Old Miao, you're quite something, personally coming down to pull people in," the Regiment Commander on the side said.
"Heh! Isn't it because I'm retiring soon? I'm thinking of leaving a few more good seeds for the Reconnaissance Company so I can rest easy," Company Commander Miao said with a chuckle.
"Oh right, let me introduce you. This is the Regiment Commander of the Special 8th Regiment, my old superior," Company Commander Miao said.
"Greetings, Chief!" Lin Mu, Zhuang Yan, and Chen Xiwa saluted simultaneously.
"Hello," the Regiment Commander returned the salute and said, "So, are you willing to join the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company?"
"I am!" This was the answer from Lin Mu and Chen Xiwa.
"I can also join a company?" Zhuang Yan asked hesitantly.
"Nonsense, don't tell me you're unwilling to join a company?" Company Commander Miao's face darkened.
"No, I didn't mean— Reporting to Company Commander Miao, I am willing to join the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company," Zhuang Yan answered after he figured it out.
"Alright, wait over there. You'll go back together once the others arrive," Company Commander Miao said.
Returning to the training ground, Lin Mu stood in the formation, waiting for Zheng Three Cannons ahead to read out the scores.
"Lin Mu, first place in the physical fitness test, plus twenty-five points. Current total score is seventy-five."
"Zhuang Yan, second place in the physical fitness test, plus twenty points. Current total score is seventy."
"Chen Xiwa, third place in the physical fitness test, plus twenty points. Current total score is seventy."
"Everyone else gets fifteen points. Total score is sixty-five."
In the morning, the New Recruit Company completed the basic assessment items. Lin Mu was firmly in first place, Zhuang Yan second, and Chen Xiwa third.
Learning of this ranking, Shen Meng and Hu Feng's faces turned completely dark. Lin Mu had taken first place in all three morning assessments.
If Lin Mu took first place again in the afternoon shooting assessment, wouldn't they lose the bet?
In the afternoon, at the shooting range.
"Zhuang Yan, Chen Xiwa, shoot well. I believe in you. Show your true level and don't disappoint me," Zheng Three Cannons walked up to the two and said solemnly.
He still held high hopes for these two, even though he had lost face twice because of Zhuang Yan.
When he reached Lin Mu, Zheng Three Cannons said flatly, "Just perform normally."
"Yes!" Lin Mu shouted loudly.
"Prepare! Shooting assessment begins!"
After looking over the recruits, Zheng Three Cannons announced the start of the shooting assessment. He then stood behind the recruits, watching the distant targets with binoculars.
Seeing Zhuang Yan's shooting result, Zheng Three Cannons said with satisfaction, "Not bad, Zhuang Yan. A hundred rings."
"Oh! Chen Xiwa also got a hundred rings. Not bad, not bad." A flash of satisfaction appeared in Zheng Three Cannons' eyes.
Chen Xiwa's shooting results were excellent. A hundred rings for ten bullets was a huge improvement compared to before.
"Lin Mu, a hundred rings!" When he saw Lin Mu's target, he appeared quite calm.
Clearly, Lin Mu's score of a hundred rings was already within Zheng Three Cannons' expectations.
After all, not everyone could pull off a continuous cross-shot, especially of the highest level.
"Not shooting for ten rings this time?" Zheng Three Cannons said with a half-smile.
He clearly remembered the slow-motion footage from yesterday, where bullet after bullet passed seamlessly through the same hole.
"That time was just an accident," Lin Mu smiled and said.
Next, Zheng Three Cannons read out the scores of the others. The best was only ninety-six rings.
Shen Meng and Hu Feng's scores were ninety rings and eighty-nine rings, respectively.
Though decent, it was useless. It still couldn't change the fact that Lin Mu's assessment score was the best in the New Recruit Company.
"The assessment is over. Tomorrow you will join your companies. All recruits will wear the rank of Private and officially become members of the Chinese Army."
"As for which company you're assigned to, wait for the notice. Alright, dismissed!" After saying this, Zheng Three Cannons prepared to leave with the score sheet.
As soon as Zheng Three Cannons said 'dismissed', Shen Meng and Hu Feng turned and quickly left the area.
Seeing the backs of Shen Meng and Hu Feng as they left, Lin Mu only smiled.
To be honest, Lin Mu wasn't surprised at all by their behavior.
They were like a pebble in the road that hurt your foot; just kick it aside, it's quick and effortless.
The day after the recruit assessment ended.
Like all the other recruits, Lin Mu put on his service uniform and Private rank, waiting under the military flag for the arrival of the sacred moment of the oath.
"I am a member of the Chinese Army. I swear," Lin Mu said solemnly, his right fist held by his right ear.
"To defend the motherland unto death."
"To defend the motherland unto death."
"To defend the motherland unto death."
All the recruits repeated 'To defend the motherland unto death' three times, each face filled with excitement.
Their blood was boiling. At this moment, they all understood that they were Soldiers.
The oath ended, and all that remained was the announcement of company assignments.
"Liu Tong, 1st Battalion, 6th Company."
"Yes!"
"Cai Weiguo, 1st Battalion, 3rd Company."
"Yes!"
"Chen Xiwa, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company."
"Yes!"
"Zhuang Yan, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company."
"Yes!"
"Lin Mu, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company."
"Yes!"
Because Company Commander Miao had requested an extra slot from the Regiment Commander, Lin Mu, Zhuang Yan, and Chen Xiwa joined the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company together.
"This assignment was made by higher departments after various considerations. If anyone has questions, you can raise them now," Zheng Three Cannons said.
After waiting a moment and seeing no one speak, Zheng Three Cannons continued.
"The officers from each company are waiting for you over there. After dismissal, go back and pack your things. Then, report to your respective company's personnel officer and follow your Company Commander back to your units. Understood?"
"Yes!" The recruits looked at Zheng Three Cannons with complex expressions.
Zheng Three Cannons was ruthless during training, but he was usually a good person. Many had gradually come to like this veteran. Now that they were about to part, tears flickered in many eyes.
"Alright, stop acting like little girls. We'll still see each other often. Dismissed."
"Yes!" everyone shouted.
"Lin Mu, Zhuang Yan, Chen Xiwa, the three of you come with me in a bit."
"My name is Chen Guotao. I am the Platoon Leader of the First Platoon of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company. You can call me Platoon Leader Chen from now on!"
"Yes, Platoon Leader Chen!" Lin Mu and Chen Xiwa saluted.
"Come, I'll introduce you, and then we'll get straight to training." After saying this, he waved for the two of them to follow.
Because Zhuang Yan had beaten up Old Cannon in the New Recruit Company, none of the Platoon Leaders dared to take him. Company Commander Miao had no choice but to make Zhuang Yan his Clerk.
Because Zhuang Yan went to find Platoon Leader Chen on his own, he ended up training with the First Platoon.
Over time, it became an accepted fact that Zhuang Yan was a Soldier of the First Platoon.
After officially becoming Soldiers, life remained dull and repetitive. Every day was training, training, and more trainin