Central Military Academy

Central Military Academy in city T.

Lt. Col Xiu was pacing in his office. He was worried about his squadron's camp performance. There was a camping activity held for the first, third and fifth terms cadets. He was satisfied by his 5th termers but the other two were not up to the mark. If he can't find a way to fix this, his squadron might lose their title for the best performers of camp. He wanted to call one of his former students who were good at camping.

Therefore he was going through the files of ex-R squadrons. His eyes shone when he came across a name. Cadet Chen Lisheng. He was one of the best campers he has seen till date. He was a really capable man who was known for guiding his troop back safely when a leopard was been reported around the camping area. This task was challenging as the cadets have been walking for past 14 hrs and it was a rainy night. So guiding the troop downhill was very risky.

Lt. Col Xiu knew he can rely on this man. He quickly passed this suggestion to his seniors and requested them to call Captain Chen for 2 months. Captain Chen was currently the training in charge of soldiers in the Northern province, so calling him here temporarily was much easier. It would be harder if he were posted somewhere near the borders. Therefore, Lt. Col Xiu's senior accepted his proposal and send an order to Captain Chen to report at the headquarters of Central Military Academy by this evening.

Lt. Col Xiu was pacing impatiently in his cabin when he heard soft but firm knocks. He flew to open the door in anticipation. His eyes shone when he saw the person he has been waiting since past few days.

"Welcome back Captain Chen. How have you been gentleman?" Lt. Col Xiu asked Captain Chen warmly. He was really fond of this student of his.

"Captain Chen at your service sir!" Captain Chen saluted his senior.

"Haha no need to be so formal right now. I've called you for an unofficial cause after all. You must be tired. Have a meal first and then meet me here at 5'o clock."

"Got it sir!"

"Haha. Yeah go now"

Chen Lisheng was strolling after a light meal when something caught his eyes. A man was mediating underwater in the swimming pool. To ordinary people, he may seem like some kungfu God, but this man was actually a navy commando. 'He hasn't changed a bit'.

Chen Lisheng passed the training grounds and felt nostalgic. Being here again, brought many memories back. He stared at the trainees performing front rolls bare backed on the hot, burning roads.

"Faster 3 termers! Is this how you're going to win your camp? This camp is not only a test, but also an opportunity to make our squadron proud again!" A lean but firmly built man in his 40s said.

'They're preparing well enough, though the newcomers need some more training.' Chen Lisheng thought.

"Cadet Chen! I expect you to lead the drill and make sure everyone does those moves correctly."

"Understood sir!" Chen fengju saluted his trainer.

"Parade! Attention!"

"Right face!"

"Salute!"

"Present arms and order arms!"

"Forward March and half!"

"Double time!"

Chen fengju was giving out commands to lead his parade. The coordination was beautiful. It seemed as if they were attached to each other by strings.

"You've improved a lot. Well done!"

Everyone was startled by Chen Lisheng standing there and observing their drill. What made them swell in pride was the compliment they received as it was a rare occasion in the army.

"Big brother!" Chen fengju flew to hug his elder brother whom he haven't met in past 5 months due to his training.

Chen Lisheng was touched by his brother's gesture but composed his emotions soon.

"Cadet Chen! Is this how you behave with your senior officer?"

Chen fengju was dumbstruck for a moment before realizing where he was right now. 'oops! This is not going to end well'

"Pardon me for my lack of manners, sir! I'm willing to take my punishment."

Hearing this, Chen fengju's juniors fled the scene as fast as they could. Witnessing your seniors punishment even by mistake was considered the biggest blunder one could make. So they were advised to flee and not get caught.

"Well at least you remember this much. Bike up till fall in¹."

Chen fengju stared foolishly at his elder brother cause fall in would be at 7 pm and it wasn't 5 pm yet.

'How can he be so cruel? Boo hoo I'll complain to mommy this weekend hump!' Chen fengju resigned to his destiny and went on to take his punishment.

Chen Lisheng knew that holding a bicycle up for more than 2 hours was a bit too much but he had no other choice. If he won't punish his brother more than others, no one will respect either of them. You really have to pay a price for everything. Chen Lisheng proceeded to Lt. Col Xiu's cabin to discuss his plan.

"Xiaofeng, don't you think it's a little overboard to punish you for such a small mistake? I mean it's obvious you missed him so much that you forgot the current situation."

"Yeah! what's the big deal in that. Is he really your brother?"

Chen fengju was currently standing with his bicycle up in his hands. His coursemates were trying to brainwash him into hating his brother, but he knew better. He was aware how outsiders try to break families apart just due to jealousy. These were jealous because Chen fengju excelled in his exams and training thanks to his elder brother's guidance. It was basic human nature to be jealous even if you're close friends.

"Either it's overboard or not, I'm not supposed to question his actions. He's my elder brother as well as my senior. And I'm finished with this anyway so it isn't a big deal."

Chen fengju smoothly sealed any chance for further discussion on this topic. He was the best cadet for a reason.