Chapter 18: Demotion Following the Third-Class Merit Award

With the solemn oath concluded, the recognition of the new recruits began.

"From the moment you stepped into the barracks, every one of your performances has been recorded. Some of you are still finding your way, while others, through their own hard work, have achieved first place in the recruit competition and have been awarded a Third-Class Merit!"

The Chief of Staff's words drew everyone's gaze toward Su Yang. There was no clearer proof of effort than finishing first in the competition.

"Next, will Comrade Su Yang of the First Platoon, First Squad, please come to the stage!"

As soon as the words fell, Su Yang ran to the front once again and stood beside the Chief of Staff.

The Chief of Staff nodded warmly at Su Yang and continued: "Over the past three months, we have all witnessed Comrade Su Yang’s performance. From a rather unremarkable start, he has improved his military proficiency step by step through extra training. Just a few days ago, he secured first place in the military competition organized by the new division."

"Following a decision by the divisional headquarters, Comrade Su Yang is hereby awarded a Third-Class Merit. Colonel, please present the award to Comrade Su Yang!"

Upon hearing this, Su Yang immediately stood at attention, staring straight ahead, motionless.

Colonel Lin walked over, and Su Yang immediately saluted: "Good day, Colonel!"

Colonel Lin looked at the private saluting him and examined him carefully. Despite a hint of a southern accent in his Mandarin, the young man was taller and broader than most southerners. No wonder he had made such a splash in the recruit competition.

"You are the Su Yang that Old Miao mentioned?" Colonel Lin asked.

"Yes, Colonel!"

Su Yang was slightly taken aback but quickly realized that "Old Miao" must refer to Company Commander Miao.

Observing Su Yang’s expression, Colonel Lin was even more pleased. Having led troops for many years, he had developed a keen eye. He could see that this young man had a sharp gaze, showing no signs of evasion or panic under his scrutiny. This indicated great self-confidence.

Confidence was a good thing. Only with confidence could one develop a strong desire to win, and only that competitive spirit could carry a soldier far. Without a drive to win, one lacked the motivation to press forward, the fiery spirit required, and the capacity to become an exemplary soldier.

"Not bad, you have the look of a soldier. I hope you will continue to strive for excellence after you join your company," Colonel Lin said sternly as he took the Third-Class Merit medal from the attendant.

"Yes, Colonel! I will certainly become a true soldier and safeguard the honor of the military!" Su Yang answered loudly, his face composed.

"Good, well said! Did everyone hear that? Whether it is Su Yang or any of you, remember this: becoming a true soldier and safeguarding military honor is the responsibility of every one of you."

Colonel Lin gave a thumbs-up and began to applaud.

The audience erupted in thunderous applause. The veterans sighed, realizing they had a formidable new rival, while the other recruits looked on with envy.

The Colonel continued to boost morale, Su Yang made a speech after receiving his medal, and the Chief of Staff presented commendations to several other recruits before the induction ceremony concluded.

...

"Cai Xiaoming!"
"Here!"
"First Battalion, Third Company!"

"Zhou Renzong!"
"Here!"
"First Battalion, First Company!"

After the ceremony ended and the leaders departed, the recruits did not disperse. The instructor opened the roster, and the assignments for the new recruits were finalized.

"Yu Wei, Artillery Company!" Next to Su Yang, Yu Wei was overjoyed upon hearing his assignment and shouted back, "Here!"

"Su Yang, this is awesome! I’m actually going to the Artillery Company! This is real artillery! The enlistment was worth it. Su Yang, from now on, I’ll be the artilleryman providing the heavy fire support from behind you!" Yu Wei said excitedly.

"Congratulations!"

Su Yang was happy for him. The Artillery Company was indeed a good spot. With a bit of luck, one could become a gunner, or join an artillery reconnaissance squad to guide the heavy fire. Of course, if one were unlucky and assigned to logistics, they might spend their days hauling shells until they were exhausted, watching others fire the guns.

"Chen Xiwa, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company!"

"Su Yang, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company!"

Soon, it was the turn of Xiwa and Su Yang. Su Yang was surprised to hear the name of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company. He had hoped Xiwa would join him, but he knew the chances were slim; he hadn't expected both of them to be assigned there.

Thinking of this, he looked at Zhuang Yan. Sure enough, the man’s face had gone pale, as the instructor had put the list away without calling his name. Su Yang found it somewhat amusing; for once, the guy didn't seem so indifferent to his future. However, he kept quiet. After Zhuang Yan returned, he had mentioned that Company Commander Miao had visited him, so Su Yang was certain Zhuang Yan would still end up in the reconnaissance company.

"Report! Why is my name not on the list?" Zhuang Yan asked, unwilling to accept it.

"I don't know, it wasn't on the list!"

The instructor glanced at Zhuang Yan. He had no love for this soldier who had challenged the squad leader, and he certainly wasn't going to tell him the real reason.

"Dismissed!"

Back in the dormitory, Xiwa said happily to Su Yang, "Su Yang, we’re in the same company again! When we get there, you’ll have to look out for me. I’ve heard the veterans like to beat the new guys."

"Don't worry. As long as you work hard, with your personality, no one will lay a hand on you. Even if they do, I’m on your side! After all, we’re comrades."

Su Yang didn't think much of Xiwa’s concern. Having been in the military for three months, he had already figured out the dynamics. Although everyone talked about camaraderie, where there were people, there was a hierarchy, and some veterans would inevitably use their seniority to bully the new recruits.

Su Yang had his own views on veterans hitting recruits; he could understand it to an extent, provided it wasn't humiliating or excessive. If it crossed the line into abuse, he wouldn't just stand by. But he believed Xiwa’s personality was such that no normal person would dislike him.

After joking with Xiwa, Su Yang packed his gear and chatted with the other brothers in the dorm. With the separation imminent, the memories of their three months of shared hardships made everyone feel reluctant to part.

When Zhuang Yan returned, he was lost in thought and even started offering his equipment to the others.

"Zhuang, don't worry. You're the first college-educated soldier in our regiment; they definitely won't reject you."

"You're the model soldier for our regiment, even the division! Don't be so anxious!" Xiwa noticed something was wrong and tried to comfort him.

"Model soldier, my foot! If they don't want me, they should just say so. I won't take this frustration. Whoever wants to serve, let them serve," Zhuang Yan cursed, his spirit clearly broken.

"Are you sure nobody wants you? Zhuang Yan, think about it: who visited you when you were in solitary confinement? And why did Old Pao beat you for no reason? Just because you bruised his ego? I think someone wants to catch all three of us in one net, and that’s why they came up with this strategy!"

Su Yang decided to give Zhuang Yan a hint. Since the outcome couldn't be changed and Zhuang Yan was likely heading to the reconnaissance company anyway, Su Yang felt it was better to maintain a good relationship with him.

"What do you mean? The one who looked at me seemed to be the commander of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company!"

Prompted by Su Yang, and realizing that both Xiwa and Su Yang were heading to the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company, Zhuang Yan suddenly had an epiphany. "You mean I might be going to the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company too?"

"What do you think?" Su Yang waved his hand noncommittally.

Just then, Company Commander Miao walked in.

"Stand up!" Xiwa shouted upon seeing him.