POW camp

When entering the imperial capital, it was already midnight, and Lan Ting stood at the corner of the street in some confusion, looking at the colorful flashing neon lights in front of him.Drunk people helped out of the wine, laughing and playing, waving for taxis.The colorful flags celebrating the victory have not been taken off, standing on the cold roof.

There are pedestrians, beggars, hooligans, and even prostitutes who solicit customers. Of course, there are also cars whizzing by on the wide streets, and convenient and fast horse-drawn carriages.

Lan Ting has not been back to the imperial capital for four years. He used to be on the front line, but later came to the prisoner-of-war camp. He could barely recognize the city he was very familiar with. The world in the book.A few beautiful girls passed by him and shouted to Lan Ting in uniform: "Hi." Lan Ting was slightly taken aback, turned his head, felt a little helpless, and touched the back of his head.The girls laughed and walked over: "Look at his stupid look." "A soldier." "The clothes he wears don't look like army clothes." "...Why do I think he looks familiar?" "Come on Lucy , This kind of flirting method to deceive soldiers is also outdated."

Lan Ting smiled helplessly, and took out a handful of change from his pocket. He really thanked the guard for letting him at least have a meal.He walked to a 24-hour fast food restaurant nearby and said, "I want a hamburger, iced coffee..."

The cashier pressed the cash register carelessly, but his eyes were fixed on the TV above his head. It was the night news report: "...It is reported that Captain Lanting, who was suspected of committing treason, suddenly knocked out the guard and escaped while working in the field. , The police have sent additional police forces to conduct a strict search around the imperial capital..." She curled her lips, and said disdainfully: "What are you doing? The crown prince removed them all."

The cashier next to him said: "I think we should shoot that traitor first, why keep him? Look, he ran away."

"A bunch of trash——Wu Shi Lu Yuan."

Lan Ting lowered his head and put the money on the counter, but when he turned his face, he saw a huge wanted warrant on the wall, and his own photo was prominently hung there.He lowered his head and walked out in a hurry, knocked a boy into a stumble, he quickly reached out to help him, and subconsciously said, "I'm sorry."

The child's mother rushed up to support her son, and said with a smile: "It's okay, it's okay." She raised her head to meet Lan Ting's eyes, she opened her mouth and frowned thoughtfully, Lan Ting saw that the situation was not good, and looked out run away.The mother suddenly shouted: "Lan Ting! It's that traitor!"

This sound alarmed everyone, everyone turned their eyes to this side, and several men rushed up: "Grab him! Grab him!"

"Who?"

"Lanting! Traitor!"

"Kill him, kill him!"

More and more people joined in, crazily chasing after Lan Ting.

Lan Ting rushed forward, but the passers-by in front heard the shout and turned to chase him. He dodged and hid in a dark alley, twisted and turned several times, and finally got rid of the people behind him.

Lan Ting was covered in sweat and leaned against the wall weakly. He no longer felt pain and grief, only a kind of empty loneliness and numbness.He closed his eyes tightly, and said to himself: "Lan Ting, you did nothing wrong, they were just deceived, unable to see the truth, there is justice in the world, there is justice..."

But is there really justice?How many facts are buried under lies, how many people have died innocently, and how many people will bear the humiliation for a lifetime.

What about yourself?Can you bear that ending?Lan Ting opened his eyes and looked at the corner of the wall full of stains and garbage. He knew clearly that it was impossible.If there is such a day, if the court really decides that he is guilty of treason, there is only one death, only one death!

Light footsteps sounded from the end of the alley, gradually approaching.Lan Ting straightened up quickly, tensing his muscles, but he didn't move, his sharp eyes looked over from under the lowered brim of his hat.

The man noticed Lan Ting's hostility and raised his hands: "Captain Lan Ting."

Lan Ting did not relax, and asked in a low voice, "Who are you?"

The man crossed his hands and made a gesture, which was a special sign language used by soldiers on the battlefield, meaning "one of our own".Lan Ting was very familiar with this kind of hand gesture. When he saw it on such a occasion, he couldn't help feeling familiar and friendly. "Who are you?" he asked again, but with much less hostility.

