Chapter 8, Drinking Alcohol

The atmosphere of optimism and positivity that once filled the entire country after the recent experience of the Patriotic War has dissipated. At this time, the Soviet Union, having reached its 76th year, appeared to be quite powerful, seemingly gaining the upper hand in its rivalry with the United States, with Brezhnev being particularly aggressive. However, the drawbacks of the Soviet Union began to emerge; there was a serious bureaucratic style, the formation of interest groups, and especially Brezhnev's system of lifetime appointments for officials, which transformed the Soviet Union into a country ruled by the elderly, devoid of any vitality. Ultimately, it faced turmoil in later years, leading to the sudden collapse of the vast red empire.

The handbag she was holding just happened to be flung out and landed right at Andre's feet

The pilot took off the anti-G suit from the duty room beneath the control tower and changed back into his own clothes, and the two of them walked towards the dormitory

A convertible GAZ-69 car stopped in front of the bar at the center of the town, and Andre and Belyenko jumped out of the vehicle

The MiG-25's engine requires a large volume of air; however, a larger intake also increases drag. To enhance the intake density, it is necessary to reduce the intake temperature, thereby increasing the intake volume. The MiG-25's intake duct features a showerhead-like spraying and cooling device that cools the air and increases its density. This is not just pure water, but rather a mixture of water and ethanol, with ethanol enhancing the volatility of the solution and strengthening its effect. Therefore, in addition to carrying a substantial amount of fuel, the MiG-25 is also equipped with a 250-liter water tank containing a mixture of water and ethanol.

"The vodka near the base is all sold out," said Belyanko. "I brought this alcohol, come, have a drink."

Upon pushing open the dormitory door, Andrei urgently headed to the restroom. Inside the restroom, he detected a strong smell of alcohol.

Going out for a drink? Bian Lian Ke said: "There is no more alcohol near the base."

Andre certainly knows all of this. If he were to be reborn and become the General Secretary of a republic or a high-ranking official in Moscow, perhaps he would have the ability to change everything. But for now, he is merely a low-level pilot.

Qiu Guyevka is an ordinary small town in the Far East, lacking heavy industry. The residents primarily engage in agricultural production at collective farms. The town is dotted with low-rise houses, and only in the town center can one see a few two or three-story buildings. The symbols of the sickle and hammer are visible everywhere.

As the frontline of the Cold War, the pilots of the entire base reside in a building specifically constructed for them, which provides hot water around the clock. Each room accommodates two individuals and features a private bathroom, in addition to a television set within the premises

A girl walked by on the street ahead

"Let's go to the bar," said Andrei. "I know of a bar in the town of Chuguevka, let's go there and have a great time!"

Soviet men are all fond of drinking, which is also a basic necessity of life for people living in cold regions

The black camisole, with its alluring contours, fits so snugly around the bust that it seems almost ready to burst. The lower half features shorts that are nearly thigh-high, exposing the calves in a manner that is undeniably seductive, complemented by high-waisted long boots. Just by looking at this figure, one could easily deem it a rare beauty of the world

Whenever a man sees a beautiful girl, the first impression is often the same, isn't it? Andre couldn't help but glance a few more times. In later years, his aesthetic standards were still based on Chinese norms. However, looking at it now, the girls from Russia possess a unique charm as well

Bar? Upon hearing Andre's words, Belenko put down the cup he was mixing water in. The last drink he poured had too little water, resulting in a strong alcohol content, making it quite spicy to drink

The girl turned to Belyenko and showed a grateful smile: "It seems that I have twisted my ankle. Could you please unzip my boot so that I can take my foot out"

In fact, this place was once just a small village. It was only after the establishment of the Sokolovka base that it gradually prospered. Another main task of the town is to ensure the personnel consumption of the officers and soldiers stationed at the Sokolovka base

Upon pushing open the bathroom door, I saw a tall figure, Belyanko, sitting at the table by the window, pouring a strong alcoholic beverage from a bottle into a glass, the intense smell of alcohol permeating the entire room

Andrei had not yet had the chance to act when the nearby Belyenko quickly picked up the bag, took a couple of quick steps, and supported the girl, saying: "Comrade, your bag, do you need help?"

Looking at her face, it is even more exquisite, evoking admiration for the Creator's grace. Beneath her long eyelashes, her large eyes seem to speak; her high nose bridge and small mouth complement her wavy hair cascading down her back. Every smile and frown appears as if she is a goddess untouched by the mundane world, exuding an air of nobility and captivating beauty

"Captain Belyanko, are you drinking alcohol?" Andre was immediately taken aback

In this base, obtaining industrial alcohol is quite simple, as the MiG-25 is essentially "drinking" it

Andrei shook his head, stating that most Soviet people have a penchant for heavy drinking, and after drinking, they tend to resort to domestic violence.

Damn, doesn't this guy have a wife and kids? Why is he acting like a perennial loser now, as if he usually just watches Japanese animated films and suddenly has to face his goddess?

Regardless of the country, flying is a noble profession, and pilots receive the highest remuneration. In the Soviet Union, the most esteemed individuals in society were those from the KGB, followed by military personnel.

Just as Belenko's foot stepped onto the bar's stairs, his pace suddenly halted

Do not be overly concerned, feeling quite dissatisfied with the current situation, looking at this guy who is drinking, Andrei knows what he is feeling gloomy about

This fellow is usually quite fond of alcohol, and now, with no liquor available, he actually resorted to stealing alcohol and diluting it with water to drink

The base is already at Level 1 combat readiness, and a battle could break out at any moment. Andre said, "I must keep a clear mind"

Alright, let's go have a good drink! However, Andrei, I remember you used to not drink alcohol

Oh dear. Before she could reach the two people, the girl suddenly called out, as one of her boots, with a heel a few centimeters high, got stuck in the hole of the iron cover of the drain. As she bent down, she happened to catch a glimpse of the two fleshy spheres swaying inside her camisole.

Belyanko, bending down, seemed to have a slight tremor in his hands as he faced the girl's white, slender calves. He slowly unzipped the girl's boot.

"Andrei, here, you don't need to be too clear-headed; being muddled is the best way to be," said Belenko. "I really didn't expect that even in the front-line troops, it would be like this! It's just like at the test flight center; where is there any pure land? By the way, you can take care of writing the flight report."

In the planned economy of the Soviet Union, mentioning consumption seems somewhat superfluous; from pilots to ground crew, even underwear was distributed uniformly. However, people are not merely satisfied with basic living needs; there are also material and spiritual demands.

... ...

Qiu Guyevka has a cinema, shops and theaters, bookstores, and also bars

It has been only fifteen years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union! With a myriad of thoughts, Andrei watched as Belyenko drank cup after cup of industrial alcohol mixed with water, and quickly said: "Captain Belyenko, stop drinking that alcohol, let me take you out for a drink!"

This is industrial alcohol, not produced from grains, but manufactured through industrial methods. It contains a small amount of methanol, and consuming it can lead to blindness