Your promise, my sea

Chapter 8 The Warmth of the Plateau

When studying, Yan Zhen had an inexplicable longing for Tibet.

She fantasized that one day she would be able to ford the Yarlung Zangbo River, step over the snow-capped mountains, and enjoy the sunshine that seems to be within reach on the plateau above 4000 meters above sea level.

Now that dream has finally come true.In the morning, the moment the curtains were drawn, the sun slowly came in from the window.The sunlight looked extremely bright after being refracted by the snowflakes, and Yan Zhen's eyes were stung after only one glance.

Suddenly a hand stretched out from behind and closed the curtain with a swipe.Yan Zhen turned around with his eyes covered, and saw Gu Huaiyue with a calm face through his fingers.

"woke up?"

"Yeah." She withdrew her arm, her expression a little embarrassed, "I just woke up."

It was also rare for him to see her in such a daze, and he loosened his brows slightly, and said, "Then go wash up, I'll go buy breakfast."

Yan Zhen nodded in agreement, picked up the cosmetic bag and went straight to the bathroom.Looking at her panicked back, Gu Huaiyue smiled lightly.

The train departed from City C and traveled along the railway line for two nights and one day.In other words, more than half of the nearly 48-hour drive has passed.Gu Huaiyue opened the curtains again, looked at the morning sun, and silently greeted this place after a long absence.

Tibet, here I come.

Because Yan Zhen agreed to accompany him, the old lady Gu no longer objected to Gu Huaiyue's going to Tibet.In fact, the old lady was still a little conflicted, because she didn't want the two of them to go to such a far and cold place, but when she thought that Yan Zhen would go with him, she felt that this was a rare opportunity for the two of them.After much deliberation, the old lady compromised.

Considering Yan Zhen's first trip to Tibet, they still chose to take the train.The trains on this route are all specially designed, and the quality of the hardware and software is absolutely nothing to say.

Gu Huaiyue simply bought some breakfast from the restaurant, and when she returned to her seat, Yan Zhen had already washed up, and was looking at the distant scenery through the window. She had seen too many beautiful scenery along the way.The Kunlun Mountains, which are covered with thick snow and glisten in the sun, the Tibetan antelopes that haunt the Hoh Xil no-man's land in groups, and the legendary yaks.The way she looked at all this could almost be described as obsession.Gu Huaiyue also realized that he had been staring at her for too long, so he coughed and handed over the breakfast in his hand.

Yan Zhen came back to his senses quickly, looked at him, and smiled embarrassedly.

"Does your eye still hurt?" He asked softly.

Yan Zhen shook her head: "It doesn't hurt anymore." She took the breakfast and asked casually, "Is your comrade-in-arms still in Tibet?"

"Yes." Gu Huaiyue replied softly, after a moment of silence, he smiled slightly, "He likes it more than anyone else."

Even they themselves don't know which wave of recruits they are entering Tibet.The dilapidated barracks that have been maintained every year, the altitude sickness that still gave them a splitting headache after two or three days of adaptation, the damp bedding when they fell asleep at night, and the biting cool wind coming in through the windows all made this place a nightmare for them.But even so, there are always a few exceptions. Gu Huaiyue is glad that he met one, and that person is his first company commander.

The company commander was born in a foggy place in the south, and Yishui's southern accent made it difficult for soldiers selected from the north to adapt.But it was this company commander with a southern accent who trained a group of elite soldiers. Gu Huaiyue said: "The company commander said that there is always heavy fog in their hometown, and the sun cannot be seen all day long. He was annoyed So he went to Tibet to serve as a soldier, and decided never to go back."

This group of military cadets who had just left the army and were still childish were amused by the company commander's words.Yan Zhen also smiled, she could feel that as the train wheels turned slowly, that mysterious heaven was beckoning to her.

In the evening, the train arrives in Lhasa.

After Yan Zhen was fully armed, he followed Gu Huaiyue out of the car, and he took all the luggage, but Yan Zhen still didn't feel much easier.Because there is a special oxygen release device on the train, Yan Zhen didn't really feel the thinness of the plateau air until he got off the train.

"Is it uncomfortable?"

Seeing her take a deep breath, Gu Huaiyue asked in a low voice.

"It's okay." Yan Zhen shook her head quickly. Although her head did hurt a bit, it was still tolerable so far.

Gu Huaiyue also felt that he was a little overly nervous, probably because he brought a woman to the plateau for the first time.He pursed his lips, didn't speak any more, stood where he was, and looked around.

Yan Zhen looked at him and asked in a low voice: "Is there a car to the border guards here?"

"Someone is here to pick you up." Gu Huaiyue said, his eyes suddenly lit up, "Here we come!"

Following his line of sight, Yan Zhen saw a man in military uniform striding towards them, his brows were filled with the surprise and smile that only when old friends meet again: "Hey, here we come!"

Gu Huaiyue looked at the man, and also smiled heartily: "The company commander came to pick him up in person, this really frustrates me."

After finishing speaking, he saluted respectfully.