"Captain Lan Ting." The man walked to the bright light, revealing a face that was not considered young, with a square face.He gave Lan Ting a military salute, "Your Majesty, Lieutenant Helun of the Seventh Column of the FA Sixth Division, I have met your captain. You cannot stay here, it is very dangerous, please follow me."

Helun's expression was sincere, with the dullness and rigidity unique to soldiers.Lan Ting thought for a moment and said, "Okay."

Helun laughed, showing his snow-white teeth, and stretched out his hand to signal: "This way please." He looked like a professionally trained soldier, silent and polite, and he only paid attention to whether Lan Ting followed him along the way, and never said a word again. .Lan Ting knew this kind of person, even if it was useless to ask him, he would not say a word.

The two avoided the main road and only took the dark alleys, zigzagging into the depths of the city.After walking for less than half an hour, Helun stopped in front of the back door of a courtyard, pulled a very concealed rope from the door, pulled it a few times, paused for half a second, and pulled it a few more times.

Not long after, the back door opened, and a head poked out. It was a boy, only fifteen or sixteen years old. His dark eyes glanced at Helun, then at Lanting, and suddenly he widened, and shouted: "Lan..."

Helun made a silent gesture, the boy covered his mouth, his eyes still looked at Lan Ting without blinking, and he dodged his body to get out of the way.

Lan Ting followed Helun in, and glanced back at the boy, who smiled excitedly at him and waved desperately to show his friendliness.Lan Ting barely pulled the corners of his lips, and it was considered a smile. He felt that he had just been chased and killed by the crowd angrily, and now he was warmly welcomed by people, which is really not ordinary.

He Lun led Lan Ting to a pavilion, and the young man followed behind him bouncing around. He tried to talk to Lan Ting several times, but He Lun stared back at him.The three got on, and Helun finally said, "Lock, if you don't hurry up and prepare things, why are you delaying?"

"I know, I know." Locke said impatiently, but his eyes kept looking at Lanting, "Are you Captain Lanting? You are so handsome, much handsomer than the photo, my name is Locke, and I admire you very much. Can you sign it for me later? I want one, just one."

Lan Ting was at a loss, a little confused about the situation.Helun scowled: "Aren't you going soon? Do you want your idol to be hungry?"

"Ah——" Locke hurriedly shouted, "How come, how come, Captain Lanting, haven't you eaten yet? I'm very nimble, and I'll get it right away!" He ran and jumped as if he had been stabbed in the butt down.

Helun smiled apologetically at Lan Ting: "We have spoiled this child, Captain, please don't be offended, you should rest first, change your clothes, and the food will be delivered soon."

Lan Ting had seen that these people had absolutely no malice, and he said from the bottom of his heart, "Thank you." He raised his hand and gave a military salute to Helun.He Lun hurriedly returned the salute, a very excited expression suddenly appeared on his face, and the circles of his eyes were red.He hid it in a bit of embarrassment: "I'm sorry Captain, I just... just too long..." He didn't continue, and was silent for a moment. After the ups and downs calmed down, he said again, "Please take a good rest, Locke will be gone soon." The food will be brought up."

Lan Ting nodded, watched Helun leave, and then turned his head to observe the room.

This is a man's bedroom, clean and tidy, yet comfortable.It can be seen that this person is very particular about enjoyment, but he is not ostentatious. From the bed book to the wardrobe, everything is high-end and well placed.Dim wall lamps emit a soft glow, making this room look very warm.

Lan Ting suddenly felt that this style was very familiar, very familiar.He bit his lip, picked up the clothes that were going to be there from the bed, and walked to the bathroom beside him.

When he came out after taking a shower and changing his clothes, Locke had already placed the food on the dining table.A glass of red wine, a medium-rare steak, and an extremely delicious black mushroom soup.

There are not many things, but there is a lot of book space.The red wine is the best wine from 50 years ago, and the steak is very tender veal tenderloin. As for the black fungus, not to mention, it is a tribute that can only be enjoyed in the court.

Living in a poor, low-level environment, living in a bedroom with boring decoration, but can provide the best quality delicious food, who else can have such a person?

