Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ting, the squad leader, wakes up the new recruits and instructs them to make their beds.
• He takes Lü Qinglong, one of the recruits, for private training, teaching him a close-quarters shooting stance (C-Grip) and basic combat awareness concepts.
• Chen Ting explains the three major categories of warfare: Offensive, Defensive, and Deception Warfare.

Character Developments

• Chen Ting: Demonstrates his expertise and dedication as a squad leader by providing additional training to Lü Qinglong.
• Lü Qinglong: Shows eagerness to learn and improve, absorbing Chen Ting's teachings.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship: Chen Ting takes on a mentoring role, passing on his knowledge and experience to Lü Qinglong.
• Dedication: Both Chen Ting and Lü Qinglong display dedication to their training and personal growth.
• Warfare Strategies: The chapter explores the strategic concepts of warfare, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enemy and playing to one's strengths.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ting and Lü Qinglong: The squad leader and recruit interact in a teacher-student dynamic, with Chen Ting imparting knowledge and Lü Qinglong eager to learn.
• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao: The two recruits discuss Chen Ting's training methods and Lü Qinglong's extra training session, highlighting the differences in their experiences and aspirations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong asks Chen Ting if his physique is suitable for combat, as some new recruits had doubted it.
• Chen Ting reveals that the Special Operations Brigade has advanced bulletproof vests and materials, suggesting Lü Qinglong could have a custom vest made.
• Chen Ting shares that Lü Qinglong's physical capabilities are extraordinary, capable of handling over 150 kg of weight in combat.
• Chen Ting decides to teach Lü Qinglong everything he knows before his discharge in a year.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Shows eagerness to learn and improve, reveals his exceptional physical abilities.
• Chen Ting: Demonstrates his experience and willingness to mentor Lü Qinglong, shows satisfaction in passing on his knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship: Chen Ting's desire to teach and guide Lü Qinglong.
• Exceptional Abilities: Lü Qinglong's extraordinary physical capabilities and potential on the battlefield.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ting and Lü Qinglong: Mentor and mentee relationship, with Chen Ting sharing valuable knowledge and Lü Qinglong eager to learn.
• Lü Qinglong and Ji Baichang: Fellow new recruits, with Ji Baichang showing interest in Lü Qinglong's model gun and asking about his whereabouts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong secretly teaches Ji Baichang shooting stances and modern warfare knowledge.
• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao express interest in joining these private lessons.
• The recruits wake up early for a three-kilometer run, despite initial hopes for a shorter warm-up.
• Chen Ting agrees to teach Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao, but warns he'll only demonstrate moves once.
• Wang Yuan from the Second Squad informs Chen Ting about an upcoming opportunity to "achieve merit."

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Shows initiative in teaching Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao, demonstrating his leadership and willingness to help others.
• Ji Baichang & Xue Daochao: Display eagerness to learn and improve, showing dedication and ambition.
• Chen Ting: Reveals his high standards and strict teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of self-correction.

Significant Themes

• Learning and Growth: The chapter emphasizes the importance of learning and self-improvement, with Lü Qinglong taking the initiative to teach others and Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao eager to learn.
• Discipline and Hard Work: The recruits' early morning runs and the strict standards set by their squad leaders highlight the theme of discipline and hard work.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong, Ji Baichang, & Xue Daochao: The three form a bond over their shared interest in learning from Chen Ting, with Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao looking up to Lü Qinglong's initiative.
• Chen Ting & Wang Yuan: The two squad leaders interact briefly, with Wang Yuan bringing news to Chen Ting, suggesting a friendly relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A competition is announced for both new and veteran recruits, with the winner receiving a commendation.
• The competition involves the pull-up bar and a three-kilometer run.
• Wang Yuan, a non-commissioned officer, is excited about the competition, while Squad Leader Chen Ting, a veteran, is not interested.

