Qian Hongliang stood on the stage.
The lights were a bit blinding.
He still tried his best to look towards the audience.
It had been many years since he last sang on such a large stage.
This feeling, it was truly nostalgic.
The stage, the lights, the applause, the cheers.
These years, they had echoed in his dreams.
Now it had finally come true, and on such a grand stage for a tribute program.
"I, Qian Hongliang, am back..."
He didn't want to argue about the past controversies anymore. Even now, he didn't feel he was wrong.
Because if all young people were to chase after effeminate culture, then where would the men of integrity be?
Men should have morals, passion, and a bottom line for people and matters.
Not drawing eyeliner, flicking orchid fingers, and trying to outdo each other in prettiness in a feminine manner.
He had said what he needed to say, done what he needed to do, and paid the price. Like Wu Xingyang, he never regretted it.
Qian Hongliang took a deep breath and bowed deeply towards Su Yu's direction.
This was a personal thank you to Su Yu for allowing him to return to the stage.
Then, he bowed to the audience again.
"Thank you all for letting me sing this song!"
He lowered his head, brought the microphone to his lips, and expressed his gratitude with all his might!
After finishing.
Amidst the audience's applause, he turned and walked towards the backstage.
...
Rong City.
An old street filled with the aroma of home cooking.
The door of a Jianghu cuisine restaurant was pulled down.
It was only ten o'clock in the evening, the prime time for late-night Jianghu cuisine.
However, this restaurant was not open.
From the closed roller shutter, the sound of hearty drinking could be heard from inside.
"Haha, it's been three years since we last saw each other, right?"
The tables and chairs inside had been moved aside.
A large round table was placed in the center.
A group of shirtless men sat around the table, drinking.
The dishes on the table were almost finished, and the men were slightly tipsy.
The television on the wall was broadcasting the patriotic monthly tribute program.
"Yes, time flies. But Old Zhao, you haven't been exercising enough, you've put on weight!"
"Nonsense, I'm in middle age, isn't it normal to gain weight? Back in the day, in the ten-kilometer armed cross-country, wasn't I always first?"
"A good man doesn't boast about his past glories. What's the use of you running fast? Can you beat me?"
"What's the use of you being able to fight? You still have to look at me, Old Li. If it wasn't for my precise shot during that operation back then, would you still be sitting here drinking now?"
"Haha, let's stop comparing here. Like the captain said before, we all have our strengths, and it's only when we come together that we become an elite force."
When someone mentioned the captain.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly fell silent.
Old Li gritted his teeth and lowered his head, clutching his wine glass, his knuckles turning white.
The flushed faces of the others trembled slightly, and their slightly tipsy eyes were filled with tears.
"Ten years..."
"Yes, ten years..."
Just then.
On the television, a bugle call suddenly sounded.
Everyone sprang to their feet reflexively!
However, when they realized it was the prelude to a song, they exchanged glances and started laughing again.
"Yo, Old Li, not a bad reaction."
"That goes without saying, it's become a habit."
"Tch, as if anyone else isn't the same."
"Huh, 'Jing Zhong Bao Guo' (Loyal to the Nation), this song is quite interesting."
When the song began.
It immediately drew everyone's attention.
The one called Old Li got up, picked up the remote control, and turned the volume to the maximum.
"Qian Hongliang, I liked his songs when I was in the army."
"This Ting Yu is quite good. That song 'Chi Ling' (Farewell My Concubine) a few days ago made my blood boil."
"Haha, I listened to it too. To be honest, when I heard the line 'May the prosperous times be as you wish,' it actually made my nose sting with tears."
"Hey, this song is also very good!"
At this moment, everyone gradually stopped talking.
They listened to the song intently.
"...
Why hesitate to sacrifice a hundred times for home and country,
How can I sigh and lament, with no more words, my eyes filled with tears.
..."
The stirring music echoed in the shop.
Everyone slowly clenched their fists.
It was as if the extinguished passion had rekindled.
When the song finished.
"Those who invade our China, though far away, will be punished!"
"Damn it, listening to this song makes my blood boil!"
"Awesome! This song is truly awesome!"
As they excitedly sat down again, they saw that each other's eyes were slightly red.
Suddenly, they exchanged a smile.
"Haha, Old Li, don't tell me you cried listening to it?"
"Nonsense, I didn't cry even when I was shot, why would I cry listening to a song?"
Amidst laughter and teasing, the group started drinking again.
...
As everyone swayed their heads from drinking.
This gathering was nearing its end.
"Clatter!"
The roller shutter of the shop was pulled open.
Several people put on their clothes and stumbled out of the shop, supporting each other.
"Let's go."
"Let's go, call me if anything comes up."
"Seriously, Old Li, your skills are good. The food is delicious, and the wine is also good."
"Why are you being so polite? Come anytime you want to drink, you think I'll charge you?"
Old Li wasn't very drunk. He looked at these brothers who had faced life and death together and said with a scolding tone.
"Haha, if you dare to charge us, be careful, and we'll smash your shop. Let's go, let's get together again when we have time."
"Brother Li, we're leaving."
As the group was about to leave.
Old Li stood at the shop entrance and suddenly called out, "Hey, I have a question for you."
"What?"
The few men stopped and turned back, looking puzzled.
"After being demobilized for so many years, if the country needs you, would you still be willing to go?"
Upon hearing Old Li's question.
The stumbling steps of the men suddenly steadied.
Then they stood straight and gave Old Li a very standard military salute: "Always ready!"
Looking at the solemn and serious expressions on their faces.
Old Li's nose stung, and he also saluted them: "Always ready!"
The men exchanged a look.
Then they burst into laughter.
And waved goodbye to Old Li.
They left the shop.
Old Li watched their receding figures, sniffled, and then looked up at his shop's sign.
【Brotherhood Jianghu Cuisine】
Perhaps due to the passage of time or poor contact, the neon light for the character "Zhan" (War) was slightly dimmer tonight.
"This won't do." Old Li frowned, took out his phone, and made a call.
"Boss Wu, make me a new set of advertising letters. That's right, the same name as before."
"Expedite it, make it quick."
"Install it tomorrow, money is not an issue..."
Old Li went inside and pulled down the roller shutter again.
The sign immediately went dark.
Tonight, he didn't plan to open for business...