It turned out that this was the company commander he was talking about, and Yan Zhen looked at the colonel in front of him with interest.

"Yan Zhen, this is my old company commander, the current head of the border defense regiment, Pang Kai."

Gu Huaiyue introduced to Yan Zhen, and Pang Kai reached out to shake her hand.The moment he shook hands, Yan Zhen felt the calluses on his hands, which were so painful.Pang Kai patted Gu Huaiyue on the shoulder, and said in a standard southern way: "I haven't seen you for ten years. Not only do I have a wife and child, but I even have the same military rank as me! You can do it!"

"Isn't that what you said? Don't come back to see you if you don't have a family, a career, and fame. My ten years are pretty fast!"

"You boy!" Pang Kai laughed, picked up their luggage and walked back, "Go, get in the car! Go back to the group and get together!"

This is the comrade-in-arms, this is the old company commander, see you in ten years, just a moment, the gap of these ten years can be eliminated invisible.

The road back to the border defense regiment was a bit long, and it took nearly four hours to drive south from Lhasa.The temperature in Lhasa in winter is very low at night, Yan Zhen nestled in his coat and listened to the conversation between the two.Yan Zhen didn't know much about Pang Kai.All she knew was that Pang Kai was from the south and had joined the army after graduating from junior high school.Because of his competitive nature, he has practiced all kinds of military skills very well, and several subjects have been commended by the whole army.It's just that due to insufficient knowledge and cultural level, I have been a soldier for 23 years and I am only a regiment leader.In fact, Pang Kai has no complaints about this point. Being able to stay in Tibet is already his greatest wish, and other things are nothing compared to it.

Pang Kai said while driving: "You guys came at the right time. The regiment will deliver supplies to Jiulian the day after tomorrow. If you want to see him, follow the convoy. I'll take you there."

"Arrange a car at random, you don't need to get in it yourself, it's not that big of a fight." Gu Huaiyue subconsciously refused.

"You are so beautiful. It has snowed again these days. The road from the regiment to the Ninth Company is difficult. I, the regiment leader, just leave the soldiers alone? What is that like!"

Gu Huaiyue was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled, took out a box of tightly wrapped things from the suitcase, and handed it over.Captain Pang glanced at it: "What is so strict?"

"medicine."

Pang Kai was stunned, and smiled: "Don't worry, as you said, the scourge will last for thousands of years, and it's not so easy to sacrifice." This is what happened when Gu Huaiyue was the platoon leader. It was his first year after graduating from the military academy. It was also his first time training recruits. Because the company commander Pang Kai had strict requirements, the recruits were trained to scream and called him "black face" behind his back.Afterwards, Pang Kai found out, and he didn't get angry, but quietly asked Gu Huaiyue and the others to increase their training.

Gu Huaiyue twitched the corner of his mouth slightly, but did not let go of his joke because of his joke: "That is to say, the medicine still has to be taken."

Yan Zhen listened from the side, a little curious: "What's wrong with Commander Pang?"

Hearing this, Pang Kai coughed a few times, and gave Gu Huaiyue a wink from the rearview mirror.Gu Huaiyue pretended not to see it: "High altitude heart disease."

Yan Zhen didn't know how serious the disease was, but the word "heart disease" alone could startle her: "Is it serious?"

Pang Kai sighed after hearing this: "Look, look, I still want to maintain a military image in front of my younger siblings, but you ruined it all, and I suddenly became a sick child."

Yan Zhen shook his head and said with a smile: "No, you can take medicine, just to reassure sister-in-law."

As soon as the words fell, Pang Kai laughed loudly: "Sister-in-law? You don't know where your sister-in-law is yet!"

Pang Kai is still unmarried, which surprised Yan Zhen a little.

"There's nothing to say, who wants to marry a man who has only returned home five times in 20 years?"

Pang Kai waved his hand and said lightly.

But Yan Zhen also understands that the more you can't get something, the more you want it in your heart.For the soldiers who guard the border on the plateau, what they want most is a home.

Thinking of this, Yan Zhen felt a little heavy, and the temple that was originally aching, began to swell again at this moment.

"Headache?"

Seeing her frowning, Gu Huaiyue asked in a low voice.Yan Zhen rubbed his forehead, shook his head and said, "It's okay."

"Are you too tired? This regiment headquarters is a little far away. If you feel uncomfortable, just tell me, don't hold back."

Pang Kai also persuaded her, Yan Zhen could only smile lightly and said, "It's really fine."

After getting along for a long time, Gu Huaiyue discovered that Yan Zhen is a very tolerant person.Coupled with his understanding of the plateau environment, he took another military overcoat and handed it to her: "The border guards will have to wait a while to arrive, so take a rest first."

Yan Zhen turned his head to look at him blankly.The pair of eyes in the dimly lit carriage were condensed with a faint light, and the calm and soft eyes made her irresistible.She stretched out her hand to hold the thick military coat, and the corners of her mouth slightly curled up: "Okay."

Xu is really tired, Yan Zhen fell asleep during the trip.

