Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Mountain Forest Practical Combat Exercise

Gu Ning was unaware of the strange changes happening at home because of her. She left with her luggage and headed straight to the military base by taxi. On the way, she sent her bank account number to Method.

At exactly nine o’clock, she arrived at the base. Surprisingly, Zhang Xiaobai and Zhong Xu were the ones waiting for her at the gate.

The two eagerly ran to the car and helped Gu Ning unload her luggage from the back. Zhang Xiaobai casually grabbed the large backpack from Gu Ning and slung it over his shoulder. As they walked, he said, “The battalion commander is here today, holding a meeting with the three company commanders. Our company commander instructed us to take you to the family quarters first.”

The family quarters were quite a distance from the main gate. The area was well-greened, with white cement paths cutting through the lush greenery. Zhang Xiaobai and Zhong Xu chatted and laughed as they led Gu Ning forward. When they passed the training ground of the second company, both Zhang Xiaobai and Zhong Xu unconsciously straightened their backs. Finally, they walked down a tree-lined path, and at the end of it stood the family quarters.

Several small white buildings basked quietly in the morning light, surrounded by greenery, creating a serene and comfortable environment.

The second building from the left was the family quarters for the third company.

Zhang Xiaobai smiled and said, “It’s not visiting hours for family members yet, so you have the whole building to yourself.”

He then led Gu Ning to room 202 on the second floor.

Pushing the door open, they entered a roughly 30-square-meter room. The floor was covered in light-colored tiles, and the walls were white. Inside, there was a double bed, a wardrobe, a desk, a chair, and a few wooden stools against the wall. A small balcony was at the back.

Zhong Xu placed Gu Ning’s luggage bag on the floor and said, “There’s hot water in the bathroom. Just turn it on an hour before you need it. We’ve already bought all the toiletries for you, and they’re on the sink. If you don’t like them, you can buy others from the convenience store. We didn’t know what else a girl might need, so if you’re missing anything, just let us know.”

Gu Ning felt touched and said, “Thank you.”

Zhang Xiaobai chuckled, “Hey, Gu Ning, no need to be so polite. We’re all family here. If you make it into the Five-Star Brigade, it’ll bring honor to our third company.”

Zhong Xu added, “Do you want to rest for a bit, or should we head down for training now? The company commander said we’re doing field training today, and it might be tough.”

“Let’s go now,” Gu Ning replied.

As the three were about to leave, Zhao Jie and Zou Ming rushed up, carrying a brand-new set of camouflage uniforms.

Zhao Jie said, “Gu Ning, this is the smallest size we could find. Try it on and see if it fits.”

Gu Ning took the clothes to the bathroom. Although it was the smallest size, it was still a bit too big. She rolled up the sleeves and pant legs, making it somewhat wearable.

“It’s too big,” Zhong Xu remarked as Gu Ning walked out of the bathroom in her new uniform. “But there’s nothing we can do about it now. Just make do for the time being.”

Zhang Xiaobai laughed, “Haha, Gu Ning, you look pretty good in that outfit, like a kid wearing adult clothes.” It was unclear whether he was complimenting or teasing her.

The five of them then headed downstairs, with Zhong Xu handing Gu Ning the room key.

Zhang Xiaobai playfully asked if Gu Ning was afraid of staying alone at night and if they should keep her company.

As they joked around, they made their way to the training ground.

By then, Third Brother had already finished his meeting. When Gu Ning and the others arrived, Third Brother and the rest were already waiting. Besides Third Brother, there were the second and third company commanders, along with a few soldiers Gu Ning hadn’t met before. Several sharpshooters from the first and second companies were also present.

A few sharp gazes fell on Gu Ning, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Finally, a middle-aged soldier in his forties looked at her kindly and asked, “You must be Gu Ning, right?”

Gu Ning instinctively glanced at Third Brother, who quickly introduced, “Gu Ning, this is our battalion commander.”

Gu Ning replied, “Hello, Battalion Commander. I’m Gu Ning.”

The battalion commander smiled, “Hello. I’ve heard about you from Xiao Xie. You’re quite impressive for your age. Where are you from?”

Gu Ning answered, “I’m from Jin Yong, local.”

The battalion commander nodded, “Not bad, not bad. What made you want to join the Five-Star Brigade?”

Gu Ning thought for a moment and then honestly replied, “To learn close combat.”

Everyone was stunned by her answer, including Third Brother, who looked at her in surprise.

