NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49
Chapter 49: Surprise the brigade commander and let Chen Ming make his own choice!
After the theoretical assessment, it’s time for the physical fitness evaluation. A five-kilometer cross-country run, everyone under the examiner’s watch, carrying packed bags on their backs and Type 95 rifles slung around their necks, started running at a command.
Unlike the previous circular run on the training ground, this five-kilometer cross-country run for evaluation was genuinely off-road. Running along a road with trees on both sides, some trees equipped with surveillance cameras were monitored to prevent shortcuts.
Chen Ming initially ran with the main group, but his speed surpassed the others. After a while, he couldn’t see the main group anymore. Alone with a bag on his back and a rifle in his arms, he ran on a quiet road with trees occasionally rustling in the breeze.
After some time, the trees became sparse, and figures appeared in the distance. They were examiners holding timers. Astonished, they exclaimed at Chen Ming’s speed, timing him at 16 minutes and 23 seconds.
The veterans were surprised, realizing Chen Ming achieved it genuinely without cheating. The walkie-talkie remained silent, confirming Chen Ming’s authentic performance.
Later, the veterans discovered Chen Ming’s time was exceptional, even for elite soldiers. Chen Ming, still composed, identified himself as a recruit from Squad Two, Second Company.
As Chen Ming finished, the main group arrived, panting. They were astonished to see Chen Ming’s exceptional speed. The timer revealed 16 minutes and 23 seconds. The veterans, with raised eyebrows, asked for Chen Ming’s name. Recording it, they were amazed by his performance.
The next day brought more physical assessments. Chen Ming excelled again in the obstacle course and horizontal bar, securing the top position.
The class aced the queue assessment in the afternoon thanks to Chen Ming’s deliberate control. The legend of Chen Ming continued to spread. The final day featured a military skills assessment. Chen Ming dominated once more, leaving everyone in awe.
In the following three days, still in the original dormitory, they had free time after morning exercises. Bored, they chatted about potential company assignments.
He Dong, worried about his mediocre performance prayed not to be assigned to a pig farm. Yu Jun joked about the benefits of a pig farm, and the squad leader interrupted, informing Chen Ming that the brigade commander wanted to see him in his office.
When everyone heard this, they looked at Chen Ming in surprise.
“What happened? Why is the brigade commander so shocked?” Someone asked.
Chen Ming guessed what was happening and quickly put on his hat before heading over.
Ten minutes ago, in the brigade commander’s office:
The brigade commander sat in his chair, looking at the large crowd in front of him, feeling a bit of a headache.
“Company commander, our elite reconnaissance company has the highest individual quality in the brigade. Chen Ming’s grades are excellent. He surely has a bright future in our brigade!” Said Hu Zhihu, holding Chen Ming’s assessment results.
Chen Ming’s achievements would make him an outstanding asset in the reconnaissance company.
“Stop arguing! Chen Ming’s hacking skills are strong. He should join our information department!” Added Tang Xinyi.
However, her words were quickly overshadowed, and the other company commanders weren’t inclined to agree.
“Enough noise! With his hacking skills, Chen Ming would be most valuable in our information department!” Tang Xinyi asserted.
The other company commanders weren’t swayed, thinking her rank as a major didn’t matter much. The brigade commander, Qin Song, intervened, feeling a headache from the commotion.
“Quiet down! You all want him, and I don’t know how to arrange it. Let Chen Ming decide for himself.”
Soon, Chen Ming stood in front of the brigade commander amid a group of eager captains and company commanders, including Major Tang Xinyi.
The brigade commander addressed Chen Ming, “Your performance is evident, and everyone wants you. It’s hard for me to decide, so choose for yourself.”
Looking at the eager company commanders, Chen Ming thought for a moment before saying, “I’ve decided to go to…”