As if she had a dream, her eyes were pitch black, as if she was blindfolded and entered a deep tunnel, she could only walk forward slowly.Somewhere, the air there smelled of damp, and the cold feeling made her shiver uncontrollably.I can't find the end, but I still have to move forward, and I can't stop here.The cramped space was almost suffocating, so even though her head was tearing, she still had to stand up and walk forward with all her strength.After an unknown amount of time, a bright light suddenly appeared in front of her eyes, and then fresh air entered her nostrils. She relaxed all her nerves and opened her eyes.

Um?where is this place?
Yan Zhen blinked, looking at the ceiling above his head, still a little confused.

She shouldn't be in the car, why is she lying here?There is no bumpy driving, bright incandescent lamps, white walls, and solid bed boards.Could it be that you have already arrived at the regiment headquarters?

Yan Zhenhuo opened his eyes wide and wanted to get up, but he was caught by something and stopped.Yan Zhen looked down wonderingly, only to realize that he was infusion.The liquid medicine bottle is hung beside the bed, and there is also an oxygen tank besides it.Staring at all this, her head was dizzy.

Suddenly the curtain in front of the bed moved, and a soldier in camouflage uniform poked his head down, startling Yan Zhen, and just about to call him to stop, he retracted his body again.Yan Zhen was embarrassed for a moment, and wanted to speak, but just when she yelled the word "you", she was startled by her own voice that was as hoarse as a broken gong. What's wrong with her?
Fortunately, the soldier felt that something was wrong. When he heard the movement, he opened the curtain and took a look, only to find Yan Zhen who was half up. "Sister-in-law, are you awake?" The little soldier looked at her in surprise.

Yan Zhen pressed his throat, indicating that he could not speak.The clever little soldier immediately ran outside and poured her a cup of hot water with a clean cup.Holding it in his hand, Yan Zhen took a few sips before he could speak: "Where am I?"

The little soldier spoke pure Henan words: "This is the health team of the regiment headquarters. Sister-in-law, you have been lying here since you arrived. It has been three hours now."

Yan Zhen was silent for a while, then continued to ask: "What's wrong with me?"

"Sister-in-law, you had a little fever when you first delivered it, and your face was a little dark."

"Fever? I have a fever?" Yan Zhen asked hoarsely.

The little soldier was taken aback by her excessive reaction, and hurriedly said: "It's not serious. I've already received water infusion, oxygen inhalation and antipyretic injections. The situation should be better now, right?"

Yan Zhen could only calm down and nodded.She circled around and asked hesitantly, "Then, Gu—"

After saying two words, the little soldier immediately understood what she meant: "Chief of Staff Gu is resting outside. The Chief of Staff has been sitting here for two hours. You left only after your fever subsided." After speaking, he slapped his forehead: "Oh, look, I forgot. The chief of staff said to call him as soon as you wake up." After finishing speaking, he ran out.

Yan Zhen broke his voice and didn't stop him after a few times, he was immediately discouraged, forget it, let him go.She raised her eyes and looked around silently. In some old barracks, most of the green skin painted on the walls had peeled off. The iron cabinet beside the bed was also old. Even the teacup in her hand showed the traces of time.But everything is better than clean.Yan Zhen looked at the two thick quilts and a military coat covering his body, and felt a faint warmth.Looking at a chair placed in front of the window, Yan Zhen couldn't help thinking, had he really been sitting here just now?

Before she could find any clues from the dream, the little soldier had already broken into the door, followed by two tall figures, one was Pang Kai and the other was Gu Huaiyue.Yan Zhen looked at him in a daze, he had already entered Tibet, why was he still wearing a thin uniform in such a cold weather.

Gu Huaiyue didn't feel cold, so he put down the thermos in his hand and walked towards the bed.Facing Shang Yan Zhen's eyes full of doubts, he hesitated before reaching out, stroked her bangs on her forehead, and tested the temperature of her forehead.The little soldier said positively from the side: "Chief of Staff, don't worry, my sister-in-law will not be burned."

He smiled lightly, and tested the satisfactory temperature with his palm: "How do you feel, are you hungry?"

Yan Zhen shook his head, grabbed his hand and asked, "Why do I have a fever?"

"It's okay. One is because I am too tired, and the other is that I may be freezing on the way to the border guards."

"Huh?" After wearing so much, she still had a fever from the cold, which shows how poor her physique is.

Pang Kai looked at her and said with a smile: "You scared us just now. You have a fever and talk in your sleep. When the doctor gave you an injection in the back of your hand, your hand was shaking!"

Yan Zhen lowered his head in embarrassment: "I am causing you trouble, Captain Pang."

Commander Pang waved his hand: "Where, thanks to you, I can see what my most satisfied soldier looks like in front of his wife."

