Every day was filled with speeches, followed by dinners with dignitaries or attending dances.
Parks navigated these glamorous events, something he had experienced in his previous life as an agent. Playing a role and being a good actor was one of the most crucial survival skills.
He even wondered if he had completely immersed himself in the role during his eloquent speeches at the Grand Theater.
"Nothing is more important than national honor! Every soldier in our hearts possesses that noble sense of honor. What is a sky full of wind and snow? To us, it's merely the festive atmosphere arriving before we defeat the Japanese…"
"Yes, I am only a Sergeant, but I am also a part of Easy Company, a part of the 506th Regiment, and a part of the 101st Airborne Division. What we must do is become America's finest soldiers…"
"We aim high, and we firmly believe that the United States of America will achieve ultimate victory, just as we did when we entered the city. Then, the people will rejoice. We should not be victims of attack; we should reclaim what we lost to the Little Japanese and gain even more.
We must also travel to Europe to liberate the enslaved people, nail Adolf Hitler to the pillar of human shame, and make him an object of scorn for people worldwide.
We should be an aggressor and a victor who proactively attacks those evil people and evil nations."
"What I want to tell you is that victory belongs to us. And the arrival of victory requires the support of all the people of the United States of America, and your generous donations will be an important guarantee of this victory…"
"He made changes!" At this moment, in the VIP section of the audience, a well-dressed middle-aged man in a suit said to a General, "But the changes are excellent. This guy must be a born orator, General Lee."
This General was General Lee. He had already inspected the 506th Regiment at Fort Benning once before.
Now, he was in New York, partly due to his illness—the General's heart was not in good condition, and he was here to recuperate—and partly because of Sergeant Reese Parks, who was delivering an impassioned speech on the podium.
He was afraid that the Sergeant, being inexperienced, would embarrass the 101st Airborne Division, so he had to keep an eye on him.
Now it seemed this guy was completely at ease in the bustling, glamorous environment of New York.
Even during speeches, he often deviated from the prepared script, improvising on the spot, yet achieving surprisingly good results.
"He is an excellent soldier!" General Lee nodded, smiling. "He is the pride of the 101st Airborne Division."
"Do you still think you can keep this young man now?" The man, around fifty years old, laughed. "Many people have seen his talent, a natural propagandist. Of course, his acting skills are also first-rate."
General Lee's expression turned a little grim. He glanced sideways at the man and said flatly, "Mr. Rost, can even you Wall Street financiers take an interest in a soldier?
Regardless, he is still a soldier, and as long as this country needs war, he will obey orders and go to the battlefield."
Mr. Rost smiled, "I know he is a soldier, and an excellent one!" Then he paused, "But if you are willing to part with him, I certainly wouldn't reject such an outstanding talent.
You know, Wall Street needs young people like him: confident, assertive, able to play their role, and able to make the most suitable adjustments when faced with situations."
"He's a celebrity now!" Rost smiled slightly at General Lee.
Just as General Lee was about to speak, a storm of applause swept through the entire hall. Many people stood up excitedly, some even with tears in their eyes.
This was the power of incitement.
General Lee suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness. Even if the law didn't allow Parks to leave, what did the law matter in the eyes of these financiers?
If they wanted something, they would fight desperately for it, even resorting to robbery.
"I feel a bit unwell; I need to leave for a moment!" General Lee, disregarding etiquette, quickly and quietly left the hall, with the continuous applause behind him.
"Did General Lee agree?" In a luxurious room, a woman wearing an elegant long dress, with a glimpse of her long legs showing, pulled a cigarette from a cigarette case on a nearby table and elegantly held it between her fingers.
"Snap!" A blue flame emerged from a man's hand; he had lit the lighter.
"Why are you so interested in that kid?" The man extinguished the lighter, then sat aside, puzzled. "I had someone investigate his background; he has no background, just an ordinary person."
"We need people like him, Mr. Rost!" The woman frowned slightly. "Father often tells me about your contributions, but do you know why you've never held a position on the board?"
This man was Mr. Rost. He leaned forward slightly, adopting a humble posture: "What is the reason? Can Miss Grey tell me?"
"It's that you still lack a certain vision!" The woman lightly flicked the ash from her cigarette. "From the first time I saw this man, I had a certain feeling about him. He will definitely not be ordinary, and his current transformation has already confirmed my premonition."
"You are right, Miss Grey! But…" Mr. Rost hesitated, then said, "Don't you need to hear his own opinion? Perhaps he's not interested at all? I mean, from our one-sided perspective!"
Virginia Grey was momentarily stunned. She hadn't considered that point, but with such advantageous conditions, could any man refuse? She was quite confident.
From their initial accidental encounter on the train, her interest in Parks was merely curiosity, along with his strong body and passionate clashes. Physical pleasure always guides one's primary senses.
Originally, her trip from Washington to New York was just a coincidence, and she didn't necessarily expect to have any further interactions with that man. However, his increasingly outstanding performance significantly increased her interest in him.
"I think you should still meet him and hear his opinion, Miss Grey!" Rost always appeared very respectful.