Gu Ning continued, “The third company commander has already investigated me. He should know that I was missing for three months. During that time, I went through some tough experiences. After barely making it back, I realized how dangerous the world can be. So, I want to become stronger.” This was the truth, and Gu Ning spoke with calm confidence. She had prepared this explanation for a long time, expecting Third Brother to ask, but he never did.

Her reason was simple and sufficient.

However, the others’ expressions turned strange.

Zhang Xiaobai, in particular, looked at Gu Ning with a shocked expression, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

Even the battalion commander was momentarily at a loss for words. Before the atmosphere could turn awkward, Third Brother coughed lightly and said, “Alright, Battalion Commander, you’ve seen her now. We need to get to training, so I won’t see you off.”

After the battalion commander left, the others continued to look at Gu Ning with strange expressions, while Gu Ning herself had no idea what she had said wrong.

Seeing Gu Ning’s confusion, Third Brother coughed and asked Zhong Xu, “Zhong Xu, tell Gu Ning why you want to join the Five-Star Brigade.”

Zhong Xu glanced at Gu Ning with a complex expression before solemnly replying, “Because joining the Five-Star Brigade represents a soldier’s honor and is the highest recognition for me!”

Third Brother then gestured to Zhang Xiaobai, “What about you, Zhang Xiaobai?”

Zhang Xiaobai declared, “Because joining the Five-Star Brigade means I’m incredibly badass! Today, I bring honor to the third company; tomorrow, the third company will bring honor to me!” His voice was loud and full of confidence.

Then, everyone turned to look at Gu Ning again.

Gu Ning was at a loss for words.

Soon, the seventeen of them, including Gu Ning, were led by the three company commanders to the foot of a mountain.

“From here, you’ll go up the mountain. The area with the net is the boundary—do not cross it. There are no friends here, only enemies! The Five-Star Brigade has only given us four spots this year. So today, on this mountain, the seventeen of you will compete to determine the winners!” The first company commander, Zhou Zilai’s words immediately put the seventeen on edge.

Jiang Jun from the first company exclaimed in surprise, “Company Commander, last year we had twenty spots. Why only four this year?”

Gu Ning glanced at Third Brother, who was frowning, and realized that this was serious. If they weren’t careful, they could be eliminated right here.

Zhou Zilai pursed his lips and continued, “The battalion commander came specifically to inform us about this. The Five-Star Brigade said that based on the performance of our three companies last year, we only get four spots.”

The soldiers fell silent. They had experienced last year’s brutal training and knew how tough it was.

The second company commander, Zhang Yueguo, glanced at Gu Ning and said, “Don’t think that just being good at shooting is enough! Today, we’re conducting a practical combat exercise! This is a real battlefield! On the battlefield, you only get one chance. I hope all of you can seize this opportunity!”

“Yes, sir!” the soldiers responded in unison.

Zhang Yueguo looked at Third Brother, signaling him to say a few words.

Third Brother cleared his throat, then scanned the faces of Gu Ning, Zhang Xiaobai, Zhong Xu, Zou Ming, and Zhao Jie. He smiled and said, “I don’t have much to say. I just hope all four spots go to our third company.”

The five of them, including Gu Ning, laughed and saluted Third Brother, shouting in unison, “We will complete the mission!”

This drew strong dissatisfaction from the other companies.

Zhang Yueguo half-jokingly, half-seriously said, “Old Xie, you’re forcing the first and second companies to team up and take out your third company first.”

Third Brother, however, was brimming with confidence and replied boldly, “Then go ahead and try. If you can take us out, then you might as well forget about joining the Five-Star Brigade.”

Zhang Yueguo was left speechless, his expression turning grim.

While changing into their gear, Zhao Jie checked his specially made gun and said, “I know my limits. Out of the five of us, I’m the weakest. Let’s team up and take out the others first, then I’ll sacrifice myself. The tragic hero route suits me.” He said this with a smile, lacking any sense of tragedy. The others were also relaxed.

Gu Ning, however, couldn’t help but think of Zhao Jie’s tragic death in the apocalypse, feeling a mix of emotions.

Seeing Gu Ning’s serious expression, Zhang Xiaobai and the others thought she was just nervous. After all, even though Gu Ning was a good shot, as the second company commander had said, being good at shooting doesn’t necessarily mean being good in practical combat, especially for someone like Gu Ning who had never experienced it before.