Character Developments

• Wang Yuan: Eager and ambitious, he sees the competition as an easy way to earn a commendation.
• Chen Ting: A seasoned veteran, he has lost his competitive drive and sees the commendation as insignificant.
• Ji Baichang: Cunning and manipulative, he tries to encourage his peers to compete, hoping to benefit from their success.
• Xue Daochao: Cautious and realistic, he doubts the new recruits' chances of winning.
• Lü Qinglong: Physically exceptional, he is unaware of the upcoming competition but agrees to participate when informed.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Apathy: Wang Yuan's eagerness contrasts with Chen Ting's apathy, highlighting the difference between newer and more experienced soldiers.
• Competition and Cooperation: The upcoming competition fosters both individual ambition and team dynamics among the new recruits.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yuan shares the competition news with Chen Ting, who shows little interest.
• Ji Baichang tries to rally Xue Daochao and Lü Qinglong to compete, with mixed results.
• Lü Qinglong, though physically impressive, is initially unaware of the competition and agrees to participate without fully understanding its significance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong hears a New Recruit crying in the middle of the night.
• The New Recruit reveals his camouflage uniform was stolen from the drying rack.
• Lü Qinglong decides to help the New Recruit retrieve his uniform.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Shows empathy and willingness to help a fellow New Recruit, displaying his kind-hearted nature despite his intimidating appearance.
• The Crying New Recruit: Initially overwhelmed and homesick, he gains confidence and hope after Lü Qinglong's support.

Significant Themes

• Camaraderie: Lü Qinglong's actions highlight the importance of supporting and looking out for one another in the military.
• Trust and Betrayal: The theft of the New Recruit's uniform underscores the lack of trust among the New Recruits and the potential for betrayal, even in a supposedly close-knit group.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and the Crying New Recruit: Their interaction shows Lü Qinglong's protective and caring nature towards his fellow New Recruit, while the New Recruit comes to see Lü Qinglong as a reliable elder brother figure.
• Lü Qinglong and the Veteran on Duty: Their brief exchange highlights the Veteran's initial suspicion and eventual trust in Lü Qinglong, allowing him to pass through the Barracks door.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong discovers his camouflage uniform has been taken by a new recruit.
• He finds the recruit's uniform and returns it, despite it being the wrong one.
• Squad Leader Chen Ting teaches the recruits the Rolling Step footwork for indoor searches and urban combat.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Shows intelligence in finding the recruit's uniform and demonstrates excellent physical fitness in gun handling and footwork.
• Ji Baichang: Struggles with physical tasks but displays a strong competitive spirit and determination.
• Xue Daochao: Shows better physical endurance than Ji Baichang but still struggles with the tasks.
• Chen Ting: Demonstrates patience and thoroughness in teaching the recruits.

Significant Themes

• Physical fitness and endurance as crucial aspects of military training.
• The importance of precise, coordinated movements in combat situations.
• The value of determination and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and the New Recruit: Lü Qinglong helps the recruit despite the latter's mistake.
• Ji Baichang and Lü Qinglong: Ji Baichang feels competitive with Lü Qinglong's physical prowess.
• Chen Ting and the Recruits: Chen Ting teaches the recruits with patience and attention to detail.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ting, a former Special Forces soldier, is now a squad leader in the New Recruit Company. He devises individual training plans for Ji Baichang, Xue Daochao, and Lü Qinglong based on their abilities.
• Chen Ting teaches them basic skills like horse stance and silent walking through the forest, demonstrating his expertise.
• The New Recruit Company struggles with morning exercises, with many recruits feeling exhausted and demoralized.
• The Company Commander, Chen Tianjian, is informed about issues with the cookhouse squad and the need for new recruits to help with manual labor, such as clearing a clogged septic tank.

