This article is a novel story, some of the plots are fictional, if there are similarities are purely coincidental, the picture comes from the Internet, invaded and deleted.
Text | Zero Seven Story Meeting
Edit | Zero Seven Story Meeting
In the hot summer of 1980, Xie Xiaoxia and I stood at the crossroads of our lives. We went through that harsh college entrance examination together, but in the end, only she managed to have the last laugh and was admitted to a prestigious university in Beijing.
The picture comes from the Internet
And I, because of the difference of a few points, my dreams were shattered. At this critical juncture, she decided to break up with me, and her breakup letter was simple and decisive, clearly drawing the difference between our future paths.
I remember that day, standing in front of the dilapidated post office, holding the letter in my hand, my heart full of confusion and loss. How is all this acceptable?
Her departure, the failure of the college entrance examination, as if all the bright future was lost to me. At that moment, I felt like my world had completely collapsed.
When I was at my most vulnerable, I made a decision that was the bravest step of my life – I chose to join the army.
I thought that maybe it was only in the strict discipline and extreme challenges of the army that I could find the opportunity to reinvent myself, and maybe it would give me the direction and strength that I had lost.
On my first day in the army, I put on that straight military uniform and stood on the barracks playground, surrounded by rows of serious new faces. I knew that from this moment on, my life would change completely.
When I first arrived, I could barely get used to the rigors of the discipline and intense training there. Every day, I struggled with sweat and mud, and my sore muscles and exhaustion almost crushed me.
However, whenever I think of Xie Xiaoxia's calm face and those decisive words in the breakup letter, I will pick myself up again, because I know that I can't let myself fail like this.
The picture comes from the Internet
In the midst of such a day-to-day journey, I met my turning point—my company elder Wang. He was a middle-aged man with the marks of time and cold carved into his face, but his eyes flashed with convincing firmness and wisdom.
Lao Wang not only taught me how to be a good soldier, but more importantly, he taught me how to face my inner fears and insecurity.
Once, after a night patrol training, I collapsed due to exhaustion and sat in the mud unable to move. Lao Wang came over, he didn't help me up, but sat next to me, and said lightly: "Zhang Shuangming, everyone has a past, but you can't let the past determine your future."
You're here to be a stronger version of yourself. Not for anyone, but for yourself. At that moment, I felt a power that I had never felt before. I wiped away my tears, stood up, and threw myself into training again.
Over time, I grew from a fragile youth to the backbone of the army. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, how to lead in a team, and how to deal with complex tactics and battle strategies.
I gradually realized that these years of military life have not only changed my physical fitness and skills, but more importantly, it has changed my mindset and outlook on life.
During my years in the army, I have also met many comrades-in-arms like Lao Wang, who not only protect each other's lives on the battlefield, but also support each other in life. This deep friendship and selfless dedication has given me a deeper understanding and perception of life.
The picture comes from the Internet
Although military life has given me a new self, deep down, I can never completely forget Xie Xiaoxia. In the dead of night, her shadow always comes unexpectedly, making me feel an indescribable bitterness.
I knew I needed a clearer direction for the future, a new starting point that would allow me to let go of the past once and for all. This feeling became especially strong as I was about to end my military life.
I started thinking about my life after I left the army, hoping to find a reason for me to keep going. Such a decision will come soon, it will be the last adjustment of my military career and the beginning of a new journey in my life.
As the day of discharge approached, my feelings became complicated and deep. My military career is coming to an end, which means I'm leaving the place where I was suffering and growing up, and returning to a civilian world that I may no longer be familiar with.
The upcoming farewell ceremony is not only a summary of the past, but also a deep reflection on the future. On my last assignment before I retired, I was sent to a remote border area to assist in the strengthening of the defenses of a local military base.
The environment was harsh and the conditions were poor, but this mission became the most memorable experience of my military career. There, I was not only mentoring the young soldiers, but growing up with them.
Just as the mission was about to be completed, our base was suddenly attacked by the enemy. At that moment, all training and preparation seemed crucial.
I led my team to react quickly and organize the defense. In the light of fire and gunsmoke, I seemed to return to the self I was struggling with life and death when I was young, but this time, I had enough strength and wisdom to protect my comrades and myself.
The picture comes from the Internet
The battle lasted all night, and when the sun rose, we managed to repel the enemy. Standing on the ruins of the battlefield and looking at the tired but vibrant faces of the young soldiers, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and mission.
This experience made me realize that although my military career is coming to an end, what I have learned, and what I can teach those who come after me, will be the most valuable asset of my life.
On the day of the retirement ceremony, I stood in front of my friends and comrades-in-arms in the army, wearing a crisp military uniform and wearing medals on my chest. When I gave my farewell speech, my voice choked up and my heart swelled with a thousand emotions.
I am grateful to the army for giving me a second life, allowing a once lost youth to find his own path and value. I tell you that every step is a choice, every choice has made me who I am now, I am proud of my past, and I am full of expectations for the future.
When the ceremony was over, I took off my military uniform, put on civilian clothes, and walked out of the barracks. I know that the new life I am about to embark on, although there are no more guns and orders in the army, my heart still retains the steadfastness and courage of a soldier.
After retiring from the army, I returned to my hometown and served as a local deputy director, working to promote national defense education and enhance community service. In a school talk, I shared my story to encourage young people to face life's challenges.
At the end of the lecture, I saw a familiar figure - Xie Xiaoxia. She has become a university professor. We talked calmly and looked back on the past. The parting of the year now seems to be just a stop in the journey of life.
I deeply feel that every choice has paved the way for who I am today, and every experience is a precious asset. Standing outside the lecture hall and looking at the campus at sunset, my heart was full of peace.
I finally let go of the regrets of my youth and realized that every step I took was not in vain. At this moment, I am not only a soldier who has experienced the war, but also a person who knows how to cherish life and human warmth.