Zhang Xiaobai comforted her, “Gu Ning, don’t be afraid. Even though you haven’t done practical combat before, your marksmanship is the best among the five of us. We’ll cover you, and you just need to use your sharpshooting skills to take them out one by one.”

Gu Ning snapped out of her thoughts, amused by Zhang Xiaobai’s reassurance. Practical combat? Zhang Xiaobai and the others probably hadn’t seen real bloodshed, but she had walked out of a horde of zombies. Of course, she wasn’t completely without nerves. After all the preparation, if she got eliminated here, she wouldn’t be able to accept it. She had to treat this like the apocalypse. Out of the four spots, she was determined to secure one!

The five from the third company exchanged glances, seeing the determination in each other’s eyes. The seventeen of them then set off into the mountains.

The time limit was three hours.

The battle would begin ten minutes after entering the mountain.

As soon as they entered the mountain, the three companies split up and began running through the forest.

Gu Ning, not knowing what was going on, instinctively followed Zhang Xiaobai and Zhong Xu as they ran ahead. Despite carrying the heavy specialized gun, the soldiers weren’t significantly slowed down by the terrain. When they realized Gu Ning might not be used to this kind of training and could fall behind, they turned around to see her keeping up effortlessly, gun in hand.

After running at a steady pace for nearly ten minutes, the group finally slowed down.

Zhang Xiaobai and the others were slightly out of breath, while Gu Ning stood straight, barely breathing heavily, her eyes alertly scanning the surroundings. They exchanged glances, both puzzled and impressed. Noticing their surprise, Gu Ning said, “I used to be a marathon champion. I’ve always had good stamina.” This was, of course, a lie. Back in school, running 3,000 meters would have killed her. Gu Ning had now mastered the art of lying without batting an eye.

Zhang Xiaobai leaned against a tree and said sincerely, “Gu Ning, you’re a freak.”

Gu Ning shrugged and asked Zhong Xu, “What do we do next?”

Zhong Xu stood up, surveyed the area, and said, “This place is well-hidden. They won’t find us here anytime soon.”

Gu Ning noticed they were in a hollow, with a bowl-shaped earth slope behind them, effectively shielding them. Ahead was a high slope, with rocks and trees below. The only paths leading here were two narrow trails, barely wide enough for one person. The terrain wasn’t just well-hidden; it was also a natural fortress, giving them an absolute advantage even if attacked from both sides.

But Gu Ning still had questions, “So what now?”

Zhang Xiaobai sat down, unzipped his jacket to cool off, and said, “So we wait here. Let them fight it out, and then we, the fishermen, will step in.”

The others remained silent, indicating this plan had been decided beforehand.

The plan made sense, but Gu Ning still had doubts.

“What if they also want to be the fishermen?” she asked. “And haven’t you considered that they might team up to take us out first?”

Zhang Xiaobai stopped fanning himself and instinctively looked at Zhong Xu, who usually made the decisions.

The others were also taken aback by Gu Ning’s question and turned to Zhong Xu.

Zhong Xu exploded, “Why are you all looking at me? This plan was cobbled together by all of you. Why are you staring at me now?”

He then calmed down and looked at Gu Ning, “So, what do we do now?”

Everyone followed Zhong Xu’s gaze to Gu Ning.

Gu Ning was momentarily stunned, then sighed inwardly. After careful consideration, she crouched down, gathered everyone, and analyzed, “When we entered the mountain, you must have noticed that the three teams split up. The other two teams are probably not together either. Even if they want to team up, they’re likely still wary of each other and won’t join forces so quickly.”

Zhang Xiaobai nodded, “That’s right. The second company is too arrogant, and the first company has always disliked them.”

Gu Ning continued, “But if we stay hidden and the two teams meet, it’s hard to say whether they’ll team up or fight each other. Did you notice what the second company commander said before we entered the mountain? He asked if we weren’t afraid they’d team up to take us out first. I think he might have been signaling the second company. Of course, it’s a fifty-fifty chance, but we can’t afford to take that risk. We have to prepare for the worst. We’re not afraid of one-on-one fights, but if they’re determined to team up and eliminate us first, we’re in trouble.”

Gu Ning’s analysis was clear and logical, and the soldiers nodded like chicks pecking at rice.

Gu Ning concluded, “So my suggestion is that we should find one of the teams as soon as possible, whether it’s the first or second company, and take them out first!”

Her final words carried a chill, but they inexplicably ignited a fiery passion in the four young soldiers.