Chapter 37

“The slowest finisher took 18 minutes to complete the race, and that’s only because the squad leaders had to run behind them,” Wu Jianfeng bellowed into the loudspeaker. “It’s shameful! Allowing you to wear military uniforms is an insult to the uniform itself!”

After the three-kilometer run, the new recruits took a brief break before assembling once again. Wu Jianfeng stood before them with the loudspeaker, his voice booming so loud that Wang Ye’s ears were ringing.

“You call yourselves soldiers? This is how you perform?” Wu Jianfeng continued to shout, his anger palpable. “Even a random street cleaner could run faster than you. I don’t understand how you all passed the military fitness test with this level of physical fitness. It’s like each generation is getting weaker and weaker.”

Wu Jianfeng concluded his rant by dismissing the recruits and ordering the squad leaders to take them away quickly. “I can’t stand to watch them any longer,” he added before turning his back to the group.

Despite Wu Jianfeng’s intense display of anger, Wang Ye suspected that it was merely an act. After all, the new recruits had only just arrived, and it was unrealistic to expect all of them to be physically fit. They didn’t all have a background in sports or come from a sports school.

…

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Afterward, the company was divided into nine squads and lined up on the lawn in the middle of the fitness training ground.

Ye Sanshi’s face remained tense throughout the entire process. Once everyone was in position, he looked them over and spoke up. “The 3,000-meter run has revealed your true abilities,” he said.

Despite their youth, the results were not satisfactory.

Apart from Wan Baojiang, Wang Ye, and a few others who were in better physical condition, the rest of the recruits looked pale and struggled to take steady steps during the run. Wang Ye was concerned that some of them might collapse and not be able to catch their breath.

Despite their less-than-ideal performance, Class Five’s time for the 3,000-meter run was still considered decent, with most of them finishing within 15 to 16 minutes. At least, no one needed to be supported by the class monitor, which was a relief. If such a situation had occurred, Ye Sanshi would have likely taken a much harsher approach.

“All right, drop down and do fifty push-ups!” Ye Sanshi commanded, startling Wang Ye. Despite only being acquainted for less than 24 hours, everyone was aware of Ye Sanshi’s reputation.

Fifty push-ups? Would he be so lenient? No one dared to voice such thoughts out loud. In fact, many thought that fifty was already too much.

Soon enough, the entire class hit the pavement to do the push-ups.

“One.”

“Two.”

…

“After only twelve push-ups, Ye Sanshi suddenly remembered something important to tell the recruits,”Pay attention to your breathing while running. It is a technique.”

As the fifth squad’s new recruits listened to Ye Sanshi’s lecture, they were initially relieved to have a break from the push-ups. Some even felt a sense of joy at not having to continue the strenuous exercise.

Wang Ye’s frustration soon turned into understanding as he realized Ye Sanshi’s true intentions. The veteran squad leader was deliberately making them suffer and pushing them to their limits. As they continued to hold the push-up position, their arms began to ache with exhaustion. Yet, Ye Sanshi continued to talk about running techniques and folding quilts, and even shared stories with the recruits.

Wang Ye couldn’t help but think to himself, “Fuck, he’s only this nice when he has something up his sleeves.”

As Wang Ye held the push-up position, he heard someone grinding their teeth beside him. It was Deng Hai, whose arm was already trembling with exhaustion. Unable to take it any longer, Deng Hai finally spoke up. “Report, sir…”

Ye Sanshi looked over at Deng Hai, his expression was nonchalant despite the recruits’ trembling and swaying on the ground. “Speak,” he said casually, even smiling slightly.

Deng Hai gritted his teeth and reminded Ye Sanshi, “We are still doing push-ups, sir.” He couldn’t bear it any longer.

“Ah!” Ye Sanshi looked as though he had just realized this fact.

To the recruits of Class Five, Ye Sanshi’s expression seemed like he was asking for a beating. “I nearly forgot that you were doing push-ups!” he exclaimed, although it was clear to everyone that he was lying through his teeth.

The recruits felt insulted by Ye Sanshi’s insincerity. It was as if he was trying to trick them like children. However, despite their frustration, they knew that they had to continue pushing through the exercise, no matter how irritating their squad leader’s behavior may be because no one dared to object.

Despite the recruits’ objections, Ye Sanshi had deliberately acted in this manner. There was no use in protesting against him.

As Ye Sanshi began counting down, “One~!” the recruits struggled to hold on for as long as possible. But as the number increased, two or three of them let go of their hands and collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

Ye Sanshi’s expression changed instantly, his previously dog-like face turning stern. “What are you doing?!” he barked. He had been smiling just moments ago, but now he was back to his usual strict demeanor.

“Report, class monitor, we’ve already completed twelve!” someone whispered.

“Are there any other questions?” Ye Sanshi’s nonchalant remark rendered the recruit speechless. What else could he say? He was left feeling embarrassed and closed his mouth.

“Hmph! If there’s no problem, stand up. The next time anyone moves around, I’ll add ten people at a time!” No one spoke, and everyone silently flipped Ye Sanshi’s family tree the bird in their hearts.

“One!” The menacing voice sounded again, and this time, no one dared to argue or question it. Soon, he had singled out ten more.

“Oh … I almost forgot to tell you guys just now. When you run, you have to pay attention to your breathing. These are all techniques….”

“Fuck!”

Meanwhile, Deng Hai shouted out in frustration, “F*ck!” The anger was palpable on the faces of everyone present, including Wang Ye.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? You still want to gain experience?” he continued.

“I am imparting my veteran experience to you. It can help you avoid many mistakes,” Ye Sanshi explained, but his words only served to enrage Class Five even further.

Wang Ye, on the other hand, remained composed and chose to stay silent. As an adult, he had developed a level of maturity and self-control that allowed him to endure such situations.

While Wang Ye managed to keep his cool, the rest of the class was not as patient. Wan Baojiang ground his teeth and spoke up, “Class monitor, please spare us the agony. Can’t you just tell us how long we have to endure or how many push-ups we have to do in one go?”

“I also request that you stop torturing us like this, sir!” added Gu Yingnan.

Ye Sanshi chuckled, “Haha! What are you talking about? We are dear comrades, aren’t we?”

But his friendly tone quickly changed, “Alright, since you insist, and I’m a democratic and reasonable person, I’ll give you ten more minutes.”

The class let out a collective groan. If they weren’t inside the military camp, and if they had a sack in their hands, Wang Ye had no doubt that they would have rushed at Ye Sanshi and beaten him up until he was unrecognizable to his own mother.