Chapter 3

I returned to the ranks, feeling dejected and clutching my gun, only to find the surrounding soldiers looking at me with strange expressions, and some were even whispering among themselves. I faintly heard the words "coward" and it truly did not sit well with me. ... I thought to myself, what kind of world is this, I might die here, and before I do, I have to be called a coward by others

"Squad leader!" the company commander, who was leisurely tying his leg straps, replied, "As soldiers, we only need to follow orders and fight. How could the higher-ups make such a mistake? It's better not to worry about this too much!"

I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the battalion must have communicated with the higher-ups before the war began

Capture Hill No. 7

The warriors conducted a final check of their equipment, their eyes fixed intently on Hill No. 7, shrouded in mist several hundred meters away. However, my thoughts were not on the enemy at all; instead, I was on edge, waiting for the arrival of the shells.

Of course I didn't hear wrong! I patted my chest and said: "The person who said this is my fellow townsman. We chatted a bit when we met, and he also mentioned that beyond Hill No. 1 is the Old Street! So how come now... Platoon Leader, think about it, if Hill No. 1 is mistaken for Hill No. 7, and Hill No. 7 is taken for some other hill, then the artillery preparation..."... Platoon Leader, think about it, if Hill No. 1 is mistaken for Hill No. 7, and Hill No. 7 is taken for some other hill, then the artillery preparation..."

He spat disdainfully on the ground, and the surrounding soldiers also looked at me with disapproval, as if I had committed some heinous act

In the end, I couldn't help but ask: "Squad Leader, why don't you say something!"

The soldiers quickly surrounded us, and the squad leader drew his pistol, raising it with an imposing demeanor. He lowered his voice and said: "Comrades, after the artillery fire is prepared, we will take Hill No. 7 in one go!"

Originally, I thought that Tu Shu would complain about me a bit, but to my surprise, he said nothing at all

While in a state of astonishment, a correspondent hurriedly ran up, panting, and exclaimed: "The plan is canceled, the plan is canceled... Squad Leader Li, the battalion commander has ordered you to pull the troops back and await further instructions"

The company commander nodded at me and said: "This is Comrade Yang Xuefeng. He reported this situation to us, which spared our troops... No, it should be said that it spared our entire battalion from a friendly fire casualty. This fully demonstrates that to become an outstanding revolutionary soldier, merely being able to wield a gun in battle is far from sufficient; one must also possess excellent observational skills and a meticulous attitude. Comrades, we should learn from Comrade Yang Xuefeng!"

What happened?

However, after waiting for a long time, neither the artillery shells arrived nor was there any order to charge.

Scar turned his gaze towards me, and I gritted my teeth, pretending to be confident as I nodded.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but find it amusing. There is a saying, "The victor is king, while the vanquished is a bandit." I originally thought this saying could only be applied on the battlefield, but it turns out it also applies to mental states. Just now, I was criticized for "disturbing the morale of the troops," and now it has transformed into an attitude of being "meticulous and serious"

"Squad Leader, I... I didn't mean it that way! Now I really feel quite wronged

Squad Leader! Thinking of this, I anxiously asked, "Is this... the No. 7 Heights in front of us?"

Comrades! After the company commander received a phone call, he ran back to stand in front of us and shouted: "A major incident has occurred. We have just received news from higher authorities that the artillery unit's high ground number is different from ours! Damn it... just now, the shells almost landed on us and the - map - books!"

Why not continue fighting

I could only grip the rifle tightly in my hands, my eyes fixed on the cave not far away, waiting for any sign of trouble to dart into the cave.

What? Why can't I fight? Scarface was already upset with me, and at this moment, he was even more furious. He could no longer afford to be polite with me, pointing at me and cursing: "You are truly embarrassing us Fujian people. Is there anyone who serves in the military like you? You get scared at every little thing before even fighting a few battles..."

With a loud cheer, intense applause erupted around me. Those warriors who had previously looked down on me now gazed at me with admiration and envy.

Rushing to the company commander, Scarface stood at attention and reported: "Report, Company Commander, the situation is urgent. Comrade Yang Xuefeng has just come from the artillery position, and he said... it seems that the higher-ups have made a mistake with the numbering of the high ground"

Comrades! The squad leader continued to wave his hand and said: "Here, we must thank a comrade... This one is..."

This ... ... I hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly had a thought and replied: "That's strange, I arrived at the battlefield relatively late, and when I passed by our artillery position ... ... it seemed like I heard them say they had just captured Hill No. 7, so how is there now another Hill No. 7?"

I nervously glanced at the sky, even though I knew full well that I wouldn't be able to see the shells coming, no matter what...

"Kid!" Scar heavily patted my shoulder and said, "This time, we owe it all to you. Otherwise, our troops would have suffered countless casualties! Consider it a debt our unit owes you!"

"What are you saying? What is there to say?" Scarface said, filled with confusion.