Originally, the car had already driven downstairs to the Regiment Headquarters Guest House. He was about to ask the two of them to get out of the car when he noticed that Gu Huaiyue, who was sitting in the back of the car, had a strange expression on his face. He thought it was due to altitude sickness. What a fever!Fever is originally a small matter, but if it is put here, it may be a major event that kills people.Pang Kaina didn't dare to delay for a minute, and immediately sent someone to the health team to call a doctor.I don't want anyone to be faster than him. Before he finished explaining the matter, Gu Huaiyue hugged Yan Zhen and went straight to the health team.

"I thought at the time, this kid hasn't been here for ten years, and he still knows where the door of the health team opens!"

Captain Pang said jokingly, Yan Zhen's cheeks were slightly hot.But Gu Huaiyue just raised his eyebrows, he filled the porridge and brought it in front of her: "Come, drink the porridge."

Yan Zhen's face turned red again, but she was infusion with a needle in one hand, and the other hand was bruised all over by the doctor.Helpless, Yan Zhen slowly opened his mouth and swallowed a mouthful of porridge.

Pang Kai looked at the two with a smile and left quietly.

The whole room suddenly fell silent, Yan Zhen looked at him secretly from the corner of his eye while drinking porridge.

The expression was still as pale as water, but those bright and deep black eyes showed a layer of fatigue and burnout.After eating the porridge, Gu Huaiyue slowed down the drip again.

Yan Zhen silently watched him do all this for a long time, then lowered his head and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't expect that my physique would be so poor."

Unconsciously, she felt a little sorry, maybe she shouldn't have come and caused him so much trouble out of thin air.

Gu Huaiyue paused for a while, smiled slightly, and hung up the infusion bottle: "It's okay, a little reaction is normal, just rest and rest, let's stay in the health team tonight."

"Okay." She rubbed against the bed, and the warmth wrapped her up in an instant.

"Go to sleep." He took one last look at her and turned off the headlights in the room, leaving only one bedside lamp.

"What about you?" The warmth made her sleepy, she opened her eyes and looked at him vaguely.I saw him leaning over, tucking the corner of the quilt for her, and rubbing his fingers against her cheek inadvertently, the cold feeling made her shiver slightly.He seemed to notice it, so he was very careful not to touch her again: "I'll leave after you fall asleep, just outside, call me if you need anything."

"En." Responding vaguely, she suddenly turned over, grabbed his hand and instructed, "Put on more clothes, it's cold." After speaking, she fell asleep.

Suddenly being held by warm palms, Gu Huaiyue was a little stunned.After a long time, he twitched the corners of his mouth and smiled, withdrew his hand, tucked her arm back into the bed, turned off the light and went out.

Yan Zhen recovered slowly on the third day after entering Tibet.

On the morning of the third day, she walked out of the health team dressed thickly.She has been here for three days, but until now she has not seen the true appearance of the regiment headquarters.Rows of barracks are neatly located, and besides that, coniferous plants are scattered all over the regiment headquarters compound.On the playground, the soldiers were loading the supplies into the trucks. This was the supplies to be sent to the Ninth Company. A while ago, the delivery time was delayed because of the heavy snow and the roads were difficult to walk. Seeing that the Ninth Company’s inventory was about to run out, the regiment headquarters Immediately organize people to send supplies up.

It's just that Yan Zhen looked at the scene not far away, the snow covered, and guessed that the journey would not be easy.After hesitating for a moment, she wrapped her clothes tightly and walked to the playground.

On the playground, Pang Kai directed the loading of supplies while clutching his heart.

Since the beginning of the snow season in southern Tibet, there have been several heavy snowfalls. The weather has improved abnormally in the past few days, at least there has been no more snowfall.It's just that the snow has accumulated very thickly, so he has to accompany him all the way to deliver the supplies this time.He has been a soldier here for 23 years, and there is no driver with more experience in plateau snow driving than him.Just looking at the way he covered his heart and frowned, some people worried about whether he could survive the two-day round trip.

A captain advised him: "Commander, don't go this time."

Pang Kai turned around and glared at him: "I know my own body, so I want you to talk nonsense."

The captain immediately fell silent, and looked at Gu Huaiyue as if asking for help.Gu Huaiyue thought about it, and said after consideration: "He's right, your body is not suitable for a quick march, so I'll come for you this time."

Pang Kai naturally didn't give him a good face: "You don't talk too much." After a reprimand, he slowed down his tone, "Yan Zhen, she'd better not go."

Gu Huaiyue thought for a while, but before he could say anything, he heard a female voice behind him: "I'm going."

There is no doubt that it is Yan Zhen.

Gu Huaiyue turned around and looked at her who was huddled in the big winter training clothes with a serious expression.Yan Zhen brushed his hair, pursed his lips and said, "I want to go with you."

"Your body is not healed yet."

"I know. But I don't want to come in vain." She said softly, but there was a firmness in her eyes that couldn't be ignored, making it impossible for him to say no immediately.

When the two were in a stalemate, Captain Pang laughed, walked over and patted him on the shoulder and said, "Okay, don't argue, all go, go to Jiulian for a meeting!"

Jiulian is a cloud outpost located at an altitude of more than 4000 meters.

