Chapter 71: Heart-to-heart Talk, Unexpected Weekend
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“What’s with that look?” Kang Hua noticed Wang Ye’s caution and looked at him with confusion, prompting Wang Ye to reflect on his own thoughts.
If Kang Hua knew what Wang Ye was thinking at that moment, he might have been taken aback. Wang Ye had chosen this location for their conversation because the weather was pleasant tonight.
“No, I’m just a bit confused. Why did you call for me, instructor?” Wang Ye replied, sitting down but not as casually as Kang Hua. He leaned back, supported himself with one hand, and gazed up at the starry sky.
Deliberately keeping a distance of at least a meter from Kang Hua, Wang Ye sat cross-legged with a straight posture. He was prepared. If Kang Hua had any inappropriate intentions due to his attractive appearance, Wang Ye would not hesitate to defend himself, even if Kang Hua was an instructor.
Unaware of Wang Ye’s thoughts, Kang Hua continued to smile and said, “To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations of you before. Do you understand?”
Wang Ye and Kang Hua had met prior to their time in the recruit company. Kang Hua had visited Wang Ye’s hometown as a cadre to receive soldiers. Although he hadn’t visited Wang Ye’s house, Squad Leader Li would have reported Wang Ye’s family situation to Kang Hua upon returning.
In other words, Kang Hua was aware of Wang Ye’s family background. Additionally, there was a process of visiting the neighbors. Even if the neighbors hadn’t spoken ill of Wang Ye, a few words would have left a simple impression on Kang Hua.
“It’s not important, is it?” Wang Ye replied with a smile, neither confirming nor denying his understanding. He believed that discussing this matter was pointless.
The Wang Ye of the past was long gone.
“Haha! Seeing is believing,” Kang Hua said seriously while looking at Wang Ye. “During this time, you have truly impressed me.”
Wang Ye smiled but remained silent, allowing Kang Hua to continue.
“After all, you, me, and everyone else, we all change over time,” Kang Hua said. “Comrade Wang Ye, can you share your future plans with me?”
Wang Ye was momentarily stunned by the question.
Future plans?
“Don’t be nervous. There’s no instructor here now, and you’re no longer just a recruit,” Kang Hua reassured him. “Even if you tell me that you plan to be a soldier for two years and then return to your life as a privileged second-generation heir, I would simply congratulate you.”
At that moment, Kang Hua even joked, “I don’t have that kind of life. Some people are born to drive Mercedes-Benz and BMWs, while others are destined to be laborers. If I had your circumstances, I would definitely go back to being a privileged second-generation heir after two years!”
Wang Ye looked at Kang Hua, momentarily speechless. He couldn’t discern whether Kang Hua was sincere or fishing for something.
You’re an instructor, and you’re saying this to me? You even gave a lecture on how to be a good soldier on Wednesday, and now you’re making it sound like I’m wasting my reincarnation skills if I don’t return to being a privileged second-generation heir…
After a moment of hesitation, Wang Ye spoke up. “Actually, it was a coincidence that I came to the military camp this time, but I genuinely enjoy being here. I want to stand on the border of my motherland and look back at the lights of thousands of families. I also want to fight on the battlefield and make a name for myself.”
Wang Ye smiled and spoke in a relaxed tone. “You can think of me as a privileged second-generation heir with nothing better to do. I’m tired of living a peaceful life without any excitement in the future. That’s why I wanted to change my lifestyle and experience the hardships here. One could also say that I have a sense of nobility and a desire to protect my country. I want to join the military and serve my nation. In short, my current plan for the future is to continue serving. Of course, specific circumstances may change over time, but for now, I have the passion to be a dedicated soldier.”
The smile faded from Kang Hua’s face as he stared at Wang Ye for more than ten seconds before breaking into applause.
“Bravo! I hope you can keep that dedication,” he commended.
“You’re in the army now,” Kang Hua continued. “Does it differ from what you imagined? Has it affected your original intentions?”
Wang Ye smiled and replied, “Fortunately, I had already gained some understanding from online sources, so I was mentally prepared.”
“Good, good. Very well, you see, for all of us, it’s crucial to understand this early on. It prevents soldiers from becoming disillusioned when their fantasies clash with the reality of military life,” Kang Hua commented.
Amidst their conversation on the rooftop, Wang Ye learned that this heart-to-heart talk wasn’t exclusive to him. Kang Hua had been conducting these conversations since Tuesday night, speaking to a squad of soldiers each night.
Due to the tight schedules of the new recruits, there wasn’t much time or opportunity for communication between the different classes. That’s why Wang Ye initially thought Kang Hua had returned to the dormitory from his own break.
Back in the dormitory, Ye Sanshi was aware of the heart-to-heart talk and remained calm. When Wang Ye mentioned that Kang Hua had called for Zhang Ping’an, Ye Sanshi gave his approval.
“Okay, go!”
Ye Sanshi’s calmness contrasted with Zhang Ping’an’s nervousness as they left the dormitory. Zhang Ping’an whispered anxiously to Wang Ye, “Vice class monitor, what did the instructor want with us?”
“It’s a good thing. The instructor wants you to admire the moon,” Wang Ye teased with a smile.
“Ah?”
That night, all the recruits in Class Five were called for a heart-to-heart conversation. Such conversations, conducted by instructors, often yielded positive results.
For a group of 18-year-olds with limited life experience, the instructor’s heartfelt talk and encouragement would likely be more effective than the Wednesday afternoon political ideology class.
On the 13th, Ye Sanshi found his conscience and allowed everyone to sleep until 6 a.m., exceeding the previous day’s 5 a.m. wake-up time.
Ye Sanshi looked satisfied as he witnessed the confused expressions of the recruits upon being awakened by the reveille for the first time. However, he quickly composed himself and sternly scolded them to fold their blankets.