Before long, the microphone was handed to the company commander, who spoke into it: "Is this the battalion headquarters? We have a comrade here reporting that the number of the high ground is incorrect. Yes... Please verify this with the artillery unit. Yes, yes, we will resolutely obey the orders"

As soon as the warriors sat down at the gathering place, they began to whisper among themselves. I was about to say something, but a glance from Scar made me swallow my words. At that moment, I recalled the company commander's order from earlier. I almost made a mistake again.

The scarred face changed color: "Did you not hear correctly?"

Seeing this, I couldn't help but feel angry. When have I ever been looked down upon from childhood to adulthood? So I straightened my chest and said: "Squad Leader, when I say we shouldn't fight, it's not out of fear for my life... A severed head is just a scar the size of a bowl, what is there to be afraid of? I, Yang Xuefeng, am a man who stands tall and strong, am I not?"

... ...

The company commander glanced at his watch without haste, leisurely lit a cigarette, and exhaled a puff of smoke in a relaxed manner. Only then did he nod towards the side and call out, "Xiao Chen, give the battalion headquarters a call!"

Laughter immediately erupted all around.

I must admit that I regret this time, wondering why I always preferred to indulge in revelry outside rather than returning home in modern times... If only I could go home now...

Then why don't you explain... why it can't be done?

With a single sound of "Hush," the soldiers immediately began to discuss among themselves, each feeling fortunate to have just escaped a calamity

Home... I used to feel it was so close, that I could return at any time, but now it seems so distant

But what can be done? Not escaping means waiting here to die, while escaping makes one a deserter, which also leads to death

Who is right and who is wrong is still uncertain! The scarred man smiled faintly and said, "Besides, this is none of your business, isn't it I who decided to take you to meet the company commander?"

The company commander put down the microphone, lowered his head to continue tying the leg straps of the book bag, and said casually: "Just do what you need to do! The battalion headquarters has said they will verify, but without orders from higher-ups, everything will proceed as planned! Also, issues like this can significantly affect the morale of the soldiers and their enthusiasm for striking the enemy. If it is not necessary, do not speak carelessly, understood?"

I let out a bitter laugh without saying a word: What difference does it make if the army owes me? Can it prevent me from going to the battlefield? Can it spare my life? Can it send me back home?

Scar glanced at me and said irritably, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. Can't you see everyone is busy fighting?"

No, it's not... that... I was momentarily taken aback. How should I put it? Should I say that the old man told me? Should I say that I come from a time and space decades in the future? I'm afraid these people would not only disbelieve me but would also think that I have lost my mind

I noticed that Scar's brow was also furrowed, suggesting that he shared the same concerns as I did, and he seemed intent on leading us near a cave. From this, I could tell that Scar was not very confident in the commands from our superiors

"What do you mean by that?" Scar, disregarding my explanation, said harshly to me: "Kid, are you afraid of dying? You... you get out of my sight!"

I have also heard about this from the old man. I remember at that time, he seemed to recall something, speaking very gravely: "The ten years of turmoil have just ended, and there are not many soldiers who have received training. When it comes to fighting, it becomes chaotic, and there are many instances of our own people fighting against each other..."

The warriors were all eagerly rubbing their fists, yet I was the only one who anxiously glanced at the squad leader from time to time, and then looked around.

But what I am most worried about is not this. What if... ? What if what the old man said is true? What should we do about m.hetushu.com? What if the shells really do come crashing down on our heads?

Understood! I and Scar reluctantly took a step back.

Avenge the comrades who sacrificed their lives

I anxiously said, "Squad Leader! We cannot fight this battle!"

What is going on? The company commander glanced at the watch and murmured, clearly the scheduled time for the artillery preparation had arrived, yet the artillery fire had not come as expected

Prepare for battle! The company commander glanced at the watch on his wrist and issued the final command

With that said about the scar, I have nothing more to add

Indeed! Scar looked at me incredulously and said, "Look at the battle you've fought; you almost lost your life up there, and you still don't know what this high ground is!"

Will this time also ... ... As for what comes next, I dare not think about it. If I were to die at the hands of the enemy, I could at least be considered a martyr. But if I were to die at the hands of my own people ... ...

Don't overthink it! Scar patted my shoulder and said: Prepare well for battle!

You have been criticized! I said, "Isn't this all because of me? At least scold me a little..."

... ...

"Hmm!" Company Commander Li issued the order somewhat reluctantly, while casting a glance at me.

Scar jumped up in a flash, grabbing me and running: "Let's go, meet the company commander!"

In fact, I am not uncertain; I am just thinking... If this is true, then if I do not persist, wouldn't I be putting my own life at risk? If it is not true, then at worst, I would just be confined, which would conveniently spare me from having to fight

"Squad Leader!" Scar handed over a cigarette and said, "There is a saying that caution makes for a long-lasting ship. Why don't we... make a phone call to confirm with the higher-ups? After all, we have time now"

Set

Yang Xuefeng, with a hint of pride, said: "I am Yang Xuefeng from the second row"