Chapter 34: Identifying Spies with National Essence! Liu Yuan Is Won Over by Li Yunlong’s Charisma
Liu Yuan looked at the table full of dishes with some confusion, yet he secretly felt pleased to be given such attention.
Li Yunlong was actually quite easy to get along with!
Rumors were not to be trusted.
“Old Li, you’re too kind!”
“Well then... I’m truly in for a treat, thank you~”
Li Yunlong waved his hand and said, “However, don’t overindulge in the wine; too much leads to trouble.”
“Please!”
Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan realized he had misunderstood Li Yunlong and nodded slightly, “Please!”
The two then ate while exchanging conversation.
At this moment, Liu Yuan gained a deeper understanding of the New First Regiment’s situation, which left him astonished.
The assessment standards of the New First Regiment were even higher than those of the Nationalist soldiers!
More than a thousand soldiers in the entire regiment met these standards!
The base even housed a small-scale arsenal, along with established medical, logistics, and transportation departments...
This development was entirely self-sufficient!
No wonder they were veterans of the old Red Army!
Such capability was not something mere academic qualifications could compare to, and Liu Yuan sincerely admired them.
“Old Li, I really didn’t expect our regiment to have developed so comprehensively. It’s truly eye-opening.”
“Could someone show me around?”
Li Yunlong rubbed his belly and said, “I’ll accompany you. After a full meal, a little exercise is just right.”
“That’s wonderful,” Liu Yuan said gratefully.
“You’re welcome!” Li Yunlong stood up and gestured, “Let’s head to the Third Battalion first.”
“The Third Battalion was newly formed, and I serve as the battalion commander. The deputy commander is Wang Huaibao. Most of the troops are new recruits, stationed at the regiment’s base...”
Liu Yuan quietly listened as he followed.
After a short while, they arrived at the Third Battalion’s training ground.
There, the soldiers who had just finished eating were gathered, listening as veterans shared their experiences.
Questions were asked from time to time.
This scene surprised Liu Yuan somewhat.
Li Yunlong explained, “This is the time after meals when new recruits are taught various skills and experiences.”
“Since the Third Battalion is composed of new recruits, they have to work harder to keep pace with the other two battalions...”
To uphold Li Yunlong’s prestige before the soldiers, Liu Yuan changed how he addressed him.
“Commander Li, you really have a knack for managing the troops!” Liu Yuan praised.
“Not at all, you flatter me!” Li Yunlong smiled in response.
At that moment, Wang Huaibao, who had noticed Li Yunlong approaching, walked over and saluted.
“Commander, have you eaten?”
---
“I have,” Li Yunlong replied amiably, giving instructions, “Have everyone assemble. I want you to introduce the newly appointed deputy commander, Comrade Liu Yuan.”
Wang Huaibao and the others were momentarily taken aback.
Then they responded immediately, “Yes!”
A whistle sounded to signal assembly.
Within moments, all soldiers had gathered, lined up, and stood silently awaiting orders.
The entire process took less than three minutes.
The Third Battalion’s discipline was indeed impressive!
Liu Yuan was silently shocked: so these were the new recruits the commander mentioned?
Li Yunlong then introduced Liu Yuan’s background to the troops.
Everyone was taken aback.
A graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy, with intelligence experience and a solid education...
“Let’s welcome him!” Li Yunlong said, looking at their expressions and leading the applause.
The soldiers joined in enthusiastically.
To help Liu Yuan integrate quickly into the New First Regiment and assist in managing the troops, Li Yunlong showed him great respect.
This was why he personally escorted Liu Yuan and made the introductions.
Liu Yuan understood Li Yunlong’s intentions and felt somewhat ashamed.
After all, coming from the airborne forces and having heard stories of Li Yunlong’s difficult nature, he had expected a harsh reception.
Yet from start to finish, Li Yunlong was warm, personally guided him, introduced him thoroughly, and treated him with great respect.
He had judged a gentleman with a petty heart!
This made him feel a pang of guilt toward Li Yunlong.
He then nodded slightly to Li Yunlong, stepped forward, and saluted the assembled soldiers.
“Hello everyone, my name is Liu Yuan. I am honored to join the New First Regiment. Let us work together to improve, resist the Japanese invaders, and defend our homeland...”
At these words, the crowd applauded again with enthusiasm.
“Well said!” Li Yunlong complimented. “From now on, Comrade Liu Yuan will also serve as the commander of the Third Battalion. Everyone must fully cooperate and follow Comrade Liu Yuan’s guidance.”
“Yes!” the soldiers responded in unison.
Liu Yuan was startled inwardly, realizing this was a test from Li Yunlong.
If he wanted to be accepted in the New First Regiment, he had to pass this hurdle.
Otherwise, how could others respect him?
“Thank you, Commander, for this opportunity. I will do my utmost.”
Li Yunlong nodded slightly and smiled, “Don’t blame me for giving you a heavy burden.”
“In addition to the work in the Third Battalion, you will also need to impart your valuable experience in counterintelligence and anti-sabotage.”
“To prepare for the formation of a special operations company.”
“Yes!” Liu Yuan responded solemnly.
Intelligence and counter-sabotage were indispensable.
---
Currently, the New First Regiment relied on civilians and militia scouts for intelligence. Though some information could be obtained, it often arrived too late.
This left little time to respond.
If targeted enemy actions occurred, it could prove fatal to the regiment.
As for counter-sabotage, although Liu Yuan possessed loyal detection skills, it was impossible to monitor the entire regiment continuously, especially as troop numbers grew.
Hence, the need for a special operations company to assist.
At this moment, Wang Huaibao asked, “Deputy Commander, I have a question to consult with you.”
Liu Yuan nodded slightly, “Please go ahead.”
Wang Huaibao asked, “After disguise, the enemy looks like us, and some even understand our language. How can we identify and guard against them?”
Liu Yuan explained, “We can test them through linguistic peculiarities, such as dialects...”
“As for defense, we can rely on the power of the people, secrecy measures, education, and reform...”
Li Yunlong watched Liu Yuan speak with satisfaction.
Having such an ally was truly excellent!
The brigade commander had really done well to assign him here.
He must not disappoint the brigade commander!
They had to accelerate the regiment’s improvement and expansion!
“Comrade Liu Yuan is absolutely right!” Li Yunlong affirmed with a nod. “Our language is profound and intricate—how could these little devils from a tiny place possibly understand it?”
“For example, when facing a suspicious person, you can greet them in dialects using phrases about their ancestors or spouse. If there’s no reaction, there’s a ninety-nine percent chance they’re the enemy!”
“But everyone should be careful when using such methods, or you might get beaten up.”
Hearing this, the soldiers burst into laughter.
The atmosphere lightened, yet the lesson was remembered.
Compared to Liu Yuan’s guidance, Li Yunlong’s was more specific and humorously delivered.
This helped relieve the fatigue from their intense training.
Liu Yuan also noticed changes among the soldiers.
At that moment, he seemed to feel Li Yunlong’s charismatic charm.
No wonder his prestige was so high.
He was truly impressed!
After finishing the visit to the Third Battalion, Li Yunlong led Liu Yuan to the arsenal while explaining the regiment’s defensive arrangements.
“Old Li, weren’t we going to the arsenal?”
“Why are we back at the regiment headquarters?”
Li Yunlong smiled, “Please follow me!”
As a hidden door opened, a dark passageway appeared before Liu Yuan.
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