Hamid stood outside the door, watching Tian Xingjian walk away. Only after Tian Xingjian had gone far did Hamid enter the room and puzzledly said, "Honorable Algarfar, his answer was the same as mine just now."
Russell shook his head and said, "The two of you gave different answers. What I wanted was not the answer itself, but the way you made your decisions."
Russell looked up from the map at Hamid, whose face was full of confusion, and said, "Firstly, he knew there might be a trap here. The Red Team's forces are far fewer than the Blue Team's. All they could capture was the front section of the beachhead, making it a very unfavorable battle. He chose silence. And you, from the beginning, unhesitatingly advocated for a direct attack here without considering casualties and traps, nor did you consider the overall situation—you just wanted to complete the mission directly."
Hamid muttered, "But in the end, he also chose to attack here fiercely. The result is the same!"
Russell laughed, "It's not the same. He came to the conclusion to attack here fiercely based on a broader strategic premise. Unlike you, he knew why he was fighting and when to fight! He also knew that this trap was a trap for both sides, something the enemy could exploit, but so could we."
Russell sighed as he looked at the map, continuing, "I originally thought he wouldn't so decisively decide to attack here, given the high sacrifice. It seems he has resolved his previous doubts. In this chaotic world, it's uncertain whether this is his fortune or misfortune."
With a self-mocking smile, Russell looked at Hamid and said, "I understand his simulation. His strategic planning and force deployment might still be far from adequate, but just in terms of seeing through the opponent's intent, he's already as good as me. However, he has not yet developed his own tactical thinking. If he is willing, he can certainly become a better military strategist than I am. So, Hamid, you should respect him as much as you respect me."
Hamid obediently bowed his head.
Russell looked out the window at the sky and murmured, "What will his tactical thinking be? Waiting for the answer is truly a kind of torment."
************
When Tian Xingjian arrived home, Ann Lei was already there, chatting with Mother Ann on the sofa. As soon as she saw Fatty, Ann Lei waved and said, "Why are you only coming back now, Tian Mimimi? Come here, I have something to ask you."
Fatty angrily said, "I beg you, can you stop calling me Tian Mimimi?"
Ann Lei bit her lip, shook her head laughing, and said, "I will call you that!"
Mother Ann lightly tapped her and smiled, "Girl, don't call Little Jian like that. He is a Lieutenant now. It wouldn't be good for others to hear it outside."
Ann Lei just smiled without agreeing.
These days, spending time together every day, the past emotions silently returned between Ann Lei and Tian Xingjian. Sometimes Fatty even felt like he and Ann Lei were a couple who had just had a quarrel and separated for a few days. After all the barriers disappeared, they were even closer than before.
Fatty knew Mother Ann's personality. She had always defended him, so he fanned the flames, "What is a Lieutenant worth? Ann Lei is a Major now. I have to salute her when I see her outside. When she calls me over, it's an order."
Mother Ann pulled Fatty towards the dining room, rolled her eyes at Ann Lei, and said, "Little Jian, don't listen to this girl. You eat first. If she wants to ask something, let her come over and ask herself. Don't spoil her. No matter what Major or Old Major, she is the youngest in this house."
Taking advantage of Mother Ann's inattentiveness, Fatty waggishly raised one eyebrow at Ann Lei, making her so angry that she picked up a sofa cushion and threw it at him.
Mother Ann and Ann Lei had already eaten. After fixing the food for Fatty, Mother Ann went upstairs to rest, leaving only Ann Lei and Fatty downstairs.
The dining room and living room were connected, one large and one small. From Fatty's perspective, he could see Ann Lei completely.
Curling up on the sofa watching TV, Ann Lei looked extraordinarily attractive even in oversized pajamas, with a lithe figure hinting at curves. Her pajamas clung to her waist and hips, outlining an incredible curve.
She lazily changed channels now and then, her fair and delicate feet like jade, her straight legs smooth as silk, exuding complete femininity, a result of learning dance since she was young.
Wherever she was, Ann Lei was always the center of male attention. Since high school, this flower had been blooming, always appearing with a tender and beautiful presence, clear and bright. Throughout college, she remained the undisputed campus beauty.
Only Fatty knew that the most attractive part of Ann Lei was not her beautiful face or the mesmerizing body that caused fantasies with just one glance. It was her gentle and watery temperament and the faint fragrance emanating from her, making one involuntarily want to protect and cherish her.
How did such an excellent woman end up with me, Fatty wondered. After all, feelings grow over time, especially the hazy first love, which makes it even harder to let go.
Today, Tian Xingjian's hormones were out of control. Seeing Ann Lei curled up on the sofa, looking so soft and gentle, he couldn't help but imagine her enticing body when she bathed. Helplessly, Fatty turned his face and gulped down the food.
After quickly finishing his meal, Fatty looked up to see Ann Lei lying on the dining table, staring intently at him.
"What?" Fatty shrieked as if a wolf had harassed a hideous maiden, unclear whether from fear or joy.
Ann Lei smiled, "I've heard that you're quite despised in the Combat Department. Nearly ninety-nine percent of the people I know say you're despicable and shameless."
Fatty nonchalantly stood up, ready to wash the dishes, when he noticed an angle where he could see into Ann Lei's neckline. Immediately, he lowered himself into a horse stance and took his time, laughing, "And you, aren't you going to explain for me?"
Still confused by Fatty's stance, Ann Lei distractedly said, "Why should I explain? Hmph. Everyone looking down on you suits me. Hey, doesn't that pose tire you out?"
"Not at all!" Ann Lei heard Fatty's resolute answer.
She looked up to see Fatty's lewd eyes staring straight at her chest, as if he wanted to pop his eyeballs in there. Feeling both anger and delight, she kicked Fatty's leg and scolded, "Fatty, if you keep staring, I'll dig out your eyeballs!"
Ann Lei's playful threat didn't faze Fatty at all. He sighed regretfully and went to wash the dishes, saying as he walked, "It's not like I haven't seen it before. From childhood to now, what haven't I seen on you?"
Ann Lei, still a girl, couldn't tolerate such teasing. She stomped her feet and jumped onto Fatty's back, scratching and punching him as the two playfully tussled.
****************
Having thought it through, I've decided to write according to my own ideas. Those who like it will like it. After all, some things, regardless of their quality or popularity, are part of the story.
When it comes to writing about women, I still need to work harder. But I don't want a blank spot in the book due to a lack of skill in this area. I'd rather have a small flaw.