Chapter 178: The Leader Wants to Poach to the Boss
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Hidden mission completion notification.
Being a person is of greater significance than accomplishing tasks. Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the covert mission. You are rewarded with two skill points.”
After being struck and rendered somewhat depleted, Wu Jianfeng lacked the excess energy to spare. Wang Ye grinned in response, extending his hand to touch his thigh and involuntarily sucking in a sharp breath.
Yet, the sudden influx of information into his mind shifted Wang Ye’s attention in an instant.
“Um… Is this truly happening?”
Wang Ye truly hadn’t anticipated that he would acquire two skill points.
In reality, Wang Ye had already resolved to incur a loss this time.
It was inconsequential if the previously acquired Marksmanship skill posed a deficit at the outset of leveling up.
However, he hadn’t foreseen this unanticipated gain.
“Proceed, bring target number nine here!”
At this juncture, the commander of the battalion addressed the warrior positioned behind him.
“Yes, sir!”
Without delay, the guards standing behind him sprang into action.
The chief of staff glanced at the battalion commander and subsequently at Wu Jianfeng, who was striding back in evident frustration.
In this moment, the chief of staff abruptly experienced a sensation akin to having consumed a bittegourd.
He parted his lips, yet no words escaped.
The others were oblivious to the situation, but the battalion commander and the chief of staff perceived Wang Ye’s target status through their binoculars.
Through the trajectory of the first four bullets, it was discernible that Wang Ye could execute the fifth shot with equal precision.
Bulls-eye.
In the realm of reason, this was an advantageous outcome. Additionally, the promise made by the battalion commander had also been considered.
Another third-class merit!
However, this young man missed the mark with his final shot.
The rationale behind this could be deduced from the performances of Wu Jianfeng and Wang Ye.
Wu Jianfeng may have been privy to Wang Ye’s prowess, but in light of Wang Ye’s circumstances, caution had to be exercised.
If the newly enlisted garnered three third-class merits, despite their modest stature, the radiance emitted would be excessively glaring.
This phenomenon would yield significant repercussions.
Furthermore, these repercussions might not bode well.
Therefore, Wang Ye’s third-class merit points necessitated scrupulous contemplation.
If not for the battalion commander’s commitment, even if Wang Ye had attained full points today, the chief of staff would likely have been entitled to a solitary reward.
However, Wu Jianfeng had exerted pressure on the battalion commander, who was ignorant of Wang Ye’s capabilities, resulting in the aforementioned commitment.
In essence, if Wang Ye had indeed struck the bullseye with his fifth shot, then the battalion commander would undeniably be compelled to grant him the third-class merit. Any adverse implications would be borne by the battalion commander.
As for the downside?
This entailed others questioning the impartiality of the Regiment Commander.
Certainly, recruits had the potential to earn third-class merits for marksmanship, but such recognition was not consistently granted.
The rookie recruits had secured third-class merits through acts of rescue. The headquarters of the division acknowledged this.
Wang Ye’s surpassing of the record was a non-issue as well. Who would dare to voice dissent? He could simply select a recruit to complete the 400-meter obstacle course.
Nevertheless, an annual comprehensive shooting practice was in place, and this entailed an expanded participation across the entire regiment.
Only a fraction of the available third-class merit points were allocated.
Under these circumstances, Wang Ye had still managed to secure one, and an accolade of the third class at that.
Undoubtedly, the Regiment Commander would be accountable for the consequences of this.
Yet, at present, Wang Ye had come to his own resolution.
The initial four shots had convincingly showcased his prowess, and he deliberately relinquished the third-class merit for the concluding shot.
Yes, Wang Ye’s stance was also conspicuously clear. He had evidently forfeited intentionally.
Exemplary soldier!
In truth, the chief of staff was once again besieged by regret, and this time, it was more profound than before.
If his yearning and rue stemmed merely from Wang Ye’s prowess, he might have felt envy and regret, and these sentiments could have been eased with time.