Virginia Grey nodded, then said, "I understand. All right, thank you for your trouble this time, Mr. Rost."
"It's my honor to serve you." Rost stood up to leave, but after a few steps, he turned back. "Miss Grey, your father asked me to give you a message. I think you should listen."
Virginia suddenly felt a bit annoyed. She just nodded, "I know, it's about me sneaking away last time. I'll explain it to Father; you don't need to worry about it!"
Rost nodded, then left, gently closing the door for Miss Grey.
This was already the fifth day in New York. Every day was almost the same scene, just in different locations.
Speeches and cocktail parties, mingling among celebrities and socialites of high society. People constantly offered courtesies, and sometimes disdainful glances were cast, but Parks didn't care about these.
He just held a glass of wine, quietly sitting in a corner of the party. To be honest, he missed his brothers in Easy Company, despite having to endure various difficult training sessions and Captain Sobel's bad temper there.
"Hi!" A familiar voice broke his solitary, meditative reverie.
"Hi, is that you? Virginia?" In his solitude, Parks finally saw a familiar face. It was the beautiful and charming woman he had met on the train.
"My goodness, I can't believe we actually met again, and in such a magical place as New York." Parks stood up, and his mood instantly brightened.
Virginia smiled faintly: "I told you we'd meet. How is it? Does it feel good to be a celebrity now? Your posters are everywhere on the streets of New York. You are a hero in people's hearts."
"No, I'm not a hero yet. I haven't even been to the battlefield to kill krauts!" Parks smiled. "But I really hope to go back soon."
This was Parks's sincere thought. So much so that even after their passionate encounter, when Parks held the beautiful and captivating body in his arms, he was still thinking the same thing.
"If you stay here, you'll have many opportunities!" Virginia gently twisted her body, avoiding Parks's wandering hand, but her body remained tightly pressed against Parks's.
"I know, perhaps after the war, I will come here, but not now!" Parks smiled faintly. "And I also know that your status here is certainly extraordinary."
Upon hearing this, Virginia's body suddenly paused. Then she wrapped both hands around Parks's neck, blowing a breath, "You're so smart. Yes, my status is a bit special, but I'm just a woman, and you know what a woman needs most.
Can't you stay for me?"
Parks smiled, caressed her face, then shook his head: "I'm sorry, Virginia, I'm afraid you also know in your heart that we can't be together. We are too far apart."
Virginia was silent for a long time. She leaned her face against Parks's chest and sighed, "You must be wondering about a woman like me. Actually, my father is Ben Gray, an arms dealer, not very famous, just supplying some spare parts to those giants.
You know, our Gray Family has always struggled among those giants. I…" She spoke with a somewhat dejected expression.
Parks listened quietly to her story, then nodded and smiled, "Can you also produce some military supplies? I mean, produce them independently."
"We can only produce some firearms!" Virginia looked at Parks, a little surprised.
"I mean, if a high-performance gun were produced, do you have confidence that the government would purchase it?" Parks said softly.
Virginia suddenly sat up, not caring that the silk had slipped from her body, revealing her curvaceous figure. She looked at Parks and asked urgently, "Parks? What do you want to say?"
"I mean, I can design a firearm, and it's better than the current m1 garand," Parks said. "Can you manufacture it? I mean, the manufacturing process isn't very complicated."
Virginia listened and hesitated, "If it's just about making guns, it depends on your design. But if we want to pass a congressional bill for procurement, we'll have to spend a lot of time and money lobbying those congressmen. And the effect might not be good. You know, we don't have enough strength, that's a big problem."
"Oh," Parks was a little disappointed, "Well, if that's the case, let's talk about it later!"
"You can really design firearms?" Virginia was clearly a bit skeptical. "You know, designing firearms isn't a simple job!"
"I know!" Parks nodded. "But it's not that hard either, buddy."
After that, neither of them spoke for a long time. A moment later, Virginia suddenly said, "Perhaps there's another way!"
"What?"
"We can cooperate with the big companies we often supply. This might be a good idea, but you have to let me see the design first. Otherwise, I really can't guarantee I'll impress them!" Virginia's finger slid across Parks's body.
"Alright, but that will have to wait a while!" Parks raised his hands. "You know, in this situation, I can't worry about anything else, unless I return to Fort Benning."
"You're still thinking of going back to be a paratrooper?" Virginia couldn't help but frown. "Is there nothing here worth staying for? Parks, you are very smart and have great potential. You will become a prominent figure on Wall Street."
"I must go back!" Parks was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "There are many things you don't understand. This isn't about my future. After all, we are not from the same social class!"
Virginia's hand trembled slightly, but she quickly hid it. She just kissed Parks's face and whispered, "Darling, you're thinking too much!"
Of course, this wasn't Parks's wishful thinking; it was reality. Everything felt so distant.
Parks lingered in the embrace of comfort, but he constantly remembered his brothers in Easy Company. Fine wine, beautiful women, and speeches as glamorous as a star's didn't make him lose his way. This was a basic quality a former agent possessed.
