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Chapter 5 - Arrive at the Ministry of Armed Forces, recruits gather!

Father placed a chicken leg in Chen Ming’s bowl, advising, “Follow your squad leader’s instructions in the army, train well, and avoid unnecessary trouble, understand?”

Father, having gathered insights from veterans in the village, shared his knowledge about army life with Chen Ming.

While watching her child, the mother hesitantly suggested, after a prolonged silence, “Son, now that you’ve improved in your studies, can you consider not joining the military?”

Chen Ming and Chen Gensheng were surprised, staring at Wang Yan in disbelief.

Wang Yan, feeling their gaze, expressed, “I initially thought of sending you to the army to help you overcome internet addiction. Now that you’ve improved, we can reconsider – find a good job and visit us occasionally.”

Wang Yan had listened to the experiences of veterans with Chen Gensheng, realising the hardships and dangers of military service.

While gnawing on a chicken leg, Chen Ming reassured his mother, “The army may be tough, but it’s also a valuable experience, and there are allowances too.”

Chen Gensheng said, “Exactly, the old man in the village always talks about a man seeking opportunities far and wide. It’s a chance for our boy to explore.”

Wang Yan, observing their reactions, sighed deeply, “Alright, I understand. It’s hard to think of not seeing you for two years.”

Knowing the seriousness of desertion, Chen Ming assured them, “Joining the army is a form of growth, and refusing means facing the consequences. It’s a commitment I can’t break.”

With a heavy heart, Wang Yan conceded, “Okay, just thinking about not seeing you for two years pains me.”

After the meal, Chen Ming packed lightly, knowing the army provided most essentials. As the days passed, Chen Ming found himself at the village gate, backpack slung over his shoulders, bidding farewell to his parents. His father, filled with encouragement, hoped Chen Ming would make his mark in the military.

His tearful and reluctant mother advised, “Take care of yourself and call home when you can.”

Wang Yan, raising her voice, added, “Watch your health and give us a call when you can.”

Seated by the window on the bus, Chen Ming nodded earnestly at his parents, carrying their hopes and wishes as he embarked on this new journey. Although it’s only been a month since the rebirth, there’s a deep bond between these two parents for some reason.

Rumble.

The engine roared, and the shuttle started. Chen Gensheng and his wife watched Ban gradually move away, feeling mixed emotions.

Wang Yan lay on Chen Gensheng’s shoulder, tears streaming down her face. The journey ahead, lasting two years with many hardships, was already causing heartache for Wang Yan.

Sitting in the car, Chen Ming also watched his parents disappear, feeling a sudden pang in his nose and moist eyes. Coincidentally, this bus was the one Chen Gensheng and his wife took when they brought Chen Ming home.

Seeing Chen Ming’s sorrow, the chubby ticket conductor sighed and advised, “Since you know it’s heartbreaking, make progress in the army, change bad habits, and support them in their retirement.”

Chen Ming nodded.

The bus continued to shake, but this time it was different. Chen Ming knew where he was headed. After almost an hour, the bus finally stopped at the passenger terminal. The passenger station was still far from the country’s armed forces.

To save time, Chen Ming quickly paid for two motorcycles.

“Hey, going to the military, huh?” The motorcycle driver remarked.

“Hmm,” Chen Ming responded.

The motorcycle roared to life, overtaking the road with Chen Ming and his luggage in the back seat.

The driver chuckled, “Good for you! Young people should wear uniforms to serve the country instead of just playing saviours in front of computers.”

Chen Ming sighed inwardly, thinking, “A month ago, I was also a computer saviour.”

The motorcycle driver, speeding along, soon parked at the entrance of the Armed Forces Department. Because today was the recruits’ reporting day, the Armed Forces Department was livelier than usual.

Many young guys his age dragged their luggage, said goodbye to their parents and entered the solemn and sacred Military Department. He looked up at the red flag flying above the Military Department building. Under the sunlight, the flag was extremely bright and fluttered in the breeze.

Chen Ming, inspired by the banner, without hesitation, followed the crowd and decisively entered the armed forces department. Taking this step meant that for at least the next two years, he wouldn’t be an ordinary person but a soldier ready to endure any hardship in service to the people!

“Recruits reporting, gather here!” A rough voice echoed as they entered the Military Department.

Chen Ming walked towards the source of the sound. In an open space, a burly soldier in a military uniform shouted with a loudspeaker.

Approaching, he realised it was a middle-aged man with a face as dark as charcoal. He wanted to joke about the crescent moon on his head resembling Bao Zheng, but seeing the shoulder patch, he quickly stopped himself.

The epaulettes displayed a golden crossed rifle surrounded by wheat ears and two folding rods, unmistakably a second-stage non-commissioned officer. Beside him were two non-commissioned officers of the same rank, taking turns with megaphones, one shouting after the other.

Behind the three non-commissioned officers stood a serious young man, a second lieutenant officer with a spear and a star on his shoulder. While the young officer looked barely in his twenties, the three non-commissioned officers seemed obedient and refrained from unnecessary words in his presence. Although young, the second lieutenant exuded the aura of a big brother.