Chapter 242: Nurturing You as a Future Regiment Commander

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

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Hey, why do you think that fella is so lucky? Damn, I’m so envious that my eyes are red!”

“Sigh, that’s right. I’ve bought many things from him, but he actually didn’t come to me for this. I’m so angry.”

During the night, the four washrooms were bustling with activity. Currently, people were using the washroom to wash clothes, and the outdoor washroom was no exception.

He had no choice. After spending nearly ten days in the wilderness, where he had to subsist on dry rations, bathing and washing clothes were distant luxuries.

It was simply impossible. How could he allow you to disarm yourself during battle?

Therefore, upon their return, the first order of business was to take showers and launder their clothes.

Naturally, this laundry session wasn’t a quiet affair. Everyone was engaged in discussions about various incidents that occurred during the training exercise.

For instance, they were recounting a soldier from the second company who had encountered a formidable enemy.

Ultimately, after making a purchase from him, he was directed by a villager and stumbled upon a Scout.

The Scout had expertly concealed himself, taking refuge in a villager’s house.

The villager roamed the area outside daily, having resided there for decades. He was acquainted with all the locals.

This time, the Scout had taken shelter with this particular family, even going so far as to claim he was their child.

The villagers of that household cooperated, but they couldn’t withstand the probing questions from the seasoned soldier.

In the end, recruits from the second company led a few squad members to intercept the Scout, who happened to be feeding pigs near the pigsty…

But this was merely the outset. In the end, soldiers from the Second Company sought out the villager to purchase more goods. They acquired a trove of items from him and managed to apprehend two additional Scouts…

Three in total. He had singled out three of them all by himself. In fact, due to his methods, his fame had eclipsed even that of Wang Ye.

This left Wang Ye slightly baffled. He even privately wondered why the villager hadn’t approached him this time.

Without uttering a word, Wang Ye continued to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Sigh, I’ve wised up. The next time we have a drill like this, I’ll bring more money. I’ll head straight for the villager. I’ll buy everything he has and ask him to set some things aside for me!”

“Haha, that’s a riot. I’ve got a small cart brimming with stuff. If you buy it all, it might be months before you receive a first-class soldier’s stipend!”

“Let me tell you, don’t get too attached to me. 1 won’t cover your expenses if something goes wrong!” At this juncture, a seasoned veteran offered a caution.

Observing that all eyes were on him, he grinned and continued, “This is a special circumstance. He’s fighting near our base, so this old man can be considered our group’s elder.

“But the next time you encounter him in the wild during a large-scale drill, you’d better steer clear. You might even know where he is. After making a purchase, turn around and beat a hasty retreat.

Otherwise, you might find yourself in the crosshairs of an artillery shell as soon as he departs!”

“All! Squad leader, are you suggesting that the villager might betray us?” A private inquired in hushed tones.

“Nonsense!” The seasoned leader glanced over and smiled. “During a major exercise, that old man might not be our regiment’s elder. He could be from another unit, or perhaps he’s a fellow countryman who’s been peddling goods in the exercise area.”

He didn’t hold any official position, and he wouldn’t lend a hand either. His actions were solely based on his mood.

If you caught him in a good mood and bought his wares, you might get a couple of extra benefits.

However, if you encountered him in a bad mood or were a step too late in buying from Sir System, your head might end up as a gift to someone else, courtesy of Sir System!”

“Fuck, these old timers are real hustlers!”

“Hehe, actually, it’s not just the uncles, but the aunties too. Anyway, be cautious during the exercise. This falls within the rules, and it’s an attempt to simulate a real battle scenario.

After all, in a real battle, fellow countrymen were also a factor that couldn’t be ignored.

Of course, when that time comes, our fellow villagers will stand firmly by our side.”

In the second phase, he fully embraced his role as a veteran and helped some of the recruits in the washroom learn from their mistakes.

Wang Ye was lost in thought. He remembered the old man who sold water and snacks to him during field training.

Could it have been him this time?

“Wang Ye!”

Suddenly, a figure appeared at the bathroom door.

“Here!”

Wang Ye quickly stood up upon hearing the voice.

It was their class monitor, Zhou Qi.

Their class monitor had just finished showering and hadn’t had the chance to wash his clothes before heading to the meeting.

Of course, the two recruits were very considerate and helped him with his laundry.

“Come on, step out!”

Zhou Qi said with a smile. After saying this, he glanced at the person next to Wang Ye and added, “Wei Qinghai, Wang Ye has something to attend to. Help him with his laundry!”

H

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Wei Qinghai wore a disgruntled expression.

If the platoon leader had asked this of him at the moment, he would have definitely refused.

But this was the class monitor.

He could only reluctantly reply, “Yes, sir!”

“Thank you, Brother Wei!”

Wang Ye, who was already at the door, turned back and thanked Wei Qinghai with a smile.

As for Wei Qinghai, he still wore a sour look on his face.

This was absurd. It felt more like the new recruits helping the veterans with their laundry. Since when did the veterans help the new recruits with theirs?

And to make matters worse, there were numerous new recruits and veterans from other squads present today.

How embarrassing!

He could already imagine the laughter and teasing he would endure from other classes later on.

