Chapter 36 Training in Land, Sea and Air Vehicles
Chapter 36 Training in Land, Sea and Air Vehicles
After dropping Zhang Xueying off at home, Lin Zhe's car remained parked in front of Zhang's house for a long time. He looked at the small building with its lights on, took a deep breath, and finally got out of the car.
This was the first time he had come to the Zhang family's house on his own initiative. Before, he was always invited, or he would simply drop Xueying off at the door and leave. Today was different; he was there to meet the parents as Xueying's boyfriend.
Wang Hui opened the door. She was a little surprised to see Lin Zhe, but quickly smiled and said, "Lin Zhe's here? Come in!"
"Auntie, sorry to bother you." Lin Zhe entered the room carrying two boxes of tea—which he had bought on the way.
"You silly child, you came all this way, why did you bring anything?" Wang Hui took the tea leaves. "Xueying just came upstairs. Old Zhang isn't back yet, please have a seat."
Lin Zhe sat down on the sofa, his back straight, his hands on his knees—a soldier's posture he couldn't change.
Wang Hui poured him tea, looking at him with eyes full of affection: "Xueying told me everything when she got back. You two... decided to be together?"
"Yes, Auntie." Lin Zhe nodded. "He came to my house today and met my parents."
"Okay, okay." Wang Hui nodded repeatedly. "As parents, we just want our children to be happy. Xueying likes you, and we support that. It's just... you're a soldier, so you'll see each other less often in the future. You need to be understanding."
"I understand," Lin Zhe said earnestly. "I will try my best to do well."
Just then, the sound of keys clicking on the door came from outside. Zhang Dajiang returned, and upon seeing Lin Zhe, he paused, surprised: "Lin Zhe? What brings you here?"
"Uncle Zhang." Lin Zhe stood up.
"Sit down, sit down." Zhang Dajiang took off his military jacket and sat down next to Wang Hui. "What's up?"
Lin Zhe sat up straight and looked at Zhang Dajiang and Wang Hui: "Uncle, Aunt, I've come to formally tell you—Xueying and I are dating, and I hope to be with her."
His words were simple, without fancy language, but every word carried great weight.
Zhang Dajiang looked at him, remained silent for a few seconds, and then said, "Have you thought this through? Being a soldier's family isn't easy. Xueying has been spoiled since childhood. Can she handle it?"
"Dad!" Zhang Xueying came downstairs just in time to hear this. "I'm not spoiled at all!"
"Shut up, let Lin Zhe talk," Zhang Dajiang waved his hand.
Lin Zhe said, "I've thought it through. Xueying also understands what military families face. She's willing to wait for me and support me, and I...I'm very grateful. I promise you, I will treat her well and do everything I can to give her happiness."
"How will you give it to her?" Zhang Dajiang pressed. "How many days a year can you go home? You're not there when she's sick, you're not there when she needs you. How long can she endure this?"
"Old Zhang..." Wang Hui tried to persuade him.
"Don't interrupt," Zhang Dajiang said, looking at Lin Zhe. "I want to hear the truth."
Lin Zhe didn't dodge the question: "To be honest, I can't guarantee I'll be by her side every day, or even see her every month. But I will contact her every day—as long as there's a signal. I will remember every important date. I will dedicate all my rest time to her. And..."
He paused for a moment, then said, "I will protect myself, for her sake, and for all of you. I will try my best to live, to come back alive to see her."
These words were honest, even a little heavy. But Zhang Dajiang sensed the sincerity in them.
After a long silence, Zhang Dajiang sighed, "Alright. You young people can decide your own affairs. But Lin Zhe, remember what you said today. Xueying is our only daughter. If you betray her, I won't forgive you."
"Dad!" Zhang Xueying was both angry and ashamed.
Wang Hui laughed: "Alright, alright, since it's decided, that's a good thing. Lin Zhe, next time you're on vacation, let's have a meal together and officially settle this."
"Okay." Lin Zhe nodded.
Zhang Dajiang stood up: "Lin Zhe, come to the study, I want to say a few words to you."
In the study, Zhang Dajiang closed the door and looked at Lin Zhe: "Chen Jianfeng called me and said you passed the 'Hidden Dragon' test?"
Lin Zhe didn't hide anything: "Yes, it was approved yesterday."
"Good lad!" Zhang Dajiang's eyes flashed with approval. "'Hidden Dragon'... that's a place that so many people in the entire army dream of. The fact that you were able to get in shows that you are indeed outstanding."
He paused, then continued, "But Lin Zhe, 'Hidden Dragon's' missions are far more dangerous than those of ordinary special forces. On missions overseas, anything can happen. You need to be mentally prepared."
"I understand," Lin Zhe said.
"Also, once you join 'Hidden Dragon,' your identity becomes even more special." Zhang Dajiang lowered his voice. "There are many things you can't even tell your family. You need to handle Xueying's situation well. You can't let her worry, but you also can't let her be completely unaware."
"I will know my limits."
"Okay." Zhang Dajiang patted Lin Zhe on the shoulder. "Do a good job. Remember, no matter how high you fly, this will always be your home. And... take good care of yourself. Xueying is waiting for you, and we are waiting for you too."
"yes!"
The next day, Lin Zhe returned to the "Hidden Dragon" base. From today onwards, he would begin intensive training.