Character Developments

• Chen Ting: He is patient and thorough in his training methods, passing down the knowledge he received from his former squad leader. He shows no favoritism and is willing to help each recruit improve based on their individual strengths.
• Lü Qinglong: He is eager to learn and improves quickly under Chen Ting's guidance. He decides to practice diligently whenever he has the chance.
• Ji Baichang: He is flattering towards Chen Ting, hoping to gain favor. He also struggles with the basic training, indicating his weak fundamentals.
• Chen Tianjian: He is impatient and dismissive of the veterans from other brigades, preferring the new recruits' efficiency. He is also displeased when his personal belongings go missing.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Thoroughness: Chen Ting's training methods emphasize patience and thoroughness, reflecting his dedication to his role as a squad leader.
• Adaptability: The recruits struggle with the intense training, highlighting the need for adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Chen Tianjian's frustration with the veterans and his willingness to assign tasks to the new recruits underscore the importance of taking responsibility for one's duties.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ting and the Recruits: Chen Ting interacts with Ji Baichang, Xue Daochao, and Lü Qinglong, providing guidance and encouragement tailored to each recruit's abilities.
• Chen Tianjian and the Duty Officer: Chen Tianjian interacts with the duty officer, expressing his dissatisfaction with the veterans' inefficiency and assigning tasks to the new recruits.
• Recruits among themselves: The recruits interact with each other, expressing their struggles and frustrations with the intense training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Tianjian, the Company Commander, is furious when he finds his new, unmarked camouflage uniform has been "coordinated" with another, likely a recruit's.
• The duty officer investigates but finds no one admitting to taking the Company Commander's uniform.
• The Company Commander decides not to pursue the matter, asking the culprit to return the uniform before the morning training session.
• Instead of training, the recruits are sent out for a chore, requiring them to bring their yellow basins. Lü Qinglong and Xue Daochao are assigned to organize the equipment room.

Character Developments

• Chen Tianjian: Shows anger and frustration at the recruits' lack of awareness and respect for his uniform.
• Lü Qinglong: Demonstrates understanding and discretion, helping the recruit who took his uniform without admitting it.
• Xue Daochao: Volunteers to help with the heavy task of organizing the equipment room, showing strength and willingness to work.

Significant Themes

• Respect and Responsibility: The recruits' lack of respect for the Company Commander's uniform and their belongings is a breach of military discipline and responsibility.
• Consequences of Actions: The recruit who took the Company Commander's uniform faces potential punishment, highlighting the importance of accountability.
• Teamwork and Solidarity: Lü Qinglong's understanding and Xue Daochao's willingness to help with a difficult task show a sense of teamwork and solidarity among the recruits.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and the recruit who took his uniform: Lü Qinglong understands the recruit's predicament and helps him keep the secret.
• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao: Ji Baichang feels satisfied seeing Xue Daochao assigned to a heavier task, highlighting their differing attitudes towards work.
• Chen Tianjian and the duty officer: The Company Commander and the duty officer work together to handle the situation, showing a chain of command and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao are assigned an errand by their Squad Leader, Chen Ting.
• They are led to a pit behind the company barracks, where they find a septic tank full of Oli Ge (human waste).
• Their task is to build a small road to divert the waste to another pit and use yellow basins to scoop back any overflow.

Character Developments

• Ji Baichang: Initially curious and confident, he becomes horrified and vomits upon seeing the septic tank. He struggles with the task but ultimately perseveres.
• Xue Daochao: He remains calm and pragmatic throughout, showing no signs of disgust or distress.

Significant Themes

• Disgust and Perseverance: The recruits face their disgust and must persevere to complete their task.
• Teamwork: They must work together to build the road and divert the waste.

Character Interactions

• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao: Despite their initial banter, they work together to complete the task, with Xue Daochao showing understanding and patience towards Ji Baichang's reaction.
• Ji Baichang and the Guard: The Guard treats Ji Baichang harshly but explains the task thoroughly, showing a mix of sternness and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New Recruits are forced to manually empty a septic tank (Oli Ge) as a public chore, supervised by the duty officer.
• They spend three hours completing the task and are subsequently hosed down with cold water.
• In the afternoon, they are tasked with making dumplings using their yellow basins, which they used to scoop Oli Ge that morning.
• The Company Commander orders this as retribution for a missing camouflage uniform.
• The Political Instructor addresses the New Recruits, praising their performance and encouraging them.

Character Developments

• Ji Baichang: Struggles with the harsh realities of military life, feeling fragile and questioning his mental state.
• Lü Qinglong: Seems to have an easier time adjusting, even benefiting from the New Recruits' lack of enthusiasm for meals.
• Xue Daochao: Avoids the harsh tasks by organizing the equipment storage, much to Ji Baichang's envy.
• Chen Tianjian (Company Commander): Imposes the dumpling-making task as a form of punishment for the missing uniform.