However, this current bout of regret was so potent that it could potentially disrupt his sleep for a considerable duration.
He really wanted his weapon!
Wang Ye was capable, competent, and even possessed a sense of gratitude. In deference to the company commander, he deliberately declined the third-class merit.
His remorse was so profound that he wished he could administer a hearty slap to himself. If he had been privy to this development earlier, he would have persisted.
He was the Chief of Staff. If he had genuinely persisted, how could Wu Jianfeng have prevailed over him?
Even if he had enlisted the Second Battalion Commander’s support, it would have been ineffectual. After all, the Second Battalion Commander was not as seasoned as he was.
“Target reporting!”
In this instant, Wu Jianfeng was also drawing closer, yet he refrained from commentary. Instead, he hoisted the walkie-talkie in his grasp and called out in an undertone.
“Yes!”
In reality, the veteran from the Fourth Company stationed within the target pit was similarly caught in a daze.
He presently stood beneath target number nine. The sight of the target shattering and descending had jolted him.
He was oblivious to the events transpiring outside the pit, nor was he privy to Wu Jianfeng berating Wang Ye.
However, at this juncture, within the target pit, he was also bewildered as he witnessed Wang Y’s falling target.
This prodigious marksmanship.
The quartet of bullet punctures almost coalesced into a mahjong tile scarcely larger than a coin.
What in the world was this?
Who had accomplished this feat?
Why hadn’t the final shot struck the target?
Yet, at this precise instant, the captain’s voice reverberated.
He immediately regained his composure and resumed his duties.
“Report, target number one, three hits on target, twenty-three points!”
“Target number two…”
The voice of the target reporter emanated from the walkie-talkie.
Beside him, the instructor was seated at a table, meticulously recording the outcomes.
In truth, the instructor was still perplexed. He had been concerned about Wu Jianfeng and had even contemplated conversing with him subsequent to the shooting session.
But now…
“Target number nine… Uh, what’s happening there?
The incredulous voice of the target reporter echoed from the walkie-talkie.
“Carry on. Inform me of the results when you’re done. The battalion commander has requested its delivery,” the word spread, though everyone comprehended the unfolding scenario.
All had witnessed the soldier dispatched by their battalion commander hastening over and eventually leaping into the pit.
“Target number nine… Four hits on target, tallying forty points!” The voice sounded once more.
In this instance, the nearby recruits who caught wind of this announcement grew somewhat agitated, prompting the instructor to swiftly raise his head and appraise Wu Jianfeng.
He promptly grasped the circumstances.
Yet, Wu Jianfeng didn’t even cast a glance in his direction, nor did he furnish any explanation. He wasn’t even inclined to conceal the events of today.
None were gullible, and Wang Ye had achieved a fifty-point score. None would be oblivious to the fact that they had initially coerced the regiment commander into a promise.
“Target number ten…”
The voice still reverberated from the walkie-talkie.
However, at this precise juncture, the collective gaze was in fact directed at the soldier sprinting away from the target pit while clasping the target.
The battalion commander and the chief of staff maintained their silence.
Even the battalion commander merely cast a cursory glance at Wu Jianfeng without uttering a word.
“The shooting will continue!”
The Chief of Staff issued the command.
Swiftly, the entirety of Class Five rose and was instructed to vacate the shooting range.
As for Class Six, they were instructed to step forward.
Nevertheless, a significant number of recruits and even the seasoned soldiers present were paying scant attention to the sixth class poised to commence shooting.
“Brother Wang, what’s the situation?” Liang Fan’s voice reached Wang Ye from behind.
Wang Ye opted to disregard him.
Subsequently, Ye Sanshi strode over and positioned herself before Wang Ye.
Observing Wang Ye, he parted his lips and ultimately broke into a smile. “That kick must have been painful!”
“A bit!” Wang Ye scratched his head and offered a somewhat foolish grin.
“Nicely executed!” Ye Sanshi extended his hand to aid Wang Ye in brushing off the dust adorning his front. He then vocalized his praise.
