24: Watch the exercise

However, surprisingly, these desperate individuals smiled after learning their fate. Perhaps, in their view, being left with an intact corpse was the best possible outcome.

That day, Xu Ning did not go to the temporary laboratory, but rested in the Factory Director's office in the old factory area.

He gave Wang Shuo and Xiao Chen five days off, hoping they could recover from the psychological trauma of the incident at home.

Tang Ziwei was also present; she sat on the sofa, sipping tea, having been called here from the busy workshop.

Because Xu Ning had a lingering doubt in his heart.

"Company Commander Tang, why isn't there a military garrison around our factory?"

This was the first time he had actively brought up this question. Generally speaking, factories with military production permits should have military protection to ensure safety.

But according to the original owner's memory and what he had seen since his return, the military seemed to have disappeared.

Tang Ziwei rubbed her thigh, pondered for a moment, and replied: "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure about this question either. I only know that shortly after the troops withdrew, news spread that the factory's construction permit might be revoked, which made everyone feel very uneasy."

Xu Ning frowned. After a brief hesitation, he spoke again: "Company Commander Tang, I always feel that this matter has no direct connection to the self-surrendering Secretary Liu; he seems more like a scapegoat."

Tang Ziwei put down her teacup and fell into thought. After a long while, she spoke again: "Xu Ning, why do you have such a thought?"

Xu Ning shook his head: "I can't say for sure, maybe it's just a feeling. I always feel that Secretary Liu surrendered too quickly, as if he was eager to cover up some deeper issue."

"Ah, you might be overthinking it. At that time, the factory was already facing the risk of delisting, and the troop withdrawal was understandable," Tang Ziwei tried to comfort him.

"But I asked Wang Shuo and the others. When they went to recruit at other military factories, the troops at those factories only withdrew after the factory was completely closed," Xu Ning insisted on his point of view.

"It seems we are an exception here. Company Commander Tang, did anything special happen before the troops stationed at our factory withdrew?" he continued to press.

Tang Ziwei scratched her head, trying hard to recall, but could not find any clues related to this incident.

Just then, "Knock, knock, knock..." a rapid knocking sound broke the silence of the office.

A sudden, urgent knocking sounded from outside the door, as if there was an emergency.

"Please come in," Xu Ning responded calmly.

The door was pushed open, and a voice urgently reported: "Factory Director, a large number of soldiers suddenly arrived outside the factory. They are heavily armed, and I even saw the silhouette of a tank!"

"It seems like an urgent garrison mission. Company Commander Tang, let's go and see the situation quickly," Xu Ning decided on the spot.

"Understood," Company Commander Tang responded briefly.

The two hurried outside the factory, only to see several rows of fully armed soldiers standing straight. Their gaze was firm and stern, like a group of well-trained combat machines.

Clearly, this was a unit that had undergone rigorous training.

Seeing the two appear, the leading officer immediately ran over in short steps.

"Reporting to the Factory Director, Spike Company has been ordered to come and perform garrison duties to ensure the factory's safety!"

"I am the Battalion Commander of Spike Company, Xiao Jianhao. May I ask which one of you is the Factory Director?" the leading officer formally introduced himself.

Seeing Xiao Jianhao's gaze turn towards her, Tang Ziwei quickly waved her hand and pointed to Xu Ning beside her.

"This is the real Factory Director of our 316 Military Factory."

Xiao Jianhao's gaze lingered on Xu Ning for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then he solemnly saluted.

Xu Ning also quickly returned the salute and warmly shook hands: "Hello, I am the Factory Director of 316 Military Factory. I look forward to your guidance in the future, and together we will protect our home."

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers standing straight, and asked in a low voice with a hint of confusion: "How do I feel that these soldiers are looking at me strangely? Did I do something wrong?"

Xiao Jianhao smiled upon hearing this: "Factory Director, please don't worry. Actually, our Spike Company was originally preparing for a red-blue military exercise, and everyone was eager to show their skills. Unexpectedly, we suddenly received an order to cancel the exercise and come here for garrison duty."

"But this has nothing to do with you, please don't misunderstand," he quickly explained.

"We didn't perform well in the last military exercise, and the soldiers all hoped to redeem themselves in this exercise. We didn't expect that plans wouldn't keep up with changes, so there might be some disappointment in their mood."

Xu Ning was relieved after hearing this: "So that's it, no wonder I felt that their expressions were a little serious."

"Ah, speaking of the Company Commander of our tank company, he's full of complaints. Those Type 59 Tanks have problems every three days. In the last military exercise, three tanks broke down right at the start."

"As a result, B point was lost not long after the exercise began!"

"This time, we wanted to turn the tables. The Company Commander had just finished boosting the soldiers' morale, but had to withdraw from the battlefield."

Xiao Jianhao sighed helplessly as he spoke. It was truly disheartening for their renowned field army reconnaissance unit to be sent to stand guard in a place like this.

He suddenly slapped his forehead, "Oh, right, Commander Chen Dongchao also asked me to say hello to you for him."

"I heard you had something going on here. He should have come immediately, but the exercise has already started, so he can only come to see you after the exercise ends."

"Oh? He's here too?"

"Yes, he is currently watching the exercise in the Northern Military Region."

Xu Ning rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully: "So he's over there. I've been there many times with my dad before; it's not far. Since he's already there, I won't trouble him to make a trip; I'll go find him myself."

The new tank was ready, and he had long been eager to drive it and show off his skills.

He had originally planned to contact Commander Chen Dongchao to come over, because the commander could help him solve some problems. He didn't expect the commander was already there; how could he miss this opportunity?

Xiao Jianhao was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Factory Director, please don't joke. It's at least one or two hundred kilometers from here. Let's wait for the commander to come."

"If we take the highway, I know a shortcut. If we're fast, we can get there in half an hour."

Xu Ning said and turned to leave. Xiao Jianhao quickly followed: "Then I have to follow you. I have orders from above to protect you closely."

"Alright, call your Tank Company Commander, Sun Zhongqiang, and let's go together."

Xiao Jianhao rubbed his head, feeling that this person was really interesting. But executing orders was a soldier's duty. He quickly arranged the troops and called Sun Zhongqiang to chase after Xu Ning.