In July, the Beijing Military Region promotion ceremony was held in a small assembly hall at the base. The Regional Commander read aloud the Chairman of the Central Military Commission' s signed order for the promotion of the Lieutenant General and Major General rank, while the Political commissar presided over the ceremony and awarded the seven officers that were receiving their respective honorable recognition. Among them, Gu Wei Ting was promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General and Zhou Ling Yun moved from a Wing Commander to a Major General.
Two days after the General's promotion ceremony, another one was held for the other military officers.
"Bai Luo Yin has been remarkable since his enlistment. In February, he shot down an enemy aircraft that invaded our country's territorial airspace and received a first-class merit. In March, he saved a fighter jet during a flight training and received a second-class merit. And most recently, he performed outstandingly during the flight performance, receiving a third-class merit. During his tenure as a researcher, he focused on his work and earnestly delved into the knowledge of aviation science and flight technology… now, approved by the State Council, Bai Luo Yin is thus promoted from the rank of Major to the rank of Colonel, and from a Vice Battalion Commander to an official Regiment Commander."[1]
Liu Chong was also promoted from a first lieutenant to a captain for his outstanding performances.
After Zhou Ling Yun read aloud all the promotions order, the Beijing Military Region Air Force Commander-in-Chief awarded the certificates to each of the individuals.
Bai Luo Yin and several other officers were all lined up in front of the podium at that moment. On such a day, it was 'almost'possible to see a lively and enthusiastic expression on their stern faces, but as skilled soldiers, they had to uphold a compose appearance and kept their delight inside for the time being. Once they formally received their certificates, they saluted the senior officials and all the comrades that attended the ceremony, to which the whole audience replied with a burst of exuberant applause.
When Bai Luo Yin got off the stage, he happened to pass by Zhou Ling Yun.
With Zhou Ling Yun having been promoted to a higher position, it meant that he would have fewer chances of training the troops in the future, since the majority of his energy would be shifted into the managing aspect instead. Likewise, Bai Luo Yin's promotion meant that his chances of participating in training missions would also take a hit.
This indicated that the time when Zhou Ling Yun would casually pull the alarm, in order to have Bai Luo Yin race into battle in the middle of the night, had also come to a complete end.
Therefore, when Bai Luo Yin walked by Zhou Ling Yun, he felt that the atmosphere had become more pleasant and harmonious.
Just as Bai Luo Yin was being a bit arrogant, Zhou Ling Yun's cold and gloomy voice sounded faintly near his ears.
"Don't worry. I will go and find you from time to time."
Bai Luo Yin gave Zhou Ling Yun an elegant and charming smile. Give me all you got! Bastard, I’m no longer afraid of you!
Zhou Ling Yun's seemingly somber mien hid behind a brazen smile. Bai Luo Yin was the first to be sharpened under his hand; not only had he not been grinded to the ground, but he had become a soldier with even more and more edges and corners. However, he likes it. A lot.
As Bai Luo Yin walked around in the base, he received all kinds of congratulations and envious gazes, but he still kept a low-profile style. Facing all those praises and the people deliberately pursuing him for his popularity, he simply laughed it off and took it lightly.
Liu Chong was chatting energetically with another officer not too far from where Bai Luo Yin was. When he caught sight of Bai Luo Yin coming in his direction, he instantly pulled back his smile and stood in attention before giving a standard salute.
"Hello, Colonel! Hello, Regiment Commander Bai!"[2]
Bai Luo Yin's frame of mind was hidden deeply as he spoke. "What are you doing here?"
"Xiao Dong and I were just talking about celebrating tonight, hehehe…"
"What is there to celebrate about such a little matter?" Bai Luo Yin's despotic gaze swept coldly towards them. "Go do what you have to do! Don't be boastful just because of a bit of glory. Since the road ahead is still long, you must keep your composure!"
Hearing the last bit, Liu Chong saluted again. "Yes, Colonel!"
Watching as they walked away chatting and laughing, Bai Luo Yin returned to his dorm while still wearing a calm demeanor.