Wang Ye merely responded with a smile, abstaining from verbal commentary.
“All right, enough with the laughter.
Come on, follow me!”
This directive was intended for all of Class Five.
“Report!”
At the regiment commander’s location, just as Wang Ye and his peers returned to their formation, the soldier holding the target had already returned.
The regiment commander took hold of the target, and Wu Jianfeng also cast a glance.
Indeed, it wasn’t just Wu Jianfeng. Aside from the target shooters, everyone else, including a few safety personnel, was also stealing glances at this juncture.
“Exceptional marksmanship! Observe, this shot struck near the subsequent mark on the target—quite close to the bullseye, in fact.
Moreover, it’s evident that the bullet made contact at the center of the target, not the periphery.”
Clasping the target, the regiment commander commented with a smile.
As he spoke, he directed his gaze towards the queue, “Wang Ye!”
“Present, sir!”
Wang Ye responded audibly from within the formation.
“Step forward!”
“Yes, sir!”
Anticipating that the regiment commander would seek him out post-shooting, Wang Ye wasn’t taken aback by the directive.
Clutching his firearm, he advanced toward the regiment commander upon exiting the line.
“Report!”
“Did you do so deliberately?”
Holding the target, the regiment commander questioned Wang Ye directly, omitting any superfluous banter.
“Yes, Regiment Commander!”
Wang Ye eschewed any protraction and promptly affirmed.
“Why did you do it?”
The regiment commander inquired anew.
“Because my company commander, for my sake, intentionally prompted you, the regiment commander, to make that commitment.
I am unwilling to let down my company commander, but I am even more disinclined to exchange my company commander’s prospects for this third-class merit.” Following a momentary pause, Wang Ye resumed in a resounding tone, “I don’t rue sacrificing a single merit, but if I were to secure this third-class merit today, remorse would likely afflict me for life.”
At this juncture, Wang Ye pivoted to regard Wu Jianfeng,” Company commander, I am grateful, but I am resolved to ascend without trampling upon my company commander and fellow comrades. This form of commendation holds no allure for me!”
“You greenhorn!” Wu Jianfeng jeered.
Nonetheless, following this reproach, he redirected his gaze elsewhere.
He sought solace in the frigid breeze—anything to alleviate his agitation…
In the interim, the chief of staff regarded Wang Ye. He sensed an obstruction in his throat, yet his regard shifted toward Wu Jianfeng, rendering him disinclined to voice his sentiment.
This was owing to his belief that were he to vocalize his sentiment, Wu Jianfeng would assuredly dismiss any concern for the chief of staff’s position, censuring him on the spot…
However, prior to the chief of staff’s utterance, the regiment commander spoke up. “Are you interested in becoming my aide at the regimental headquarters?”
“Regiment Commander!”
Wu Jianfeng promptly pivoted and strode over to stand before Wang Ye.
“Why are you getting in my way? They are my soldiers, and I desire your input!” The regiment commander donned a stern expression.
Upon relaying this, he scrutinized Wu Jianfeng with exasperation before proceeding angrily, “Furthermore, I haven’t yet settled the score with you. Depart this instant!”
No, Regiment Commander!”
Wu Jianfeng exhibited a hint of anxiety. First, he was ousted by the chief of staff, and now the regiment commander was attempting to steal the candidate?
However, before he could complete his retort, Wang Ye interjected, “Captain, I am disinclined to accept, as I aspire to join the Fourth Company!”
Wang Ye articulated his standpoint unequivocally.
True, his mature sensibilities intimated that aligning with the regiment commander might facilitate an expedited career trajectory.
Nevertheless, he eschewed the notion of becoming a secretary, especially within a governmental establishment, in this era of peace. He perceived no discernible disparity between assuming a role at the company and an external profession.
While the future held import, he had been reborn into the military and sought more than a prospective course.
Additionally, Wang Ye did not reckon that affiliating with the Fourth Company would imperil his prospects.
After all, he required no intermediary intervention to assume a leadership role.