The training was conducted by the team members in turns. The first one to train him was "Dragon Claw," who was in charge of special vehicle driving.
In the base's underground training area, various modified vehicles were parked. Dragon Claw pointed to one of them: "This is our standard configuration. Bulletproof body, reinforced chassis, satellite communication, weapon storage cabinets... The operation is similar to ordinary vehicles, but you need to master some special skills."
He demonstrated techniques such as high-speed cornering, emergency obstacle avoidance, and defensive driving. Lin Zhe watched attentively and picked it up quickly—he had received similar training at Hunter Blade, just not in such a systematic way.
"Not bad, a very good foundation." Dragon Claw nodded in satisfaction. "Next up is the airplane."
The aircraft training was conducted at an air force base. When Lin Zhe first sat in the cockpit of a fighter jet, his heart skipped a beat—he had designed fighter jets in his previous life, but this was his first time piloting one himself.
His companion was "Dragon Wing," a thirty-year-old colonel and ace pilot.
"This is the J-10, our main fighter jet." The Longyi information display panel showed, "This is the altimeter, this is the airspeed indicator, this is the radar screen... Takeoff is simple: push the throttle, pull the stick..."
Lin Zhe listened attentively and followed along with the instructions. It was his first flight, and he was a little nervous, his movements somewhat stiff. But after a few laps, he gradually got the hang of it.
"You've flown before?" Long Yi asked in surprise. Lin Zhe's speed in learning was unlike that of a novice.
"No, it's my first time," Lin Zhe said. "But I've studied aircraft principles and am familiar with the parameters."
By his second flight, Lin Zhe was already able to perform basic maneuvers. On his third flight, he attempted rolls, dives, and climbs...
"Insane." Long Yi shook his head and smiled wryly as he watched Lin Zhe's movements. "It took me a month to learn to fly like that back then."
Lin Zhe remained silent. His thirty-five years of experience in equipment research in his previous life gave him a far deeper understanding of aircraft than most people. He not only knew how to operate them, but also why they should be operated that way, and even how to optimize their operation.
Next came helicopters, transport planes, and even small reconnaissance aircraft... Lin Zhe absorbed knowledge like a sponge, making astonishing progress.
Submarine training takes place at a naval base. This is a relatively unfamiliar area for Lin Zhe, but he learns it just as quickly—he understands the principles, what he lacks is practical experience.
"What's wrong with your brain?" Lin Zhe's mentor, a senior submarine officer, couldn't help but ask as he watched Lin Zhe skillfully operate the sonar equipment. "I've trained over a dozen new recruits, and you're the fastest learner."
"Maybe... I'm better at learning things," Lin Zhe said modestly.
In addition to vehicle operation, there is also training in adapting to overseas environments. Language, culture, etiquette, local laws... "Dragon Eye" is responsible for this part.
"Many of the places we're going to have complex situations," Long Jing said. "We not only need to know how to fight, but also how to integrate. Sometimes, a good camouflage is more useful than a good gun."
She taught Lin Zhe about the customs and taboos of different countries, how to quickly build local networks, and how to collect and analyze intelligence...
Lin Zhe studied very seriously. He knew that this knowledge could save his life in a critical moment.
Training days were intense, from morning till night with almost no rest. But Lin Zhe enjoyed it—he could feel himself getting stronger, improving every day.
What's even more remarkable is that when the "Hidden Dragon" team members carry out overseas missions, they take Lin Zhe with them. Not to let him participate in the operations, but to let him observe and learn.
My first time joining the team was in a Southeast Asian country. The mission was simple—protect an important person. Lin Zhe disguised himself as an accompanying staff member, observing the team members' actions throughout.
From the disguise of his identity upon entry to the meeting with local contacts, to the setup of the safe house and the planning of the route... every detail broadened Lin Zhe's horizons.
"Did you understand?" Longya asked after the mission was over.
"I understand." Lin Zhe nodded. "It's not just about fighting and killing, but more about preparation and planning."
"That's right," Longya said. "'Hidden Dragon's' missions are 80% preparation and 20% execution. Only with thorough preparation can the execution be successful."
The second time Lin Zhe joined the team was in the Middle East. This mission was more complex—to obtain important intelligence. Lin Zhe witnessed how the team members exploited local conflicts, established information channels, and navigated dangerous environments...
He absorbed these experiences like a sponge. Every time he joined the team, it was a learning experience; every learning experience brought him closer to becoming a true "Hidden Dragon" member.
Three months later, Lin Zhe completed all the basic training. When Long Shou assessed him, he was surprised to find that this newcomer had already reached the level of the veteran team members.
"Your progress is so rapid..." The Dragon Head looked at the assessment results sheet and shook his head. "I've been leading troops for over ten years, and I've never seen anything like you."
"It's all thanks to everyone's excellent teaching," Lin Zhe said.
"Don't give me that." The Dragon Head laughed. "You're just really pushing yourself. But Lin Zhe, training is just the beginning. The real test is coming. You'll need to prepare for your official missions soon."
"Yes!" Lin Zhe's eyes flashed with anticipation.
He was finally about to truly step onto the battlefield of "Hidden Dragon." There was danger and challenges there, but also the mission and values he pursued.
In this life, he will become the strongest soldier, protect this country, and see a wider world.
"Hidden Dragon" is the platform he uses to achieve these goals.
The training is over, but the real tempering has just begun.
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