Xia Zhaoyun asked with a gentle smile, "Junzi, have you ever thought about joining the army?"
Everyone at the table stopped to listen. Huo Tianhao agreed, saying, "Junzi, you’re in good physical condition and have a middle school diploma. As long as you have a specialized skill and pass the physical and political reviews, you can be specially recruited."
"In the service, you can work on your physical fitness, technical skills, and academics all at once. If you excel, you might even be able to make a career out of it and stay for life."
"It’s much better than letting your studies fall by the wayside, not having a job, and just drifting around. At the very least, you can build up a solid record in the military."
He Qingjun’s eyes lit up. ’What man doesn’t dream of being a soldier?’
’It’s incredibly tough, but isn’t that how everyone gets through it?’
There was a saying in later years: a man might regret joining the army for two years, but he’ll regret not joining for a lifetime!
"I do! I really, really do! If I become a soldier, I can finally get away from my family and stop playing mind games all day. If I make something of myself, I can be a pillar of support for my two older sisters and my nephews. We’ll see who dares to bully them then!" He Qingjun clenched his fists, trembling with heroic ambition.
Huo Tianhao nodded. "Alright, then. You’ll come with me today. I’ll put you through some intensive training, and we’ll see if you meet the requirements when recruitment starts in the fall."
He Qingjun asked, a little sheepishly, "Brother-in-law, um... can I... can I bring a few of my buddies along?"
"I promise, every one of them is strong and fit, and they’re good listeners!"
"The thing is, we’ve been running together since we were kids. We’re thick as thieves, and we always have each other’s backs. Honestly, they’ve helped me out more than I’ve helped them."
"So, I was thinking... they’re also just middle school graduates. If they just hang around at home, they might fall in with a bad crowd..."
Huo Tianhao raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Bringing one is the same as bringing a whole crew. However, if it were just you, I’d cover your room and board. But with a group, you’ll have to sort that out yourselves."
He Qingjun grinned and nodded. "Of course. Even if you did it for free, I’d have to get the money from my old man. We’re all his children; it makes no sense for him to only care about his new family and not his first."


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