Who? Liu Jichuan? He had returned?

  “How do you know? He came to look for you?” Feng Yu asked curiously. Liu Jichuan’s home was still in the village, and Wen Dongjun was living in the district. Both of them should not have met each other.

  “He is one of the soldiers that is retiring from service this year. He had returned before New Year’s Day. My father told me.”


  This era was not like the time before Feng Yu returned to this present life. In the future years, people joined the military in Summer and retires in Summer. Now, most of the soldiers were recruited in Winter and retires from service in Winter. Although Liu Jichuan had joined the military in 1990, before the reform of the army, his retirement from the military service was the same as those who joined after the changes.

  Liu Jichuan did not only serve 3 years of military service. He should be an officer for his length of service.

  “Which unit is he assigned to? The Police?” Feng Yu asked.

  When soldiers retire, they were sent back to their hometowns, and the officers were offered a job with the Police or National Security agencies. For a small district, few people will join the military service, and Liu Jichuan had served the military for quite some time in the same unit with Uncle Wen. He should have no problem entering the Police force.

  “No. I think he was sent to the Livestock Division by drawing lots.”


  Feng Yu: “……” Draw lots? How could this type of job placement be fair to the soldiers?! Was this suggested by Uncle Wen?

  Livestock Division’s jobs should be reserved for those who were trained in that field. At least the people posted there should have a specialist diploma. Li Jichuan had served in the military for so many years, how could he know about the livestock?

  “Do you know which unit did he serve in the military? What soldier was he?” Feng Yu asked.

  “How would I know? But maybe I can ask my father. He should know. Why are you asking about this? You also want to join the military?” Wen Dongjun asked.

  “Do you think I will go and torture myself?” Become a soldier? It might be the dream of many people. But soldiers might not have the chance to go to war. Most likely they will be training day and night. Some of them might even have to rear pigs in the military camps!

  Feng Yu does not have the intention of becoming a soldier. But he was interested in Liu Jichuan. He wants to know if he had changed over the years.

  “Oh yes. Liu Jichuan and some of them are going to report to the livestock division today. We have not met him for quite some time. Want to meet up with him and see if he has any gifts for us?”


  Feng Yu glanced at Wen Dongjun. The last sentence was his real intention.

  The district was not big. Feng Yu and Wen Dongjun walked to the Livestock Divison, and it took less than 10 minutes. It was Wen Dongjun’s idea to walk over. He wants to verify if people looked at him because he was a monkey, or they were in awe of him.

  But it was snowing, and no one noticed him.

  ……


  “Brother Chuan.” Wen Dongjun was very excited to see Liu Jichuan. After all his first-time hunting was with Liu Jichuan.

  “Dongjun, Xiao Yu? Why are you here?” Liu Jichuan smiled when he saw them. It was not he missed the people from his hometown. But he felt glad to see someone from his village.

  Feng Yu smiled and greeted him. He was looking at Liu Jichuan by his side. He noticed there was something different about Liu Jichuan. It was a feeling. It was the same feeling given out by one of Master Lu’s bodyguard.

  Master Lu’s bodyguard had gone to war and had killed people before. Could it be that Liu Jichuan had gone to war? He had killed someone before?!

  “Brother Chuan, you are back. Why didn’t you come and find me? I will go and tell my father to transfer you to the Police department. There are lesser work and more allowances. It is better than facing livestock.” Wen Dongjun said, ignoring the fact he was at the Livestock Division.

  Liu Jichuan smiled: “No need. Actually, I am here today to settle the paperwork. I do not want to work in the district.”


  “Why? What are you going to do then?” Wen Dongjun asked. If Liu Jichuan does not work, how would he support his family? Continue to be a farmer like his father?

  But working at the Livestock Division was better than being a farmer. Liu Jichuan’s father had cultivated some waste lands many years back. He received quite a sum when he returned the land to the Government. Although he did not go and farm in Russia, he was one of the first in the district to build a greenhouse. His annual profits were quite good too. Liu Jichuan wanted to build greenhouses like his father? But he could do this when he finishes work at the Livestock Division.

  “My Company Commander had set up a private security company in Shenyang. He wants me to go over to help him.”


  Feng Yu was surprised. There were private security companies now? But what could Liu Jichuan do at a private security company? He might be conned into committing crimes.

  “Private security company? What does it do?” Feng Yu frowned and asked.

  “Be the driver for some bosses and ensure their safety, etc. The salary is quite high. 500 RMB a month!”


  Before Liu Jichuan joined the military service, Bing City’s average annual income was about 1,000 RMB. Even now, the average yearly salary was less than 3,000 RMB. The monthly salary was about 200 to 300 RMB.

  Some people might be earning more or less, but the Livestock Division’s salary was only about 200 RMB a month. Now, there was another job offer with a 500 RMB salary, Liu Jichuan was very tempted.

  Feng Yu suddenly remembered that he had a driver in Hong Kong. But when he returns to China, he had to drive himself. Why doesn’t he hire a driver in China too?

  Also, Feng Yu’s father likes to drink. What if he drinks and drives? His father should also get a driver.

  Feng Yu remembered that after the last crackdown, triads resurfaced in the past two years. In another 1 and a half years, he will be graduating. He should be getting a bodyguard for his own safety.

  “Brother Chuan, what unit did you serve in the military? Which military arm?” Feng Yu asked.

  Liu Jichuan had a troubled looked: “Sorry. I am not allowed to reveal because of the disciplinary actions.”


  Cannot reveal? Was this some top-secret military unit?

  “Then have you experienced real war? Have you fought in a war?” Feng Yu continued asking.

  Liu Jichuan nodded: “Yes.”


  “You have fought in a war? Do you have any medals of merit? What rank were you when you retire from service? Second Lieutenant? Major?” Wen Dongjun asked. His eyes were sparkling. Liu Jichuan had really fought in a war!

  “I am only a Sergeant. I do not have the educational levels, and it’s hard for me to move up the ranks.” Liu Jichuan explained.

  Feng Yu looked at Liu Jichuan. This guy’s lips were tight. But soldiers were not allowed to drink. He should not be able to hold his liquor after so many years.

  Yes, make him drunk and then make him reveal everything.

  To let Liu Jichuan be his bodyguard, he must understand his past first.

  “Brother Chuan, everyone has his own aspirations. It’s fine if you do not wish to work here. In another two years, you can fetch Uncle Liu to live in the city. He can enjoy life there. Since you have nothing else now, why not we have a drink? 2nd street has opened a new restaurant. Let’s go there to have a drink.”


  Wen Dongjun looked at Feng Yu surprised. This Feng Yu suggested going for a drink? Did the sun rise from the west today?

  Liu Jichuan carried his bag and laughed: “Good idea. I will treat!”