They arrived neither early nor late, right in the middle of the crowd, inconspicuous and unremarkable.
A quarter of an hour later, Hao Dazhi began calling roll: “…Three people haven’t returned. Who are they?”
“Report! It’s Li Chen, Gu Huaiyu, and Cheng Lian!”
Hao Dazhi raised his wrist, checked the time, and decided to wait five more minutes.
Unfortunately, five minutes passed, and the three still hadn’t come back.
Hao Dazhi frowned. “Who saw them along the way? Where exactly?”
Everyone looked at each other in confusion.
“No one?”
Everyone shook their heads in unison.
Among them, Jiang Fuyue kept her gaze calm, eyes on her nose, nose on her heart, her face serene.
Huo Fanjin’s eyes flickered slightly, but she kept steady.
Cen Qiaoqiao’s composure wasn’t quite as strong as theirs, she swallowed hard, a little guilty.
Luckily, the darkness of night helped, and with so many people around, no one noticed.
Hao Dazhi’s brows knitted tighter. He didn’t punish anyone to run laps or do squats this time; instead, he waved for everyone to dismiss on the spot, striding off himself.
He was probably going to report to his superiors or maybe to look for someone? What happened afterward, Jiang Fuyue neither knew nor cared to know.
Anyway, as soon as she returned to the dorm, she washed up briefly and collapsed into bed, dead to the world.
Liu Sisi moved even faster; she was already deep asleep, her breathing steady.
Huo Fanjin and Cen Qiaoqiao had both felt tense and uneasy about what they’d done, but seeing the other two sleeping peacefully, they relaxed too.
Now, the first day of military training was truly over.
The next morning, aside from Cen Qiaoqiao who had to get up early for extra training, Jiang Fuyue, Liu Sisi, and Huo Fanjin who’d earned an “Excellent” in the light-load cross-country were given a half-day break.
The three of them slept in hard, making up for every ounce of yesterday’s exhaustion.
When fully dressed Cen Qiaoqiao turned back to glance at them before leaving, her face was full of envy and jealousy.
So! D*mn! Lucky!
At nine o’clock, two instructors came by to inspect dorm hygiene and were shocked when they entered.
Someone was still sleeping?!
Not one—three!
Three!
“This is outrageous! Skipping training? Punish them! Heavy punishment!”
“Wait a sec—”
“Don’t stop me! No excuses! Let me in—”
“Old Huang, calm down! They got an Excellent in cross-country yesterday, it’s written in the report book. Look for yourself if you don’t believe me!”
“…Ah?”
So this was a nap earned by skill?
…
After a restful morning, the three looked bright and fresh at the afternoon assembly.
The others, on the other hand, were limp and sluggish, ready to faint at any moment.
With Hao Dazhi absent during break, the atmosphere lightened up considerably.
Small groups gathered, chatting and joking.
During the idle talk, Jiang Fuyue caught someone nearby mentioning Li Chen’s name and arched a brow.
Liu Sisi paused mid-drink.
Huo Fanjin and Cen Qiaoqiao both perked up their ears.
“…So unlucky. The three of them got caught in a tree, just like in a TV drama.”
“Coach Hao was going crazy, thought something serious happened. He called in other instructors to search, and guess what? Found them hanging in a tree! Incredible.”
“Apparently, Young Master Chen had already fainted, Gu Shao was covered in bird droppings, and Cheng Shao got a few caterpillars down his collar.”
“Pfft—seriously? Even heirs can end up like that?”
“Yup. When they got rescued, they couldn’t even stand, had to be carried back on stretchers. Then sent to the nearest hospital that night for full-body checkups.”
“Did the exams find anything?”
“Nope, all normal. But Gu Shao kept saying his hand was numb, couldn’t move half his body. Guess what happened next?”
“What?”
“Yeah, spill it! Don’t keep us hanging!”
“The doctor casually handed him an unopened IV fluid bottle, must’ve weighed a few kilos, and Gu Shao instinctively caught it. The doctor rolled his eyes and said, ‘If that’s what you call no strength, go carry cement on a construction site.’ Hahahaha!”
