Chapter 2: Golden Entry, God of Involution!

"Don't be so preoccupied, what's on your mind?" Chen Xiwa asked, smiling as he noticed the serious expression on Zhuang Yan's face.

Zhuang Yan glanced at him but remained silent, his eyes drifting toward the carriage entrance where Zheng Sanpao stood. With a slight frown, he muttered, "I'm just wondering why I'm even here."

"A city kid, fresh out of high school?" Chen Xiwa teased with a grin after sizing him up.

"I'm a freshman," Zhuang Yan corrected him, rolling his eyes.

"Wait, you're a college student?" Chen Xiwa asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, from a drama school," Zhuang Yan replied casually.

"Then what are you doing here, becoming a soldier?" Chen Xiwa's voice raised with astonishment.

"It's hard to explain right now," Zhuang Yan shrugged, his gaze shifting back to the entrance. "Maybe I'll tell you later when we get the chance."

"Oh..." Chen Xiwa seemed a little flustered after learning Zhuang Yan was a college student. "You... want an apple?" he offered awkwardly, holding out an apple from his bag. "I've got more if you need them."

Zhuang Yan glanced at him but then shifted his focus back to the carriage entrance, growing impatient. "I'm fine. You can have it." He stood up abruptly and switched places with Chen Xiwa, who blinked in confusion.

Lin Yi, noticing Chen Xiwa's expression, gently patted his shoulder. "Xiwa," he said softly. "Lu Province is a place known for producing soldiers, and your background makes you perfect for this."

"Hmm," Chen Xiwa nodded, the insecurity in his eyes replaced with a newfound determination.

This whole interaction didn't escape Zheng Sanpao's notice. Standing by the entrance, the seasoned veteran took mental notes. Lin Yi's unifying attitude and Zhuang Yan's rebellious nature both stood out to him. Both had potential—one as a leader, the other as a troublemaker.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi was preoccupied with more pressing matters. They were approaching the barracks, and he had yet to use his monthly entry upgrade. As a top student from Yen Ching Restaurant, his former self had accumulated several blue entries, which were already impressive.

He mentally selected [Learning Master (Blue)] for the upgrade.

Ding! Congratulations, host! The entry upgrade has been completed!

A new entry appeared before him:

[God of Involution (Gold)]: The ultimate king of efficiency, a hundred times more productive in learning and training. Nothing can distract you from perfecting your skills!

Lin Yi's eyes gleamed. A hundred times more efficient? Whether in learning or physical training, this golden entry meant that in a short time, he could rival even the most experienced veterans and elite soldiers. The power of this upgrade was staggering.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, the train carrying Lin Yi and the other recruits crossed mountain ranges, arriving at the remote Southeastern military base. The truck they boarded rolled into the base, passing under a large banner that read, "Welcome, New Comrades!" The soldiers standing guard saluted with unwavering discipline.

The mood among the recruits was a mix of excitement and apprehension, their eyes darting around as they took in their surroundings.

"Where's your hometown?" Chen Xiwa asked enthusiastically, trying to engage the other recruits.

"Hefei, Hui Province. What about you?" one answered.

Lin Yi rested his eyes, while Zhuang Yan had already drifted into a deep sleep. Soon, the trucks pulled into the barracks and came to a halt.

The moment the trucks stopped, Zheng Sanpao appeared again, his expression serious. "Get out of the truck!" he barked.

One by one, the recruits jumped out of the truck, including Lin Yi, who stepped out into the sunlight with a renewed sense of ambition. This was the beginning of his new life.

"Xiaozhuang! Get up, we're here!" Chen Xiwa nudged the still-sleeping Zhuang Yan.

"Huh?" Zhuang Yan mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he groggily stepped out of the truck.

On the wide training ground, the recruits gathered, their chatter filling the air. In front of them stood a lieutenant officer and a row of stern-looking veterans, all at least sergeants.

"Comrades, recruits!" the lieutenant shouted, holding a roster under his arm. "Quiet down! We're about to start the roll call."

But the recruits remained restless, too distracted to listen.

"Silence!" Zheng Sanpao's voice boomed across the field, silencing the group immediately.

"Let's begin the roll call," the lieutenant resumed. "When your name is called, step forward and report to the squad leader. Understood?"

A weak chorus of "Understood" echoed from the recruits.

"Did you all hear me?" Zheng Sanpao's voice sliced through the air like a blade, jolting the recruits to attention.

"Understood!" they replied loudly this time, sensing that this squad leader was not someone to be taken lightly.

"Squad leader, you're up!" the lieutenant called.

"Yes, sir!" Zheng Sanpao responded with a sharp salute, his movements crisp and disciplined. He stepped forward, executing precise military movements that left many recruits in awe. Even Lin Yi had to admit that Zheng Sanpao was an exemplary soldier, though Zhuang Yan only rolled his eyes in disinterest.

The recruits' selection had begun, and this was just the start of their journey into the unknown.

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