The New Year was always lively in the military, and there were fewer rules to follow that day.
The political instructor would organize all sorts of activities for the soldiers: writing Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings, and holding a gala where everyone performed and showed off their talents.
The soldiers were also provided with cigarettes, alcohol, candy, and tea. Other than those assigned to sentry or guard duty, everyone was free to eat and drink to their heart's content.
Of course, it was not Wang Yan's first time spending the New Year in the military. Back when he was in the arts troupe, he had gone out to perform, lifting the soldiers' spirits and meeting their entertainment needs. Later, when he formed the special operations unit, he was the one leading the soldiers in activities.
The purpose was simple: to create a lively, joyful collective atmosphere and lessen the homesickness that intensified for each individual soldier during the holidays.
And it was certainly effective. When people were happy, they naturally forgot some of the things that made them unhappy.
In Third Squad, Wu Liuyi had gone home on leave. Between his leave and additional time off, he was able to stay home for more than half a month. Everyone else spent the holiday together, laughing and carrying on...
After the New Year, Wu Liuyi returned.
He brought back a pile of things. "It's all food and drink from back home. Share it around—help yourselves."
Wang Yan gave Wu Liuyi a Huazi. This time, Wu Liuyi did not say anything about whether they could smoke in the squad room, letting Wang Yan light it for him. Shi Jin said nothing either and even went to open the window himself. Everyone was happy, so nobody wanted to spoil the mood.
"So, did