“Hahaha! That’s hilarious!”
“Can you imagine his face? Probably darker than the bottom of a pot!”
“Right? Then he started yelling that his acupoints were blocked and demanded a more detailed exam. Coach Hao finally had to drag him out and scold him till he shut up.”
“But seriously, how did they end up hanging in a tree?”
“No idea.”
“What do you mean you don’t know? Didn’t the instructors investigate?”
“They did, but the three of them refused to say a word.”
“Tsk tsk… maybe they ran into a ghost in the forest?”
“More like they had ghosts in their hearts. Otherwise, how could those elite heirs take such a loss?”
“True that.”
“I’d like to know who the genius was that hung the heirs in a tree and got away with it. I wanna make friends and learn their tricks.”
“Probably internal conflict. Ordinary folks wouldn’t dare.”
“You mean… heir versus heir?”
“Uh-huh~ Isn’t Chu Qingheng always on bad terms with Li Chen? Not to mention Zhou Jingze?”
“Yeah, even though Zhou’s also a board member’s son, he’s never been that close with their little clique.”
“Ha! Another mystery in the making.”
“By the way, where’s Li Chen? Haven’t seen him all morning.”
“The three of them took sick leave. Tried for three days, but Coach Hao only approved one.”
“Well, at least that’s still a day off. Lucky them.”
“Please. They earned that by getting hung from a tree and hospitalized. You want that?”
After thinking for a bit, the other person shook their head. “…No thanks. I’ll pass.”
The afternoon was all basic drills: formations, standing postures, marching steps.
Only after sunset did Hao Dazhi dismiss them for dinner.
Huo Fanjin: “Why is it these same dishes again? I’m gonna puke.”
Cen Qiaoqiao: “I’ve completely lost my appetite.”
Complaints filled the air.
“Sister Yue, how can you even swallow this?”
“With my mouth.”
“…” Sorry for asking.
Meal time was fixed, and soon the instructors ordered everyone to stop eating and stand.
Cen Qiaoqiao, halfway through her bun, had to stop; Huo Fanjin, who’d just finished hers, scowled.
What the h*ll.
After dinner came free time.
They could go to the field or back to the dorm but most chose neither.
They all rushed to the bathhouse.
Yes, there was a bathhouse, but it was small, capacity limited, everyone had to queue.
Even when it was your turn, each person only got two minutes, no more.
If you went over time, the people waiting would start banging on the door like mad.
Rumor had it a girl at Central University once stayed inside forever, ignoring the banging. Another student, furious, kicked the door open and yanked her out.
The scene descended into chaos.
The girl, still covered in shampoo and soap suds, was completely exposed.
Even though they were all girls, her thin skin couldn’t take it, she screamed, wrapped a towel around herself, and squatted on the ground in shame.
Word spread fast, and nobody ever dared hog a shower stall again.
But honestly, two minutes? Including undressing and dressing? How could anyone wash properly?
Luckily, Jiang Fuyue and the others didn’t have to fight for it.
They’d already gone to the bathhouse in the morning during their rest time.
Hot water flowed nonstop, no rush, no banging from behind, just wash however they liked.
Meanwhile, poor Cen Qiaoqiao sighed, “Uuugh… I’m so jealous. Call me Cen Lemon, thanks!”
Huo Fanjin snorted. “It’s just a shower. Pathetic.”
“You say that because you don’t know what it’s like! I’d kill for a hot shower right now. Ugh, I feel like I’m rotting.”
Huo Fanjin couldn’t help laughing.
“Don’t laugh!” Cen Qiaoqiao stomped her foot.
“I’ll laugh! I’ll laugh! Red-hot, burning bright, delirious delight—”
“Sister Yue! Look at her!” Whenever she lost to Huo Fanjin, Cen Qiaoqiao turned to Jiang Fuyue to complain and act cute.
“Alright,” Jiang Fuyue said. “We filled some thermos bottles for you, there’s hot water in the dorm.”
“…Huh?” Cen Qiaoqiao froze.
Huo Fanjin gave a proud hum. “Four bottles, completely full! I even went twice.”