With this promotion, Bai Luo Yin's terms of employment were completely different from before. Not only that, he has to move out of this particular dorm soon to a more suitable place to match that of his status. As for where specifically, there was no clear answer yet; whether or not he could apply to live outside of the base was also an unknown matter at the moment. But, at the least, there was hope—unlike before, when he wouldn't even dare to think about it.
Once he closed the door, Bai Luo Yin tidied his military uniform, straightened up his collar and tightened his belt. After doing all that, the face and appearance of an extremely handsome and energetic officer emerged in front of the mirror before him. Bai Luo Yin himself couldn't hold back the smile that consumed his lips.
He wanted to go over to Gu Hai and boast to him.
A quarter of an hour ago he had just ordered his subordinate to conduct himself in a low-key manner, but a quarter of an hour later he set off to Gu Hai's company with a group of elite soldiers in the best military vehicles available—looking eminent and awe-inspiring.
On the road, Bai Luo Yin's assistant gave Gu Hai a call.
"Our Colonel is heading to your company for an inspection. Come out and welcome him at once!"
After only saying those words, the call ended immediately. At that point, even his assistant felt more honorable since he had the power to command the young master of a prestigious military family, the Chairman and President of Haiyin High-Tech Company!
With Gu Wei Ting and Bai Luo Yin's promotion pushing them into a higher rank and position, it placed Gu Hai's company in a distinct political advantage in the marketplace. For the past few days, the confidence in the investors' multiplied which led Haiyin High-Tech Company's share price to soar rapidly. And as the Chairman, Gu Hai's net worth had also risen substantially.
When the military vehicles came to a steady stop in front of the company, Bai Luo Yin got out of the car with several of the elite soldiers surrounding him—the atmosphere was downright breathtaking.
Two rows of beautiful women stood on either side of the red carpet to greet them.
Gu Hai stepped down the stairs earnestly, followed by Yan Ya Jing and Tong Zhe.
The battle array of this reception was truly magnificent.
"Welcome, welcome." Gu Hai took the initiative to shake Bai Luo Yin's hand. "We warmly welcome Bai Shouzhang for visiting our company and guiding us. Bai Shouzhang, how come you didn't inform us ahead of time? I could have sent a car over to get you."[3]
Upholding his status, Bai Luo Yin patted Gu Hai's shoulder in a surprisingly imperious manner. "I didn't want to trouble everyone here."
"What are you even saying?" Gu Hai overly pretentious and enthusiastic manner in currying favor was acted so well, it was believable. "It's an honour to have you come to our company and guide us! Don't mention one car, even sending ten cars, or a hundred cars, would not be too excessive with your status."
"Hahaha…"
Bai Luo Yin burst into a fit of laughter, as if he was entirely worthy of those words. Soon after, he strutted up the stairs with his head held up and full of confidence.
Altogether, there were ten steps, and for each step someone assisted him.
As he entered the lobby with his hands clasped behind his back, the beautiful women at the reception desk all stood around to greet the august guests.
Bai Luo Yin looked at Gu Hai and asked, "Is this the team that you assembled to welcome the guests?"
Gu Hai nodded, "Yes. Do you have any suggestion?"
"They're not beautiful enough!" Bai Luo Yin coughed lightly.
Remaining calm, Gu Hai feigned a respectful expression. "Bai Shouzhang's criticism is much appreciated. We will pay more attention next time."
I'll switch them to ones that will make you shiver even more next time! I'll fucking let you secretly look at other people… That was a genuine portrayal of what was in Gu Hai's heart. The truth was, he had already hidden all the beautiful employees.
Although Bai Luo Yin looked as if he was strolling around casually, he was actually feeling very anxious. Why aren't we at Gu Hai's office yet? I can't hold it in anymore. All this walking is making me fucking tired!!
Walking behind Bai Luo Yin the entire time, Gu Hai had been secretly watching his butt swing from side to side. All the while, he was reciting to himself repeatedly: keep swinging, just keep swinging, swing it again and I'll eat you up.
Finally, Bai Luo Yin arrived at the Chairman's office.
"Please!" Gu Hai raised his arm as an 'polite' gesture for him to enter.
