"Settling in all right?"
That evening, after dinner, Gao Cheng came over to check on the best soldier in the world, as he saw him.
Wang Yan nodded with a smile. "I've settled in perfectly. It's even better than the recruit company. If I could see an artillery salvo sometime, that'd be even better."
"You'll get the chance. When the exercises come around, you'll be able to see whatever you want. You did well today. You didn't see it when you were shooting—the Battalion Commander's mouth wouldn't close. It just hung open like this. He was dumbfounded..."
Gao Cheng burst into laughter as he spoke, even mimicking the Battalion Commander's expression. "Let me tell you, it's only because I saw it beforehand. Otherwise, I wouldn't have looked much better. You kid are way too outrageous."
"I was born to be soldier material. It'd be wrong if I weren't outrageous."
"Although that sounds punchable, I think you're stating a fact."
"Strong is strong. Wu taught me that. He said if you're awesome but pretend to be modest, that's just showing off, and he gave me a good scolding over it."
Wang Yan smiled. "Company Commander, I'd like to ask for leave. And borrow a vehicle."
"Got something to do?"
"Fifth Squad is stationed here, right? The squad leader, deputy squad leader, and I were thinking of going over to take a look. Didn't Xu Sanduo get assigned there? The squad leader said Fifth Squad's leader was his old squad leader back in the recruit company."
"Old Ma? I know him. He was a fine soldier. What a pity." Gao Cheng smiled. "All right! Go on, then. Get back early."
"Yes!"
Wang Yan answered, then joined Shi Jin and Wu Liuyi as they drove a jeep across the endless grassland...
At Fifth