It is not far from the regiment headquarters, but because the snow is too thick, many road sections are blocked, and it will take an hour or two to clear the obstacles.Therefore, it was already five o'clock in the afternoon when we arrived at Jiulian, and ten hours had passed since we set off from the regiment headquarters in the morning.

Yan Zhen got out of the car, breathed in the fresh air, and stretched slowly.When I opened my eyes again, I saw a row of soldiers gathering in front of me and looking at her stupidly!Eyes without blinking.

Yan Zhen stared blankly at them for a while, and was also embarrassed.

Pang Kai looked at this group of "bad soldiers" and shouted to the ninth company commander: "Zhao Wenjiang, immediately organize your company to move supplies!"

Zhao Wenjiang, the commander of the Ninth Company, quickly came back to his senses, and shouted "Yes" at the top of his voice.

Looking at them, Yan Zhen couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Yan Zhen still can't understand their thoughts.Women are a rarity in the army, especially for this group of soldiers stationed at the border.You can't rely on this group of "bad soldiers", who told the regiment headquarters not to say that there was a woman visiting, especially the pretty one.

Pang Kai stood side by side with Gu Huaiyue, and laughed and scolded: "These bastards seem to have never seen a woman in eight lifetimes."

Looking at the tall and thin figure in front of him, Gu Huaiyue smiled: "Probably, this is an unexpected surprise for them."

After unloading the supplies, Jiulian started cooking.

Zhao Wenjiang had already greeted the cooking team, and wanted to make the meal richer, so rich that when Pang Kai walked in, he couldn't help scolding him: "You have eaten this meal and don't want to eat anymore. Isn’t it? You have seriously exceeded the standard for army food.”

Zhao Wenjiang smiled awkwardly: "Leader, isn't there a special situation today?"

It's rare that this hearty northern guy sometimes feels shy.Pang Kai didn't bother to train him anymore, and before leaving, he instructed: "Pay attention to the light taste."

Yan Zhen walked slowly on the playground in front of the barracks alone.The scenery here is beautiful. Looking down from here, you can see the lingering clouds and mists, as if you are in a fairyland.

She walked down the stairs slowly, and when she was about to reach the end, Yan Zhen saw Gu Huaiyue and Pang Kai walking not far away.The two were talking, and Gu Huaiyue walked towards her.Yan Zhen unconsciously walked a few steps quickly, Gu Huai frowned, stretched out his hand and told her: "Walk slowly." Her altitude sickness was only slightly relieved, and it was not suitable for brisk walking.Yan Zhen looked at his outstretched hand and hesitated for a while, the corners of his mouth slightly curved, and he walked down the stairs smoothly with his hand.

"Is it cold?" He shook her hand, and the two equally cold hands held each other, feeling nothing.

Yan Zhen smiled and shrank his neck: "Well, it's really a bit."

The lowest temperature here in winter can reach more than minus 30 degrees Celsius. Although it is not the coldest time now, it is still unprecedentedly cold compared with City C.

He thought for a while, then suddenly smiled: "Let's go."

"What?"

"Find you a place to keep out the cold."

Yan Zhen had no choice but to endure curiosity and walk with him.As a result, when the time came, Yan Zhen couldn't help laughing again.It turned out that the so-called place to drive out the cold was such a small kitchen with only seven or eight square meters.

"How is it?" Seeing her smile, Gu Huaiyue also slightly curled the corners of his lips.

"Good."

Saying that, Yan Zhen stepped in, a warmth rushed towards her, and she felt very comfortable.

There happened to be a soldier warming up by the fire inside, and Gu Huaiyue sent him to get some chopped firewood.Chief of Staff Gu rolled up his sleeves, sat down on the stool, and prepared to light the fire himself.

He added a few pieces of firewood, and the fire became more prosperous after a while, and as long as he got close, he could feel the heat.Yan Zhen approached unconsciously, Gu Huaiyue looked at her, and suddenly reached out and grabbed her forearm: "Don't get so close to the fire, be careful of ironing your clothes." He put a chair beside her and said, "Sit here."

Looking at the chair, Yan Zhen hesitated a little, then went there and sat down.

The two were roasting by the fire, and the warrior Xiao Wang squatted there to add firewood to the stove. Yan Zhen saw that he was uncomfortable squatting, so he took another small stool for him to sit on.Where did Xiao Wang get this kind of treatment? He was so nervous that he didn't know what to do, he half propped himself up and kept saying no.

"I still have to shout a slogan for you? Sit down." Yan Zhen said with a smile.

Xiao Wang was embarrassed for a while, and finally moved his buttocks to the stool.Suddenly Xiao Wang slapped his head and remembered an important thing: "Oops, Weifeng hasn't been fed yet!" As he said that, he was about to run out, but Gu Huaiyue called him back: "It's the army that you fed. dog?"

"Yes." Xiao Wang answered nonchalantly.

Gu Huaiyue immediately became interested: "Take the food over to have a look after feeding."

Seeing the back of Xiao Wang leaving quickly, Yan Zhen sighed: "It's nice to be young."

