Chapter 38
The physical training lasted only for 40 to 50 minutes, and the specific time was at the discretion of the class leaders. Among them, Class Monitor Li and the new Fourth Class Monitor stood out as exceptional individuals.
The first batch of students departed along with the rest of the class. However, there were also outliers like Ye Sanshi, who kept pushing the limits until the fourth class monitor and their team left with their people. He went the extra mile by making everyone run an additional 400 meters and do another set of 50 push-ups.
He justified his decision to push them further by claiming that the sun was setting and the weather was turning cold, and he didn’t want anyone catching a cold. As the class monitor, he believed he was being considerate and doing it for their own good. However, his words fell on deaf ears as everyone gritted their teeth in frustration.
Upon returning to the dormitory, Zhang Ping’an was given a few minutes to attend to his personal matters before being called away for duty.
Dinner was served promptly at 6:10 pm. This time, the atmosphere was livelier than usual as everyone sang loudly during the meal. After having had a long day with lots of pent-up frustrations, they made up for it by shouting at the top of their lungs.
Upon finishing their meal, everyone was granted twenty minutes of free time in their dorms. However, in reality, this free time was only for Deng Hai to inquire about Ye Sanshi’s plans for the upcoming days. Ye Sanshi replied casually.
In truth, when they returned to the dormitory, they were instructed to carry a small stool and familiarize themselves with the regulations. This left them with no time to socialize or move around freely.
…..
“The regulations have been successfully transformed into skills!”
Examining the regulations, Wang Ye did not raise any objections. In fact, he approached the task with a great deal of seriousness, unlike Deng Hai, who appeared constipated.
Under Ye Sanshi’s guidance, Wang Ye used the system while observing. He endeavored to convert the regulations into skills, and as expected, he succeeded. This accomplishment elevated Wang Ye’s spirits. He was pleased that he could transform the regulations into a skill.
Frankly, he was not fond of rote memorization. If he could boost his proficiency by converting the regulations into skills and quickly mastering them, that would undoubtedly be the ideal outcome.
Unfortunately, Wang Ye had little time to farm experience, as the sound of a whistle interrupted his activities. At precisely 6:50 p.m., the whistle blew, signaling the entire company to assemble. Wang Ye had planned to watch TV, as Ye Sanshi had mentioned when Deng Hai inquired.
Each day at seven o’clock, unless special circumstances or arrangements dictated otherwise, the company was required to watch the news broadcast. As they were accustomed to this routine, they did not panic despite the sound of the whistle. They closed the regulations in their hands and placed them carefully on the bed before tidying up their instruments and heading downstairs together.
In the classroom, they unlocked a new location for the recruit company on the fourth floor of the dormitory building. The room was quite spacious and could accommodate a large number of recruits without feeling crowded.
“Silence! You must pay attention and take the news broadcast seriously. After watching it, one of you will be selected to comment on the day’s news. I expect all of you to study and watch attentively!” The platoon leader, who was on duty that day, spoke from the stage.
As soon as the platoon leader finished speaking, the expressions of the recruits below the stage instantly turned sour.
“What?! We have to comment on the news?” some complained.
“What does that even mean? We just read the news and give our opinions?” others questioned.
“Don’t hit me later, please!” some even prayed out loud.
Wang Ye was also at a loss for words.
Despite the initial shock, Wang Ye’s mature mentality enabled him to recognize this as an opportunity. In the army, unity and leadership were critical. Although it might be a little presumptuous for him to step forward without waiting for the call, if he performed well, it would undoubtedly be a massive advantage.
Wang Ye did not forget that he still had the duty of being the deputy class monitor. Ten days may seem like an extended period, but it was merely ten days when following the current method. He had to take advantage of every opportunity presented to him. Thus, Wang Ye made a decision in his heart to give it his all.
However, this was only a preliminary decision, and Wang Ye knew that the specific situation would depend on the content of the news broadcast, whether he could summarize it, and whether he could give a good review. If he couldn’t, Wang Ye wouldn’t risk embarrassing himself by stepping forward.
Soon, the news broadcast started, and the entire classroom fell silent, with only the sound of the television breaking the silence. Everyone was astonished by the platoon leader’s challenge.
Wang Ye knew he had to take the news broadcast seriously to avoid any future consequences.
“The national troop transportation work is in full swing…. One person joining the army, the whole city sending him off…” announced the news broadcast. The first piece of news after the opening was about the country’s transportation of soldiers into the army, with images of soldiers being transported from various locations appearing on the screen.
The scene brought tears to the eyes of the recruits in the classroom, as they had just gone through the same process the day before. Although it had only been a day, it felt like a lifetime had passed for everyone.
The news broadcast continued, covering both national affairs and international news, and Wang Ye watched it with great seriousness, preparing his language and wording in his mind.
Finally, after thirty minutes, the news ended, and the platoon leader returned to the stage. As he ascended the platform, the atmosphere in the entire classroom became somber. The current situation could be described in a single sentence – everyone’s mood was heavy, as if they had just visited a grave. The scene was as silent as a memorial service.
Wang Ye didn’t count himself among those who might be eager to go on stage. He was reviewing his draft in his mind, silently evaluating whether it was appropriate for him to summarize and comment like this.
“After watching the news, is there anyone eager to go on stage?” inquired the platoon leader, but no one made a sound. Many of the recruits did not dare to look directly at the platoon leader on the stage, instead lowering their heads and praying that they would not be selected.
What they did not know was that according to the usual process, when watching the news broadcast for the first time, no recruits would take the initiative to go on stage.
In this case, the platoon leader would select a few unlucky individuals who were too afraid to look at him directly or unwilling to go on stage and comment.
At that moment, the company commander, instructor, and veterans were all prepared to watch the show that would unfold.
“Report!”
“Wow, Brother Wang, you’re truly a hero!” Deng Hai whispered in admiration upon recognizing the speaker.
Wang Ye did not turn to look at the speaker, aware that he had captured everyone’s attention. In fact, everyone in the room, including the veterans, was taken aback by his action.
At that moment, it seemed that someone was genuinely eager to go on stage.
Wang Ye ignored the stares of those around him and focused only on the platoon leader on the stage. As a mature individual who had previously been part of society, he could easily handle such a small scene and the accompanying mental pressure.
Although Wang Ye was slightly nervous, he was still able to control his emotions and didn’t forget his lines.
“Alright, it seems we have a brave comrade willing to step forward,” the platoon leader commented, surprised that someone had volunteered.
Without missing a beat, the platoon leader confirmed, “Very well. Comrade, are you willing to go on stage to give your comments?”
“Report, I am willing to be the first to go on stage,” Wang Ye confidently replied.
At this point, Wang Ye revealed a smile and looked at the other recruits who were staring at him. “It’s mainly because I noticed that my brothers were nervous, and I happen to be someone with thick skin. In a game I played, I was willing to be a cushion for everyone to relax.”
The platoon leader and the veterans didn’t really understand the reference to games. Perhaps not many of them had played online games before, especially as soldiers who had little free time for leisure. They may not have the time or inclination to play games, even during their limited vacation time. Naturally, they didn’t understand Wang Ye’s comment.
However, the recruits did understand. As previously noted, there were few obedient boys at this age who could join the army. It was even more common for them to play games online. Therefore, as soon as Wang Ye finished speaking, the crowd couldn’t help but laugh.