Chapter 45: The Road of the Downfallen Master

  The term "speculator" has recently gained popularity. It is a derogatory term that originated domestically, where the first speculators would collect eggs from rural areas and exchange them for grain coupons in cities.

  Later on, as the dual-track system became prevalent, it gradually became a situation where whatever was in short supply would be speculated. This is called speculation and profiteering. After suppressing such behavior domestically, the speculators turned their attention to the Soviet Union in the north.

  It was already April 1987. In the early spring of Northeast China, the snow had just begun to melt, and the chill of early spring still lingered. The border town of Hua Su, Manzhouli.

  At this moment, at the Manzhouli Railway Station, several people wearing military uniforms are already standing at the entrance. The restoration of the rank system is still under discussion in this era. It will have to wait until the end of the year to be truly implemented.

  As the train slowly came to a stop, Nie Zhenbang and Liu Kun, wrapped in thick coats, got off the train. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, the soldiers immediately approached with several others, gave a standard military salute, and said loudly: "May I ask, are you Comrade Nie Zhenbang and Comrade Liu Kun from Beijing?"

  Next to him, Liu Kun had already smiled and was excited to follow Nie Zhenbang out, escaping the school that made Liu Kun feel like he was in a hot pot. Along the way, Liu Kun was extremely excited.

  When Liu Kun heard the soldier's serious inquiry, he touched Nie Zhenbang's shoulder and said, "Third brother, it's settled. From now on, we're comrades."

  After determining that Liu Kun was the right person, NIE Zhenbang originally planned to ask Lao Yezi for a Russian translator. Unexpectedly, when he went to the Liu's house, it turned out that Old Man Liu Kun himself was fluent in Russian. This really caught NIE Zhenbang off guard.

  However, Liu's old master also studied in the Soviet Union for many years and studied at the Frunze Military Academy. Moreover, it seems that Nie Zhenbang's generation learned Russian as a foreign language back then. It's no wonder that Liu Kun can speak Russian.

  Unexpectedly, in the capital city, this kid was honest and straightforward. As soon as he came out, he jumped up. Nie Zhenbang glared at Liu Kun for a moment, then turned to the soldier and said: "Comrade officer, I am Nie Zhenbang, and this is Liu Kun. Are you from the Fengtian Military Region?"

  Fengtian Military District

  This is one of the seven major military regions of China. It was established with the old Dongye as its foundation. The predecessor of Dongye, Lao Yezi, served as a political commissar, although he stayed in the Central Plains region after the division of troops later on. However, their relationship remains.

  Later, after the Great Revolution, although most of Dongye's troops were transferred out of the Fengtian Military District, some had to be replaced. The commander of the 59th Army stationed on the Sino-Soviet border, Yuan Xinghua, was an old subordinate of Lao Yezi in the Central Plains. This time, Nie Zhenbang wanted to send himself abroad through Yuan Xinghua.

  At the garrison of the 59th Army. Nie Zhenbang followed the soldiers into the reception room of the military department. Yuan Xinghua was already waiting here at this moment.

  Yuan Xinghua was about sixty years old, with dark skin and a short stature. However, the sharp aura emanating from his eyes made Nie Zhenbang tense up as well. This was someone who had truly experienced the battlefield.

  Nie Zhenbang's straight body, after entering the door, except for a brief moment of distraction when looking at himself. That calm attitude, however, made Yuan Xinghua secretly admire him. Indeed, people are more impressive than others. Compared to his own son, the old chief's grandson is indeed a dragon and phoenix among men, majestic and extraordinary.

  Yuan Xinghua stepped forward with a big stride and smiled: "You must be Zhenbang. Indeed, you are a talented person."

  Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, "Uncle Yuan, you're too kind. Before I came, Grandfather told me that you are a rare and fierce general. The old man even specially entrusted me to bring you a few bottles of good wine."

  Nie Zhenbang took out two bottles of special Maotai he had brought from Beijing and handed them to Yuan Xinghua.

  If it were just a simple phrase, Yuan Xinghua would have just laughed it off. But now it's different. Yuan Xinghua's face also showed a hint of emotion as he accepted Nie Zhenbang's gift. He casually handed it over to the orderly behind him and said: "Old Chief has a heart. So many years have passed, and you still know that old Yuan likes this kind of thing. Zhenbang, you've had a hard journey, I've prepared some light wine here. Let's first give you and this young comrade a warm welcome, and tonight, I'll make further arrangements."

