Chapter 163: The First Year of the New Recruit Company

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Maybe it’s because 1 love you too much… That’s why I’m wearing this military uniform…”

On the 13th day of the 30th lunar month.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, the entire company was arranged to take platoon showers.

This was supposed to be done once a week and was originally scheduled for yesterday, but the company commander deliberately postponed it to today.

The explanation given to everyone was that…

In bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, creating a new atmosphere for the upcoming year. Tomorrow, they would shower, change into clean clothes, and welcome the New Year’s Eve with a fresh and clean appearance!

Naturally, no one had any objections.

The sound of a song echoed in the bathhouse.

Two lines, one line, another line, and the new recruits were unusually relaxed.

Under the shower, the class monitor and platoon leader removed their serious expressions and sang cheerfully with everyone.

After showering, they washed their clothes.

This was the first time the entire recruit company had truly embraced their well-deserved free time.

In the dormitory, there was no need to neatly fold blankets, memorize theoretical questions, or face punishments like squatting or extra drills.

Ye Sanshi brought over a set of Chinese chess and two decks of poker cards.

“If you want to play, let’s play. If not, you can go downstairs for a walk.”

Ye Sanshi’s smile accompanied these words.

Naturally, everyone cheered. Some chose to stay in the dormitory, while others opted for a stroll.

After all, some had friends in other classes.

Unlike Wang Ye, who’s friend, Yan Zhiming, who previously belonged top Class

8 and was not part of Class 5.

However, Wang Ye didn’t stay in the dormitory. He greeted Ye Sanshi and headed downstairs alone.

The sun was shining today.

Wang Ye wanted to go outside, bask in the sunlight, and inhale the rare scent of freedom.

As he stepped out of the dormitory, he glanced back and saw couplets hung on both sides of the door. The word “blessing” was also posted on the door.

This had been done the previous day.

The entire recruit company, all nine squad dormitory doors, were adorned with this.

Even streamers and lanterns were hung in the corridor.

The festive atmosphere was palpable.

“Brother Wang, wait up!”

Just as he left, someone caught up from behind.

“Weren’t you planning to stay in the dormitory?” Wang Ye smiled as he looked at Yan Zhiming.

“No, I’m tired of being cooped up there. Since I finally have a chance to roam freely, I want to go out too.”

“Alright, then let’s take a walk together!”

Originally, Wang Ye intended to find a spot to lie down and soak up the sun, but with Yan Zhiming accompanying him, he decided to stroll together.

“Brother Wang, do you know Gao Sisi from my class?”

As they walked downstairs, Yan Zhiming suddenly smiled and brought up the topic.

“Hmm?” Upon hearing this, certain buried memories resurfaced in Wang Ye’s mind. The image of a round-faced girl emerged.

“I have a faint recollection. Why?” Wang Ye inquired. “Is she dating you?”

This was Wang Ye’s only logical conclusion when his female classmate asked about her.

“Hehe, we’ve exchanged letters, but we’re not officially a couple. She’s studying at the University of Star City.”

Yan Zhiming prattled on. Wang Ye, acting as an attentive listener, provided him an outlet for his words.

It made sense. In the entire recruit company, only a handful hailed from the same hometown, and even fewer knew each other from there.

Wang Ye and Yan Zhiming were the only true classmates, even if not in the same class. Now that Wang Ye recalled this girl from his class, she naturally became a prime candidate for a friendly chat.

Back in their hometown.

“Alright, quit staring at your phone all day. I’ve asked around. New Year’s Day is when recruits can usually make calls in the army, and they haven’t even had lunch yet.”

With the factory shut down for the New Year holiday, and the online store staffed, Wang Jianjun and his wife had finally disconnected from work.

After packing their things, Wang Jianjun emerged from his room with a gift bag and other items. Observing his wife seated in the living room, phone in hand, Wang Jianjun couldn’t resist saying,

Addressing her husband, she replied, “1 know, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared, right?”

“As long as the phone’s volume is on, you’ll hear it ring when it comes.”

“Alright, hurry up and count the red envelopes. Once that’s done, we’ll get in the car and head back home.”

They had decided not to spend the New Year in the county town.

While the villa there was grand, it was just the two of them. At most, they would bring Wang Ye along.

Their roots were firmly planted in the countryside.

