Chapter 454: Graduation

The graduation ceremony began on time on Saturday morning.

All the teachers and students of the junior class were present. Qin Yuan was wearing a brand new gray uniform, looking particularly sharp.

The principal and the director of academic affairs gave speeches, mostly praising the students’ hard work and the teachers’ dedication, offering encouragement and blessings for their future, and expressing hopes for them to become pillars of the nation.

Following that, outstanding student representatives and teacher representatives also gave speeches.

Finally, Principal Liu personally presented graduation certificates to each student.

Among the 135 students in the junior class, 126 received their graduation certificates, while 9 did not.

Among these nine, two were dismissed for serious disciplinary violations, and seven failed to meet the academic requirements.

As their names were called, each student walked onto the stage with a serious expression to receive their graduation certificate from Principal Liu.

Qin Yuan’s name was called last. As he stepped onto the stage, Principal Liu’s stern face softened slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. He handed the graduation certificate to Qin Yuan and said, “You are a very promising young man. Study hard and serve the country well in the future!”

Qin Yuan took the certificate with both hands and replied respectfully, “Thank you, Principal!”

Principal Liu patted Qin Yuan’s shoulder, a gesture full of expectation.

After all the certificates were distributed, Principal Liu announced, “The graduation ceremony for the 1960 junior class is now concluded!”

With that, everyone stood up and applauded.

The students walked out of the auditorium in an orderly fashion. Many were reluctant to part, having formed deep friendships over the past two years.

Qin Yuan walked out with Luo Ming. He then said to Luo Ming, “I’m heading to the dormitory to pack my things.”

Luo Ming nodded and replied, “Go ahead. I need to go see Chief of Staff Li to get my transfer order.”

Qin Yuan arrived at the dormitory to find it mostly empty, with only a few students still packing their belongings.

His own suitcase was already packed. He carefully placed his graduation certificate inside, then zipped up the suitcase and looked around the dormitory.

The two years of study had passed quickly, filled with laughter, joy, and sorrow.

He had arrived at the school on December 1, 1958, and was now leaving on November 28, 1960, almost exactly two years later.

During this period, his physical fitness and combat skills had significantly improved, and his theoretical knowledge had also advanced considerably.

He walked out of the dormitory, locked the door, and tossed the key into the designated box by the door.

He then went to the administrative office to complete the checkout procedures and receive his transfer order.

His new assignment was to the reconnaissance company of the 783rd Regiment, 18th Division, 6th Army, as a platoon leader, with the rank of second lieutenant.

At the same time, his party organization relationship and food quota were also transferred.

As he walked out of the office, Qin Yuan saw many students lingering outside, unwilling to leave.

He found Luo Ming, and Luo Ming said to him, “I’ve also received my transfer order. I’m assigned to the 3rd Company of the 781st Regiment, 18th Division, 6th Army, as a platoon leader.”

Qin Yuan nodded. Their assignments were both within the 18th Division, which was considered fortunate, as they might still have opportunities to meet in the future.

He then said to Luo Ming, “I’m going to the train station to buy a ticket.”

Luo Ming nodded. His family was in Beijing, so he didn’t need to rush to buy a ticket.

Qin Yuan walked towards the school gate. As he passed the small shop, he saw Wang Wei sitting on a bench. Wang Wei smiled at him and said, “Leaving already?”

Qin Yuan nodded and replied, “Yes, I’m going to the train station to buy a ticket. I’ll take the train tomorrow.”

Wang Wei said, “I’ll see you off at the station tomorrow.”

Qin Yuan replied, “No need. You’re busy with your studies. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Wang Wei insisted, “It’s no trouble. Consider it as sending off a comrade. I’m still feeling a bit down about you leaving.”

Qin Yuan paused, then said, “Alright then. I’ll take the 8:00 AM train tomorrow.”

Wang Wei nodded, “Okay, I’ll be there.”

Qin Yuan continued walking, then hailed a pedicab and headed straight for the train station.

After buying a hard seat ticket for the 8:00 AM train the next day, Qin Yuan returned to the school.

He had arranged to have dinner with Xu Xiaobing and Li Xiang.