  After a meal, Yuan Xinghua put down his chopsticks. He immediately pulled out a box of cigarettes specially supplied to the army and looked at Nie Zhenbang: "Zhenbang, do you want one?"

  Nie Zhenbang also burst out laughing at this moment, this Colonel Yuan. He didn't have any airs about him. Generally speaking, it's rare for seniors to offer cigarettes to their juniors as a sign of respect. Yuan Xinghua's actions and personality seemed extremely carefree.

  After igniting, Yuan Xinghua patted his palm. Outside, a soldier walked in from outside. Seeing Yuan Xinghua nodding, he casually walked out again and came back in less than two minutes. In his hand, he was holding two certificates. After handing them over to Yuan Xinghua, he walked out again.

  Yuan Xinghua pushed the documents over to Nie Zhenbang and said with a smile: "Zhenbang, these are your and this little comrade's passports. Tonight at 11 o'clock, I will personally take you there. Over there, someone has already helped you buy tickets for the international highway."

  He took over the documents. Nie Zhenbang also smiled, and Yuan Xinghua handled the passport of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The names of the two had also been changed. Nie Zhenbang's name was Kim Jong-seung, and Liu Kun's name was Choi Yong-hyeon.

  "Third Brother, this name is really well-chosen. Now, I feel like we two are like special agents sent from the past." Liu Kun said with a smile, teasingly.

  Nie Zhenbang's face, at this moment, also smiled. This journey, although there will be some hardships. But, it is far from being as terrible as the rumors outside. At this time, the corruption of the Soviet army was terrifying, and people like Nie Zhenbang later knew how terrible it was.

  In the 1990s, a truckload of watermelons could be exchanged for a tank. In the past, this was not an unusual thing. At that time, although the chaos in the Soviet Union was not so severe, Nie Zhenbang believed that as long as there were cracks in the egg, he could always drill into it. This identity would guarantee his legitimate actions in the Soviet Union.

  Next to him, Yuan Xinghua clapped his hands again. Outside the door, two sturdy men walked in from outside. Seeing Nie Zhenbang's puzzled look, Yuan Xinghua also smiled and explained: "Zhenbang, this was arranged by Old Chief a long time ago. These two people are from our army's Menglao Team, they are all top-notch experts, proficient in various skills such as hand-to-hand combat, firearms, driving, etc. This time, they will follow you. When you arrive there, someone will be waiting to receive you and take care of you until you safely reach Moscow."

  Having heard this, Nie Zhenbang's heart was also moved. The old man is a typical sharp-tongued and soft-hearted person, although he doesn't say anything on the surface. However, from this point, it can be seen that the old man still cares about his own safety very much.

  Nie Zhenbang also stood up, sizing up the two people beside him. The height of these two people was about 1.75 meters, with lean and strong bodies. Even at this moment, their seemingly casual standing posture could instantly burst out powerful strength. Nie Zhenbang also secretly sighed in his heart. They were truly elites among elites.

  Eleven o'clock at night

  At this moment, the China-Russia border is quiet. In the pitch-black night, a boundary monument stands by, representing the national borders of the two countries. The bright red national emblem is clearly visible in the snowy ground.

  "Commander, just now, the Soviet patrol troops have already passed by." Seeing Yuan Xinghua coming over, the soldiers patrolling the defense line immediately saluted and reported.

  Yuan Xinghua nodded and returned a military salute. He then turned around, facing Nie Zhenbang and said: "Zhenbang, Uncle can only send you off up to here. Be careful on the road. I'd like to wish you success in advance."

  Under the leadership of two guards, a group of people quickly crossed the border, looking at Liu Kun who was panting and had a tense expression. Nie Zhenbang immediately whispered with a smile: "Kunzi, no, Comrade Cui Yongxian, our international giant's journey is about to begin."

  PS: Thank you to book friends 100514212357550, doraemon1234, bnm123 and maplecsu for their generous rewards. Thanks also to book friend 100514212357550 for the evaluation vote. Tomorrow's update of over 12,000 words actually got 14 votes. Unbelievable... brothers, you're ruthless!