"He was nervous." Gu Huaiyue smiled, the fire slowly ignited, and a faint light flashed across his face, outlining the sharp outline, "Most of the soldiers here rarely go home , It’s hard work to come back once a year. When I first came here, there was a saying, ‘Entering Tibet is equivalent to entering a monk’s temple.’”

"Are there no Tibetan girls here?"

He shook his head slowly: "No, the altitude here is too high, the road is too far, and the terrain is not good. Most girls don't come here." So, let alone a year, even if you haven't seen a woman for two years Soldiers also had.Yan Zhen's arrival really surprised and delighted them.

"What about you?" After a moment of silence, Yan Zhen suddenly spoke.

"Huh?" He touched the firewood with a fire hook, and there was a small explosion sound, and he couldn't hear her question clearly for a while.

Yan Zhen paused, and then asked again: "Then you are a soldier here, will you not see outsiders for a long time?"

She secretly changed the concept and swallowed the word "woman", but Gu Huaiyue couldn't understand it.He smiled and said, "I have lived longer than them. After entering Tibet, it has been three years since I saw the opposite sex again." .Finally, the old man and the old lady at home couldn't hold their breath anymore, and they dug him back to the regiment headquarters with a phone call.Thinking about how arrogant I was at that time, I always thought I was strong enough and longed to go further.He thought that he would be invulnerable after several years of hard training and mastering various military skills, but it was not the case.

In this world, there are always some things that can disarm you without any effort.Family affection, friendship or love, their lethality is no less than weapons.

When he recovered, Xiao Wang had already brought the military dog ​​over.It's not a special breed, it's a German Shepherd.

What Yan Zhen is curious about is its name: "Is it really called Weifeng?"

Seeing Yan Zhen confirming the name again and again, Xiao Wang replied a little cautiously: "Well, I named it. It is very powerful. In the military dog ​​competition in the military region, many skills are better than other military dogs! "Speaking of this, a trace of pride appeared on Xiao Wang's face.

Gu Huaiyue leaned down and looked at the military dog. He threw the ball out of Xiao Wang's hand, and Majestic immediately ran away and got it back. "How long have you been raising it?"

"Eleven months."

He smiled: "Well, not bad."

Xiao Wang pulled the dog chain, Yan Zhen squatted down, and tentatively stroked the majestic fur with his hand.The majestic military dog ​​immediately shook, flicked its tail, and released a signal of "stay away from strangers".Yan Zhen immediately withdrew his hand and came back, looking at Wei Feng with regret.The big guy glanced at her and walked away with disdain, Yan Zhen couldn't help feeling even more melancholy.

Xiao Wang had a hard time holding back his laughter, Gu Huaiyue glanced at her and said, "Take your hand here."

Yan Zhen stretched out his hand, and he grabbed her hand and approached Weifeng, seeing that it didn't resist, Gu Huaiyue slowly let go of it.Yan Zhen finally touched the majestic fur, the soft feeling was quite the opposite of its proud character.

Gu Huaiyue took the steamed bun from Xiao Wang's hand and stuffed it into Yan Zhen's hand: "Feed it and try."

Military dogs also have special food standards, and this steamed bun can only be regarded as its snack.Yan Zhen tore off a piece and sent it to his mouth. This big guy was obviously not used to her way of feeding the cubs, but at the moment of the delicious food, he still sniffed it and ate it.

Yan Zhen looked at Gu Huaiyue in surprise, and Gu Huaiyue was also infected by the joy in her eyes, and smiled lightly.Yan Zhen could clearly feel that Gu Huaiyue was different. He usually had very little expression, and was often expressionless, but since he came here, since he stepped into Jiulian, he has softened a lot.She guessed that it was probably because he regarded this place as his second home from the bottom of his heart.

Tonight's Ninth Company of the Cloud Outpost was bustling like never before.

These fighters have stayed here for a long time, but they have not forgotten their happiness because of loneliness and loneliness.On the contrary, when it's time to boo, they are more energetic than anyone else.

Zhao Wenjiang took all the wine bottles in front of him, and said to Pang Kai with a smile: "Regimental Commander, our soldiers have made a total calculation, this wine can't be drunk in vain, you have to give it a voice before you drink it!"

Pang Kai cast a sideways glance at Zhao Wenjiang, knowing that this group of people was out of shape when they started arguing, he pushed Gu Huaiyue: "Go."

Chief of Staff Gu replied calmly: "I don't drink."

"Then you have to go too." Pang Kai said, "Just sing your repertoire."

Repertoire?Yan Zhen was very curious immediately.

There is an allusion to this incident. When Chief of Staff Gu was still a scout, the art troupe above sent a small group of art workers to the frontier defense regiment—a sympathy performance.

It was said to be a sympathy performance, but this small group of people couldn't make up a three-hour party at all, and had to recruit a few strong men from the border guards to make up the number.The head of the regiment waved his hand, and each battalion and each company grabbed two and came up.And the reconnaissance company where Chief of Staff Gu was working arrested two of them, and one of them was Gu Huaiyue.In view of Chief of Staff Gu's deep voice, the leader of the art troupe arranged for him to sing a male solo, and asked him to sing well, because the head of the performance was present to watch.Now the scene was so big that everyone in the whole company rushed forward and actively recommended songs for him.