Bai Luo Yin took large strides inside.
After the door was closed, a certain colonel, who had just exuded an imperious and despotic aura, immediately pressed Gu Hai down on the sofa and started to buoyantly and wildly beat his chest without end—completely neglecting his image.
"That was so satisfying, so immensely satisfying!" He laughed and giggled until his jaw wanted to break off and dash away.
Seeing Bai Luo Yin's exuberant expression amused Gu Hai completely. "Look at your foolish appearance!"
Bai Luo Yin managed to calm his emotions with great difficulty.
Gu Hai raised his brow, "Did you get promoted?"
Bai Luo Yin tried to nod.
The corner of Gu Hai's mouth rose. "Are you happy?"
Bai Luo Yin tried to nod again.
Gu Hai laughed and pinched Bai Luo Yin's cheek. "Look at how immature you are. Just a promotion made you so happy that you became like this?"
Hearing those few words, Bai Luo Yin's face sank immediately. "Fine, then I won't be happy with you. I'll find someone else to be happy with!"
"Don’t be like that, I just love watching you laugh and smile. Even if you lost your molar teeth from doing so, I’d still be happy to watch you." Gu Hai immediately plastered himself on Bai Luo Yin and reached into his military pants before he started to ravage the spot that he had yearned for days on end.
The two that were being all serious and sanctimonious just a moment ago, were now sweet and impassioned with each other.
'Ding, dong'the doorbell sounded.
Gu Hai roared out, "Who is it?!"
Tong Zhe's deep voice sounded from the other side, "Sign this first, they need it over there!"
Grunting, Gu Hai reluctantly sat up. Bai Luo Yin straightened up his clothes and sat upright sternly. He thought that Tong Zhe was unaware of his and Gu Hai's relationship, but in fact, said man had been standing at the door listening for quite some time.
"I'll go to the bathroom first!" Bai Luo Yin said as he stood up.
When he walked past Tong Zhe, the two raised the corners of their lips at the same time—mirroring each other's undaunted and heroic smile.
"There's a bathroom in my office," Gu Hai shouted front behind Bai Luo Yin, hoping to see him turn around.
Ignoring him, Bai Luo Yin walked out while employing a blithe attitude.
In fact, he was afraid that Gu Hai wouldn't be able to concentrate on his work properly if he stayed.
However, when he was en route back from the bathroom, Bai Luo Yin inadvertently heard the following discussion.
"Did you see? Our Vice President really went in there, he really went in there. He must be jealous!"
"Obviously! When Gu Zong and that handsome officer shook hands in front of the company earlier, I saw that the Vice President was very unhappy!"
"Hahaha… our Vice President sensed danger."
Hearing that, Bai Luo Yin's footsteps stagnated for a moment before he continued on to Gu Hai's office.
When he arrived in front Gu Hai's office door, the two were still engrossed in their discussion with their heads especially close.
Bai Luo Yin knocked on the door lightly. "Let me interrupt for a second."
The two's line of sight flitted over at the same time.
Converting back to a despotic tone, Bai Luo Yin said, "I feel that it is necessary for you guys to work toward building a more refined mentality in this company."
–
Translator's Note:
[1] Regiment – a permanent unit of an army typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies, squadrons, or batteries and often into two battalions.
[2] "首长好！白团长好！" – Hi, Senior Official!…" LC still called him SO even though he knew his new title, but we will change it to Colonel Bai, since if we leave it as SO, it won't be different front his previous title.
Okay, let's clarify something. Every time Bai Luo Yin's soldiers addressed him as "Major" before they were actually calling him "Senior Official Bai"(白首长- Bai Shouzhang; which is what we had GH directly addressed him). But because we know that, Bai Luo Yin is a Major, we let his soldiers call him Major Bai. Since Senior Official Bai is too long and there were other 'senior officials' in certain chapter, so it would be a bit confusing. We only made an exception for Gu Hai since we like the way it sounds when he says it.
[3] Gu Hai spoke formally to Yin Zi for a while, using the formal word for 'you' which is 'nin' instead of 'ni' (informal).