Chapter 17: Just the Basics—No Need to Be Impressed

Deep within the military camp, in the tank parking area, the veterans performing maintenance on the tanks were startled by the deafening cries echoing through the air.

One seasoned soldier rubbed his ear and scolded with mild displeasure, "What’s going on? What are those new recruits up to?!"

"A new recruit, on his second day with the company, just earned a personal third-class merit medal. The others are celebrating him now," replied the tank driver, who had recently undergone courage training with Old Hei, offering a wry smile.

A personal third-class merit medal! He had been in the army for nearly nine years without ever receiving such an honor. And yet, this was awarded to a rookie who had joined less than forty-eight hours ago.

It truly exemplified the old saying: "When comparing people, some just don’t measure up."

“What? A new recruit earning a third-class merit on his second day? Old Li, you’re not joking, are you?”

“Of course not. Here’s exactly what happened…” The driver then recounted in detail the events of that morning.

After understanding the full story, the nearby veterans nodded in approval.

“To dare risk his life in front of a tank to save someone—that kid’s tough. This medal is well-deserved, absolutely justified!”

Meanwhile, in the dining hall, Xu Guoqing stepped aside and urged Qi Tian to share his feelings on receiving the personal third-class merit medal with the new recruits.

Qi Tian understood this was Xu Guoqing’s way of boosting morale, so he willingly spoke with stirring words.

Within the crowd, Zhang Meng quietly approached the second squad leader, whispering, “Squad leader, what exactly does this third-class merit medal do? Tell me.”

“It’s got huge benefits!” The second squad leader glanced at Zhang Meng and responded quietly, “Two years from now, when you want to become a non-commissioned officer, including this medal in your report practically guarantees success.

“Also, when the new recruits’ training ends and companies are assigned, those with honors are given priority to join the best companies and are first in line for promotion.

“As for appearing in military newspapers or on bulletin boards, that’s a given.

“Even if Qi Tian chooses not to become a non-commissioned officer, his retirement pay will be far higher than that of a regular conscript!”

“Wow… the third-class merit medal is that valuable?” Zhang Meng looked enviously at the medal pinned to Qi Tian’s chest, swallowing hard.

He resolved that he would earn such a medal as soon as possible.

Two years as a conscript were never his ultimate dream for joining the army.

Reconnaissance units, elite squads, even special forces—these were his true goals.

And medals and military honors were one of the main paths to promotion, so naturally, Zhang Meng wouldn’t let the opportunity slip by.

Others among the new recruits were thinking the same.

This was precisely why Xu Guoqing had publicly commended Qi Tian.

Hearing is unreliable; seeing is believing.

Only by letting these new recruits witness the real benefits of the third-class merit medal would they be motivated to improve themselves continuously, until they reached Qi Tian’s level.

Soon, the commendation ceremony concluded.

In an unprecedented move, Old Hei gave the first company’s soldiers a short break.

Though it was only for an afternoon, the soldiers were satisfied.

Back in the dormitory, Lin Mang and the others quickly gathered around Qi Tian, scrutinizing the medal on his chest.

Qi Tian didn’t hide it; he removed the medal and let everyone admire it up close.

“All right, quiet down. I have an announcement.”

Amid the dormitory’s bustle, Old Hei suddenly entered and called for silence.

At his command, all the soldiers in the first company stood at attention, facing him.

“Normally, by the second day, everyone should be familiar enough to select a squad vice-leader to assist me.

“But I think we can skip the selection this time.

“Qi Tian just set the record for the fastest new recruit to earn a third-class merit medal in the military region. Does anyone have objections?”

“No objections. Of course not! I support Brother Tian as vice-leader!” Lin Mang quickly voiced his support, sneaking a glance at Qi Tian with eyes full of fervent admiration.

Then the other new recruits of the first company all spoke up in unison, backing Qi Tian’s election.

Who would object to having a record-breaking soldier as their vice-leader?

“Since no one objects, it’s decided. Qi Tian, you are now the vice-leader of the first company. I hope you’ll set an example.”

Old Hei nodded with satisfaction and then added as if remembering something.

“You can rest this afternoon, but during your break, I want you all to study the regulations and codes more.

“There are fourteen days until the final assessment. Don’t wait until the last moment to cram. Qi Tian, how far have you memorized?”

Old Hei’s question was directed at Qi Tian, intending to remind him that as vice-leader, he should excel beyond the others and aim to memorize the entire code within ten days.

What neither Old Hei nor the recruits expected was Qi Tian’s calm reply.

“Report, Squad Leader, I’ve already memorized half of it.”

“Hmm, that’s impressive for the second day. Wait! What did you say? You’ve memorized half?!” Old Hei’s expression instantly changed; his eyes nearly popped out in shock!

The other recruits wore similar stunned expressions.

Memorizing half the regulations overnight?

That would be impossible without staying up all night!

“Qi Tian, you just received your personal third-class merit medal. It’s understandable to be excited, but isn’t it a bit much to brag?

“I stayed up until two in the morning memorizing and only managed thirty articles. As far as I know, you were already in a deep sleep then, right?”

Song Wei couldn’t help but question him sharply. He was certain Qi Tian was exaggerating, boasting.

Brothers who joined with him were drifting closer to Qi Tian.

Even Lin Mang, who had been cozying up to Song Wei all night, now called Qi Tian “Brother Tian.”

Qi Tian had broken the entire military’s record by earning the personal third-class merit medal.

Song Wei was silently furious.

He never believed he was inferior to Qi Tian—he just lacked opportunity.

Now, thinking he had found a weakness in Qi Tian, Song Wei pressed on.

“Of course, if you want to prove you’re not lying, it’s easy.

“Why don’t you recite your study material in front of everyone here for the Squad Leader to verify?”

Qi Tian knew Song Wei was targeting him.

He calmly recited, relying on his eidetic memory, the first half of the regulations he had read the night before, word for word.

“Regulations and Codes, Dormitory Hygiene Section, Article One: No smoking or lighting fires inside the dormitory; Article Two: No horseplay or foul language…”

He hadn’t memorized the latter half yet simply because he hadn’t had time to study it.

If Old Hei gave him a few minutes to read the rest, Qi Tian could easily recite the entire code without error.

A quarter of an hour later, Qi Tian flawlessly recited the entire first half of the regulations.

The recruits cross-referencing the text watched in amazement.

Their astonishment was overwhelming, even Old Hei involuntarily gasped and his heart pounded faster.

This wasn’t all his fault.

After all, the past two days of leading troops had been exceptionally eventful!

Qi Tian’s physical fitness, courage, and discipline were impeccable.

Even his memory now exceeded that of ordinary men.

Old Hei dared not imagine what other talents Qi Tian might possess beyond his discoveries.

If Old Hei had to sum up Qi Tian in one phrase at that moment, it would be “defying the heavens.”

This recruit was truly extraordinary beyond measure!