### Chapter 71: Commendation Ceremony
The meals here are served twice a day, each consisting of a steamed bun and some soup. For the survivors who fled here, this is already quite decent, but for Wang Bin and his group, it feels a bit meager.
After eating in the cafeteria, everyone returned to their room to prepare a little extra food. Afraid of being discovered cooking, they could only enjoy some instant food, which they found quite delicious.
What were others eating? Just steamed buns and soup. But what did they have? Bread, braised chicken legs, beef jerky, various canned goods and snacks, and of course, beer and cigarettes.
The only regret was that they probably wouldn't be able to enjoy hot pot for a long time. But even so, they were quite content.
During the lunch break, Platoon Leader Liu found Wang Bin and took him aside for a private conversation.
"Tomorrow, the division commander will gather everyone for a commendation ceremony. You will receive a medal, so be prepared!"
"A medal for me? I'm not even a soldier. What's the point of giving me a medal?"
"Even though you're not a soldier, you've made a significant contribution this time. We lack resources here and have nothing else to offer as a reward, so we can only express our gratitude with a medal. Please don't refuse!"
"Well, alright."
"I've just been promoted to Company Commander!"
"Oh, congratulations!"
"Thank you. Without you, I wouldn't have become a Company Commander! Are you interested in joining the army? I can get you a platoon leader position. With your talents, I'm sure you could become a Company Commander or even higher!"
"Well, I'll pass for now. I don't plan on joining the army."
Wang Bin was tempted by Company Commander Liu's proposal, but joining the army would limit his actions. In the apocalypse, he needed to become stronger by scavenging more gold, and he didn't want to be restricted.
Company Commander Liu didn't expect Wang Bin to refuse and felt quite disappointed. With Wang Bin's help, he believed he could rise several ranks higher. Unfortunately, he couldn't force Wang Bin, so he had to let it go for now. Before leaving, he reminded Wang Bin to reconsider, promising that a platoon leader position would always be available for him.
Back in the room, Guan Xiaoyue couldn't help but ask what Company Commander Liu wanted. Wang Bin didn't hide anything and explained the situation. Everyone was shocked to hear that he refused the platoon leader position, especially Li Dazhu, who had just retired from the army when the apocalypse broke out and still longed for a military role.
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"Dazhu, how about I talk to Company Commander Liu and let you take the platoon leader position?" Wang Bin noticed Li Dazhu's envy and understood his past.
"Ah, me? No, I swore to follow you for life. I won't take any platoon leader position!" Li Dazhu was shocked that Wang Bin would consider him for the role. Although he longed for it, he valued loyalty and gratitude. Wang Bin had been kind to him and his sister, and he had already decided to stay by Wang Bin's side for life.
Wang Bin didn't press Li Dazhu further. It was better if he stayed to help.
The next morning, everyone was awakened by the sound of a loud bugle. Then, the broadcast announced for everyone to gather at the playground.
Solar generators provided limited electricity here, mainly for military use. There were lights in the square, so people could gather there at night if needed.
Hearing the broadcast, everyone came out of their rooms.
Gathering five or six thousand people was a bit crowded, but with the soldiers maintaining order, everyone was divided into formations and stood in place without chaos.
Around nine o'clock, a group of officers arrived, all appearing quite senior. Although Wang Bin couldn't see their shoulder insignias clearly, he knew they must be the leaders of the 98th Division.
"Salute!"
An officer shouted loudly as the leaders arrived.
The soldiers, upon hearing the command, snapped to attention and saluted the leaders on the platform in unison.
The leading officer, appearing to be in his fifties with graying hair, stood at the front of the platform and said loudly, "Yesterday, we welcomed another group of survivors. On behalf of all the officers and soldiers of the 98th Division, I welcome you!"
With that, the leader began to clap, and the crowd followed suit.
"In this rescue operation, we lost many soldiers, including our Company Commander Zhao and all the soldiers of the first and second platoons. Let us observe a three-minute silence for them."
Upon hearing this, everyone bowed their heads in silent tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Most of them had been rescued by the soldiers, and many had been attacked by zombies during the rescue. They were genuinely grateful to those who sacrificed their lives for them.
After the moment of silence, the leader recounted the heroic deeds of Company Commander Zhao and others, then moved on to the commendation segment.
"In this rescue operation, our soldiers demonstrated great bravery and fulfilled their duties as soldiers. After discussion, we have decided to award a collective second-class merit to the entire third platoon of the second company, third battalion, first regiment. Platoon Leader Liu Feng will receive an individual second-class merit, and the squad leaders of the first, second, and third squads will receive individual third-class merits. Let's welcome them to the stage with warm applause!"
Company Commander Liu, with red eyes, led the entire third platoon to the stage, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
After awarding medals to all the soldiers of the third platoon, the leader announced loudly, "In this rescue operation, some survivors also stood out. They selflessly donated the ammunition they painstakingly collected to our soldiers and fought alongside them to buy time for hundreds of survivors. If it weren't for them, the hundreds of survivors and our soldiers you saw yesterday wouldn't have made it here alive."
"Now, please welcome Wang Bin and his companions Guan Xiaoyue, Miao Ruyun, and Li Dazhu to the stage for their commendation!"
As soon as the leader finished speaking, the crowd erupted in applause again.
After their arrival yesterday, their deeds had spread, but no one knew who Wang Bin was, so many didn't recognize them.
Now, hearing that the military was commending them, everyone was full of admiration, especially the soldiers who learned that Wang Bin had saved their third platoon. They clapped vigorously.
Guan Xiaoyue, Officer Miao, and Li Dazhu were stunned to be recognized, especially Li Dazhu, who, as a former soldier, deeply yearned for a medal.
The three of them looked at Wang Bin in surprise, and Wang Bin shrugged, indicating he didn't know either.
In fact, the decision to commend the three of them was made later. Company Commander Liu's attempt to recruit Wang Bin was at the division commander's suggestion, but Wang Bin had refused.
They felt they should compensate Wang Bin and his group, so they added their names to the commendation list.
"Let's go, why are you still standing there smiling?" Wang Bin reminded them with a laugh and strode towards the platform.
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