Flame War Anthem: Beyond the Galactic River (GL) - Chapter 6

She had carried out many dangerous missions before, but this time, the classified orders came directly from headquarters, with every word emphasizing the urgency and difficulty of the task.

In today’s seemingly peaceful society, death no longer seems like a shocking topic.

Yet for soldiers like them, who shoulder special missions, even death is shrouded in mystery.

More often than not, they had long cast aside concerns of life and death, focusing solely on completing their mission—never once hesitating or holding back.

From the moment they donned their uniforms and became proud soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army, to the day they were selected for special operations…

They had already prepared themselves to give everything for their country and its people at any time.

Just then, a taxi slowly approached from the distance. An Jingxi raised her arm and waved lightly.

The driver pulled to a smooth stop in front of her. She reached out, opened the rear door, and slid inside before gently shutting it.

“Where to, miss?”

The driver, a burly man in his forties, spoke with a tone of simple kindness.

“I… don’t know,” An Jingxi replied, her voice low and hoarse, her expression heavy with sorrow.

Through the rearview mirror, the driver noticed she was wearing an Army service uniform—and judging by her rank insignia, she was even a company-level officer. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity.

As a retired veteran himself, he naturally felt a special kinship with fellow servicemen.

“Do you want to go home or back to the base?” he asked softly again.

An Jingxi slowly lifted her gaze, briefly meeting his in the mirror. After a moment of silence, she murmured, “Take me to the military compound on Wenzhong Road.”

The driver nodded, acknowledged her request, and set off toward the destination.

This mission was top-secret—she couldn’t breathe a word of it, not even to her father, the political commissar.

But the question wasn’t whether she should go or not. If she didn’t return this time, tonight might be the last chance she’d ever see her family.

Her grandparents were far away in Chengdu. With time so tight, she had no chance to visit them.

Her parents, both exceptional individuals with unshakable resolve and decisive judgment, had always showered her and Xiaxia with boundless love and care since childhood.

If something were to happen to her, how could they possibly bear such a devastating blow?

The roads were nearly empty, and soon the taxi arrived at the gates of the Wenzhong Road compound.

An Jingxi paid the fare and stepped out.

Just as she closed the door, the driver quickly rolled down his window and called out, “Comrade, if there’s something you want to do… don’t hesitate.”

She paused mid-step, turning slightly to look at him. A faint, grateful smile touched her lips as she replied, “Thank you…”

The driver waved it off with a casual “No problem” before driving away.

Hesitation?

Yes, An Jingxi was indeed torn and unsettled.

For some reason, an indescribable unease had been lingering in her heart all evening.

It wasn’t fear—just an overwhelming reluctance to part with her family.

At this hour, her parents were likely already asleep, and Xiaxia was still at school.

Should she say goodbye? But what could she possibly say…?

With their seasoned experience, they would surely notice something amiss about her the moment they met.

After much deliberation, she ultimately decided to give up.

Truth be told, all the words she wanted to say to them had long been densely written across sheets of paper.

Due to their work commitments, they hadn’t been able to accompany her and Xiaxia often, witnessing their growth.

In her youth, she had harbored brief resentment, but with maturity came understanding of their hardships.

To remain steadfast in one’s duty, unwavering in loyalty to one’s cause—that was truly difficult.

Later, they had always taken pride in them, seeing them as role models.

From childhood, An Jingxi had aspired to become an outstanding soldier like her grandfather and father—loyal to the nation and devoted to protecting its people.

Now, she had achieved that dream.

On the day of her oath, facing the fluttering Five-Starred Red Flag, she solemnly pledged to dedicate her life to this cause.

Her parents had given her life, raised her with tireless effort, and nurtured her with care—this profound debt of gratitude was etched in her heart, beyond measure.

She desperately hoped they would understand her choice.

As for her elderly grandparents, if misfortune befell her, she prayed her parents would delay breaking the news, sparing them unbearable grief.

Their unconditional love and protection were gifts she could never repay in this lifetime—if there was another, she would repay them with all her heart.

To dear Xiaxia, she felt deep remorse.

She knew that if she failed to keep her promises, if she could no longer stay by her side to care for her, Xiaxia would surely resent her broken word.

But she also knew Xiaxia was the most understanding—she believed Xiaxia would carry her love forward, tenderly looking after their grandparents and parents.

She couldn’t bear the thought of her departure casting her family into prolonged sorrow.

Life’s course wasn’t entirely in one’s hands—this was the path she had chosen, and all lives must end, whether sooner or later.

She was immeasurably happy and fortunate to have had her family’s companionship and love.

If this farewell meant no return, then she could only hope to meet them again in another life.

This time, for the steadfast and noble belief in her heart, for her country and its people, she would fight with all her might to return alive.

With resolve, An Jingxi turned and left home, her steps heavy.

Her heart felt as if it were being torn apart, the pain unbearable.

Deep attachment to her family blurred her vision as tears spilled uncontrollably.

She wiped them away with the back of her hand, again and again.

Why was she so unsettled this time? Was she being too pessimistic, imagining the worst before the mission had even begun?

Yet despite her reluctance and fears, she knew this was inevitable—she couldn’t afford hesitation.

But beyond her family, there was one more person she couldn’t set her mind at ease about.

Should she see her once more before leaving…?

Filled with worry and melancholy, An Jingxi chose not to take a car, instead walking slowly along the quiet, lamplit street.

She hoped the stillness of the night and the act of walking would help untangle her chaotic thoughts.

Since graduation, opportunities to meet Yanyan had grown fewer and fewer.

But her presence was like a deep imprint carved into her heart, or perhaps a habit ingrained in her very bones.

More persistent than the most stubborn virus, it would often invade her thoughts without warning, impossible to erase.

That special emotion, transcending ordinary friendship, filled her with hesitation, making her afraid to get too close again.