Chapter 45: It’s Better to Share the Spotlight Than to Show Off Alone (First Update)

Chapter 45: It’s Better to Show Off Together Than Alone (First Update)

When Zhou Zhihan deadlifted 120 kilograms, Big Bear hesitated for three seconds, then, confirming that this rookie really did lift 120 kilograms, his competitive spirit flared up. He strode toward the 130-kilogram barbell.

Seeing Big Bear move toward the 130-kilogram weight, Zhou Zhihan took a few long strides forward, arriving ahead of him at the barbell, taking several deep breaths to steady himself.

Big Bear glanced sideways; if this rookie managed to lift 130 kilograms this time, he would go straight for 150.

Just as everyone held their breath waiting for Zhou Zhihan to lift 130 kilograms, he simply clapped his hands, stepped over the barbell, and headed toward the second test—standing backward throw with a medicine ball.

The battlefield tests a soldier’s overall ability; brute strength alone leads to a quicker death.

Zhou Zhihan’s sudden change of pace stunned Big Bear, who was still poised at the barbell ready to compete. Instead, Zhou feinted and moved on to the next test point.

Most people wore sour expressions: “We were waiting for your performance, but you bailed at the crucial moment. You really think highly of yourself, huh?”

But this guy casually lifted 120 kilograms—he had the right to show off.

Not convinced?

Then step up yourself.

Several second-year trainees doubted whether Zhou Zhihan’s barbell was properly weighted.

So, one of the strongest among them tried to lift it: “Fuc...k, damn, it really is!”

Major General Arthur King smiled faintly. This young man had strength and character.

The rookie’s sudden turnaround infuriated Big Bear. He grabbed the 130-kilogram barbell and lifted it to show off to the audience, then followed Zhou Zhihan to the second test point.

Time to teach this rookie a lesson.

The trainees chuckled quietly, anticipating a good show now that they were officially competing.

Ignoring Big Bear, Zhou Zhihan stood ready facing the podium, catching the eyes of all the onlookers. He gripped the 20-kilogram iron ball by its chain and lifted it.

Everyone wondered: how far could he throw it?

Zhou Zhihan stood with legs slightly apart, both hands holding the chain of the iron ball. After just one and a half rotations, he threw it.

All present were military experts who understood that the more rotations before releasing the ball, the farther it would fly. Of course, the number of rotations must be balanced with stable footing—no dizziness or imbalance to impair performance.

Zhou Zhihan’s one and a half rotations seemed too few and thus a bit unreasonable, but his movements were fluid and confident, showing no hesitation. Could it be he was confident that one and a half rotations would yield a good result?

The iron ball flew forward in a parabolic arc, landing inside the iron net.

The standing backward throw test was designed to simulate battlefield conditions where soldiers must pass bullets, shells, ammo boxes, medical supplies, weapons, and ammunition to teammates in all directions.

The scoring was as follows: 15 meters for a passing score of 60, 20 meters for 70, 25 meters for 80, over 30 meters for 90, and beyond 36 meters for full marks.

Three trainees quickly fetched a measuring tape, ran to the landing spot, bent down to measure, then stood and raised their left hands, shouting, “33.5 meters!”

Ninety points. Major Jeff Hunter’s mouth twitched in disbelief. Zhou Zhihan had once again scored 90 points, reaching Marine Corps standards, and he had done it with just one and a half rotations. From standing to the iron ball, gripping the chain, adjusting his stance, spinning, and throwing, he took less than a minute, achieving 33.5 meters.

If he had fully prepared, the score would surely be higher.

Though not the best score, it was among the top for fourth-year trainees.

The trainee announcing the results still held up his left hand.

Zhou Zhihan also raised his left hand, signaling that he did not require a second or third throw. If a retake was needed to pick the best score, he would raise his right hand.

Seeing this, the other trainee lowered his left hand.

The record-keeping trainee then noted Zhou Zhihan’s score.

“What’s the highest record in our military academy this year?” Major General Arthur King asked his adjutant.

“37.5 meters,” the adjutant replied quietly. “But that record holder is still a fourth-year trainee—Big Bear. His height and weight far surpass Zhou’s.”

The adjutant’s point was clear: compared to Big Bear, Zhou Zhihan’s stature and weight were in a completely different league.

Arthur King nodded. “No more calling trainees by nicknames. It’s fine among themselves, but not for us.”

The adjutant snapped to attention. “Yes, General!”

At that moment, Big Bear threw the ball 33 meters. He couldn’t always reach his personal best of 37.5 meters—it depended on his state and technique.

Upon learning his result, Big Bear heard the crowd murmuring he had fallen slightly behind the rookie. He demanded a second throw.

Watching Zhou Zhihan’s confident expression, several visiting instructors from other schools showed envy in their eyes. Such a promising talent—why the hell was he here at West Point?

Why?

Several Marine Corps officers whispered among themselves. As experts, they recognized Zhou Zhihan’s untapped potential. Who knew what scores he could achieve with a couple more rotations?

As Zhou Zhihan moved to the third test point, the first point was still active with half the trainees testing their barbell lifts while the rest started the second test.

Big Bear was a formidable competitor. Grabbing the 20-kilogram iron ball, he spun it two and a half times and launched it powerfully.

34.7 meters.

He punched his chest with his right fist, his muscular frame straining against his shirt, veins bulging across his forehead—a picture of formidable strength.

Though half a minute behind Zhou Zhihan, Big Bear held the advantage in barbell and iron ball throws.

However, observers disagreed—Zhou Zhihan had cleanly cleared the lift; Big Bear lost on the iron ball on the first try.

The third test: T-shaped push-ups.

All the officials had taken a keen interest in Zhou Zhihan, eager to see how many push-ups he could do in one minute.

The deadlift perfectly reflects overall body strength and coordination between limbs and torso.

Push-ups, on the other hand, emphasize upper body strength and core muscles.

The test required 40 push-ups in one minute for a passing score of 60; 50+ for 70 points; 60+ for 80; 70+ for 90; and above 80 for full marks.

Just as Zhou Zhihan prepared, he noticed Big Bear storming over angrily. Originally, he intended to show off solo and then be done with it, but since Big Bear insisted on a challenge, he was ready to stir the pot.

It’s better to show off together than alone!

Zhou Zhihan stood and looked back at Big Bear. Everyone knew the showdown was on.

Instructors welcomed competition during tests; comparisons bring out better performances.

Big Bear positioned himself.

Zhou Zhihan got ready.

Each side had trainees ready with stopwatches and others counting silently.

Both started simultaneously.

Stopwatches clicked.

Big Bear began push-ups.

Zhou Zhihan immediately launched into burpees.

The crowd erupted!

Major General Arthur King’s eyes widened. “What is this...?”

The other military academy observers collectively gasped, “Oh my...”

The Marine Corps officers and officials were stunned. The Marines were elite among elites, and they instantly recognized the extraordinary difficulty of Zhou Zhihan’s move. This was far more demanding than standard push-ups, requiring superior physical fitness.

Many officials counted silently.

After one minute, Zhou Zhihan’s shirt was soaked with sweat. He stood and headed directly to the fourth test point.

Big Bear also rose, tallying 76 push-ups—a personal best for the day.

But when he stood, no one cheered.

The two silent counters wrote down Zhou Zhihan’s results on their notebooks, then compared notes and looked at the instructors: “This isn’t push-ups. Can it count?”

The instructor nodded. If this can’t count, then what’s the point of push-ups?

“How many?” Major General Arthur King whispered to his adjutant.

(End of Chapter)