Significant Themes

• Initiation Rites: The harsh tasks and punishments serve as initiation rites for the New Recruits, testing their resilience and adaptability.
• Collective Responsibility: The New Recruits are held collectively responsible for the missing uniform, reflecting the military's emphasis on collective responsibility.
• Adaptation: The New Recruits struggle to adapt to the harsh conditions and expectations of military life.

Character Interactions

• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao: Ji Baichang feels resentment towards Xue Daochao for avoiding the harsh tasks.
• Lü Qinglong and the New Recruit: Lü Qinglong reassures a concerned New Recruit about the missing uniform.
• New Recruits and the Duty Officer: The New Recruits are intimidated by the duty officer and comply with his orders without question.
• New Recruits and the Political Instructor: The Political Instructor offers encouragement and support to the New Recruits, contrasting with the harsh treatment they've received from the duty officer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New Recruits are informed about the upcoming physical examination to weed out those unfit for military life.
• The Political Instructor warns that five recruits from the company will be sent home if they fail to meet the standards.
• The New Recruits watch Xinwen Lianbo, but their minds are preoccupied with the upcoming physical examination.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong worries about his height and weight not meeting the standards and fears being discharged.
• Ji Baichang, despite his initial resentment towards Lü Qinglong, offers to help him stay in the army if necessary.

Significant Themes

• The importance of meeting military standards and the consequences of not doing so.
• The role of connections in the military and society.
• Friendship and loyalty, as seen in Ji Baichang's offer to help Lü Qinglong.

Character Interactions

• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao bicker about who used connections to enlist.
• Lü Qinglong confides in Ji Baichang about his concerns regarding the physical examination.
• Lü Qinglong approaches Squad Leader Chen Ting to ask about the possibility of being discharged if he fails the physical examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ting clarifies that Lü Qinglong won't be discharged due to vision issues, as his vision is actually exceptional for long distances.
• Lü Qinglong and Ji Baichang shower together, with Ji Baichang marveling at Lü Qinglong's physical prowess.
• The next morning, Chen Ting gives the squad specific training tasks to consolidate their learning.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Shows exceptional long-distance vision and physical strength. Reveals he has had social anxiety throughout his life.
• Chen Ting: Demonstrates patience and understanding in explaining the physical examination rules to Lü Qinglong. Shows expertise in military training.
• Ji Baichang: Shows eagerness to learn and adaptability in following Lü Qinglong's lead. Displays a sense of humor.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming social anxiety (Lü Qinglong's journey).
• The importance of patience and understanding in teaching (Chen Ting's approach).
• Adaptability and eagerness to learn (Ji Baichang's character trait).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ting reassures Lü Qinglong about the physical examination, showing understanding and patience.
• Lü Qinglong and Ji Baichang bond over their morning shower, with Ji Baichang admiring Lü Qinglong's strength.
• Chen Ting assigns specific training tasks to each squad member, fostering individual growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The New Recruits are relieved to find they don't have to run in the morning.
• They undergo a physical examination at the Sanitation Team, encountering another Company ahead of them in line.
• Upon returning, they find their living quarters will be inspected for hygiene.

Character Developments

• Chen Tianjian, the Company Commander, shows displeasure at the unexpected change in schedule and the messiness of the New Recruits' blankets.
• Lü Qinglong demonstrates responsibility by helping Ji Baichang fold his blanket and cleaning their assigned area.
• Ji Baichang shows curiosity about the local businesses and their food offerings.

Significant Themes

• Discipline and order in the military, as demonstrated by the strict schedule and Chen Tianjian's reaction to the unexpected change.
• The contrast between the New Recruits' lives and the local businesses catering to the armed Veterans, highlighting the economic disparity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ting explains the local businesses to Ji Baichang, revealing the economic disparity and the locals' targeting of the armed Veterans' allowances.
• Lü Qinglong helps Ji Baichang with his blanket, showing camaraderie and responsibility.
• Chen Tianjian discusses the unexpected change in schedule with the duty officer, displaying his authority and displeasure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li He, a new recruit, harbors jealousy towards Lü Qinglong due to his poor military aptitude.
• The New Recruits undergo physical examinations, starting with vision tests.
• Lü Qinglong's exceptional eyesight is revealed during his vision test, causing a stir among the Veterans.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: His extraordinary eyesight is discovered, hinting at his potential physical prowess.
• Li He: His jealousy towards Lü Qinglong is further emphasized.
• Chen Tianjian: He remains unfazed by Li He's behavior, showing his experience and tolerance.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and envy among peers (Li He towards Lü Qinglong).
• The importance of physical fitness and aptitude in the military (Lü Qinglong's exceptional eyesight).

