When the door opened, Zhao Tao's mother burst into tears the moment she saw her son. She took the things from Zhao Tao's hands and looked at her son from head to toe while touching his body. "Old Zhao, hurry up and come out!
Your son is back, and his arms and legs are all intact! "
Zhao Tao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. In fact, he had lost his left arm during the war. Everything below the elbow had been blown off, and the part from the elbow to the shoulder had been severely damaged by shrapnel. His skin and muscles were all damaged, and there was no way to regenerate them. In order to preserve his life, he had to amputate his entire arm from the shoulder down. The military took into account his hard work and contributions, and they were unwilling to let go of the talented military personnel. They used the highest level of technology in the Chūshū Empire to reconstruct his limbs and restore his nervous system and bodily functions. The recovery rate was 99.9%, and the remaining 0.1% was just a little more troublesome to maintain and required regular maintenance.
Unless Zhao Tao took off all his clothes, his parents would never find out that there was something wrong with his left arm.
After his arm was repaired, the war ended, and Zhao Tao returned home. But he was gone for another three years.
"Mom, you're old."
Zhao Tao's heart ached. After three years, his mother, Li Xiufang, had whiter sideburns, and more wrinkles on her face. Fortunately, her complexion was rosy and she was slightly chubbier than before.
His father, Zhao Chenggang, on the other hand, hadn't changed much. He came out of the study wearing his reading glasses, and when he saw his son, he felt a lump in his throat. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
After not seeing him for so long, it would be a lie to say that he wasn't worried.
However, Zhao Tao's parents would receive paper letters from Zhao Tao from the army every few months. Even though electronic communication was very advanced, due to military secrets, Zhao Tao didn't even write his own letters. They were all synthesized by artificial intelligence, and the information and news about him were all fabricated.
What he said was that he had just finished the acting and training for the new recruits were all fabricated. In fact, it was very likely that he was carrying out a mission abroad at that time.
"Dad, Mom, I brought something for you. Don't mind … I'm not filial, I've been away for so long."
Zhao Tao held back his tears and opened the plastic bag. "Don't think it's too expensive. The salary was high during the war, and I have some money now."
Although Zhao Tao's family was rich, he didn't give his parents too much money. The money he sent home was also at a normal level to prevent his parents from getting suspicious.
Nowadays, the salary of the army was transparent, and the money saved over the past few years could be calculated.
Zhao Tao's current salary was calculated according to the number of people. If he gave too much money to his family, it would inevitably arouse suspicion.
"Look, you didn't even tell me that you were coming back. I'll quickly prepare dinner.
Old Zhao, let's call his eldest uncle, third uncle, and fourth uncle over. I'll order some ingredients, and they'll be delivered in half an hour. Let's have a table together. The child hasn't seen his relatives for a long time. "
Li Xiufang wiped her tears. "He's suffered all these years outside. He just finished the war, and now he has to go out again. Later, he saw your letter, and then he felt more at ease.
How many days can he stay back?
Why don't we apply to the army and transfer back? It doesn't matter if the salary is lower, we don't lack that bit of money. "
Zhao Chenggang happily clicked on the coffee table and began to use the artificial intelligence system to establish a multi-person holographic call, calling friends, and contacting relatives.
"Probably a week.
Transferring back … might not be enough.
The higher-ups won't approve. "
Zhao Tao smiled, changed his shoes, and put his suitcase into his old room. The room was still the same as before he was conscripted. It was spotless, and it seemed like it was often cleaned, but the personal computer beside the bed was outdated.
"Take a shower and rest for a while.
It's been a long time since you've eaten mom's cooking, right?
I'll make delicious food for you tonight!
Take off your clothes when they get dirty and throw them directly into the washing machine. "After Li Xiufang finished speaking, she quickly picked up her communication device and began to contact the food delivery company.
Zhao Tao nodded and went back to the room to take off his contact lenses, threw the communication device on the bed, and quickly washed the blood on his sleeves in the bathroom. Then, he threw the whole set of clothes into the washing machine for washing, drying, and taking a comfortable hot bath.
Gold or silver, it's not as good as your own kennel!
Zhao Tao had stayed in all kinds of places all over the world, from a big shop that cost tens of dollars a night to a five-star hotel that cost thousands of dollars a night. Nowhere was as comfortable as his own home. Even though he had been away from home for three years, he still couldn't forget this feeling.
After more than 40 minutes, Zhao Tao came out of the bathroom in his original clothes, but it was as if he had changed into a different person. He was full of energy, sitting on the sofa and chatting with his father, waiting for the relatives to arrive. Meanwhile, his mother was busy in the kitchen. With the help of the artificial intelligence and the automated kitchen system, a sumptuous dinner would be served in half an hour.
The doorbell outside the door rang, and the screen inside the anti-theft door directly played the scene outside the door. It was the arrival of his uncle's family of three, and Zhao Tao's cousin was still wearing an Army uniform with a big cap.
Zhao Tao quickly went to open the door.
Zhao Tao's father, Zhao Chenggang, had three brothers, and Zhao Chenggang was the second eldest.
Zhao Tao's uncle had a son in his family, who was three years older than Zhao Tao. They grew up naked together, but he didn't really like this older brother of his, who had always bullied him since he was a child. He was a little selfish.
But since young, his brother had been studying better than him. He was taller and more handsome than him. When he entered the army, he was admitted through the military academy. He was doing quite well. During the war, he had always been in the logistics department and had never been to the front line, but he had actually gotten a third-class merit. He was usually quite tactful.
Zhao Tao's parents weren't people who liked to compare their children, but his auntie would always show off this older brother and compare him with Zhao Tao, and at the same time, give Zhao Tao's parents a bad impression.
