Flame War Anthem: Beyond the Galactic River (GL) - Chapter 15

They may complain, but deep down, none of them regretted becoming soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army.

Every one of them had shed bl00d and sweat to reach where they were today, yet they embraced it all willingly.

Soon, the waitress approached with steady hands, carrying a tray laden with dishes, her steps light and practiced.

She carefully arranged the plates on the table—tender slices of beef with clearly defined marbling, like meticulously crafted artwork. The tripe stood firm with tiny bristles, promising a satisfying chew, while the duck intestines looked fresh, and the neatly arranged frozen fish fillets gleamed invitingly. The assortment of braised dishes exuded a rich, mouthwatering aroma.

Hailing from all corners of the country, their dietary preferences varied.

But faced with such delicacies, all differences were forgotten.

As long as it looked delicious and suited their tastes, any semblance of restraint vanished.

Yan Yu, often the host on such occasions, watched her comrades devour the hotpot with quiet amusement, a faint smile gracing her lips.

She was long accustomed to their fearless, hearty eating—unconcerned about weight—and she particularly relished this lively, unrestrained atmosphere.

These young women in military uniforms were no different from ordinary girls at heart. Though they never spoke of it, they surely loved makeup, new clothes, the thrill of shopping, and, above all, good food.

Yet they had willingly given up those carefree pleasures to shoulder the sacred and demanding mission entrusted to them by the nation.

Day after day, they trained relentlessly, pouring their youth into every drop of sweat. When duty called, they charged forward without hesitation.

They gave their all—to defend every inch of their homeland and safeguard the happiness of its people.

Perhaps their contributions seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of the nation and its vast military.

But it was precisely these countless generations of young people, armed with unwavering conviction and an unyielding dedication to national defense, who—through their passion, sweat, and even their precious lives—forged an indestructible steel wall.

Silently, they stood guard over the peace of their motherland, holding fast to the burning love for their country in their hearts…

At that moment, Huang Xiaoya, seated beside Yan Yu, was engrossed in her phone.

Her fingers danced lightly across the screen, a sweet smile playing on her lips, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons.

When she finally set the phone down, Yan Yu leaned slightly forward and asked in a voice as soft as a spring breeze, careful not to disturb her or the others, “Chatting with your boyfriend?”

“N-no…”

Caught off guard, Huang Xiaoya quickly lowered her head, flustered, a blush spreading across her cheeks like ripened apples.

“It’s alright… Having someone you like is a beautiful thing. If it’s real, don’t give up too easily.”

Yan Yu tilted her head slightly, her smile encouraging, her eyes filled with understanding and support. Her voice, gentle yet firm, was deeply reassuring.

Huang Xiaoya slowly lifted her gaze to meet hers.

Yan Yu’s eyes were serene, like still waters undisturbed by ripples.

She wore a light blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to her wrists, simple yet elegant.

Her occasional smiles were like a spring breeze—warm, soft, and soothing.

She sat there quietly, her serene and elegant demeanor like an orchid in a secluded valley, exuding a unique charm.

Huang Xiaoya suddenly felt an indescribable emotion well up inside her. Perhaps the smiling woman before them was their truest captain.

Every time she shed that imposing military uniform, it was as if she became a different person.

In the brigade, she was notoriously strict.

She was usually stern-faced, rarely showing a smile, and held nearly harsh demands for everyone—including herself.

On the training grounds, she tolerated no slack or surrender. Every move, every task had to be executed to perfection.

Thus, she had rightfully earned the title of “Iron-Blooded Captain.”

But now, she seemed more like an older sister next door—not particularly talkative, yet always patiently listening to their wild, boundless chatter.

She was remarkably perceptive, often catching the subtle shifts in her comrades’ emotions without them noticing.

Yet she never pried too deeply, only offering just the right amount of care, leaving everyone with comfortable personal space.

Deep down, their captain was incredibly gentle and understanding—only, she kept that tenderness buried far within.

And precisely because of that, the rare moments when it surfaced felt all the more precious, warming their hearts.

By now, the ingredients in the pot had been simmering in the bubbling broth for quite some time.

Yan Yu lowered her head, slowly rolling up her shirt sleeves, one fold after another, until they reached mid-arm.

She even tested the tightness to ensure they wouldn’t slip, afraid the fabric might accidentally dip into the hot pot oil.

With everything ready, she picked up her chopsticks, eager to dig in.

They still had to return to base after the meal, so they raised their teacups in lieu of wine.

The crisp clinking of cups echoed as their laughter filled the private room, the atmosphere lively and warm.

“Hey, girls, remember a few days ago when I went for field training? That night, I happened to hide in that secluded spot—Dragon’s Lair Hill—on the way to the brigade.”

Xue Ran, noticing the lull in conversation, deliberately began teasing them with a mysterious air.

Her eyes sparkled with secrets, as if she held some earth-shattering revelation.

Leaning slightly forward, her expression brimming with excitement, she asked, “Guess what I saw?”

Her gaze swept across their faces like a searchlight, eagerly hunting for their curious reactions.

Xu Yasong quipped, “Did you finally see a ghost?”

Xue Ran shot her a brief glance.

Qian Yang, seated to her left, had always shared a tacit understanding with her. Seeing her like this, she gave a faint, indulgent smile but didn’t hesitate to act.

With practiced ease, she picked up a few slices of Xue Ran’s favorite tripe and beef rolls, placing them in her bowl.

Then she urged, “Come on, stop keeping us in suspense. Spit out whatever rare sight you saw.”

Xue Ran flashed an enigmatic smile, like a crescent moon flickering in the night sky.

She deliberately took her time scanning the table, ensuring all eyes were locked on her, before finally setting down her chopsticks with satisfaction.