On the training field, everyone was packing up their gear.
Wu Zhe had an arm around Xu Sanduo's shoulders as he asked Qi Heng, "So how are you planning to put us through the wringer this time?"
Qi Heng glanced back at him. "This time, it's the real deal."
"I thought we were brothers. Never thought I still wouldn't hear the truth from you. That really breaks my heart."
"Can't you tell by looking at the guns? They're all loaded with live ammunition."
"Last time, someone gave us rifles marked for live rounds that were actually loaded with blanks."
"Can't you tell by looking at the bullets?"
Xu Sanduo moved quickly. He had already removed his magazine and ejected a round. "They're live rounds," he said.
"Captain, what do you think?" Wu Zhe asked Wang Yan, who was sitting cross-legged nearby and smoking.
"I'm watching while sitting down."
Wang Yan laughed. "I knew about your selection exercise back then. Old Yuan scared the wits out of you with all his messing around. You're a master's graduate—when you've got nothing to do, quit overthinking things. For a master's graduate, your thirst for knowledge is pretty good. But as a soldier, it's not."
Wu Liuyi said, "That's just how he is. Always trying to show off his intelligence in front of us comrades with middle school and high school educations."
"Hey, that's not it," Wu Zhe said, waving his hands. "I just think a little more than most."
"Then don't think. Just obey orders and follow command."
Just then, Yuan Lang walked over as he spoke.
He swept his gaze over them. "All packed up?"
"Yes."
"Good. No need to form up. Get on the vehicles, quickly. We're heading to the airport. Move!" Yuan Lang waved them on, and the soldiers boarded