Chapter 41: Fighting in the Dormitory!
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“The rules and regulations serve as the soldier’s code of conduct, outlining the principles and guidelines to be followed. Although I will provide you with a concise summary of the key points later today for memorization purposes, it is crucial to understand that everything else remains significant as well. The emphasis on specific points is solely for the recruit company at this stage. Nevertheless, you are expected to acquaint yourself with the remaining rules and regulations and commit them to memory.”
In the same classroom as before, a different atmosphere prevailed as a class was in session rather than a news broadcast. After Ye Sanshi returned, he patiently waited for five minutes before instructing everyone to bring their books, pens, and papers upstairs.
Presently, the instructor commenced the session with an opening speech, followed by important information for everyone to take note of. Eventually, they delved into the main topic at hand.
The regulations were compiled in a thick book, and the instructor began by highlighting a crucial point for everyone to focus on. Each recruit was then instructed to write down a corresponding question related to that point. These questions would serve as a reference for future memorization.
The amount of material to be memorized was relatively small, considering the comprehensive nature of the regulations. It was like shedding excess weight, transforming from a few hundred pounds to a few dozen pounds, metaphorically speaking. This lightened the burden for the recruits, eliciting a collective sigh of relief.
It was reassuring to know that they only needed to commit this condensed information to memory for now, with the prospect of tackling the rest in the coming years. The class concluded at nine o’clock, primarily because it took time for everyone to complete their copying. Additionally, the instructor would provide detailed explanations when marking the key points, which accounted for an additional hour.
“I expect wholehearted commitment to memorizing the rules while I attend the meeting. Wang Ye, you will assume the role of deputy class monitor in my absence. It is your responsibility to oversee everyone’s studies. Do not let me return to find you engaged in arguments instead of focused reading. Can you handle this?”
…..
“Yes, sir! 1 promise to fulfill the mission,” Wang Ye replied loudly.
“Very well!” Ye Sanshi nodded, his gaze shifting to the others. “Let me make it clear: the position of vice-class monitor is not a mere title. In my absence, Wang Ye wall be your superior. In the army, hierarchy is of utmost importance. If any of you think that Wang Ye, despite being a fellow recruit, does not warrant your obedience, then you will face the consequences!”
With Ye Sanshi’s departure, the dormitory atmosphere grew peculiar once again. It was Wang Ye’s presence as the vice-class monitor and the weight of Ye Sanshi’s parting words that hung in the air.
Suddenly, as if a collective sigh of relief had been released, everyone relaxed their rigid standing postures and settled into their seats. After a long day of training, even if they only listened to lectures at night without additional practice, exhaustion had set in. The lack of sleep from the previous night had taken its toll, and though they had managed to make up for an hour in the afternoon, it hardly made a dent in their weariness.
At this moment, fatigue weighed heavily on each recruit, and drowsiness began to creep in. Yet, with Wang Ye present, no one dared to act recklessly. It was not because they feared Wang Ye, but rather the repercussions that awaited them if they defied Ye Sanshi’s authority.
“Alright, everyone can take a seat. If you need water, feel free to get some. And if anyone needs to use the restroom, you may go,” Wang Ye announced, taking the initiative to relax his own posture.
In that moment, a mischievous smile spread across Deng Hai’s face. “Hehe, thank you, deputy class monitor. Uh, excuse me, 1 need to use the restroom!” he declared, standing at attention and saluting with a playful grin.
“You are not permitted to go. If you insist, I’ll have to conduct a search on you first!” Wang Ye responded, his tone suggesting a playful warning.
“All!” Deng Hai’s expression immediately changed, realizing the implications of his request. “Brother Wang, please, don’t. 1’11 just endure it. 1 beg you!” he pleaded, his smile turning into tears.
Deng Hai’s change in expression was noticed by others, but instead of taking the situation seriously, his tearful smile only fueled their curiosity. Some among them had eyes gleaming with intrigue, speculating that there might be some undisclosed connection between Wang Ye and Deng Hai. A hidden affair, perhaps.
Curiosity was running rampant, leaving everyone eager to witness what would unfold next.
However, instead of providing an explanation, Wang Ye reiterated his instructions. “Deng Hai, you can drink water, but you cannot go to the restroom. If you don’t want water, sit down immediately and focus on memorizing the regulations. The rest of you, you may go to the restroom.”
In that moment, Deng Hai’s expression froze. He had not anticipated Wang Ye’s dismissive response. The smile on his face vanished, and without a word, he turned and walked toward the dormitory door.
Wang Ye’s expression also changed, his tone lowering. “Deng Hai, this is an order!” he shouted firmly.
Deng Hai halted in his tracks but then turned back, a sneer forming on his lips. “Tsk, who are you pretending for?” he retorted. “Do you just love showing off? Waking up early, acting like a hero for this group, and strutting around everywhere. I bet you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, did you?”
Pausing briefly, Deng Hai continued, “Let me make this clear. If you show me respect, I’ll show you respect. But if you don’t give me face, 1’11 see to it that you’re nothing!”
Deng Hai had a history of troublesome behavior. He had fallen in love at a young age, engaged in fights, skipped classes, and even associated himself with gangs online. His temperament and actions reflected these tendencies, and it was evident that he did not possess a pleasant disposition. Although he might playfully call someone “brother” before being provoked, once provoked, he would quickly turn hostile. In this case, Wang Ye had provoked him by preventing him from smoking.
Wang Ye’s face grew tense. Despite his adult-like astuteness, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger in that moment. Seeing Deng Hai walking away, he shouted, “Stop, don’t make me angry.”
Wang Ye was not the type of student who merely excelled academically. He had his own temper as well. While Deng Hai had a volatile personality, so did he.
“Hehe, you’re nothing!” Deng Hai scoffed, not bothering to turn his head as he continued to leave.
However, in the next moment, a grunt was heard. It wasn’t Wang Ye but Wan Baojiang who rushed out to intervene.
In a surprising turn of events, Wan Baojiang swiftly reacted by lunging at Deng Hai from behind, wrapping his arms around his neck as he reached for the door. Simultaneously, he delivered a forceful kick to his foot, causing him to lose balance and fall to the ground.
“You… Bastard… How dare you sneak attack me!” Deng Hai grumbled, his face turning red as he struggled under Wan Baojiang’s hold.
Furious, with his grip still firm, Wan Baojiang stared at Deng Hai and then shifted his gaze to Wang Ye. The other recruits in the class were left speechless, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events. Even Wang Ye himself was taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated Wan Baojiang to react in such a manner. Despite having assisted him earlier that morning, he had shown no hesitation in taking action against Deng Hai.
Nonetheless, Wang Ye refrained from shouting for them to stop.
Instead of intervening in the physical altercation, Wang Ye maintained his composure and directed his words toward Deng Hai, who was still being pinned down by Wan Baojiang. “You can smoke if you want, but not while 1 am on duty. If you truly wish to smoke, 1 will assist you when the class monitor returns if you have the balls to do so.”
After a brief pause, Wang Ye continued, his voice firm, “For now, if you dare to disobey my orders again, don’t be surprised when I take you down here.”
Wang Ye decided not to keep his smoking habit a secret any longer and openly addressed it to Deng Hai. This revelation left some individuals in the class stunned while others remained silent, their eyes shifting with curiosity.
Wang Ye was aware that there must have been someone who had helped him keep watch while he secretly smoked. After all, he had swiftly returned during the morning exercise break. It was evident that he had utilized the restroom as a cover to indulge in his smoking habit.