Chapter 6: The History of the First Company

Gazing at the peeling doorknob, the group couldn't help but notice that there were three padlocks hanging from it. They all wondered if a series of secret weapons were stashed within.

Creak— With a shrill sound of metal scraping and a cloud of dust falling, the battered door slowly swung open. A wave of chilling air swept out, making everyone shiver involuntarily.

Long Fei took the lead and entered, the others trailing in one after another. After fumbling in the dimness for a moment, Long Fei switched on the light. The sudden brightness made them squint.

The old bulb was veiled in cobwebs, but its glow was undiminished. The group looked around in curiosity, every eye wide with disbelief—except for Gu Jianfeng, for he already knew what lay inside. He’d been here before, and had read about this place in a book.

“These are all things I’ve meticulously preserved. Everything belonging to First Company is here, a collection of memories since its founding,” Long Fei said quietly to the others.

There were no secret weapons after all. Instead, the shelves and tables held yellowed photographs, rusted pistols long obsolete and decommissioned. In the very center of the room stood half a war-torn battle flag, its burnt edges telling tales of fire and smoke—a sight that drew every eye.

Unconsciously, they all gathered around the flag, gazing in reverence at the tattered but sacred relic.

“This was the very first battle flag of First Company. Now only half remains. Back in the war against the invaders, wherever this flag was raised, the enemy would tremble in terror,” Long Fei explained as he joined them.

“Captain, where did the other half of the flag go?” Xue Meng asked.

“I’m not entirely sure. By the time it was passed down to me, only half remained,” Long Fei replied.

“Is this man the Father of Military Dogs, Suo Hongfei?” Su Weiguo exclaimed, surprised as he studied a photograph on the wall.

“What’s the matter? Doesn’t he look the part?” Long Fei asked, glancing at Su Weiguo.

“No, it’s just—I always pictured him as a towering, heroic figure, someone who could swallow mountains,” Su Weiguo admitted awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

“You’re not the only one. Back then, some believed Commander Suo had three heads and six arms. Who would have thought he was just an ordinary man of average height and looks?” Long Fei said softly.

“One cannot judge a man by his appearance. How many great men have looked unremarkable, yet stood tall in the eyes of the people?” Fu Zhihong sighed.

“In the past, whenever a new recruit joined First Company, I’d always bring them here. I wanted them to remember our history, to carry on our spirit.

“But later, I sealed this place off completely. That was because I never considered you part of First Company.

“I know why you’re all here, and I believe you know even better. The reason I never regarded you as members of First Company is because you never saw this company as your home.

“Some of you even felt ashamed to be assigned here, unable to hold your heads high before your old comrades.

“What I want to tell you today is that First Company is a storied and honorable unit. It has shed much blood and many tears for the peace of our nation,” Long Fei declared, his words ringing out. Aside from Gu Jianfeng and Fu Zhihong, the others dropped their heads in shame.

“Captain, I want to be a true soldier of First Company. Will you accept me?” Xue Meng stepped forward, speaking with solemnity.

“First Company may not last much longer. You won’t remain here for long. The reason I’m telling you all this today is so you don’t look down on First Company. After all, you’ve lived here too,” Long Fei replied quietly.

“Captain, whether you acknowledge me or not, as long as I, Wu Fugui, serve in First Company, I am a soldier of First Company!” Wu Fugui’s voice was soft, but it spoke for them all.

“Captain, the regimental commander and the political officer are here!” called a soldier at the door, catching the sound of footsteps outside. Turning, he saw it was Regimental Commander Yu Hongyang and Political Officer Tang Jingtong from the border defense regiment.

“Knew I’d find you here. Well, you finally decided to let these young rascals see your precious trove?” Commander Yu Hongyang joked as he entered the room.

“Commander, Political Officer, what wind brings you here? You two are always so busy—no need to trouble yourselves with the little matters of First Company,” Long Fei replied after saluting with the others.

“From your tone, it sounds like we’re not welcome! What, I can’t even visit my own subordinates?” Yu Hongyang’s eyes flashed with a hint of resignation.

Looking at the man he once admired most, Yu Hongyang felt a surge of disappointment, like iron that could not be forged.

“Long Fei, take care of things here. The Commander and I will wait for you in the meeting room. This place is too cramped for conversation,” Political Officer Tang Jingtong said, patting Long Fei on the shoulder.

“Yes, sir!” Long Fei answered loudly.

Yu Hongyang and Tang Jingtong nodded and left the room with their entourage.

“Old Fu, take everyone back and lock up,” Long Fei said, handing the keys to Fu Zhihong.

“All right. Leave things here to me. Go talk to the Commander and Political Officer—just don’t lose your temper again,” Fu Zhihong urged.

“Don’t worry,” Long Fei replied, then headed toward the meeting room.

Gu Jianfeng had thought about greeting Yu Hongyang and Tang Jingtong, but with no chance to interrupt, and since they hadn’t noticed him, he decided now wasn’t the time and kept quiet.

“Old Fu, why do you think the Commander and Political Officer came today?” Xue Meng asked.

“What else? It’s about the disbandment. This has been dragged out for so long. Now that the Commander and Political Officer have come in person, it seems First Company is really about to become history,” Fu Zhihong said with a sigh.

On the way back to the barracks, not a word was spoken among them. Each felt the weight of sorrow, wanting to do something, yet powerless.

At the very end of the group, Gu Jianfeng hesitated. Instead of following the others, he turned and walked toward the company’s main gate.