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and Li He: Li He's jealousy is evident in his subtle and open targeting of Lü Qinglong.
• Lü Qinglong and Chen Tianjian: Chen Tianjian shows understanding and tolerance towards Li He's behavior.
• Lü Qinglong and his peers (Ji Baichang, Xue Daochao): They interact during the vision test, with Ji Baichang showing envy towards Lü Qinglong's potential eyesight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong's eyesight is tested, and he scores 1.2, which is above the average human limit of 1.0-1.2.
• During the ultrasound, the medical team is shocked by Lü Qinglong's robust internal organs, with his heart's blood supply being more than three times that of an ordinary person.
• A Senior Colonel, Li Gong, is called in to examine Lü Qinglong. He decides against further tests like CT and MRI.
• Lü Qinglong recognizes Li Gong as an old family acquaintance from his childhood.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: His exceptional physical condition is revealed, showing he's not an ordinary recruit.
• Ji Baichang: He's shown to be curious and enthusiastic, with a tendency to make assumptions based on his gaming knowledge.
• Li Gong: He's revealed to be a veteran military doctor with a high rank, and he's familiar with Lü Qinglong's family.

Significant Themes

• Exceptional physical abilities and their implications.
• The influence of connections and familiarity in the military hierarchy.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and Ji Baichang: Lü Qinglong hands Ji Baichang his form, showing trust, while Ji Baichang is amazed by Lü Qinglong's physical condition.
• Lü Qinglong and Li Gong: They recognize each other, and Li Gong shows favoritism towards Lü Qinglong, indicating a friendly relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lü Qinglong, a massive and intimidating figure, undergoes a physical examination at the military medical team.
• The height and weight measuring instrument exceeds its limits for Lü Qinglong, showing 251cm for height and 300kg+ for weight.
• Lü Qinglong's grandfather, Senior Colonel Li Gong, arranges for his forms to be filled out with 300kg for weight, suggesting he has a plan for Lü Qinglong's enlistment.
• Lü Qinglong is told to hand over his forms to his recruit company commander, Chen Tianjian.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Despite his intimidating appearance, he is calm and respectful, following his grandfather's instructions.
• Senior Colonel Li Gong: He is influential and well-respected, with a plan to help Lü Qinglong enlist despite his unusual physical attributes.
• The duty soldier: He initially believes Lü Qinglong will be rejected due to his size and tries to console him, but later realizes Lü Qinglong has passed his physical.

Significant Themes

• The influence of connections and favoritism in the military, as Senior Colonel Li Gong uses his position to help Lü Qinglong.
• The challenges of enlisting in the military with unique physical attributes, as Lü Qinglong's size exceeds the standard measurements.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and Senior Colonel Li Gong: They have a grandfather-grandson dynamic, with Li Gong guiding and helping Lü Qinglong.
• Lü Qinglong and the duty soldier: The duty soldier initially tries to console Lü Qinglong, thinking he will be rejected, but later realizes Lü Qinglong has passed his physical and is confused by the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New recruits undergo a physical examination by the "Sanitation Team" (doctor veterans), who are less trained but more numerous than civilian doctors.
• Lü Qinglong passes all examinations, surprising the duty officer who suspects favoritism.
• New recruits return to the barracks for a hygiene inspection. The veterans inspect the rooms, throwing out quilts that aren't folded properly.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Proven to be physically strong and capable, raising suspicions of favoritism.
• Chen Ting (First Squad Leader): Has high standards for hygiene, throwing out poorly folded quilts.

