"Zhongneng, greetings, Commander." This was Sun Zhongneng, the head of the 38th Division, whom he had met once before. He was now also the second-in-command of the New First Army and Wang Yan's deputy.
"Zhujun, greetings, Commander." This was Liu Zhujun, the head of the 28th Division, whom he had never met. After his defeat, he had gone to Hong Kong Island to do business.
In the jungle twenty kilometers outside Mandalay, after more than half a year of war, Wang Yan finally met the loyal 38th and 28th Divisions.
"We're all our own people. No need to be so formal. Sit down and talk while we eat." Wang Yan sat there without moving.
Sun Zhongneng and Liu Zhujun thanked him, both sitting ramrod straight with a certain stiffness. Of course, it was mostly an act. As men accustomed to serving under others, they knew well enough how to please their superior.
Wang Yan uncapped a bottle of foreign liquor and personally poured them each a drink. The two men politely covered their cups with their hands.
"Over the past half year, it was only through the two of you working together with all your strength that we achieved the favorable situation we have today. Your military merits are outstanding, and your efforts immense. I toast you both."
"What are you saying, Commander? It was all thanks to your brilliant command. Without you directing the overall situation, our Expeditionary Force could never have achieved its current position." Sun Zhongneng raised his cup and flattered him.
"Zhongneng is absolutely right. We have relied entirely on your masterful calculations, Commander. We ought to be toasting you." Not to be outdone, Liu Zhujun kissed up to him as well.
Wang Yan laughed heartily and drank with the two men. The three then ate,