Lan Ting was amused as he cut the steak and put it in his mouth.The meal was relaxed and comfortable, and it felt a bit like coming home. In a trance, it seemed that my brother could open the door and come in at any time, and asked, "How is it? Is the food delicious?"

Lan Ting turned around, and it wasn't his brother Lan Wei who came in, but Hovis.He crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned against the door. He always had that loose and lazy look, even his smile was so calm.

"Not bad." Lan Ting said sincerely, taking a sip of red wine, "That's all you have."

"Oh." Hovis sighed, and walked over slowly with his hands in his pockets, "I thought you would be so touched that you would hold me and cry."

Lan Ting wiped the corners of his lips with a napkin: "I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, I'm not that sentimental."

"So, my other wish also came to nothing?" Hovis walked up to Lan Ting and stared down at his eyes, eyes as deep as the sea.

"what?"

"I hope you will be grateful, and then promise with your body..." Hovis lowered his head while speaking, his voice became softer and softer, and the last word was hidden between their kissing lips.

This kiss is lingering and passionate, eager and tender.Even at this time, Lan Ting was not willing to be at a disadvantage, stood up slowly, and stretched out his hands to hold the back of Hovis's head.The two lasted for a long time, and when they separated, they were both panting for each other, seeing the uncontrollable waves of lust in each other's eyes, turbulent and surging.

"Are you here to repay my favor?" Lan Ting asked.

"How do you say that?" Hovis asked with a smile.

"You forced me twice in the camp, Hovis, I remember."

"You are narrow-minded, Lan Ting, you knew that the situation was urgent, and I had no choice."

"So I have to thank you for being taken advantage of by you?"

Hovis shrugged: "We don't have to be so polite."

"Fuck!" Lan Ting cursed angrily, and pushed Hovis away, "I'm not that close to you, we're dead enemies! Do you understand that dead enemies?"

Hovis looked at him: "I remember I told you, I like you."

"Are you fucking lying to ghosts?!" Lan Ting glared at him.

Howes looked solemn: "I didn't lie."

"I don't like you at all!"

Hovis smiled: "Alright, Lan Ting, why do you deceive yourself? You liked me the first time you saw me, didn't you? Just like I treat you."

"But I remember that it was you who killed this good impression with your own hands." Thinking of the past, Lan Ting still feels ashamed and angry.

Howes sighed: "No way, Lan Ting, if you think about it carefully, you will understand. I think what I said at the time was the truth. You are indeed not suitable for intelligence work."

"I'm fucking talking about something else!" Lan Ting didn't want him to bring up that failure, even though he knew in his heart that Hovis was right.

"Other things?" Hovis frowned and thought for a while, then nodded with comprehension, "Lanting, I sincerely apologize to you for your indifference and teasing in the past. I was just, I just couldn't resist your attraction, and wanted to To attract your attention, but I still don't want to have any results with you. You also know that I am doing intelligence work, and maybe I will never return..."

"Okay." Lan Ting waved his hand to stop him, "Okay, you're back now? There's no danger anymore? So you want to make a comeback with me."

"It's 'renewing the frontier'." Hovis corrected him patiently.

"Ha!" Lan Ting rolled his eyes, "Hovis, are you fucking God? If you want to keep a distance from me, then keep a distance; if you want to resurface, then resurface; if you want to like me, like me; Just sleep with me, do you fucking treat me as a masturbator or a blow-up doll?!"

"No, absolutely not." Hovis said solemnly, "The masturbator is not as flexible as you, and the blow-up doll is not as warm as you."

"Shut up!" Lan Ting slapped the table angrily, causing all the plates, knives and forks to jump up, "I'm telling you seriously now. Hovis, no matter what you take me for, I refuse! I don't like you, no way!"

Hovis stared intently at the jumping Lan Ting, put away the playful look on his face, and sighed leisurely.He approached Lan Ting, whispered: "I'm sorry." He kissed Lan Ting's lips again.

Lan Ting stretched out his hand to push back, but Hovis clasped his waist tightly.This kiss was not as intense as before, it was so gentle that it reached the heart, full of apology and love.All of a sudden, Lan Ting's grievance and resentment disappeared, like snow under the warm sun, melting away without a trace.When the two separated, he turned his face away awkwardly, and cursed in a low voice with some annoyance: "Fuck!" He didn't know whether it was scolding Hovis or himself who compromised so easily.