At 6:00 PM, Qin Yuan arrived at the small restaurant outside the school. Xu Xiaobing and Li Xiang were already waiting for him.

“You’re here, Qin Yuan!” Xu Xiaobing greeted him.

The three of them found a table and sat down.

“What do you want to eat?” Xu Xiaobing asked.

“Anything is fine,” Qin Yuan replied.

Li Xiang said, “Let’s have two meat dishes and two vegetarian dishes. We probably won’t have another chance to eat together like this in the future.”

Xu Xiaobing then ordered the dishes.

While waiting for the food, the three of them chatted.

Xu Xiaobing and Li Xiang were both assigned to the 782nd Regiment of the 18th Division, with Xu Xiaobing as a platoon leader in the 1st Company and Li Xiang as a platoon leader in the 2nd Company.

“Our division is really lucky. We have four people assigned to the 18th Division,” Xu Xiaobing said.

Qin Yuan nodded. The 18th Division seemed to be a “reconciliation division” for their school, receiving a large number of their graduates.

The food was served quickly, and the three of them began to eat.

“Let’s have a drink to celebrate our graduation and wish us all a smooth journey in our future work!” Xu Xiaobing raised his glass.

Qin Yuan and Li Xiang also raised their glasses.

“Cheers!”

The three of them clinked glasses and took a sip.

This meal was full of mixed emotions. The three of them had lived in the same dormitory for two years, and now they were about to embark on their separate journeys.

After finishing the meal, Qin Yuan went back to his dormitory. He still had some things to pack and tidy up.

The next morning, Qin Yuan got up early, tidied up his uniform, put on his cap, and carried his suitcase.

He went to the small shop to have breakfast, then headed to the school gate.

He found Wang Wei already waiting for him at the gate.

Wang Wei walked over and took Qin Yuan’s suitcase. “Let me carry it for you.”

“No need, I can carry it myself,” Qin Yuan replied.

“Just let me carry it,” Wang Wei insisted.

Seeing his persistence, Qin Yuan didn’t refuse further.

The two of them walked towards the train station.

Wang Wei continued, “I heard that the 18th Division is a very tough division, but the soldiers there are all very capable. You’ll definitely have a bright future there.”

Qin Yuan nodded and replied, “I hope so.”

He didn’t know much about the 18th Division, only that it was a main force division.

“Oh, by the way, Qin Yuan, you should be careful when you get there. Don’t be too impulsive,” Wang Wei reminded him.

Qin Yuan was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Wang Wei said, “When you get to the army, don’t be too strong. You have to learn to adapt to the environment and the people there. Don’t cause trouble, and don’t get into arguments with your superiors.”

Qin Yuan nodded, understanding. Wang Wei was reminding him to maintain a low profile and not be too assertive.

Wang Wei continued, “The relationships within the army are very complex, and you’re new there. It’s better to be careful.”

Qin Yuan replied, “I understand. Thank you for the reminder.”

The two arrived at the train station.

Wang Wei said, “I won’t go in with you. I’ll see you off here.”

Qin Yuan said, “Alright then. You should go back quickly too.”

Wang Wei handed the suitcase back to Qin Yuan and said, “Take care of yourself.”

Qin Yuan nodded, “You too. Study hard.”

Wang Wei watched as Qin Yuan walked into the train station.

Qin Yuan entered the waiting room, found a seat, and waited for his train.

The train to Xinjiang was scheduled to depart at 8:00 AM.

He sat on the bench, looking out the window at the bustling train station.

Many people were rushing, and some were reluctant to part.

He was filled with anticipation for his new assignment. He looked forward to a new life and a new challenge.

“Passengers, the train from Beijing to Urumqi is now boarding at Platform 3. Please board promptly with your tickets.”

Qin Yuan stood up, picked up his suitcase, and followed the flow of people towards Platform 3.

He boarded the train and found his seat. It was a hard seat, and the carriage was already packed with people.

He placed his suitcase on the luggage rack and sat down by the window.

The train slowly pulled out of the station.

Qin Yuan looked out the window at the receding scenery. Beijing was gradually fading from view.

He took out his transfer order again and looked at it.

783rd Regiment, 18th Division, 6th Army, Reconnaissance Company, Platoon Leader.

His new journey had begun.