Chapter 46: He Will Remember This Night for the Rest of His Life
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In the dormitory, some recruits were reading the regulations silently while others were reading them aloud. However, in most of the other classes, the reading was done aloud as per their class monitor’s request. Class 5, on the other hand, remained quiet because their vice-class monitor, Wang Ye, hadn’t made such a request, and Ye Sanshi hadn’t mentioned it either.
Time continued to pass, and a few more minutes went by. Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps reached the dormitory, causing everyone to stop reading and turn their attention toward the door. They wondered who it could be. Was it Deng Hai returning?
“Why are you all staring at me? Have you all memorized the regulations? Do you want me to conduct a spot check?” Ye Sanshi’s voice cut through the silence, and immediately everyone in the dormitory, who had been reading silently, lowered their heads and started reading aloud.
With a stern expression, Ye Sanshi walked into the dormitory.
Wang Ye stood up and retrieved the pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He approached Ye Sanshi and handed it to him.
Ye Sanshi accepted the pack and nodded in acknowledgment. Then, he turned his attention to the rest of the recruits in the dormitory. With a serious tone, he commanded, “Alright, stop reading now!”
Instantly, the sound of recitation ceased, and all eyes were fixed on Ye Sanshi.
…..
Ye Sanshi’s expression grew stern as he addressed the recruits. “In the army, discipline is of utmost importance. You must have this awareness when you step foot here. This is not a game, and there is no room for negotiation. Violating army discipline can result in punishments and even expulsion from the army with subsequent military court proceedings. Do you understand?” he declared firmly.
“We understand!” the nine remaining members of Class 5 responded in unison, their voices loud and clear.
“Good! Now let’s continue memorizing the rules and regulations. Put in your best effort,” Ye Sanshi concluded, resuming his role as the class monitor.
As Ye Sanshi finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. He gave permission for the person to enter, and the door opened to reveal Instructor Kang Hua, who had a gentle smile on his face.
“Instructor!” Ye Sanshi saluted, and the others in the dormitory followed suit.
“I’m here to bring him back,” the instructor said, his smile still present. He then looked towards the aisle where the members of Class 5 couldn’t see and said, “Come in and apologize properly.”
Deng Hai appeared at the entrance of the dormitory, wearing an awkward expression. Ye Sanshi emitted a disdainful snort and turned to face the door, essentially facing Deng Hai. His stance was clear and unyielding.
Wang Ye observed the scene, maintaining a seemingly lower position. However, Deng Hai and the other recruits, who were still new to the military environment, might not fully grasp the dynamics at play.
Ye Sanshi addressed Instructor Kang Hua, “Alright, Old Ye, he’s a new recruit. 1 have already reprimanded him, and he has repented and admitted his mistake.”
Then, Ye Sanshi turned his gaze toward Deng Hai, who stood at the door in a state of indecision. “What are you waiting for? Go in!”
Deng Hai’s expression grew even more awkward. He pondered the situation and realized that it made sense. In the outside world, he, as a half-functioning member of society, would never willingly admit his mistakes. Even if he had to break his head, admitting his mistake would be out of the question.
Wasn’t admitting mistakes like this considered shameful for someone in society?
He had never experienced such a thing before. Moreover, he had previously contradicted Ye Sanshi and made audacious statements. And now, he had to return and admit his mistake in front of the entire dormitory.
The embarrassment was overwhelming.
In fact, at this moment, he felt an urge to escape.
However, the words that the instructor had spoken to him moments ago kept resonating in his mind.
“Actually, those who can join the army at this time and age are considered winners. You may have failed the college entrance examination once, and your parents may have been disappointed. But now, by joining the army, 1 believe your parents will be proud of you. Many people want this opportunity but can’t get it due to various reasons. They even regret it for the rest of their lives. You have that opportunity now. Can you bear to see your girlfriend disappointed? Can you bear to see your parents, who were already proud of you, disappointed once again?”
These words struck a chord deep within Deng Hai’s heart.
He remembered that his parents had indeed changed their usual behavior when he was about to join the army. Even his father, who used to scold and berate him, had taken the initiative to invite him for a drink the night before. He even expressed that he was proud of him and patted his shoulder, encouraging him to do a good job.
It felt as if the soles of his feet had taken root.
“If you’re not willing to apologize then save it! 1 don’t want a coward soldier in my regiment.”
“I’m not a coward!”
Ye Sanshi’s words seemed to have angered Deng Hai.
Deng Hai marched into the dormitory and approached Ye Sanshi, speaking loudly. “I was wrong!”
“Haha!” Ye Sanshi glanced at him and sneered. “Is this your way of admitting your mistake?”
Throwing caution to the wind, Deng Hai took the first step. He looked at Ye Sanshi and said, “Then what do you want, class monitor? 1’11 accept it. After all, I was wrong this time.”
“Apologize to the vice-class monitor first!”
“Alright!” Deng Hai turned his head to look at Wang Ye and prepared to walk over.
“Forget it. We’re all comrades. I understand,” Wang Ye said, looking at Ye Sanshi. “Class monitor, there’s no need to apologize to me. He just arrived, so it’s understandable that he hasn’t quit smoking yet!”
“That’s not a valid reason. If you’re wrong, you’re wrong. This is the army. Being brave enough to take responsibility for your mistakes is what a soldier should be like!”
“I was wrong, class monitor. From today onwards, 1 will listen to you!” Deng Hai was quite straightforward. He faced Wang Ye and didn’t approach any closer. He stood there and apologized loudly.
Of course, his attitude didn’t resemble an apology but rather that of a fearless warrior marching to the execution ground.
However, Wang Ye didn’t scold him. “Well, let’s just let this matter pass. We’re still comrades!”
Wang Ye smiled and took a step forward, extending his hand in a gesture of reconciliation. One had to be magnanimous. Regardless of what Deng Hai might be thinking or if he still harbored resentment, at least on the surface, he needed to show his willingness to move forward.
“Okay, thank you, Vice Class Monitor!” Deng Hai reached out and shook Wang Ye’s hand.
Wang Ye released his grip and turned his attention back to Ye Sanshi.
This time, Ye Sanshi didn’t address Deng Hai. Instead, he looked at the instructor standing by the door and said, “Instructor, I appreciate your escorting Deng Hai back. Now that the matter has been resolved…”
“Alright, then 1’11 head down first. Remember to treat your new comrades with kindness,” the instructor replied.
“Yes, sir!” Ye Sanshi nodded, acknowledging the instruction.
After the instructor left, the door was closed once again. However, before Ye Sanshi could say anything, a whistle sounded from downstairs.
“Shh, shh!” The recruits were taken aback, unsure of its meaning. But before confusion could settle in, Ye Sanshi took the initiative to address everyone in a solemn tone. “This is the whistle for late roll call. Let’s head down for roll call now.”
After his announcement, he turned to Deng Hai and said, “Your matter isn’t resolved yet. If you seek my forgiveness, be prepared for the consequences!”
“Yes, sir!” Deng Hai stood at attention, displaying a fearless demeanor.
Wang Ye looked at him and quietly thought to himself, “Poor lad, tonight won’t be easy for him. He’ll probably remember this night for the rest of his life.”