Even if they didn’t mock him openly, they would certainly have a good laugh when they returned to their own classes.

It was highly unusual to see veterans assisting new recruits with their laundry.

Moreover, Wang Ye had now earned the humorous moniker of the new godfather from everyone in the Fourth Company.

While it was all in good fun for soldiers from other classes, helping Wang Ye with his laundry now made it a bit more believable, didn’t it?

Well… although it did seem to have a grain of truth to it.

“Class monitor, what’s going on?”

Outside, Wang Ye followed Zhou Qi and inquired with a smile.

“Yes!” Zhou Qi smiled and turned around. “But I’m not here for you. The commander wants to see you!”

“All.”

“What? He’s is waiting for you downstairs. Hurry!”

“Yes, sir!”

In reality, Wang Ye had anticipated that the regimental commander would seek him out upon his return.

However, when he did return, the commander didn’t summon him. Later, when he returned to his class to shave his head and take a shower, there was still no sign of the commander. Wang Ye began to wonder if the commander had changed his mind or would come looking for him another day.

He hadn’t expected to be summoned while he was in the midst of doing his laundry.

Downstairs, Wu Jianfeng was seated in the driver’s seat of the SUV.

Wang Ye opened the passenger door and took a seat.

“Company Commander, is the Regimental Commander going to talk to me about what happened during the day?”

In the car, Wang Ye asked Wu Jianfeng.

“Yes, most likely, but there might be something else as well.”

Wu Jianfeng turned to look at him while driving. “Don’t overthink it. Just tell the truth when you meet the regimental commander later.”

In truth, Wu Jianfeng was only speculating. After all, when the regimental commander called, he simply sent a document instructing Wang Ye to come. He hadn’t provided any details at all…

Soon, the car passed through the camp and arrived at the regimental headquarters building.

Wang Ye followed Wu Jianfeng out of the vehicle.

“Report!”

Wu Jianfeng led Wang Ye to the door of the regimental commander’s office and announced their presence.

“Wang Ye, come in!”

The regimental commander’s voice emanated from within, specifically addressing Wang Ye by name. Wu Jianfeng understood the implication.

He looked at Wang Ye and whispered, “Go ahead!”

“Yes, sir!

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Pushing open the slightly ajar door, only the regimental commander was seated behind his desk.

“Report!”

Wang Ye walked over to the opposite side of the regimental commander and saluted.

“Fourth Company Commander, close the door and wait downstairs!”

The regimental commander didn’t acknowledge Wang Ye and instead shouted toward the door.

After a confirming “yes” from outside, the door was closed, leaving only the regimental commander and Wang Ye in the room.

“Do you regret not joining the division’s reconnaissance battalion?”

The regimental commander fixed his gaze on Wang Ye and got straight to the point.

“Report, I have no regrets!” Wang Ye replied with a confident smile.

“Yes, it might sound a bit rehearsed, but it’s also genuine!”

The regimental commander stood up with a grin.

After lighting a cigarette and taking a drag, he approached Wang Ye, the cigarette held between his chopsticks.

Looking at Wang Ye, he smiled and remarked, “Don’t worry, the Iron Bones Hero Regiment won’t let you down!”

“Yes, sir!” Wang Ye responded with determination.

“I can only keep you here for about a year anyway!”

Wang Ye was taken aback but didn’t voice any objections. He simply maintained eye contact with the regimental commander.

“In truth, 1 had considered bringing you back to our regiment after you graduate from the military academy.”

After exhaling a puff of smoke, he moved to the window with his back turned to Wang Ye.

“But it seems that this hope is almost nil!”

“Why?” Wang Ye couldn’t help but ask.

The regimental commander turned his head, walked back to his desk, and took a seat. “You might not be aware of this, but those who are recommended by the military academy often return to their alma mater.”

Wang Ye was indeed aware of this. His platoon leader at the military academy, Meng Wenbin, had briefly explained the process to him.

However, Wang Ye was puzzled by what the regimental commander was saying now. “But does returning to the alma mater mean you can’t return to your original unit?”

“It’s common to return to a division-level unit after graduating,” the regimental commander continued after a pause. “From there, the division will make new assignments.”

“Uh…”

At that moment, Wang Ye suddenly understood the implication of what the chief of staff had said.

“I’ll wait for you to come to division headquarters on your own.”

Wang Ye had initially thought it was a mere courtesy, but now he realized that it carried a significant meaning.

Wang Ye couldn’t help but be surprised by the complexity of the relationships involved.

The regimental commander didn’t need to explain further. Wang Ye understood that if he indeed graduated and went to the division headquarters, the division would determine his assignment.

It would be highly unusual if he were allowed to choose freely.

>

Hehe, that’s not the important part. I had envisioned grooming you as a potential Regiment Commander.

But in reality, it was just a wishful thought.

The Iron Bones Hero Regiment belongs to the nation and its people, not to me.

1 don’t have the authority to appoint a Regiment Commander!”

Wang Ye remained silent. This discussion was on a completely different level, and he didn’t know how to respond.

After all, he was still a new recruit who had recently joined the company.

To become a leader, he would need to excel and prove himself as a top-notch soldier.

How distant that future seemed!