Chapter 13

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The noise on the shooting range had subsided, and the veterans began setting up the scout's 100-meter moving rapid-fire target, now handing the stage over to Zhuang Yan.

"Hoo!!" Zhuang Yan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of pressure bearing down on him. With Lin Yi's impressive performance fresh in his mind, he felt more nervous than ever as he faced this unfamiliar combat challenge.

"Let's go!" Zhuang Yan shouted, drawing everyone's attention to this recruit who had once been just a college student.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The sound of gunfire filled the air once more as bullets flew from his weapon, striking every target that popped up. Zhuang Yan tried to recall the movements he'd practiced, but his execution was unsteady and awkward. Despite this, he managed to impress the watching veterans.

However, he struggled during his first magazine change, wasting precious seconds. By the time he fired at the thirtieth target, it only wobbled slightly before remaining standing, as his magazine ran dry.

The crowd sighed collectively for Zhuang Yan as he hurriedly threw the Type 95 automatic rifle and knocked the target down with a frustrated swing.

Zheng Sanpao, observing from the sidelines, widened his eyes at Zhuang Yan's unorthodox tactics.

"Hahahaha!" Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle. "Xiao Zhuang, you're a special character; your skills and comedic talent are equally impressive."

"Thirty-six seconds, all hits!" the target reporter announced loudly.

The recruits erupted into cheers and applause. Compared to Lin Yi's extraordinary skills, Zhuang Yan's earnest effort resonated more with them and felt more relatable.

"Hahaha! Look at this! An eight-year-old scout lost to a rookie!" Miao Lian pointed at the shooting range, laughing.

"Can he even win?" Chen Guotao, the platoon leader, chuckled, highlighting the irony of the situation.

"In a real war, every tactic counts. If a scout runs out of bullets, they'd use whatever means necessary. If it means smashing a target with a rifle, so be it! At least he's resourceful," Miao Lian replied, clearly impressed by Zhuang Yan's creativity.

"With a little training, he could be a valuable asset for the special forces," Chen Guotao added.

Miao Lian nodded appreciatively. They both knew Lin Yi had surpassed the typical recruit's potential, making it clear he was not just a raw talent but a rare find in the military. What he needed now was an opportunity to shine beyond the confines of basic training.

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"Huh." Zhuang Yan, still riding high from the applause, turned to Zheng Sanpao with newfound confidence.

Zheng Sanpao lowered his Type 95 automatic rifle, supporting himself on the ground to begin a set of push-ups.

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three!"

The loud counts echoed across the shooting range, leaving the recruits dumbfounded. It was unheard of for their squad leader to bow his head in defeat.

Yet, here he was, accepting his loss in front of them. As Zhuang Yan's earlier bravado began to fade, the gravity of the moment sunk in. Zheng Sanpao's dedication to the army's standards was a lesson in humility and discipline.

"Fifty-eight!"

"Fifty-nine!"

Zheng Sanpao completed all 200 push-ups with perfect form, even as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the range.

As the day came to an end, the recruits returned to camp, singing military songs in unison, their spirits high.

"One-two-one!"

"One-two-one!"

"Stand!"

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Crash! All the recruits halted at the command.

"Turn right!"

"Look to the right!"

"Look ahead, take a break!"

One by one, the leaders issued commands, guiding the recruits and veteran squad leaders into formation. They stood at attention, facing the recruit company commander at the front of the line.

"Comment!" The lieutenant in charge declared, "Take a break!"

With a synchronized stomp, everyone stepped forward, their focus unwavering as they looked ahead.

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