NOVEL WEB Chapter 42
Chapter 42: Everyone panicked as the recruit assessment approached
After the live ammunition shooting concluded, Hu Zhihu and Ye Qingshan returned with their thoughts. Meanwhile, a group of recruits headed straight to lunch. After finishing lunch and returning to the dormitory, everyone gathered around Chen Ming:
“Wow, Chen Ming, hitting a full circle on your first try – have you played before?” Fatty He Dong eagerly asked, forgetting his dismal score of ten rings.
Chen Ming rolled his eyes, thinking he couldn’t reveal any previous experience.
He Xue admired Chen Ming, saying, “I thought my score of thirty-five rings was high, but you’re even more impressive.”
“I used to enjoy shooting balloons in the park; maybe that’s where I picked it up,” Chen Ming casually explained, trying to downplay his skill.
Yu Jun, bewildered, asked, “You can train marksmanship by shooting guns in the park?”
Ignoring Chen Ming’s extraordinary feat, the squad leader, in a boastful tone, claimed, “Full circle!” – a statement met with silent skepticism from the recruits.
Later in the dormitory, He Dong curiously asked the squad leader about his first shooting score, only to be met with an evasive answer.
The squad leader declared, “Shooting depends on talent; no amount of playing with toy guns in the park will help if you lack talent.”
The recruits laughed silently at the squad leader’s exaggeration.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, the squad leader urged everyone to sleep, preparing for the afternoon training. After the lunch break, the recruits returned to the dormitory exhausted from physical training, but their faces couldn’t hide the relief.
He Dong, anticipating a rest day, remarked, “Finally over; tomorrow, no more training!”
The squad leader, crushing their hopes, declared, “What are you thinking? We continue training tomorrow!”
He Dong, shocked, pleaded with the squad leader, assuming it was about his poor shooting performance.
The squad leader clarified, “Next is the recruit assessment. Rest days are canceled, and training will intensify. Your performance determines the company’s reputation and your future.”
Disappointed, the recruits realized there would be no more designated rest days and that training would become more demanding. Even Chen Ming regretted the loss of potential rewards from the computer room.
……
Under the intense training approaching the assessment, half a month swiftly passed. During this period, not only did the training intensify, but the squad leaders also became extremely strict, resorting to harsh scolding and physical discipline for the slightest mistakes.
Though the recruits wore expressions of hardship, none dared to slack off, understanding the crucial importance of the upcoming assessment. They were determined not to end up assigned to a pig farm.
Experiencing this rigorous training, Chen Ming vaguely felt a sense of familiarity. It later dawned on him that it resembled the three months leading up to the college entrance examination.
In the last half month, they went through comprehensive training, combining all aspects of the upcoming assessment. With the cancellation of rest days, the computer room became a distant luxury. As the days passed quickly, the recruits found themselves on the final rest day. Despite the absence of a wake-up call, at precisely six o’clock, they reflexively jumped out of bed, hurriedly dressing themselves.
However, upon completing their routine, they noticed the squad leader still lying in bed, unmoved. Confused, they approached him, and Chen Ming asked if he was unwell.
The squad leader waved it off, stating that there would be no additional training that day. Instead, he advised them to rest, review the training essentials in their minds, and prepare for the formal assessment starting the next day.
After this announcement, the squad leader rolled over and continued sleeping. The recruits, torn between relief and worry, realized the importance of the upcoming assessment, as their results would determine their assigned units.
Chen Ming, however, was more focused on finally visiting the computer room after more than half a month. He gave the others a knowing look, and they, understanding his intention, quickly joined him. With everyone dressed and ready, the worry about the assessment momentarily set aside, they followed Chen Ming to the activity and coveted computer rooms.
On the way, He Xue expressed concern about the upcoming assessment, questioning the wisdom of playing games on their final rest day. Fatty He Dong dismissed the worry, emphasizing the benefits of relaxation before the exam.
Yu Jun concurred, pointing out they could return to training after the game if they were still anxious. He Xue looked surprised at their lack of worry, prompting Yu Jun to reveal the red-covered book he brought – the rules and regulations they had been studying.
Hearing their concerns, Chen Ming couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Could they really focus on studying during the game?