60: Take Action

He was pointing to a report about Zhongxing Microelectronics. Xiao Jianhao and Tang Ziwei looked where he was pointing, then looked at each other, their faces full of confusion.

"Integrated circuits? Wafers?"

At the same time.

On Highway 80, about 32 kilometers west of Kuwait.

This was a six-lane highway connecting Kuwait City with the Iraq border town of Saufwan. With the collapse of the Iraq defense line and the sacrifice of countless soldiers, Commander Saddam finally announced the withdrawal of troops from Kuwait.

At this moment, the highway was packed with three divisions of retreating Iraq troops. Tanks and civilian vehicles were intertwined, moving very slowly.

At the front of the convoy, the newly promoted Second Lieutenant Taleb sat in a BH90 export version tank, his face grim. In contrast, the soldier Masoum, who was driving the tank, seemed much more relaxed.

"Platoon Leader, we're almost home, can't you smile?" Masoum joked, "Otherwise, I'd think we were going to meet Allah."

However, Taleb ignored his joke. He had always been cautious and dared not be negligent in the slightest, especially after learning that Commander Saddam had proposed withdrawal but the United States had not yet responded. He believed that only by entering Iraq territory could they be considered safe.

Suddenly, a T-72 tank leading the way ahead stopped abruptly. Taleb also quickly slowed down. The adjacent lanes were still clear, but only their lane was stagnant.

Before Taleb could ask, Masoum inquired about the situation via radio: "Ibn, why did you stop?"

"Damn it, a civilian car broke down ahead." Ibn explained and said he would deal with it immediately. Taleb ordered Masoum to stay in the tank while he got out and went to the T-72 to check the situation.

He quickly arrived in front of the T-72 and found that an old Jeep Cherokee was blocking the road.

The owner was a weary-looking Asian City man, anxiously checking the smoking engine. Beside him, a soldier with a gun was staring coldly at him, as if ready to act at the slightest misstep.

"Ibn, what happened?" Taleb asked.

Ibn turned his head, his attitude softening slightly: "Platoon Leader, this car's engine has a problem. I'm trying to get him to move the car."

Taleb noticed there were other people in the car. Through the blurry windows, he could see some figures. "Resolve this as soon as possible. We must reach the border before dark."

"Yes!" Ibn received the order and immediately fired two shots into the air.

"Listen clearly! The Platoon Leader said to move the car immediately!"

The Asian City man quickly clasped his hands together and pleaded: "Officer, please be kind. We are also going to Iraq. Please take our family with you, I beg you."

"Get out of the way, move the car quickly! I have urgent matters to attend to. Go find the civilians behind you for help."

Facing this situation, Taleb did not linger any longer and turned back.

The area around this road was desolate, with nothing but endless desert.

His family must be in the car. If they could only walk, they didn't know how long it would take to reach their destination.

Although he knew it was unwise for these civilians to place their hopes on those who came later, because this road was almost exclusively used by people eager to return to Iraq.

But he had no time to worry about more.

Compared to the fate of the civilians, he was more concerned about the safety of his own troops.

As he was about to return to the Jeep and board the tank, a splash of bright red caught his attention.

After hesitating for a few seconds, he still turned around and saw a small red flag stuck on the rearview mirror, fluttering in the wind.

The sunlight shining on the red flag was particularly dazzling.

At this moment, Ibn had impatiently pressed his gun against the Asian City man's head.

"Didn't you hear what I said? Move the car quickly!"

"Officer, I beg you, save me and my family. We are also Iraqis."

"We don't want to die on this road."

"Go talk to the civilians behind you, don't block the road here."

"I said, move the car immediately!"

He saw that the Platoon Leader had already walked around him and stood in front of the Asian City man.

"Are you Chinese?"

Hearing this question, the Asian City man was stunned, then quickly replied.

"I used to be, but now I am an Iraq citizen."

Seeing the other person clearly show a disappointed expression after hearing his answer, he quickly added.

"However, my wife and child still have China nationality."

Although he didn't know what the result would be, he instinctively felt that this sentence might change their fate.

"Do you know someone named Xu Ning?"

He desperately searched his mind but had absolutely no impression of this name, so he could only lower his head and reply: "No, I don't know him, Officer."

Taleb stared at him until he became flustered before speaking: "Ibn."

"Yes, Platoon Leader," Ibn replied.

"Have the people in your vehicle get out and push this Jeep to the side of the road."

"As for you..." Taleb's gaze turned to the Asian City man, and he said calmly, "You and your family take your important belongings and come back to the tank with me. I will take you back to the border."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Ibn quickly approached Taleb and whispered: "Platoon Leader, this might not be according to the rules."

"I know, just follow the order!" Taleb said firmly.

"Yes, Platoon Leader." Ibn dared not say more and hurried towards the tank to inform the others to get out and help.

Although he didn't understand what made the Platoon Leader change his mind, he knew it was best not to ask too many questions in this situation.

The Asian City man seemed a little disbelieving. After confirming he hadn't misheard, he said tremblingly: "Thank, Xie Xie you."

"What is your name?"

"Zhou Qing."

"Okay, go get some important things. Be quick, we need to leave immediately."

Zhou Qing bowed and thanked him while rushing back to get the luggage. When Taleb saw the family of three inside the car—Zhou Qing and his wife and their daughter—he nodded.

The couple quickly packed a suitcase full of important items and got out of the car to follow Taleb. The Little girl was held by her mother. She looked at Taleb with bright eyes, full of curiosity and without any fear.

Walking up to the main battle tank in front of them, the Little girl excitedly cried out: "Uncle, this tank is so cool! It looks much better than the previous one!"

Taleb stopped and smiled, a rare sight: "Then guess, where was this tank made?"

The Little girl bit her finger, looking very cute as she thought seriously. Her father quickly smiled and prompted: "Xiao Ran, such a cool tank must be from Bear Country."

"Oh, I see, Uncle, I understand now, this tank is from Bear Country!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Taleb's expression immediately became serious.