Everyone knew the risks of being a soldier, yet there were those willing to join the army, and those too afraid of death.
Wang Zhengguo had seen over half a century of life, what hadn't he experienced or seen?
In the past two years, life in the production brigade had been hard. Many of the boys who turned eighteen were willing to enlist, simply for a full meal. Regrettably, most of them were disqualified during medical examinations for being underweight. The two who were accepted didn't survive to return home. Their parents, fainting several times from heartbreak and grief.
This year's abundant harvest had ensured sufficient food for everyone, and although many envied the salary of the soldiers, they preferred the warmth of family and home. Consequently, fewer people were willing to join the army.
That was human nature.
Of course, there were still plenty of hotheaded young men willing to join, and many who saw it as an opportunity to escape rural life.