After all, they were all relatives, so they couldn't be that bad. Zhao Tao still greeted them in a friendly manner.
"Uncle, auntie, brother, come in and sit."
"I haven't seen you in three years, and you've become more handsome." Zhao Tao's uncle patted Zhao Tao's shoulder. "It's good that you're back."
"Your older brother has been promoted again. You shouldn't always be in the position of platoon leader.
Learn from him, and you'll be promoted quickly! "Auntie glanced at Zhao Tao, and then looked at her son, Zhao Lei. Her eyes were filled with comfort.
Zhao Tao just smiled and glanced at the military uniform that his older brother, Zhao Lei, was wearing.
On the armband were written "Central Continent Imperial People's Army Eastern Theater of Operations, Army", and the military rank on his shoulder was already First Lieutenant. It seemed that he had been promoted from Deputy Company Commander.
According to the rules of the Central Continent Imperial People's Army, soldiers were not allowed to wear military uniforms in their living environment, as it might leak military secrets. However, after receiving an invitation from Zhao Chenggang's family, Zhao Lei was not afraid of the supervision of the chief and inspector. He still wore his military uniform, obviously to show off.
Zhao Lei intentionally or unintentionally rubbed his epaulet, puffed out his chest, and said in a rather stylish manner, "The Eastern Theater of Operations is so big. I'll contact the leader later and arrange a comfortable position for you. Don't always be in the combat unit. It's tiring and useless.
If it's possible, work under me. I definitely won't let you suffer! "
Before Zhao Tao could speak, the doorbell rang again. It was Third Uncle!
Third Uncle was the only one at home. His daughter was studying for a doctor's degree in the Suluo Alliance, and Third Aunt had also gone to live there. The family flew around, and they were usually quite lonely. They would often look for Zhao Tao's father, Zhao Chenggang, to drink tea and play chess. They had a good relationship, and he was quite easy-going.
"Xiao Tao, you've become much stronger!
The combat unit trains people.
You're a hero in three wars, and you've protected the country. Good job! "Third Uncle took out a red envelope and forcefully stuffed it into Zhao Tao's hands.
Zhao Tao tried to refuse, but he still couldn't resist Third Uncle's good intentions. He reluctantly accepted it, and in his heart, he even thought of going to his Third Uncle's house alone to buy something for him.
"You're all here?
Great, the dishes are ready. Sit down and eat. It's not easy for Xiao Tao to come back. Let's talk while we eat. "
Li Xiufang invited everyone to take a seat. Zhao Chenggang even took out a bottle of Maotai that he had treasured for a few years and insisted on drinking with his brothers.
Zhao Tao loved alcohol, but he didn't drink at home. Zhao Lei, on the other hand, felt that he was a notch better in front of his brother today, so he drank a little.
"Xiao Tao, you haven't been home for three years. Everyone misses you so much.
The war is over, and there shouldn't be so many things in the army. But the leader still doesn't let you come back. Does he have a problem with you? "Auntie held a glass of wine and asked directly.
"Mom, the combat unit can't be compared to us. It's all military secrets. You can't talk about these things.
I know my brother. He's been honest since he was young, and he never causes trouble. People see that he's reliable, so they let him stay in the army. "
Although Zhao Lei looked at his brother with a smile, there was a hidden meaning in his words. He was obviously saying that Zhao Tao was too honest and was bullied in the army.
"There are many tasks, and the leader thinks highly of him. It's not a bad thing." Li Xiufang was unwilling. She always had to compare her son. What was there to compare?
It was not easy for them to come back, and they still had to talk about these things.
"Yes, yes, Zhao Tao is outside, so we don't have to worry about him. The food in the army is good, and his body is good. Come, let's drink!" Zhao Chenggang pinched Li Xiufang's thigh under the table, reminding her to talk less.
Halfway through the meal, the doorbell rang again. Zhao Chenggang was stunned. Other than his relatives, he didn't call anyone else. Why would there be a guest tonight?
To Zhao Tao's surprise, the face that appeared on the screen on the door was actually Sim Su-lien!
Sim Su-lien was wearing glasses and a military uniform. She stood outside the door with an expressionless face. Zhao Tao hurriedly opened the door and stepped aside to let her in. Before he could ask what was going on, he heard the sound of tables and chairs moving in the dining room. Zhao Lei stood up in a daze, stood at attention, and saluted.
"Hello, Chief!" Zhao Lei looked forward, and he was about to sweat.
Why did a major suddenly appear in the middle of a meal?
He was a company commander, and this female soldier was at least a battalion level cadre. She might even be a deputy commander!
According to the armband, she was from the Imperial People's Army General Staff Division!
At the same time, he glanced at Zhao Tao. This fool, why didn't he salute when he saw the Chief?
No matter how good their relationship was, he should still pay attention to the difference between superiors and subordinates!
No wonder you haven't been promoted. How can you not respect the Chief?
The Central Continent Imperial People's Army had strict military orders, and the concept of hierarchy was very strict. It required absolute obedience. If a subordinate didn't salute when he saw his superior, it would be seen as contradicting orders. In serious cases, he would be sent to the military court!
Sim Su-lien didn't return the salute. She only glanced at Zhao Lei, then stood at attention in front of Zhao Tao and saluted.
"Hello, Chief!
Sorry to disturb you! "
Everyone at the table, including Zhao Lei, was stunned.
Everyone might not understand the armband and military rank, but Zhao Lei was a company commander. If he saluted this female soldier, it meant that this female soldier's rank must be higher than his.
But this female soldier didn't even pay attention to him and actually saluted Zhao Tao. What was going on?