Hovis smiled and kissed Lan Ting on the cheek, knowing that the kid would not let it go for a while, and said, "Come on, let's go out and introduce you to some friends."

"Your cronies, I don't want to know them." Lan Ting said in his mouth, but his legs moved outwards, as if he wanted to escape the embarrassing atmosphere around him quickly.Hovis followed him and said, "As soon as I heard that you escaped from prison, I knew that you would definitely come to the imperial capital and send people to search for your whereabouts. As a result, Heron found you among the rioting crowd and brought you here. They are all my friends, and some of them have heard of your name for many years, and they want to meet you."

As he spoke, he led Lan Ting out of the yard, through a wide and hidden corridor, through a wall, he could still hear the yelling from the next door: "It's open, it's open, buy it and leave it!"

Lan Ting looked at Hovis in surprise.Howes spread his hands: "No way, there are many people to support."

"Your property?"

"It's not an industry, it's just a meal for some friends. This kind of place is mixed with fish and dragons, low-grade and dirty, and the upper-class people don't want to come, and they can't see it." Hovis said with a little sarcasm.

"casino?"

"Black casinos. There are also underground fighting rings and wine, dance halls, and brothels, if you ask those."

Lan Ting looked Hovis up and down, as if meeting this man for the first time: "You are quite rich."

Howes rolled his eyes frivolously: "It's still okay to keep you."

"Pooh."

Lan Ting followed Hovis all the way to a gate, and Hovis nodded, "We're all waiting for you inside." He said and pushed the gate open.

At first, Lan Ting thought there were only a few strangers, but he didn't expect that when he stepped in, he saw dozens of people sitting in the dark, and stood up one after another when he saw himself.

Lan Ting looked back at Hovis in surprise, Hovis was smiling, and Lan Ting turned to look at those people again.

The room was silent, everyone stared at Lan Ting, and no one spoke.They were all wearing the military uniforms of Ole, some of them were worn out and washed white.They all stared at Lanting with strange eyes, implying an unbearable eagerness.

Lan Ting was a little embarrassed at first, but soon calmed down, smiled freely, and said, "I am Lan Ting."

Hovis came over and said: "They got your news, and they all gathered here in less than half an hour. They just wanted to meet you. They were all prisoners of war, most of them are no longer in the army, and many of them have been arrested. They have heard about your case and are willing to come out and support you until the case is over."

One person said: "Lanting, we believe that you are not treasonous, and we support you."

"Yes, we support you, Lan Ting, you are not alone."

"Surrender does not mean betrayal, we did not treason."

"Lanting..."

"Lanting..."

Lan Ting could no longer hear what they were talking about. He looked at these people one by one, some he knew, some were familiar, but most of them were unfamiliar faces.Gradually, tears blurred Lan Ting's eyes, and he suddenly turned around and hugged Hovis, hugging him very tightly, as if he wanted to convey all the emotions in this way.

Then he let go and said loudly, "Thank you, everyone, thank you!"

All kinds of food were served like a stream of water, roast chicken, ham, cheese, bacon, sausages, desserts... the beer was foaming and served glass by glass.Everyone laughed and shouted loudly, their faces glowing with excitement.

Hovis sat in the corner, slowly reading the wine in his hand, leaning lazily against the wall, smiling and watching Lan Ting mingle with those people in the crowd, like a tireless little leopard.

Some people are like this, rather than staying alone, they prefer to be with others and enjoy friendly, reverent, and admiring glances.They have the courage to take responsibility and dare to express themselves. Whether they live or die, they are all passionate, unwilling to be lonely, and vigorous.

Hovis watched Lan Ting drink a glass of wine with his neck upturned, watched him embrace everyone tightly, watched him and his long-lost comrade-in-arms hug each other in surprise and cry, and watched him smile the brightest.

This is Lan Ting, who is completely different from the miserable, self-pitying, and wronged Lan Ting in prison.

This is the living Lan Ting.