When he got the track list, Gu Huaiyue frowned first: "Why are they all so vulgar?"

In the end, the chief of staff of the regiment came forward and contributed a song from his hometown-"Prairie Folk Song".

The performance that night was very successful, and the group leader accompanied the leaders to watch the whole performance.When Gu Huaiyue finished singing, the leader turned to ask the leader how he felt.The chief nodded, and said something unforgettable for the head of the regiment: "Not bad, but why did the soldiers on the plateau sing a grassland song?" Pang Kai said it vividly, and Yan Zhen couldn't help laughing when he heard it.

Now, the soldiers not only pointed their finger at Gu Huaiyue, but also yelled: "Sister-in-law, sing together!"

Yan Zhen couldn't resist the soldiers' booing, and looked at Gu Huaiyue.His expression has always been soft, which is a kind of softness that can only appear when immersed in memories, and even a little indulgent.He turned his head, looked at her, shook her hand, and said, "Is that all right?"

Can she still say no?

Yan Zhen's submissive attitude made the soldiers see hope, shouting one by one: ""Sweet Honey"! Sing "Sweet Honey"!"

Gu Huaiyue understood that this must have been premeditated, using Pang Kai as a cover, he was the real target.However, he couldn't get angry now, he turned his head to look at Yan Zhen: "Are you starting the tune or me?"

Yan Zhen blushed: "Do you really sing "Sweet Honey"?"

"What do you think?" His expression was also very helpless.

Yan Zhen had no choice but to lower his head in embarrassment, and whispered, "Get up."

"it is good."

Gu Huaiyue cleared his throat and raised his head. Yan Zhen covered his face and followed in a low voice.

The atmosphere at the scene was heated up by this song, and Zhao Wenjiang stopped the soldiers from booing: "Okay, the chief of staff has given his voice, we can't be idle, come on, let's go!" "

Under the command of Zhao Wenjiang, all the soldiers sang a divine comedy adapted from "Three Disciplines and Eight Points of Attention": "Every revolutionary soldier wants a wife, and you want me so much! One person who obeys the discipline sends one. If you don't listen, make an old woman!"

Yan Zhen's face became hot when he heard this, and he didn't stand or sit, so Chief of Staff Gu had no choice but to put his arms around her.

Pang Kai watched the lively scene from a distance, and after a low laugh, he couldn't help but scolded: "A bunch of stupid soldiers."

This night, bursts of laughter came from this outpost in the clouds, mingling with the night, as if trying to melt the thousand-year-old snow on the top of the plateau.The plateau in this memory does not seem to be so cold anymore.

Early the next morning, Pang Kai led the convoy back to the border defense regiment.Because the end of the year is approaching, the affairs of the regiment are busy.

Gu Huaiyue and Yan Zhen were also short on time, so after breakfast, they set off to visit their comrades in arms.At the moment before leaving, Yan Zhen knew that the comrades Gu Huaiyue was talking about were not in Jiulian.

Zhao Wenjiang specially sent a person to accompany the two of them, but after walking not far, they were blocked by a snow pit in front of them.Gu Huaiyue thought for a while, and decisively decided to abandon the car and walk.

Squad leader Lao Wang was taken aback: "Boss, it will take an hour or two to walk up!"

Gu Huaiyue naturally knew this: "You drive back to Jiulian first."

Lao Wang immediately said: "That's not acceptable. The company commander asked me to protect the safety of you and your sister-in-law. There are unsafe places along the way. I have to remind you."

Gu Huaiyue smiled faintly: "Old Wang, don't forget that I am a veteran who has gone out from here."

Lao Wang choked for a moment, turned his eyes and saw Yan Zhen getting off the car, as if seeing a savior: "Then, can sister-in-law do it?"

After speaking, the two looked at Yan Zhen at the same time.With great difficulty, Yan Zhen straightened his hat, and only a pair of eyes were left exposed from the whole face.Looking at her, Gu Huaiyue hesitated.

"I can do it." She pulled the scarf around her mouth and promised eagerly.

He stared at her for a moment, and the firmness revealed by those beautiful eyes made him relieved inexplicably.Gu Huaiyue made up his mind and patted Old Wang on the shoulder: "Okay, you go back first. Your sister-in-law, she will follow me."

Lao Wang had no choice but to watch the two leave on foot.

In fact, Lao Wang's worries are not without reason. The high-altitude mountainous area and the rugged mountain road are not only strenuous to walk, but also mentally exhausting.Walking along the way, Gu Huaiyue deliberately slowed down his pace, firstly to conserve his energy, and secondly because of Yan Zhen who was following behind.Even though she was following very closely step by step, it was still very difficult to walk.

He took the lead in crossing a bridge made of thick and nailed trees, stood on the side of the bridge, and stretched out his hand to Yan Zhen: "Give me your hand."

