Chapter 230: A Slightly Excited Platoon Leader
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Zhou Qi was elated when someone from Class Eight obtained their driver’s license and showed willingness to become an armored vehicle driver.
The military highly valued individuals with specialized skills.
For instance, consider Chef Zhang Ping’an’s treatment as an example.
Although, in the army, a driver’s position may not seem to hold a higher status than that of a cook, and even though the soldiers sometimes saluted when he drove the military transport vehicle, this didn’t alter the fact that a skilled driver had a good chance of remaining in the army.
“Alright, you three, take a look at the regulations yourselves. Qiao Xuan, go and check on those two.
The rest of you, follow me to deliver the weapons to the warehouse!”
The brief orientation and introduction to the weaponry didn’t really allow everyone to operate them right away.
Because it was time to eat, and as per Zhou Qi’s instructions, your positions wouldn’t be decided immediately. It would take at least ten days to half a month to make decisions based on your individual circumstances.
During this time, you’d also need to acclimate to the lifestyle and training pace of the Fourth Company.
“I am a common soldier…”
Outside the mess hall, the entire company was singing heartily. The three dogs from the Fourth Company sat obediently to the side of the formation. The younger dogs were well-behaved, but their barking black muzzles occasionally pointed skyward, letting out joyful “Oh oh” sounds…
“Wow, there’s hotpot today!”
“Incredible. Is there a special occasion today?”
Upon entering the canteen and spotting the spread of dishes on the tables, recruits from other squads appeared as though they’d just discovered a whole new world, exchanging hushed and excited whispers.
However, the two recruits from the eighth squad dared not utter a word, and the two first-class soldiers weren’t in a mood for conversation either.
They had just completed a grueling ten-kilometer run, and their legs still felt like they were floating.
Moreover, today’s mishap had resulted from them, causing the vice-captain to make a mistake. Additionally, that peculiar recruit was seated nearby.
In this moment, they didn’t even dare to breathe audibly, let alone speak. They feared that Qiao Xuan would notice their heavy panting, leading to another incident.
“This place is unlike the recruit company. The food here is far better. You’ll get used to it in time!” Zhou Qi explained with a smile.
Although he addressed the three recruits, his smile didn’t convince the other two recruits that it was intended for them.
However, at that moment, Wang Ye didn’t even spare a glance at Zhou Qi.
His gaze was fixed on the kitchen door.
Zhang Ping’an, draped in a white apron, remained silent. He communicated with Wang Ye using gestures, syncing his hand movements with the shape of his mouth to convey words.
Wang Ye understood his message.
“I’ll come find you later!”
Zhou Qi followed Wang Ye’s line of sight and chimed in with a smile, “The chef from your class?”
“Yes!”
Wang Ye turned around swiftly, nodding with a grin.
“That’s right. It’s wise to maintain good relations with the cooks!” Zhou Qi said, wearing a friendly smile.
Then, he looked at everyone. “Alright, let’s dig in!”
In reality, the Fourth Company also used plates for their meals. It was a somewhat self-service system, but they still had a small duty roster, and someone would fetch food in advance.
Despite the presence of the hotpot on the table, it was considered an additional dish.
After the meal, they returned to the dormitory, and Qiao Xuan summoned the two first-class soldiers.
It was quite evident that the vice-captain didn’t intend to take them for a leisurely walk to aid digestion.
The other two sergeants left the room in high spirits.
Today was, in fact, a Saturday. Under normal circumstances, after transitioning to the next company, it wouldn’t be as strict as the initial company. Saturdays were typically a day off.
However, this week was unique. Many recruits had just switched companies yesterday, and the incident involving Deng Hai had occurred, so there was no rest.
“Are you adjusting well?”
Shortly after Wang Ye returned to the dormitory following dinner, he was called over by the company commander’s secretary.
It’s going pretty well. The class monitor and the others are taking good care of me,” Wang Ye replied.
“Nonsense!”
Wu Jianfeng scolded, but there was a hint of a smile on his face.
It was no exaggeration to say that Wang Ye was currently Zhou Qi’s savior.
Given the circumstances, how could they not treat him well?
Wu Jianfeng walked to the conference table and sat down. He gestured to the chair opposite him. “Have a seat.”
“Yes, sir!”
Wang Ye didn’t hesitate and sat down.
Wu Jianfeng took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, but it wasn’t Hua Zi this time, just regular cigarettes.
“Don’t smoke anymore. Despite your exceptional physical fitness, at your age, your body is already rapidly developing. Smoking can adversely affect your physical health.”
“Captain, I never intended to smoke,” Wang Ye replied with a smile.
Then, he inquired, “Company Commander, why did you call me here?”
To be honest, Wang Ye was quite curious.
He was the one who had apprehended Deng Hai. Even though he and Ye Sanshi had estimated that he might only earn a third-class merit, a third-class merit was still a merit.
When he thought about it, if he ever wanted to flaunt his achievements, he could proudly display three third-class merits on his chest. He could even add the Memorial Medal for Outstanding Soldier Trainees to his collection.
Four medals, prominently displayed!
Who else could boast such an achievement?
Yet, Wang Ye felt that it might be a bit ostentatious. He was just entertaining the idea and didn’t plan to actually do it.
Of course, in his thoughts, it was a rather impressive image.
After all, not showing off and not showing off were two different things.
It’s nothing. 1 just wanted to ask if you’ve acclimated to things here!” Wu Jianfeng remarked casually while gazing at Wang Ye.
This left Wang Ye somewhat speechless.
He was certain that Wu Jianfeng knew what he was contemplating.
“Hehe, alright, I won’t tease you any further. Let’s get to the point!” Wu Jianfeng smiled, observing Wang Ye’s expression.
