Chapter 81 Sunset (Part 2)

After hearing the almost joking words from Petrov, Malashenko, who was in a bad mood just now, couldn't help but smile knowingly.

"I didn't expect you to be such a humorous person, Political Commissar, no, Uncle Peter. Did you have the same fear and sequelae of war as I do today?"

For the sincere question from Malashenko, Petrov sighed and seemed to have returned to the passionate and glorious years of the past.

"Well, to be honest with you, Malashenko. Back then, I was not only afraid of war, but I even doubted whether our new Soviet regime could survive those turbulent and extremely difficult years. At that time, I did not have the rock-solid faith that I have now after becoming a political commissar. If it were not for that guy Cherniaev who supported and encouraged me all the way, I might have already... You know what that means, Malashenko."

In the eyes of Malashenko, who has traveled to the Soviet-German battlefield in World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Petrov, the political commissar of the 20th Tank Division, can be said to be the most vivid and positive image of the Soviet frontline political commissar during World War II.

In Political Commissar Petrov, who has personally participated in almost all major and minor battles of the Soviet Army since the October Revolution, Malashenko not only does not see the image of a vicious and evil rogue political commissar deliberately created by a French director in later generations in order to deliberately discredit the Soviet Union.

On the contrary, Political Commissar Petrov's firm stance on political education and morale, his diversified methods of both hardness and softness, and his clear awareness of his shortcomings in military command, which he only knew a little about but not proficient in, made him a good partner with the military commander, Division Commander Cherniayev.

These obvious and mature advantages of Political Commissar Petrov have long been seen by Malashenko, a later time traveler. It can be said that if Malashenko, who had just traveled to the Soviet-German battlefield, was in awe and fear when he first met Political Commissar Petrov, then now Malashenko's personal feelings for Political Commissar Petrov have gradually transformed into a rhythm with sincere respect as the main theme.

It is for this reason that when Malashenko, who has always been humble, respectful and admiring of Political Commissar Petrov, heard those words from his mouth describing his unbearable past in his early years, Malashenko, who was deeply surprised, blurted out in an unbelievable tone.

"Uncle Peter, you said you were so unbearable when you were young. This is incredible. I have always believed that you are one of the Red Army soldiers with the strongest faith."

Political Commissar Petrov smiled calmly at the words full of awe and a little surprise from Malashenko, and did not intend to hide his past at all.

"Have you read the book How the Steel Was Tempered? Malashenko."

Hearing Petrov's sudden question to him, Malashenko, who was born in the future, had already been familiar with this book when he was still Lin Jie.

After nodding slowly, he spoke softly, and Malashenko, who gave an affirmative answer in his mouth, gave Petrov an affirmative answer almost without thinking.

"Of course, Uncle Peter, I have not only read this book, but I still remember its core spirit and classic quotes. The spiritual beliefs left by Comrade Ostrovsky in the book are an inexhaustible and precious treasure for our generation of young people." Hearing Malashenko's affirmative answer, he was not surprised. Political Commissar Petrov, who knew the profound influence of the book How the Steel Was Tempered on the Soviet youth of this era, continued to speak. "In fact, just like the spirit Comrade Ostrovsky expounded in the book, each of us was actually very scared and afraid when we just stepped onto the battlefield from the recruit camp. This is human nature."

"But just as a piece of steel needs to be tempered thousands of times before it can be transformed into armor to protect tanks, the way forward for each of our soldiers is also the same."

"Only after thousands of tempering can the indestructible soldiers stand out and sublimate into a true Red Army faith soldier. Although countless companions will fall on this thorny and bloody road, inheriting the will of the deceased and continuing to fight for the living is the eternal faith and truth."

"Back then, Cherniayev and I survived the most difficult years in the cradle of our new Soviet Union. After that, each of us who survived inherited and grew a lot."

The voice paused before the voice fell, and Political Commissar Petrov, who thought of something bad, finally chose to continue his words.

"Although some changes that happened later caused Cherniaev to suffer from intermittent hysteria and mental disorder, this cannot erase the fact that he was a senior commander of the Red Army with firm beliefs. After all these years of my care and treatment by his side, he is still an excellent and qualified division commander unless he is greatly stimulated or drunk."

After saying all this, he turned around and cast his sights on Malashenko beside him again. His eyes revealed a magical look that made people feel powerful at a glance. Seeing Malashenko in front of him seemed to be able to see the young Petrov during the October Revolution. He spoke with some emotion at the end.

"I believe you are a young man who can create a legend, Malashenko. In you, I can see the purest and unshakable faith described by Ostrovsky shining brightly. Although I don't know what this magical feeling is, I am sure that you can go further than me and Cherniaev in the future years of war!"

Looking at the pure and unpretentious firm eyes of Political Commissar Petrov beside him, in the materialistic and indifferent society of later generations, he almost forgot when he last saw such eyes. In a trance, Malashenko seemed to hear the song "The Red Army is the Strongest" under the city of Moscow again in his ears, and he couldn't help but be moved for a while.

"I will definitely fulfill my mission! Comrade Political Commissar!"

When the intoxicating red sunset sank into the distant horizon with the last ray of warm afterglow, something called faith had already begun to take root in a young and fiery heart.