Chapter Thirty-Three: The Song of the Hunt
Chief Instructor Hua paused here, casting a smile toward the twelve of us standing at the very front of the formation.
This, in essence, is the military: perhaps a single individual may not be strong, but a united group can unleash a force beyond imagination. This force is called the spirit of the military—the concentrated power of collective camaraderie.
“You twelve have done well—of course, not just you, but also your teammates who trained alongside you. Though they were ultimately eliminated, their efforts were evident to all.”
“Today marks the penultimate day of military training. But, truth be told, it’s hardly different from the last, for tomorrow you return to your campus and begin your new high school life.”
“I know many of you dream of joining the military, becoming one of us. But I must say: learn all you can. Knowledge is the rifle of the mind, your body the ammunition. Right now, your job is to study hard. If, in the future, you still wish to join, you’ll be welcomed as guardians of the people.”
As the Chief Instructor spoke of the end of training, bittersweet feelings welled up in most hearts. After a month with our instructors, any claim of no attachment would be false. Now, with departure imminent, joy, loss, and melancholy pressed within our chests.
“But since training isn't over yet—” the Chief Instructor paused mid-sentence, “All units, attention!”
Everyone snapped to, the habits of the past month taking hold. Though none quite understood his intent, our bodies responded instinctively.
“Align to the left! Eyes front!”
“Alright. Instructors, lead your squads—continue training.” The Chief Instructor’s sinister tone swept away the lingering sentiment, leaving the air brisk and clear.
In everyone’s mind, two words flashed: Oh, hell!
“First Company, assemble!”
“Second Company—”
…
“You little rascals—do you think you’re out of my reach now that you’re leaving? Everyone, get ready for push-ups!” Our tough instructor, Old Hei, gathered us up, wasting no time with nostalgia and immediately ordered us into position.
We were used to standing at attention for hours, barely feeling fatigue, but push-ups were another matter—our arms truly couldn’t bear it, especially since Old Hei never made things easy for us.
“One command, one movement, one!”
Just as expected, he started counting—down on ‘one,’ up on ‘two.’
“Did you have fun today?” Old Hei’s voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, but none of us believed his tone; he was the sort to hide a knife behind a smile, steel wrapped in velvet.
“Yes!” We didn’t know what he was up to, but obediently played along.
“But I’m not happy.” Old Hei’s face turned stern, his voice pressing.
We held our positions, unable to look up at his expression.
“Because you haven’t given Yan Ru Yu, who brought honor to our company, a proper welcome.” At this, everyone was a little stunned—including me.
We glanced up to see Old Hei grinning mischievously.
“All units, toss Yan Ru Yu into the air!”
As soon as the words left Old Hei’s mouth, I realized what was coming and tried to bolt.
But before I could get anywhere, someone grabbed me.
Turning, I saw Ma Liang.
“Heh, where are you running?” Ma Liang grinned.
The others, now alert, joined in, grabbing my shoulders and legs, hoisting me up.
“Brothers, play as you will, but don’t drop me—I don’t have a girlfriend yet.” I joked lightly.
Life is like being forced—you can’t resist, so you might as well enjoy it.
“One, two, three—wow!”
They tossed me up and caught me, again and again.
I saw other squads nearby watching us.
Perhaps it was contagious—soon, other teams started tossing their own members.
Roughly, it seemed to be those who had lasted till the end—victors of their squads.
The whole drill ground surged with cheers.
The Chief Instructor watched the scene unfold but didn’t intervene, and everyone played even harder.
I reflected, thankfully the lights were bright enough—otherwise, I’d have landed face-first in the dirt.
After the cheers died down, enthusiasm waned, and at last I stood firmly on solid ground.
“Let’s find a female squad and start a singing battle.” Old Hei led us up to a group of female soldiers.
“Ready, sing!”
“Girls across the way, look over here, look over here, look over here, the performance here is thrilling, please don’t pretend not to care.”
Our singing drew the girls’ attention.
“Everyone, let’s welcome the girls from Second Company to sing for us, shall we?” Old Hei called out.
“Yes!” We put on our bravest faces, shouting and applauding.
The girls only watched, so we booed playfully. Old Hei pressed on: “One, two, three, four, five!”
We responded, “We’ve waited so long!”
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.”
“We’re getting anxious!”
The opposing instructor, seeing our persistence, stepped forward.
“All units, sit!” At her command, the girls sat down.
“If you want me to sing, I’ll sing—” She raised her right hand.
The girls immediately shouted, “Where does that leave my dignity!”
“If you want me to sing, I won’t!”
“What can you do about it?”
“What can you do!”
Old Hei, seeing the contest heat up, glanced back at us.
“My heart is waiting.”
“Forever waiting!”
“My heart is waiting.”
“Forever waiting!”
“Second Company, sing!”
“Hurry up and sing!”
Everyone joined in, making a rowdy scene, shouting and whistling.
“That company’s singing is so lame,” the girls’ instructor led, and the girls chimed in, “It’s truly outdated!”
“Might as well pack our bags.”
“Go home and sell sweet potatoes! Ha ha ha!” The girls laughed at their own lyrics.
Thus, back and forth we went, singing and bantering, time slipping by amidst the songs.
…
“Alright, you little rascals, tonight you got a real chance to unwind—even got to flirt with the girls.” Old Hei said, and everyone replied with knowing chuckles.
“Now, all of you, get back and sleep! If anyone’s late to assembly tomorrow, prepare for push-ups! Dismissed!” With a wave, Old Hei sent us off.