Chapter 161: One Trap After Another
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“From the moment we pulled the trigger, we vowed that we are one with our guns. When the gun falls, we shall fall. The gun is our lifeline, but what about you now?”
It’s been two hours, and they had not gotten any sleep.
In the latter part of the battle, Wang Ye personally witnessed the seasoned squad leaders taking photos and stealing firearms.
They produced several whistles and blew them in unison.
The piercing sound of the whistle jolted the recruits lying on the ground, causing them to tremble.
Soon after, the entire company assembled.
In this moment, the unit was reorganized. Within the group, there were only a handful who still had their firearms.
Facing everyone, Wu Jianfeng wore a stern expression as he began admonishing them.
“As soldiers, our guns are our lives. If you’re so careless as to lose your guns on the battlefield, tell me, what do you plan on fighting with?
Are you relying on that flawless face?
Do you truly believe that your faces alone can repel enemy bullets and eliminate adversaries?”
Wu Jianfeng’s stern visage, coupled with his fatigued state, rendered his words even more menacing.
Despite the panic stirring within the gunless recruits, fear wouldn’t help them now. The consequences of losing their firearms were inevitably approaching.
“Those with firearms, step forward!”
Wu Jianfeng’s voice was firm as he gave the command. Wang Ye and a few others moved ahead.
Indeed, only a few remained.
When the company was accounted for, after those who stepped forward, only eight individuals still possessed firearms.
“The eight of you, move aside and continue your rest.”
Wang Ye and the others exchanged glances in silence, then moved aside as instructed.
Naturally, he couldn’t sleep.
Why would he even consider it?
Even if he felt drowsy, what if his gun was pilfered while he slumbered?
But the shock had been quite profound.
He regarded his fellow comrades who remained.
They now stood, heads bowed, ready to be reprimanded…
“Everyone!”
With Wang Ye and the rest having withdrawn, Wu Jianfeng’s voice resonated once again.
Then, each soldier shouldered their packs and lay down.
His fist struck the ground.
“Our guns are our lives and our companions. Whenever they’re in our possession, we must, without question, ensure they’re at our side.
Of course, I know some of you must be thinking of divorcing.”
Gazing at those on the ground, Wu Jianfeng discerned their thoughts, but he continued with even greater intensity, “Allow me to clarify, divorce isn’t an option here.
Do you aspire to become martyrs?
Ha, you don’t qualify as martyrs.
Soldiers contemplating the abandonment of their companions can only be branded cowards!”
Wu Jianfeng didn’t hold back while berating them.
Exhausted, he took a break and smoked at the side.
Now it was the class monitors’ turn to admonish them.
As for the newcomers, excluding Wang Ye and the other eight, they clung to their determination, fists clenched.
However, this matter wasn’t that simple.
After persevering for nearly an hour, the cooks brought food.
But only Wang Ye and the others could partake.
The rest continued to hold out. Wu Jianfeng remarked, “You’ve lost your lives, and you still have the audacity to eat?”
Hence, they could only watch Wang Ye and the others eat.
As for Wang Ye and his companions, their eyes were bloodshot. Even if they wanted to assist the others, or save some for them, it wasn’t feasible.
Given the single portion of rice, there were no extras.
It was only after Wang Ye and the rest had finished eating that they were allowed respite.
Still, there was no time for them to return the favor…
Wu Jianfeng issued the directive to rest once more.
Mm… a siesta.
“I’m famished… Brother Wang!”
Next to Wang Ye, Qin Li transitioned from supporting herself to collapsing after the dismissal. He panted for a few minutes before crawling over.
His eyes brimmed with eagerness as he gazed at Wang Ye.
“Drink more water!”
Wang Ye had actually held onto some items earlier. He couldn’t leave rice and vegetables, but he had some fruit left.
He’d kept an apple for himself.
Yet, with the eight from Class 5 now starving, a single apple proved insufficient.
Additionally, it wasn’t suitable for Wang Ye to unveil this in the open.
“Hey, Brother Wang, I’ll stick close to you. If anything happens later, can you nudge me? I’ll sleep by your feet. No, I can even carry your feet for you!”
“Let me have one too, Brother Wang, please!”
Yan Zhiming also crawled over.
In reality, it wasn’t just the two of them. At this moment, the other Class 5 students, upon hearing Qin Li’s voice, clustered around.
“No, it’s futile. Even if I managed to doze off, there’s no guarantee.
Furthermore, don’t crowd together. You’re all sweating so much. Figure something out on your own. It’d be best to learn from Old Song; he’s resourceful!”
Wang Ye had no choice but to remind them.
Depend on him?
What nonsense! He didn’t dare to sleep at this point.
Although he had roused earlier and even given a slap to the fourth class monitor.
No losses were incurred, yet he did claim the upper hand.
Nonetheless, Wang Ye couldn’t assure a repeat performance.
In any case, Wang Ye, or rather, everyone, had gained clarity.
If they permitted sleep now, it was clear they hadn’t held themselves well. A subsequent attempt to swipe their guns was certain.
“Stay apart, no talking. Disperse and sleep.
And retrieve your firearms. Always carry them in hand, ready to fight at any moment.”
A platoon leader positioned within the group bellowed, “Should you find yourself on the battlefield, guns slung behind your backs, and suddenly attacked by the enemy, the precious seconds spent fetching your guns could cost you your life!”
“We’re done for!”
“Ah…”
Beside Wang Ye, the few despaired.
They had no desire to huddle, and, more importantly, they sought to clutch their firearms in their hands.
This left them without an escape route.
Wang Ye was speechless as well.
At this juncture, his discomfort surpassed everyone else’s.
After indulging in a satisfying meal and drink, the forest’s breeze caressed them, and the sunlight warmed their skin.
The ambiance was serene and comfortable.
“I shouldn’t have eaten that meal!”
Wang Ye’s teeth clenched.
This was utterly ridiculous. They had believed this meal was a reward meant solely for them eight.
Yet, as things appeared now…
It was another colossal pit.
Others might struggle to doze off while famished.
However, once they had eaten their fill, fatigue seemed to amplify their drowsiness.
Wang Ye cared little about the others.
Resolute, he continued hugging his gun, fixated on it, maintaining vigil.
Fatigue and slumber beckoned, but he dare not close his eyes.
Assurance of waking up remained uncertain.
Should he fail to rouse and his gun be taken…
Best not to sleep at all.
In truth, this sentiment was shared by the others.
All strained to keep their eyes open.
Some even slapped themselves intermittently a bid to dispel drowsiness.
Yet, their makeshift remedy was swiftly thwarted.
Wu Jianfeng scrutinized the group, bellowing, “Aren’t you tired?
Why fixate your eyes on me?
Also, keep your hands steady. Embrace your partners and lives with both hands.”
This statement ushered despair for many of the recruits.
Minutes later, the sound of snoring echoed.
Song Yuejin!
Wang Ye bit his tongue, rousing himself slightly. He surreptitiously observed the source of the noise.
Despite being sated moments ago, he couldn’t withstand drowsiness.
Moreover, when Wang Ye glanced at him this time, he noted that one of his hands, which had been clutching his firearm, had let go.
His left hand hung loosely by his side, with only one hand maintaining its grip on the gun.
His posture left no room for speculation—by lifting it slightly, the gun could be easily taken.
“Tsk!”
Determined, Wang Ye secretly pinched his left armpit’s flesh.
It was a lesson right before his eyes.