Even the vast golf courses and the parties filled with wine and women couldn't intoxicate Parks's heart. This was due to his special experiences and emotions.
"Are you really not considering staying?" Virginia's plea was gentle and melodious, and her soft body, even wrapped tightly around him, spoke volumes, "Even for me."
"You won't understand me!" Parks always smiled, using this phrase to silence everyone.
Yes, Virginia wouldn't understand what was on Parks's mind, but that didn't prevent them from communicating and exploring physically and mentally, and they always found a spiritual balance through their physical connection.
"You are the strongest man I've ever met!" Virginia always loved to say this after their passionate moments.
"Have you had many men?"
"No, do you want me to be a harlot?" Virginia said mockingly, "I am well-educated, and I know how to be a lady." She added, "I'm only this wild with you, darling!"
"But, darling, I have to go. These days might not last long!" Parks stroked the soft, smooth skin in his arms. Though he felt a great deal of reluctance, his heart was resolute.
As the propaganda tour was nearing its end, Parks was received by General Lee. They met at General William C. Lee's home, which to outsiders seemed like just a private meeting.
"General!" Parks still held admiration for this father of American paratroopers. When they met, he gave a solemn military salute.
"At ease, Sergeant." General Lee greeted Parks warmly. "Don't be so nervous, just consider it a meeting between friends. I hope this hasn't caused you any trouble."
"No, General." Parks smiled and sat down. "It's my honor!"
General Lee nodded, then smiled, "You performed very well during the propaganda, Sergeant!"
"Thank you, it's my greatest honor to serve the country!" Parks tried to keep his language as official as possible, as he wasn't sure why General Lee had summoned him.
General Lee asked some other questions, and Parks just vaguely answered them. Finally, they got to the point.
"What do you plan to do?" General Lee saw the confusion on Parks's face and added, "I mean, after this, what do you plan to do?"
"Sir?" Parks stood up in confusion, looking at General Lee.
General Lee said, "You have made your contribution to the nation's war bonds, and that is evident to all. According to principle, you can freely choose a direction, either transfer to an administrative department, or choose another combat branch, such as the Navy or Marines! Of course, I still have the authority to reassign you, but I want to know your wishes."
Parks finally understood. He said without hesitation, "General, if possible, I want to return to Easy Company. I have a deep bond with those brothers, and I don't want to be assigned to other units. You know, if I were to sit in an office waiting for the war to end, that would undoubtedly be an inhuman torment."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, sir!" Parks's expression was solemn.
"Then, what can I do for you?" General Lee then took the hot water kettle, placed two cups, and brewed coffee.
"Sir, I joined the paratroopers because I knew they would be at the forefront, bearing heavy responsibilities. That is their significance," Parks said. "I've been here for a month, and I've completed the mission the unit assigned me."
General Lee smiled, "I know, you want to tell me that you want to return to Easy Company of the 506th Regiment?"
"Yes, sir!" Parks nodded firmly. "That's exactly what I hope for, so I hope the General can reassign me to my original unit. I… I don't want to be separated from my brothers."
"Is that so?" General Lee smiled.
"I don't want to do this kind of paperwork anymore, sir," Parks said. "Please, let me go back. Perhaps I can still be of some use to my brothers."
General Lee nodded, "I know, Parks, you are an excellent soldier. From your training methods, I knew you had made a huge contribution to the airborne forces. You know, we also desperately need talent like you. But can you truly let go of everything you have now? Including the temptations of those suit-wearing men on Wall Street?"
"I can!" Parks's answer was without the slightest hesitation.
General Lee nodded and smiled, "Alright, I know your choice. This conversation is very significant to me."
"Thank you, General!" Parks saluted General Lee and then took his leave.
The next day, Parks received notice from the military, telling him to finish his work here as soon as possible and return to Fort Benning to continue his duties in Easy Company. This was good news for Parks.
"Are you really leaving?" Virginia lay her naked body on Parks's equally naked chest. "Then what about me?"
"Don't worry, darling!" Parks smiled. "Perhaps we'll meet again, just like you said! Also, I will finish the firearm design drawings and send them to you. Don't worry."
"Those sons of bitches on Wall Street won't let me succeed easily." Hearing Parks mention business, Virginia couldn't help but grit her teeth again.
"Alright, stop complaining. Darling, everything has its own rules!" Parks smiled, reached a hand to Virginia's chest, and then they giggled and rolled together.
The next day, Parks appeared alone at the train station with his luggage.
The experiences of these days felt like a dream. He had no lingering attachment to New York, this bustling city. He had long seen through the so-called social circles of high society. There was indeed nothing worth missing.
"Goodbye, New York!" Parks said this in his heart.
He boarded the train and chose a window seat, watching the people coming and going, seeing off loved ones. Suddenly, familiar images of his brothers in Easy Company surged in his heart.
"Whoosh—" With a long whistle, the train slowly pulled out of the station.
"Brothers, I'm back!" Parks smiled as he watched the scenery rapidly receding outside the window.