Chapter 70: Deng Hai’s Change
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Wang Ye was randomly checked on three of them. As expected, he recited all three without any mistakes, eliciting a smile on Ye Sanshi’s dark face as he looked at the others. “See, all of you should learn from vice class monitor Wang,” he remarked. The recruits stood at attention and agreed, expressing their verbal agreement even if their thoughts differed.
“Well, Wang Ye, I’ll leave the rest to you. I’ll rest for a while,” Ye Sanshi stated, pulling out a small stool and sitting down.
“Yes, sir!” Although surprised by Ye Sanshi’s decision, Wang Ye calmly accepted the responsibility.
Addressing the group, Wang Ye said, “Whoever comes first can take the initiative to report.” He didn’t mention specific names, aware that Zhang Ping’an was usually the first to be called by Ye Sanshi. However, after spending so many days together, Wang Ye knew that Zhang Ping’an was a bit slow, despite his effort to memorize the rules and regulations.
Silence enveloped the dormitory after Wang Ye’s statement. Not everyone could think of caring for others at this moment. They lacked the confidence to worry about others, resembling clay bodhisattvas crossing a river.
Wang Ye turned his head, noticing Qin Li’s pleading expression. Reluctantly, he said, “Qin Li, you go first.” There was no other choice. He didn’t want to point directly at Zhang Ping’an, and it was an opportunity to get to know Qin Li since he was the closest to Wang Ye.
Qin Li’s face fell immediately as he looked at Wang Ye helplessly. “Cough, Comrade Qin Li, please answer the question. What was the 89th rule of the Internal Affairs Rules?”
“Eight… Eighty-nine…” Qin Li stammered, leaving Wang Ye feeling helpless. He had tried to choose simple questions, but it seemed futile.
“Eight your head! How many days has it been? You’re good for nothing, vice class monitor, make him work overtime tomorrow!” Ye Sanshi’s stern face sentenced Qin Li to additional work.
Resentful eyes locked onto Wang Ye as Qin Li expressed his frustration. Wang Ye, equally helpless, avoided his gaze and looked across the room.
Deng Hai, neither subservient nor arrogant, met his gaze directly. “Deng Hai, you do it!” Wang Ye instructed.
“Yes, sir!” Deng Hai replied his temperament had changed drastically since drinking the tobacco tea. He spoke less and became more serious.
Ensuring he didn’t raise the difficulty, Wang Ye continued, “Since Qin Li didn’t answer, recite the eighty-ninth internal affairs regulation.”
“Yes, there are 89 internal regulations. Soldiers are prohibited from gambling, fighting, or participating in superstitious activities,” Deng Hai responded.
“Correct. Sixty-seventh rule.”
This time, Deng Hai hesitated, needing time to think. However, it didn’t take long for him to answer, “According to the sixty-seventh article of the Internal Affairs Regulations, soldiers should wear training uniforms when fighting, preparing for war, training, on duty, and carrying out non-war military missions. The determination of other times and occasions requiring uniform training is made by units above the brigade (regiment) level.”
“Correct. Next one,” Wang Ye declared, maintaining the pattern of giving three questions just like Ye Sanshi had done.
Deng Hai had indeed changed. He had ruthlessly memorized the 100 internal affairs regulations that had been removed. The third question didn’t stump him, but it stumped the others.
Among the remaining nine recruits, Wang Ye and Deng Hai were the only ones who answered all three correctly. Qin Li faltered on the first one, while others stumbled on the second or third.
Ye Sanshi couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Look at your attitude. It’s been so many days, and we’re all human. The vice class monitor and Deng Hai can memorize them, but what about you?” he scolded with a stern expression.
“Tomorrow, except for Wang Ye and Deng Hai, the rest of the class will work overtime during their free time,” he added, focusing on Deng Hai again. Ye Sanshi’s tone softened as he continued, “It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake. You’re still a good comrade if you acknowledge and learn from it. I know you must feel resentment, but if you can become outstanding because of that resentment, then continue to hate.”
“Reporting to the class monitor, I didn’t!” Deng Hai declared loudly.
“It doesn’t matter whether you have it or not. What’s important is to remember why you joined the army. In any case, you can’t do it for me or for Wang Ye. You can hate us, but first remember not to be blinded by that hatred,” Ye Sanshi explained.
“Reporting to the class monitor, I know very well why I joined the army!” Deng Hai responded.
“Dong dong!” Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Everyone’s attention shifted to the door.
“Enter!” Ye Sanshi instructed, glancing back and saluting the instructor who entered the room.
Greeting the instructor, everyone in the dormitory stood at attention. The instructor smiled and returned the greeting, saying, “Squad Leader Ye, you should give everyone some time to catch their breath. The new recruits have just arrived, so we can’t be too hasty.”
“Yes, sir!” Ye Sanshi replied.
Turning to Wang Ye, the instructor said, “Wang Ye, come out for a moment!”
“Yes, sir!” Wang Ye responded, surprised by the unexpected request but not slow in his reaction.
“I’ll go then, class monitor,” Wang Ye informed Ye Sanshi before following the instructor outside, wearing his hat.
“Let’s go upstairs and talk,” the instructor suggested.
“Yes, sir!” Wang Ye agreed, his curiosity piqued.
The recruit dormitory had five floors, with the rooftop being the fifth. It was Wang Ye’s first time ascending to this highest level.
As they walked along the corridor, the southern wind blew against Wang Ye’s face, slightly chilly but not uncomfortably cold.
“Sit down. The roof is clean, and the moon is out tonight. Let’s sit and enjoy the stars and the moon,” the instructor said casually, finding a spot to sit on the rooftop.
His words carried a friendly tone akin to that of a next-door neighbor.
Wang Ye felt a little speechless but cautiously took a seat, unsure of what the instructor had in mind.
Late at night, and here I am, looking at the moon and stars with an instructor? Wang Ye pondered. I’m a man! A true man of iron and blood doesn’t engage in such activities. Though army life may be tough, after two years in the military, even looking at sows made them seem attractive.
Observing the instructor, Wang Ye became more cautious. Could this guy be one of those individuals not interested in the opposite sex, looking to exploit his position due to his handsomeness?
It wasn’t entirely unwarranted for Wang Ye to think that way. Having spent many years in the workplace in his previous life and with the internet’s development, he had come across people who preferred same-sex relationships rather than heterosexual ones..