Chapter 165: Baptism of the Heart
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
It was a vibrant night.
The gala on TV was just an embellishment to the atmosphere. Inside the cafeteria, after the communal singing, a chess match unfolded between the different classes.
They even organized a poker competition, with a representative from each of the three classes participating.
The only hiccup was that occasionally, someone would clutch their stomach and inform their class monitor that a restroom visit was in order.
As there weren’t enough queues for the restroom in the kitchen area, a few ended up darting back to the dormitory building’s facilities, their legs tightly crossed in an awkward posture.
All of this happened during the barbecue session. Impatience overcame them, prompting them to consume the food before it was fully cooked. Now, after two to three hours had elapsed, some individuals couldn’t bear it any longer, their stomachs voicing their discontent.
Thankfully, Wang Ye barely ate anything. He had only sampled a small portion, being familiar with the food, and he felt fine throughout the night.
“Ten… Nine… Eight… Two… One!”
“Happy New Year!”
At midnight, on the training ground, everyone except Wu Jianfeng, the company commander who had gone to oversee the gate post, cheered alongside the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers illuminating the area.
Indeed, even the military camp had ignited fireworks, and they didn’t dim the lights to sleep at such a late hour.
“Brother Wang, Happy New Year!”
“Happy New Year, Class Monitor…”
“Happy New Year, Instructor!”
They exchanged New Year’s wishes. Amid the burst of fireworks, everyone was energized and not at all drowsy. After all, they had enjoyed a good night’s sleep the previous night.
“Shhh!”
Suddenly, right after the fireworks ceased, a whistle abruptly sounded among the crowd.
Observing the gaze directed toward him, the instructor called out with a grin, “Gather up, form a line!”
Swiftly assembling, Kang Hua declared, “Let’s move, comrades. I’ll take you to witness the view!”
“Instructor, what’s the plan?”
“Are you implying more training?”
In class five, Wang Ye overheard murmurs from nearby.
“I doubt it. Alright, let’s go!” Wang Ye chimed in as well.
Having said that, the entire unit trailed after the instructor, jogging toward the camp’s entrance.
At the gateway, the instructor halted everyone. They positioned themselves in front of the door, facing Wu Jianfeng, who stood at the entrance.
“Salute!”
Guided by the instructor, all members of the recruit company rendered a salute to Wu Jianfeng.
“Come on, wish the company commander a Happy New Year!” Kang Hua greeted with a smile.
“Happy New Year, Company Commander!” The entire recruit company cheered in unison.
Wu Jianfeng was visibly moved. As Wang Ye observed him reciprocate, he noticed the slight reddening of the company commander’s eyes.
This undertaking wasn’t premeditated. Perhaps the instructor had it planned all along, but Wu Jianfeng had certainly not been informed.
“Haha, that’s enough, comrades. Let’s continue to enjoy the sights.
When I mentioned appreciating the view, I wasn’t referring to our company commander!”
Kang Hua laughed heartily.
Following the laughter, everyone ventured out of the camp once more.
Around ten minutes later.
They reached the summit of a hill over a hundred meters tall, situated to the left of the camp.
“Look, my comrades, cast your gaze over there. Behold the fireworks in the homes of our fellow citizens. Take in the distant lights!”
Though the hill wasn’t towering, from its summit, they could perceive a vast expanse of lights and fireworks about seven or eight miles away to the east.
This was the nearest town to the camp, albeit uncharted territory for them.
Nevertheless, that was of little significance.
The aim was for them to marvel at the distant illumination.
“We can’t return home, as we’re entrusted with safeguarding these homes.
A vast territory stretching thousands of miles, coupled with rivers and mountains that span as far.
On this soil, our ancestors thrived, and today, our families and compatriots reside.”
A brief pause ensued before the instructor resumed, “Our forebears secured peace.
Nonetheless, we stand as successors. We inherit our forebears’ determination to defend our homeland and our fellow citizens.”
Kang Hua extended his hand to the distance, his back turned to everyone. His voice exuded profound emotion, “Tonight’s fireworks are breathtaking, but as soldiers, the most awe-inspiring sight is undoubtedly the lights from countless homes.
This is the pyrotechnics we ought to witness and take pride in!”
Truth be told, when everyone was led here, they remained a bit puzzled. On their journey, a few even whispered that the instructor was quite zealous for a New Year’s Eve.
It was the inception of the new year, yet he prompted them to traverse and ascend a hill.
However, in this moment, not a soul whispered anymore.
All were fixated on the lights in the distance.
All were engrossed in the instructor’s words.
A sense of duty and accountability reverberated in every heart.
A surge of honor and glory welled up within them.
“I don’t require your commendations…
I don’t seek reciprocation…
I’m fusing light into…
Into the constellation of the motherland…
The mountain understands, and the rivers understand that 1…
The motherland will remember, won’t forget me…”
On the journey back, tonight’s song resonated with emotions. It was undeniably distinct from previous renditions, no longer just a parched vocalization.
Tonight, the song “The Motherland Will Not Forget” was imbued with the voices of every soldier, reflecting the sense of purpose and responsibility that surged within their hearts…
Numerous joined in singing. While their steps maintained order and formation remained intact, tears streamed down their cheeks.
Wang Ye’s eyes, too, reddened.
He had heard this song on the train during his army induction, and it was often played subsequent to his enlistment.
Nevertheless, there had never been an instance when this song could permeate so deeply into every heart and resonate like it did now.
This was an emotional baptism.
Their first year in the military had been initiated, and this day offered them physical relief. There were no arduous drills, only age-appropriate revelry.
However, this only eased their physical aspects.
Post-midnight, their brief sojourn atop the hill had truly purified their souls.
Even Wang Ye, possessing a mature outlook and having navigated society for years, felt his heart rejuvenated and purified.
That night, when they all returned to their dorms, many remained too excited to sleep. Some conversed with their peers, seeking to articulate their inner emotions.
There were also people lying quietly on the bed, silently sorting out the emotions in their hearts.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, training was also suspended. They would convene later to address internal matters.
Basketball games, rope-pulling matches, and a plethora of collaborative mini-games populated the day. Rewards awaited the victors, be it a gel pen, a notebook, or even a bar of soap.
The losers had to do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and even frog jumps.
No training, yet this was the discipline for falling short in games.
The routine persisted until the morning of the second day.
However, after lunch, Ye Sanshi broke the news upon returning to the dormitory.
“Alright, settle down. There won’t be any more activities this afternoon.
The rest of the afternoon was open for everyone to explore the camp or engage in dormitory games.
But let me inform you training resumes tomorrow. Specifically, field training begins tomorrow.
This entails demanding training and tasks.
In the afternoon, head to the service center and purchase items for the training, such as adhesive bandages and shoe padding.
Naturally, don’t mention that I prompted you to buy them.
Purchase them, stuff them into your shoes, and tuck the remainder into your backpack.”