Then, he got up.
He closed the door.
Upon sitting back down, he stopped smiling and said, “I attended a meeting at the main office today.”
Wang Ye didn’t say anything but leaned in to listen closely.
“The regiment commander’s exact words were that, given your crucial role in this incident, the regiment headquarters won’t discuss it for now. They’re waiting for instructions from the division headquarters.”
“Hmm?” Wang Ye looked puzzled.
Wu Jianfeng continued, “What this actually means is that the regiment commander may lean towards requesting a second-class merit from the division headquarters. However, he’s hesitant to ask directly, so it hinges on whether the division headquarters will proactively award it to you.”
Uh, a second-class merit? Company Commander, is that even possible?” Wang Ye was genuinely surprised, not just playing it cool. It truly seemed incredible.
They said second-class merits were earned without much effort, but he hadn’t even lost a single hair during the incident.
Wang Ye couldn’t help but feel that this mission wasn’t particularly challenging.
Just a single step forward and an elbow strike, and it could potentially result in a second-class merit?
It seemed somewhat unreliable, didn’t it?
Wu Jianfeng flicked the ash from his cigarette and grinned. “What’s impossible? This matter might appear simple to you, but it holds significant weight…”
Then, he suddenly stopped. “Never mind. I won’t dwell on this with you. You don’t need to concern yourself with it. Just understand that your timely intervention with Deng Hai was a significant contribution. Of course, second-class is just a possibility. It might end up being a third-class. At any rate, the division headquarters hasn’t issued any directives yet.”
Nodding, Wang Ye hesitated briefly before asking, “Company Commander, what will happen to Deng Hai now? What’s his fate this time?”
As soon as Wang Ye raised this question, the smile vanished from Wu Jianfeng’s face. “This guy is currently awaiting a military court trial. I estimate it will take at least three years. He will be proven a deserter and likely fined. He harmed others and himself, dragging his family down too.”
At this point, Wu Jianfeng clenched his fists.
While Kang Hua and the third-class monitor appeared to be in dire straits and faced a crucial promotion period, Deng Hai had also severely impacted Wu Jianfeng.
“Alright, let’s not discuss him any further. Just talking about him irritates me. Let’s focus on you!”
Wu Jianfeng looked at Wang Ye and said, “Go back and draft an application to join the party. Also, concerning the 400-meter obstacle course, I have only one request for you during this time. You must run it at least twice a day—once after your morning exercise and again in the afternoon. I’ll speak with Zhou Qi to arrange for your participation.”
“I have only one objective. Within three months, I want you to surpass your previous results. If you could even break the instructor’s record, that would be ideal.”
“Yes, I promise to accomplish the task!” Wang Ye replied without hesitation or bravado.
Wang Ye figured that breaking the instructor’s record within three months was a reasonable goal. After all, when a new recruit entered the army, their physical fitness typically reached its peak after about six months.
During this time, the recruits were generally quite competitive.
And currently, Wang Ye’s performance in the 400-meter obstacle course was already quite remarkable. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to shave off a couple of seconds from his previous best in another three months.
“Alright, give it your all!” Wu Jianfeng encouraged him. Then, he engaged in a conversation with Wang Ye for a while before allowing him to return.
“Hmm?”
Upon returning to the dormitory, Wang Ye was taken aback.
One of the ten beds in Class Eight’s dormitory had been vacant previously.
But now, there was a neatly laid-out blanket on that bed.
It’s the platoon leader’s!”
In the dormitory, Peng Yuhang, who had a rulebook in hand, noticed Wang Ye’s expression and then glanced at the door. He spoke in a hushed tone,
Just as he finished speaking, Wang Ye heard footsteps behind him.
Zhou Qi, who had been in the dormitory earlier, entered along with the Third Platoon Leader, carrying some items.
“Heh, Wang Ye is back!” The Third Platoon Leader was quite young and greeted Wang Ye with a smile as soon as he saw him.
Naturally, Wang Ye recognized him. They had already met a few times today, so it wasn’t surprising that his platoon leader knew him.
After all, those green stripes on the officer’s shoulders were quite conspicuous.
“Platoon Leader!” Wang Ye stood at attention and saluted.
“Wang Ye, our platoon leader graduated from the military academy just last year, and he was one of the top students there. Considering your situation, I’ve decided that he will stay in our class directly. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to reach out to our platoon leader for more insights!” Zhou Qi said with a friendly smile.
“Yes, sir!” Wang Ye replied, looking at the platoon leader.
Truth be told, Wang Ye did have some questions he wanted to ask, like what it was like to attend a military school.
However, it wasn’t the right time to ask such questions; they were in the middle of moving.
“Class monitor, let me assist you!” Wang Ye smiled and stepped forward to help carry some of the items from Zhou Qi’s hands.
“No need for that. You and Zhang Wen can take the opportunity to study the regulations when we get back,” Zhou Qi declined with a smile.
Wang Ye didn’t insist. At the same time, the Third Platoon Leader, who was also carrying supplies, greeted Wang Ye with a smile and said, “I’ll finish packing up first. We can chat later!”
“Yes, sir!” Wang Ye nodded, returning the smile.
Indeed, Meng Wenbin was feeling somewhat excited at this moment. As the platoon leader of the Third Platoon, he had only graduated from the military academy last year and was still in his probationary period, not yet holding the official rank of first lieutenant.
Furthermore, he had entered the military academy directly through the college entrance examination.
Upon joining the army, the workload was challenging to describe.
However, he hadn’t expected that a stroke of luck would fall into his lap this time with Wang Ye being assigned to his platoon.
After pondering it for a day, he had finally swallowed his pride and approached
Zhou Qi, requesting that he facilitate the move from Class 7 to Class 8.