saluted with an upward arc of his index finger, and drove away, saying, “See you later, Deputy Mayor Jiang.”

See you?

Confused about it, before he could respond, the car already drove away.

Jiang Xiaochuan pondered his schedule. He didn’t think he has a schedule to meet the man.

On the way to City Hall, he called his secretary, Zhang Xiaoli, to confirm his itinerary. Upon entering his office, he asked, “Are you sure the itinerary is correct?”

Although Zhang Xiaoli had unclear relationship with Zhao Qian. But she was very capable of doing things, she was promoted to this position at a young age, if there were no cunning skills, she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

Therefore, Jiang Xiaochuan usually felt at ease dealing with her and Zhang Xiaoli also used with the deputy mayor’s working style. He never cares about anything except works, as long as you did your job efficiently, he wouldn’t care even if you relaxing on the office.

Jiang Xiaochuan preferred efficiency and anyone with ability would feel comfortable working with him.

After all, this world still speaks with strength.

Zhang Xiaoli was surprised by Jiang Xiaochuan’s inquiry, wondering if she had made a mistake or if he had peculiar habits she hadn’t noticed.

Frowning in thought, she firmly stated, “There are no mistakes, unless the given itinerary is wrong. Mayor Jiang, what is wrong?”

Jiang Xiaochuan knew his question was only half truth, casually straightened his sleeves and explained, “Nothing important, just checking. You go back.”

Jiang Xiaochuan still felt strange.

He had to inspect a few schools today and engaged in pro-people activities with knowledgeable reporters in tow, they wouldn’t take picture randomly. Some reporters selected by the government were out of ordinary like Xue Yan.

Anyone needed to be cautious while reporting on government affairs due to censorship issues.

As usual, he finished his tasks in the office efficiently. He needed to head out for inspection, naturally someone helped him to prepare things, this time it took a little longer, and Zhang Xiaoli followed him.

Touching the copper coin on his wrist, he entered the car. Zhang Xiaoli glanced outside. It seemed Zhou Qian’s car had passing by. Jiang Xiaochuan remained silent, knowing it wasn’t time for action, and Zhou Qian’s downfall was inevitable.

.

Chengzhou University, a renowned institution, was his inspection destination. Party and league organizations in the education department played a crucial role, and officials were periodically sent to assess their work. Maintaining purity among college students aligns with the higher-ups’ expectations as the college students were the new blood joining the party.

The Party Secretary and President of Chengzhou University came to greet Jiang Xiaochuan and began to explain to him about the university’s situation. Jiang Xiaochuan nodded and asking questions from time to time, while reporters quietly followed with their cameras and recorders.

The old campus occupied a large area and was among the top schools in the country. There were two playgrounds, one in the south and another in the north. Jiang Xiaochuan was heading for the south.

As they walked, Jiang Xiaochuan heard people shouting slogans, “Principal Zhang, is this military training?”

“Yes, military training for the freshmen, we invited soldiers from the Chengzhou Military Region to come here and help us with the new students. Would you like to have a look?”

Principal Zhang invited him and to his surprise, Yue Qingci was waiting for him there.

Jiang Xiaochuan’s expression remained unchanged. School inspection was part of the agenda, and the principal had extended an invitation. Declining would be a slight disgrace to others and suggest irresponsibility, so he agreed to observe the military training on the south playground.

The weather in Chengzhou during August and September was scorching, and the military training for new students were usually scheduled for March or April of the following year when the temperature was milder, as not to make the students felt very tired.

Instructors in light green shirts and military green trousers, along with armed forces members, stood tall.

As Jiang Xiaochuan stood on the sidelines, the nearest square formation came to a stop. Yue Qingci, in a camouflage military uniform with a confident and energetic demeanor, approached. Straightening his hat and giving a military salute, he greeted, “Hello, Deputy Mayor Jiang.”

Anticipating this, Jiang Xiaochuan responded with a standard military salute. Onlookers, including puzzled reporters, observed the formal exchange. The military region’s information was confidential, prohibiting the publication of photos or details about its personnel. It must pass the strict review by supervisor department, before an information could be given out.

Yue Qingci, indifferent yet Jiang Xiaochuan felt he was smiling, returned to the training.

‘What are you smiling about?’

Jiang Xiaochuan couldn’t help but recall Yue Qingci’s morning words, ‘See you later.’

As he walked away, Jiang Xiaochuan noticed the precision of Yue Qingci’s steps, each measuring a standard 75 centimeters.

The training in the Chengzhou Military Region was rigorous, with no exceptions for those from prominent backgrounds like Yue Qingci. Despite the peaceful times, people preferred government and party committee roles, making military areas seem desolate in comparison, even though the soldiers were well-treated.

Jiang Xiaochuan exchanged words with Principal Zhang, and the reporters dispersed. Standing on the playground’s edge, he observed Yue Qingci, possibly known as the “devil instructor” during his time as an instructor.

“Lift your legs, haven’t you eaten yet?”

Yue Qingci stood in front of the first row, pressed the brim of his hat with one hand and another on his belt, displaying precise movements. He looked extremely chic but his eyes were slanted with humor as the student was embarrassed and quickly followed.

Jiang Xiaochuan chuckled at Yue Qingci’s strictness.

How could he, a promising major officer, compete with a freshman student?

He wondered if Yue Qingci took the instructor role at Chengzhou University to escape the perceived boredom of the military area.

Aware that Yue Qingci knew about his visit in advance, Jiang Xiaochuan pondered the confidentiality breach. His itineraries were typically confidential, known only to him and relevant departments. How Yue Qingci obtained this information remained a mystery.