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In a flurry, Li Li hurriedly pulled out his phone and called Zhou Peng, but there was no answer.
Li Li knew that during their assembly, training, and drills, they were not allowed to carry anything with them, not even Zhou Peng. This meant that they were likely standing out on the field in the pouring rain.
Taking a deep breath, Li Li felt frustrated as he pounded on the steering wheel. He had no way to fly to the Training Base immediately; it felt like he was slapping himself in the face.
How he wished Zhou Peng would take the Veterans back to the dormitory, but based on his impression of Zhou Peng and those retired Veterans, they would undoubtedly wait in the rain for him to return.
"Damn it!" Li Li buried his head in the steering wheel, nearly crushing his phone screen with his grip.
Zhuo Rohan understood why he was so upset, but she couldn't offer him much help. All she could do was gently pat his back and comfort him, saying, "It's okay; this won't affect your standing in their eyes."
Li Li shook his head and sighed. "I know, but I don't want them waiting out in the rain on the field for me. They treat me like a brother; don't I see them that way too?"
Zhuo Rohan suddenly realized that the boy before her had grown up in just these two short months. He no longer had that slightly naive demeanor from their first meeting.
Before her stood someone who understood love and hate, responsibility and accountability. He possessed the leadership qualities and personal charm expected of a leader while also being able to empathize with his subordinates' feelings—qualities essential for an excellent leader.
Li Li let out a soft sigh and said with a wry smile, "There's nothing I can do; it has to be this way."
With that, he quickly tapped a few times on his phone screen and held it to his ear. His expression turned somewhat helpless but more resolute.
"Yes, it's me!" Once connected, Li Li spoke calmly. "I need a favor."
"I need a helicopter—right now!"
...
About ten minutes later, a black figure emerged through the curtain of rain. With its arrival came a tremendous noise that reached the ground; even inside the car, one could faintly hear the sound of the helicopter's rotor blades whirring and its engine roaring.
After the phone call ended, just from a few words from Li Li, Zhuo Rohan could guess the general situation. It was clear that Li Li was once again asking his father for support, and his father had graciously dispatched one of his private helicopters to pick up Li Li in such terrible weather conditions.
The helicopter hovered about fifteen meters above the ground. After the cabin door opened, a rope ladder was thrown down, and a man dressed in a black suit descended the ladder. He addressed Li Li, saying, "Mr. Li has requested us to pick you up. Do you have any instructions?"
"You can just drive the car over. It's raining heavily outside, and if you don't have a raincoat, you'll probably get soaked as soon as you step out."
Li Li opened the car door and walked over to the rope ladder, telling him, "Just drive the car to the destination; I'll take the helicopter first."
Zhuo Rohan decisively got out of the car and climbed up the rope ladder with Li Li. Li Li didn't object; he simply allowed her to do so.
The rain was heavy, just like with Li Li. By the time they climbed the rope ladder, Zhuo Rohan was already drenched. Fortunately, there were towels and dry clothes prepared on the helicopter. However, what surprised Zhuo Rohan was that among those clothes, there were actually women's outfits.
When did Mr. Li become aware of her existence? Or had Li Li revealed her presence to him? No, if that were the case, her background would be questioned. Perhaps it was someone around Mr. Li who reported it to him.
Although they were only about forty kilometers away from the Training Base, due to the severe weather conditions, the helicopter pilot dared not fly at full speed and could only navigate slowly through the heavy rain, which also gave Li Li and Zhuo Rohan time to change clothes.
Zhuo Rohan tossed her wet clothes aside and dried herself off with a towel before changing into a set of casual wear. Looking at Li Li still in his wet clothes, she frowned and asked, "Why aren't you changing?"
Li Li remained silent, merely gazing out of the window. Outside was exceptionally dark; the clouds almost blocked all light, making it look nothing like afternoon.
Zhuo Rohan immediately understood what he was thinking. In such weather conditions, could those veterans still stand on the field waiting for his return?
Li Li must hope they had retreated to their dorms to avoid the rain, but he likely also harbored some expectation that they would stand on the field waiting for him because that would showcase their loyalty to him in full display.
This conflicting thought tormented Li Li, making him eager to reach the Training Base.
