"Attention! Salute!" At the roar of a soldier beside them, all the soldiers who had removed their comrades' shoulder insignia and collar tabs snapped to attention and saluted in perfect unison!
Arms rose in perfect synchronization, and tears streamed uncontrollably from everyone's eyes. Whether they were active-duty soldiers or the veterans standing opposite them, tears ran down their faces.
Yet no one moved. The veterans did not move, because at that moment, they were no longer soldiers. They could not return the salute. All they could do was stand there quietly, tears in their eyes, watching their comrades salute them.
At that moment, there was an enormous difference between their identities. One was a member of the People's Liberation Army of China, while the other was an ordinary citizen of the People's Republic of China.
"Right turn!" Another command rang out. This time, the veterans moved, turning right in perfect unison. Perhaps this was the last time they would hear those familiar commands.
"Board the vehicles!" At the command, all the soldiers picked up the duffel bags on the ground and marched in neat formation toward the buses that had long been waiting nearby.
One after another, all the discharged soldiers boarded the buses in orderly lines. Then, dozens of neatly lined-up buses would take them to the city's transportation hubs, from where they could return to their hometowns.
Jiang Yan Hai and the others did not move, watching until the buses left the military camp.
"Salute complete!"
Everyone lowered their hands. This was not a final farewell, but even in modern times, opportunities to meet again would be few.
Jiang Yan Hai silently watched the buses disappear from view before turning and returning to the car. Li Ruo Bai had not gotten out, nor had Hound. Jiang Yan Hai