“Ahhh!” Cen Qiaoqiao squealed like a rocket, shot forward, and planted a big kiss on her cheek. “I love you, Little Jinjin! You’re the best!”
Huo Fanjin looked traumatized. “? I’m unclean now.”
Then Cen Qiaoqiao went and hugged Jiang Fuyue and Liu Sisi too.
Under the subtle refusal in the first girl’s eyes and the disdainful gestures of the second, Cen Qiaoqiao only hugged them lightly, no more random kissing.
Cen Qiaoqiao grinned at Huo Fanjin. “You’re the only one who got it. How’s it feel to be so honored?”
Huo Fanjin: “…Heh, honored, my foot!”
…
Back in the dorm, Cen Qiaoqiao happily carried the hot water to take a shower.
Afterward, she emerged soft, fragrant, and utterly adorable.
“Ah this shower feels amazing! The other students were shocked when they saw me pouring hot water from the thermos, they practically dropped their jaws!”
Huo Fanjin suddenly went, “Hmm… why hasn’t the rash on the back of your neck faded yet?”
Cen Qiaoqiao immediately scratched it a couple of times. “Don’t mention it. It’s been sunbathing non-stop, it won’t go away, and it’s only getting itchier.”
“What can you do?”
“Just endure it for now. It’s only a week. After this, I’ll buy some medicine.”
“Are you sure?” Huo Fanjin’s eyes were skeptical, looking at Cen Qiaoqiao’s delicate, pampered self.
Cen Qiaoqiao pressed her lips. “I’ll tough it out a bit more.”
“Why not tell the instructor and get the clinic to prescribe something?”
“No use. It’s an allergy, I need a specially formulated ointment. I have some at home, but I forgot to bring it…”
“Can’t you do anything to relieve it?”
“Hmm…” Cen Qiaoqiao thought for a moment. “Disinfect with mild saline. That should help a bit.”
“Not alcohol?”
“No, too harsh.”
“Tch… where are we gonna get saline in the middle of the night?”
Cen Qiaoqiao smiled. Despite Huo Fanjin’s sharp tongue, her heart was kind: “It’s fine, I can endure it a bit longer…”
“I have some,” Jiang Fuyue suddenly said.
“?”
The three watched as Jiang Fuyue dug under the bed and pulled out two bags, glanced down, then handed over the salt.
“Use this with some water for now. Let’s see if it works.”
“…Ah? Oh.” Cen Qiaoqiao accepted it drowsily.
Huo Fanjin noticed another bag in her hand. “Sister Yue, Sister Yue, is that sugar?”
Jiang Fuyue raised a brow. “What about it?”
She swallowed. “Can I dissolve some and drink it? I only ate half a bun for dinner… I’m starving…”
Just then, gurgle.
Uh-oh! Cen Qiaoqiao’s stomach growled.
“Um… there’s still half a thermos of hot water. Cough! I want to drink too…”
Jiang Fuyue: “…”
Two minutes later, Huo Fanjin and Cen Qiaoqiao each had a bowl of sugar water, slurping it down noisily.
Huo Fanjin: “Hehe, anyone seeing this would think we’re drinking bird’s nest!”
Cen Qiaoqiao: “Exactly!”
Liu Sisi: “…”
Jiang Fuyue: “…”
That night, there was no emergency assembly or weighted cross-country. Everyone finally slept well.
Of course, not everyone.
“Afraid the whistle will blow suddenly and we’ll have to assemble again. I want to sleep but can’t, half-asleep the whole night, so d*mn frustrating!”
“Same here! Who knows what the instructors will pull? I’ve already run twenty laps in punishment; I don’t want more.”
“Sleep or not sleep… that’s the question.”
“So d*mn hard!”
…
The next day passed relatively easily.
The third day’s morning was shooting class.
After assembly, Hao Dazhi led everyone to the firing range.
“Today, I’ll guide you through live-fire training. First, I’ll explain the steps, ask if you don’t understand, then you can practice. Each person has one shot. The top three scorers will get a reward: the afternoon off.”
The shooting instructor wore camouflage, was burly, tanned under the sun, exuding raw masculinity.