About fifteen minutes later, the helicopter slowly landed next to the podium on the field. Despite how dark it was outside, despite how heavy the rain fell, and despite how low visibility was, at that moment, Li Li could see formations standing on the field. Each formation consisted of people standing straight; over a thousand individuals braved the rain waiting for his return.
Zhuo Rohan could clearly see the corners of Li Li's eyes slowly filling with tears, until finally, two lines of tears streamed down her face.
After landing, Li Li couldn't wait to open the cabin door and rushed out, determinedly charging into the rain. She ran to the far corner of the formation, looking at the retired Veterans standing in the rain, patting their shoulders one by one, saying, "Well done! Well done! Well done!..."
The co-pilot and assistant on the helicopter quickly followed Li Li, opening a large black umbrella to shield her from the rain.
"Get this damn thing away!" Li Li shouted as she pushed aside the assistant's hand holding the umbrella, which was immediately swept away by the fierce wind.
After putting on her prepared raincoat, Zhuo Rohan picked up Li Li's raincoat and also rushed into the rain, joining her in encouraging the Veterans with a heartfelt "Well done!"
Li Li walked slowly across the playground, just like those Veterans, being drenched by the relentless downpour. There wasn't a dry spot on her body. Eventually, she reached the podium, tapped the microphone, and prepared to speak amidst the storm.
"Are you going to wear it?" Zhuo Rohan asked, holding up a raincoat.
Li Li silently shook her head and smiled wryly. "Unless you can get each of them to wear one first, then I will."
Of course, Zhuo Rohan couldn't find that many raincoats in such a short time. She stuck out her tongue in frustration and decided not to bother with it anymore.
"I originally planned to let you all disperse and change clothes as soon as we got back here, but after getting off the helicopter, my thoughts changed."
Li Li looked at the thousands of people before her, feeling quite emotional. "Why are you all standing here in this heavy rain? Aren't you just waiting for me to say a few words and acknowledge your achievements? If I can't even fulfill this request for you, what right do I have to stand here as your leader? If I did that, I would feel unworthy myself!"
"You all take me as your goal and pride. But now I want to tell you that the one who should be proud is me because I have such an excellent group of employees. That is what I should be proud of—being proud of all of you!"
"I'm sorry for being late. Some things don't need explanation; it is indeed my fault. So, I sincerely apologize." Li Li took a big step back and deeply bowed towards the thousands of people before her, remaining bowed for a long time.
Zhuo Rohan suddenly felt as if time had stopped. In the dark curtain of rain, one person bowed to thousands while they stood motionless in the downpour. The scene was incredibly solemn and somewhat stirring, evoking a sense of passion. Even standing beside Li Li, Zhuo Rohan felt an impulse to go through fire and water for her.
Finally, Li Li stood up and continued speaking into the microphone. "I have nothing to repay you with. You may have discussed among yourselves how I managed to secure such favorable treatment for you. The truth is, this treatment is not solely due to my efforts. Your achievements, your training, your organizational discipline, and every action you take are all seen by those at higher levels. Therefore, it is you who have earned this treatment for yourselves, and I cannot compensate you for that."
Zhou Peng stood at attention in the ranks and said seriously to Li Li, "There is no need for compensation or repayment. Your words alone are the greatest affirmation for us; it is what we have longed to hear!"
Li Li shook his head. "No, today I indeed caused you to stand here in the pouring rain, so I must do something for you."
"Starting tomorrow, you will all have a break to go home and see your families, but the time is only five days. For all of you, I believe that is indeed a bit short. So I am announcing now! Starting tomorrow, you will have ten days off, but you must return here to report by nine o'clock on the morning of the Eleventh Day! Is that understood?!"
"Understood!" The thunderous roar echoed across the training ground as Li Li nodded happily.
"That's it; you're dismissed now!"
After Li Li gave the order, the thousand-plus people did not rush directly to their dormitories. Instead, Zhou Peng turned first and shouted to the crowd, "All units, groups, and teams will be dismissed in order under the leadership of their respective heads!"
"Team One! All present, left face, march towards the dormitory at a run!"
"Team Two! All present, left face, march towards the dormitory at a run!"
"Team Three! All present, left face, march towards the dormitory at a run..."
Watching each team being led away in turn, Li Li remained on the podium as tears streamed down his face once more. However, in this heavy rain, no one could see them.
"It seems you've done something remarkable," Zhuo Rohan said beside Li Li as he observed the highly disciplined troops being organized.
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