Thus, they were headed back home on New Year’s Eve.

“Okay, okay!”

Wang Ye’s mother nodded, but she kept her phone in her hand all the while. Even as she counted the red envelopes, she kept her phone within sight, screen up, ready to notice any incoming calls.

“Come on down and get ready to help in the kitchen!”

It was already 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Surprisingly, there were no drills today. Kang Hua’s voice rang out softly, in contrast to his usual commanding tone, as he called from downstairs.

Everyone had assembled in no time and was escorted directly to the mess hall.

Tonight wasn’t just about a feast; there would be a barbecue as well.

The whole company, along with Zhang Ping’an and a few others who were skilled in cooking, had been enlisted to assist the kitchen staff in preparing the meal.

The other recruits were outside, making dumplings, skewers, marinated chicken wings, and more.

Laughter and cheers filled the air.

Gone were the traps, the veteran tricks, and the strict discipline. They were free to have a good time on occasion.

Indeed, they were enjoying themselves, but…

On festive occasions like this, homesickness tended to creep in.

During every festive moment, thoughts of family and relatives were inevitable, especially on the traditional New Year’s Eve.

Yet, no one shed tears due to missing their homes. Instead, they anticipated the upcoming phone call session.

By 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the barbecue party was in full swing.

Held at the training ground outside.

Each class had their own makeshift grills.

“Hey, not bad, not bad… Brother Wang, it smells amazing!” Zhang Ping’an had been assigned to the recruit company, and he had yet to return as the barbecue began.

Consequently, Wang Ye, class five’s vice class monitor, took charge of the grilling duties.

The chicken wings on the skewers weren’t fully cooked yet, some still exuding traces of blood. Nonetheless, Qin Li, who resembled a starving beast, snatched one away and devoured it immediately. He even praised it as delicious.

Subsequently, the few skewers of chicken wings in Wang Ye’s grilling tray disappeared.

“Hey, be careful!”

Wang Ye warned, but his words fell on deaf ears.

The barbecue marked the first time he’d enjoyed such a treat since joining the army. Even if the meat was only 70-80% cooked, it was still edible and enjoyable.

Soon, skewers of various kinds filled the scene. Wang Ye himself hadn’t had a chance to eat anything; by the time the food was fully cooked, others had already claimed it.

Grilling was indeed a form of entertainment. Everyone knew they wouldn’t be able to eat to their hearts’ content here. A grand feast awaited them later.

By 6 o’clock, the barbecue ended, and everyone relocated to the mess hall to indulge in the feast.

“Wow, this is lavish!”

“If I’d known, 1 wouldn’t have eaten so much earlier!”

Seated at the table, they admired the spread. The speed of the barbecue had taken them by surprise, and now they regretted not holding back during the grilling session.

After all, tonight was truly a night of indulgence.

Even lobsters were on the menu.

Chicken, duck, fish, meat — the dishes kept coming, creating a lavish table. They might not be able to enjoy such a sumptuous meal even back at their homes.

That night, everyone gathered in the cafeteria to watch the news broadcast. Rather than crowding into the classroom, they’d set up the phone there and watched together as they enjoyed their feast.

Furthermore, the regimental commander, the political commissar, and the chief of staff arrived during the broadcast.

While exchanging greetings, the regimental commander handed Wu Jianfeng a bundle of red envelopes.

As the Regiment Commander phrased it, it was a New Year’s gift for everyone. The amount wasn’t extravagant, but it added an element of fun. Luck played a role as each person received their envelope.

For him, this modest delight was truly delightful.

Someone drew a 10-yuan note from the envelope and was tasked with singing a song.

Another individual won the grand prize of 50 yuan and was challenged to perform a dance.

Regardless of their dancing abilities, they were all eager participants.

Of course, the song participant would soon be surreptitiously advised by the class monitor not to select a song that could potentially lead to trouble, such as “Green Flower in the Army.”

The joy was palpable.

Wang Ye drew 5 yuan without any special conditions, yet he was still thrilled.

He couldn’t have been more excited even if he’d drawn 100 yuan.

At 8 o’clock, Wu Jianfeng announced the much-anticipated activity.

It was time for phone calls.

Since their phones were typically uncharged and potentially out of credit, the regimental commander had provided his phone. Each person had a 10-minute slot to use the phone outside.