Chapter 39: Farewell

Chapter 39: Farewell

Xu Qiao did not know what Cheng Yifei was thinking, but she was truly a novice when it came to operating a computer. In her past life, she could never have encountered such things; the typewriters she had access to were the most advanced technology of that era. They were incomparable to the computer in front of her, a testament to the immense progress made over these years.

Although she possessed the memories of the Xu Qiao from this world, she found that while she could access these memories, any skills or knowledge she hadn't personally experienced required time and effort to master. Consequently, she felt entirely unfamiliar with the equipment before her.

Perhaps because the communication devices used by new recruits were from a bygone era, the military provided manuals to help them acclimate. However, for the latest communication systems, beyond basic tutorials, no instruction was needed for computers or the internet. After all, those assigned to the communications company usually had a certain level of education. They were often so proficient with computers and networks that some could even use them for cyber-attacks. Of course, such talents didn't stay in the communications company for long before being transferred elsewhere.

Xu Qiao snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at her. "Do you have something to do? I thought you didn't have training today?"

"Perhaps the squad leader just didn't want you to see him out of uniform." Cheng Yifei said, then added, "He gave up his job to take the discharge allowance. He’s spent so many years in the military that he really doesn't know how to do anything else. I truly don't know what he will do in the future."

Xu Qiao noticed the disdain in Cheng Yifei's eyes, but upon seeing that the books in her hand were still brand new, she immediately understood. She had grown accustomed to Cheng Yifei’s way of learning over these past few days. She knew the squad leader was leaving, but there had been no word on when. She often visited the library and noticed that technical books were well-worn, whereas these were pristine, meaning no one was reading them. Hearing this now, it all made sense.

Before Xu Qiao could ask more, Cheng Yifei had already walked off. Xu Qiao felt a sudden pang of frustration; she looked at the screen, then at the books in her hand, feeling for the first time that she was falling behind.

"Are these things... particularly simple for you all?" Xu Qiao asked instinctively.

Cheng Yifei replied without hesitation, "Of course. Isn't this just common knowledge?"

Xu Rufei, who was standing nearby, spoke up. "The squad leader... he has his own hardships. His child is ill, and his meager allowance isn't enough to cover anything."

As Xu Qiao began to operate the computer with more fluidity, the more she discovered its functions, the more excited she became—her eyes practically glowing with fascination. Any file or piece of information could be transmitted to anywhere in the world via the internet. In the past, this was something she couldn't even have dared to imagine, yet now it was right before her eyes.

"His wife has to take care of the child and has no income," Xu Rufei continued. "So, he has no choice but to discharge and take the substantial severance pay. That money will be enough to pay for his child's medical treatment."

Xu Qiao’s heart tightened. She hadn't considered these realities before, having only just arrived in this world with little exposure to such struggles.

"Is everyone being discharged today?" Xu Qiao suddenly asked, looking up.

Cheng Yifei didn't know why Xu Qiao was getting so excited about learning computer skills, but she didn't dwell on it. She remained focused on the machine that seemed so impossible to her.

"Yes," Cheng Yifei answered. "All the veterans in the regiment are leaving today."

Xu Qiao froze and looked toward the distance, where Squad Leader Wu stood in the formation. "Why?"

"I don't have to be training to have other things to do," Cheng Yifei said with a huff. "It's the veterans' discharge day. I'm going to see off my comrades from the new recruit company who didn't transition to non-commissioned officers. They’re all leaving in this batch."

Xu Qiao realized why Cheng Yifei had been so downcast. She immediately jumped up. "I’m coming with you."

Cheng Yifei, not waiting for a reply, said, "Fine, stay here and keep looking at it if you want. I have things to do."

Xu Qiao went to the parade ground to see off the veterans. She hadn't expected to hear such a story behind the scenes. When she arrived, she saw rows of veterans. Squad Leader Wu was indeed standing there, his face filled with reluctance.

Yin Li and others were standing on the periphery and spotted her immediately. "Xu Qiao, why are you here?"

"How come you didn't tell me the squad leader was leaving?" Xu Qiao asked, stepping into the line.

Yin Li looked pained. "It’s not that we didn't want to tell you; the squad leader forbade it."

"I find it strange," Cheng Yifei said, looking at Xu Qiao. "You learned something as obscure as a radio station in a heartbeat, but this..." She gestured to the screen. "Something even elementary students know, and you can't do it?"

Xu Qiao glanced at them. "He said parting... is too sorrowful. He felt that seeing me would be meaningless, so he’d rather I didn't come." Yin Li sighed heavily. "He didn't even want us to come, but we all snuck over."

Xu Qiao felt a surge of sadness as she looked at the squad leader’s dejected expression. "If he’s so reluctant, why leave?"

"He has to," Xu Rufei sighed deeply. "He’s doing it for his child. Once he takes off this uniform, he has to survive. If he can't find work, their future will be a nightmare."

As Xu Qiao pondered this, the regimental commander stepped forward to personally remove their shoulder boards. As the cap badges and shoulder boards were taken off one by one, even the toughest soldiers shed tears. This moment marked their true farewell to the uniform.