Significant Themes

• Standards and expectations in the military.
• The contrast between civilian and military medical practices.
• The impact of favoritism and high expectations on new recruits.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and the duty officer: Lü's passing of all examinations surprises and disappoints the duty officer.
• Chen Ting and the other veterans: Chen sets a high standard for hygiene, putting pressure on other squad leaders.
• New recruits: React with confusion and dismay as their quilts are thrown out during the hygiene inspection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New recruits struggle to find their blankets after an inspection, as they hadn't labeled them.
• Squad leaders reinforce hygiene standards, and Chen Ting from First Squad tasks Ji Baichang, Xue Daochao, and Lü Qinglong to clean the restroom.
• Lü Qinglong's blanket is found in a toilet stall, but he's relieved it wasn't his.
• A Second Squad recruit finds his blanket in the toilet and is devastated.
• Lü Qinglong is awarded the 'Internal Affairs Model Soldier' medal for his well-folded blanket.
• A Battalion-wide physical fitness competition is announced, and six recruits are told they'll be discharged due to failing their physical examinations.

Character Developments

• Ji Baichang: Realizes the harsh reality of military life and starts to understand the phrase "the first year of being a soldier is no different from being a dog."
• Lü Qinglong: Proves himself as a model soldier, earning respect and envy from his peers.
• The unnamed Second Squad recruit: Struggles with the harsh treatment and considers leaving the military.

Significant Themes

• Harsh initiation into military life.
• The importance of discipline and attention to detail.
• The impact of harsh treatment on new recruits' morale and mental state.

Character Interactions

• Ji Baichang and Lü Qinglong: Ji Baichang feels grateful towards Lü Qinglong for helping him fold his blanket, and they clean the restroom together.
• Lü Qinglong and the Second Squad recruit: Lü Qinglong shows sympathy and offers advice to the recruit who finds his blanket in the toilet.
• Chen Ting and the duty soldier: The duty soldier shows respect and admiration towards Chen Ting for maintaining high interior affairs standards in his squad.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Six New Recruits, including one who had quilt-throwing incident, are discharged due to substandard vision.
• Lü Qinglong, despite his height, passes the physical.
• New Recruits who failed their physicals leave the Company.
• New Recruits anticipate National Day holiday, hoping to get their phones back.

Character Developments

• Lü Qinglong: Realizes the discharged New Recruit is the same one from the quilt incident, feels it's a good thing for him.
• Discharged New Recruit: Shows reluctance and disappointment upon discharge.
• Ji Baichang: Demonstrates wealth and generosity, offers to buy snacks for Lü Qinglong and Xue Daochao.
• Xue Daochao: Skeptical about getting phones back on National Day.

Significant Themes

• Hardship and disappointment: Discharged New Recruits face the reality of not meeting military standards.
• Camaraderie: Lü Qinglong feels for the discharged New Recruit, Ji Baichang offers to buy snacks for his friends.
• Anticipation and hope: New Recruits eagerly await National Day holiday and the possibility of getting their phones back.

Character Interactions

• Lü Qinglong and other New Recruits: Discuss the discharged New Recruits and Lü Qinglong's passing of the physical.
• Discharged New Recruit and Wang Yuan: Wang Yuan consoles the New Recruit and helps him pack.
• Lü Qinglong, Ji Baichang, and Xue Daochao: Discuss National Day, phones, and snacks, demonstrating their bond.
• Political Instructor and New Recruits: Political Instructor announces movie screening and tug-of-war competition for National Day.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Political Instructor announces that the winning class of a tug-of-war competition will get their mobile phones back.
• Ji Baichang boasts about their class's victory, angering other classes.
• Lü Qinglong decides to participate as the anchor, boosting his classmates' confidence.
• The next day, all classes gather for the tug-of-war competition, with Veterans from other Companies watching.
• Chen Ting draws the number 'One' for the first match against Eighth Squad.

Character Developments

• Ji Baichang shows his boastful and arrogant nature.
• Lü Qinglong demonstrates his leadership and consideration for his classmates.
• The New Recruits show a growing sense of collective honor and camaraderie.

Significant Themes

• Camaraderie and teamwork.
• Pride and honor within the military context.
• The importance of communication and understanding among team members.

Character Interactions

• Ji Baichang and Xue Daochao: Ji's boasting angers Xue, but he doesn't retort, showing a rare moment of agreement.
• Lü Qinglong and his classmates: Lü reassures his classmates and encourages their participation in the tug-of-war.
• Chen Ting and the Squad Leader of Eighth Squad: They draw the same number for the first match, signaling an early elimination for Eighth Squad if they lose.