Yan Zhen stretched out his hand cautiously, and then it was clenched tightly, and passed the narrow single-plank bridge safely.Standing on the other side of the bridge, she was so tired that she was out of breath. In such weather, sweat broke out on her forehead.After finally calming down, she looked at Gu Huaiyue and smiled wryly: "Am I quite useless?"

Gu Huaiyue looked at her, and the corner of his mouth curled up: "Did you know that for women, the altitude above 500 meters is a restricted area of ​​life."

"so?"

"So, your ability to come here has already impressed me."

Um?That seems like it should be a compliment?Yan Zhen tilted his head and smiled slightly.

The place they are going to is indeed higher than Jiulian.Coming here, the body that had adapted to the plateau began to show signs of headache again.So Yan Zhen tried not to speak, and followed Gu Huaiyue, walking very slowly.It's just that this road seems to be very long, and she can't see the outpost even if she looks around. Looking around, she can only see rolling snow-capped mountains.

"How long will it be?" she asked, panting.

"almost."

As Gu Huaiyue said, he took her hand and led her up a slope.Yan Zhen followed his direction, turned a corner, raised his head inadvertently, and was shocked by the scene in front of him.

The blue sky seemed to be suddenly enlarged in front of her, and the clouds on the other side of the day felt so close to her, as if she could hold it in her hand.Thinking of this, Yan Zhen raised his toes slightly and reached out to reach.

Naturally, she couldn't reach it, even if she straightened her arms and calves, it would be in vain.Yan Zhen smiled lightly, laughing at his stupidity.

When she looked back, she saw a small mound of dirt not far away.

More precisely, snowdrifts.This snow pile is not high, but as soon as you see it, you will feel that it stands there very abruptly.She noticed something almost immediately, and quickly turned her head to look at Gu Huaiyue.And he just happened to look over and told her two words: "It's here."

A small tomb - his comrades-in-arms, is here.

Yan Zhen couldn't believe it.

She let go of his hand and walked towards the tombstone almost subconsciously.

It was a very strange tombstone. There was no photo or name on it. There was only a line of small characters left to record the time when the monument was erected. After calculation, it has been ten years since now.She turned her head to look at Gu Huaiyue, his expression had changed from indifferent to dignified.

She was suddenly a little curious about what kind of person was buried here, and he seemed to understand her thoughts at the moment, and asked softly: "Do you still remember this comrade-in-arms I mentioned to you on the way here?"

"remember."

Gu Huaiyue twitched the corners of his mouth and smiled: "He is a soldier of the same age as me, and we are platoon leaders in the same company. He comes from a mountain city where the sun is always foggy. Like the company commander, he It's that simple reason to stay here."

The sun and clouds are close at hand.

In fact, Yan Zhen really wants to say that they are far away from each other.Many things seem to be within reach, but in fact, as long as you reach out, you can feel the distance.

"Then he is buried here now?"

"En." Gu Huaiyue stepped forward, leaned over and wiped off the thick layer of snow covering the tombstone. In this place where the snow season lasts for seven months, it is actually useless. "Ten years ago, he drove by here and happened to encounter an avalanche." He said softly, as if he was telling a long-ago story, "There is also an outpost stationed at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. I drove there, but only that one time I encountered an avalanche, and even people and cars were buried here."

Even though he was mentally prepared, Yan Zhen was still taken aback.Staring at the tombstone, she asked dully, "Why isn't there even a photo?"

"At that time, the company commander searched all over the company, but there was no picture of him. When he was dug up, he was already bloody and frozen."

Such a scene, even the memory will be a painful thing.Yan Zhen took a deep breath immediately, and his fingertips trembled.Gu Huaiyue noticed it, hesitated for a moment, and held her hand.

"It's the first time I've seen him in ten years."

"why?"

"I dare not." Gu Huaiyue said, "In front of him, I always feel that I don't look like a soldier."

When he was young, he was unwilling to be lonely and didn't want to spend his life here.So during that time he was very depressed and couldn't get excited about doing anything.The comrade-in-arms trained him for the company commander, saying that he was sorry for his uniform.

Now he finally dared to come, not because of how well he played, but because he remembered this sentence that the deceased comrade once said.He said: "It's very good here. I'll take root here for the rest of my life and I won't go back. My daughter-in-law will never be able to count on her in this life. I'll depend on you. It's best to have a plateau wedding. How wonderful!"

Now he has a home and someone who can really accompany him.So, here he is.

Thinking of this, he slowly raised his hand to the brim of his hat, and gave a heavy and solemn military salute.

Yan Zhen looked at his back and suddenly felt a little sour in his nose.She remembered her father saying that only those who have served in the army can understand the weight of the word "comrades in arms", because after leaving the army, you will never find someone who can accompany you to bleed, sweat and not cry up.Calling a comrade-in-arms is a matter of a lifetime.

She will probably never understand the love and righteousness mentioned in this sentence.But there is one thing, she is very fortunate.

That is, she did not retreat, she came here with him.

(End of this chapter)