“This instructor is so manly~”
“Are we using real guns?”
“Awesome! First time holding a gun!”
“Only one shot? There’s no way I’ll hit anything! Can we try more?”
“My blood’s pumping already!”
…
“First, I’ll introduce the firearm for this session: the Type 81 semi-automatic rifle, also called the ‘81 rifle.’ It pairs with a prone shooting 100-meter chest target. It’s retired from active duty, only used for training now.”
The instructor raised the rifle sideways, mimed aiming toward the target.
“Total length 950mm, barrel 440mm, between the Type 56 rifle and submachine gun. Can fire single or burst. Uses 1956 7.62mm rounds, 30-round magazine…”
After explanation, demonstration followed.
“When firing, left hand supports the barrel and pushes upward; right shoulder holds the stock to control recoil; right hand grips handle, index finger along trigger edge…”
The instructor slowed down, breaking steps for clarity.
“…Align the three points, aim, then squeeze the trigger!”
Bang!
Dead center!
A stunned silence, then the crowd erupted into loud applause, some even whistling with excitement like a fan club at a concert.
“Feeling the power of a great nation!”
“With millions of soldiers like this, no wonder our country grows stronger!”
“The instructor is so handsome!”
“Long live China!”
…
Everyone’s enthusiasm skyrocketed.
“Now, draw lots to form groups. Line up.”
Jiang Fuyue drew Group 12, a middle position.
Her groupmates: Liang Jingzhou and Cheng Lian.
After a day of rest, Cheng Lian and others had rejoined. They looked unchanged, except slightly sullen, slightly dark.
Liang Jingzhou scanned the group and stiffened upon seeing Jiang Fuyue, hands and feet icy.
“Yue… Sister Yue… you’re in Group 12 too?”
“Mm.”
Liang Jingzhou only wished to be far away, so far she couldn’t see him, then he’d be safe.
But fate never lets you off easy.
What you don’t want… happens.
D*mn it…
Cheng Lian remained calm.
He walked beside Jiang Fuyue. “Wanna compete?”
“Compete at what?” She turned, a faint smile touching her eyes as they met his profile.
“Of course, shooting.”
“What’s the bet?”
Cheng Lian leaned slightly, locking eyes: “If I win, you spend two hours hanging from that tree again.”
Jiang Fuyue agreed immediately: “Fine! But if I win, you, Li Chen, and Gu Huaiyu kneel and call me ‘Dad,’ follow my orders, can only go east when I say east, never west, understood?”
Cheng Lian, calm: “I can’t speak for Li Chen or Gu Huaiyu, but I can for myself.”
“Then just remove them from the bet.”
“Deal.”
They both turned and walked away, back to back, radiating an unbeatable aura.
Liang Jingzhou trailed after Cheng Lian. “Are you crazy? Betting with Jiang Fuyue? Haven’t you learned your lesson?”
Cheng Lian: “I want to compete with her.”
“But… what if you lose…”
Cheng Lian cut him off coldly: “I only know turning dirt into gold takes effort. Jiang Fuyue isn’t invincible. You’re scared of her, I’m not.”
“This isn’t fear, it’s self-awareness! Hey! Don’t leave, I haven’t finished—”
Twenty minutes later.
Instructor: “Group 12, prepare!”
Jiang Fuyue moved into position swiftly. Cheng Lian did not hold back.
Liang Jingzhou hovered anxiously between them, glancing here and there, nearly losing it.
Ten bullets each, max score 100.
“Ready! Fire—”
Jiang Fuyue adjusted the fire selector on the left side of the receiver: 0 for safety, 1 single, 2 burst.
She switched to 2.
Then—
Tatatatatatatata!
Ten consecutive shots, no pause. She calmly stood, brushed off dust, under the astonished gazes of all.
Other group members were still aiming, not a single shot fired.
Liang Jingzhou was dumbstruck.
Cheng Lian slightly better, he had just fired the fourth shot after Jiang Fuyue finished, focused, seemingly unaware of her feat.
But a closer look revealed his sweat pouring, collar soaked through.
