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nChapter 90: Wang Ye, Who Is at the Top of the Storm

nTranslator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

n“Comrades, being a soldier is a profession, but it is not an ordinary profession. It carries a significant and unique identity.”

nPrior to dinner, there was no singing today. As they gathered at the cafeteria entrance, Wu Jianfeng stood in front of the door and addressed everyone. “Do you understand what your current identities are?

nConscripts?

nDo you know why they are referred to as conscripts?

nBecause protecting the country is the duty of every citizen.”

nWu Jianfeng answered his own question and raised his voice.

nThe recruits in front of him had serious expressions, but their thoughts remained unknown.

nSome individuals might be dismissive, and others might secretly criticize Wu Jianfeng for speaking nonsense. However, there were certainly those who genuinely contemplated his words…

nWu Jianfeng paid no attention to what others were thinking. After a brief pause, he continued in a solemn tone, “I am unaware of your personal interpretations of the obligation every citizen has to protect their country. Whether you agree or not. Because I know that many of you did not willingly choose to join the army.”

nObserving the expressions of those around him, Wu Jianfeng spoke again, “Among you, there are some who have been mischievous and couldn’t be disciplined by their families. There are also individuals who didn’t excel academically and couldn’t get into university. They didn’t know what they could do in society, so they joined the army. And there were even some who came to the army with the intention of coasting through, simply waiting for their two years to pass so they could obtain the so-called placement card and move on to an easy job where they could continue their passive existence.”

n“There are many, many of you, and I actually understand all of your thoughts and reasons. However, I never expressed it before because I believed that the conscripts would serve as the backbone of the army. Once one batch left, the next would arrive the following year. The troublemakers would depart, leaving behind the dedicated soldiers.”

n“But today…” Wu Jianfeng scanned the crowd and observed their reactions. After a moment of silence, he shouted again, “Today, in the presence of some of you, a soldier in the division hospital resorted to threatening our division commander by attempting to jump off a building because a veteran assaulted him. Do you believe this is a viable solution?”

nNo one uttered a word.

nWu Jianfeng didn’t anticipate anyone responding either.

n“I understand that it is wrong for veterans to resort to violence, but what I want to emphasize is this:

nThere must be a reason behind a veteran’s actions, such as disobedience or inadequate training on the part of the recruit. Let me clarify my position as well. In my new recruit company, both now and in the future, if any veteran assaults you without reason, you can inform me immediately, and I will ensure they are dealt with accordingly.”

n“However, I want to stress that it is a soldier’s duty to obey orders, and if you don’t put in the effort during training, it could cost you your life.”

n“We are soldiers. We cannot persuade our enemies with words. If a war were to break out tomorrow, we, as soldiers, would have to face the battlefield. Between completing a three -kilometer run in 12 minutes and doing it in 20 minutes, who do you think would be the first to perish? Someone with high military proficiency or someone who simply idles away, waiting for death? In close combat with the enemy or encountering them on a narrow path, who do you think would return alive?”

n“The army is not a place to nurture spoiled individuals.”

nWu Jianfeng’s excitement grew. He pointed towards the cafeteria door behind him. “Have you ever considered why there are four complimentary dishes and one soup prepared every day in the canteen, waiting for you to consume?”

nGazing at everyone, he loudly posed another question, “After joining the army, you didn’t engage in productive activities every day, yet you received a monthly allowance and various military benefits. Even during your departure, there were common people in your hometown bidding you farewell. Why is this? Have you genuinely pondered over this question?”

nWhen Wu Jianfeng finished speaking, the atmosphere grew silent. His questions were simple, yet they were something that the majority of recruits had never considered. They had taken things for granted.

nIn an era of peace, war seemed distant and irrelevant. The army provided meals and even offered subsidies, making everything seem reasonable and effortless. As for the common people, their admiration was expected once the recruits donned their military uniforms. It all seemed so logical, clear, and comfortable.

nHowever, Wu Jianfeng’s words now reverberated loudly.

nWas it truly reasonable?

nCould they enjoy these privileges with a clear conscience simply because of their attire?

nWu Jianfeng regained his composure after his impassioned speech. He looked at everyone once again. “Let’s go inside and have our meal now. But I want each of you to question yourselves as you pick up your chopsticks and hold your bowls later. Can you truly partake in the free food provided here? Are you prepared to eat like this every day?”

nWith that, Wu Jianfeng turned and entered the cafeteria.

nBeside him, Instructor Kang Hua remained silent, lacking much presence. Today was not the appropriate time for him to speak. In everyone’s eyes, he was the friendly neighbor, lacking the authority to control the situation.

nIn Class Five, Wang Ye couldn’t help but express his admiration.

nWow, Old Wu was truly impressive.

nInitially, he had suggested that if anyone had mental issues, they could seek help and organize a trip to the Cemetery of Martyrs to pay respects. However, he had mentioned that he didn’t have the time to arrange it at the moment, so it was put on hold.

nWang Ye had also suggested using the free food in the cafeteria as a reminder that they were soldiers who relied on the country’s provisions and had a duty to protect their nation. Furthermore, he had emphasized the importance of soldiers being prepared for war and the need to work hard in order to survive on the battlefield. However, his delivery had not been as articulate. He had merely mentioned a few key points.

nUnexpectedly, Wu Jianfeng had restructured and polished the discussion to such an extent.

nHonestly, Wang Ye was amazed.

nOf course, Wang Ye had already come to this realization. He had mentally prepared himself before joining the army; otherwise, he wouldn’t have voiced such thoughts.

nOutside the cafeteria, after Jianfeng and the others entered, the duty officer stepped forward and dismissed everyone.

nThey proceeded into the cafeteria.

nThe aroma of the food was as enticing as ever.

nThe dishes were already laid out on the tables, and the serving staff stood silently by the dining area.

nAll the recruits took their seats in an orderly manner, maintaining a quiet atmosphere.

nYe Sanshi glanced at everyone in Class Five.

n“Reflect on what Captain said just now.”

nAs he spoke, he picked up his bowl and began to eat.

nWang Ye glanced at everyone with a smile. Under their watchful gazes, he calmly picked up his bowl and chopsticks.

n“When I enlisted in the army, I was fully prepared to become a true soldier. I was prepared to make sacrifices for my motherland and its people. So, I won’t hold back during this meal!”

nWith those words, Wang Ye earnestly began to eat.

nHe enjoyed his meal with a sense of tranquility and a smile on his face.

n“Who cares? I’m a privileged heir from a wealthy family. I had no interest in leading a debauched life outside. I joined the army with sincerity. What’s wrong with simply having a meal…”

nThose were Wang Ye’s genuine thoughts. He didn’t concern himself with whether being the first among the recruits in the entire company to start eating would draw too much attention.

nIn fact, Wang Ye no longer cared about that.

nHe had already been the first to become a vice class monitor, the first to achieve meritorious deeds, and even the first to be noticed by the regiment commander.

nHe was already at the center of attention, on the brink of a storm.

nEven if he showed a little bit of pride, it would merely be a gentle breeze merging with a tornado. It wasn’t worth mentioning.

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