Chapter 91 - 91 82 Settling Down

Words : 1950 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

91: Chapter 82 Settling Down 91: Chapter 82 Settling Down Just one update today, I’ll make up for it tomorrow. ————————– Fifty-two female soldiers, dragging a variety of luggage behind them—some wrapped in large bundles, some stuffed in burlap bags, some carrying leather suitcases (those from well-off families)..., followed Zeng Meili, looking around curiously as they arrived in front of a row of brand-new bungalows on the right side of the military district. Zeng Meili turned back and smiled at everyone, “This will be your dormitory, where you’ll live for a while. I’ll read out names and room and bed numbers; find your match and move in.” For most of the women soldiers, the housing was beyond their expectations. Their anxious expressions instantly turned to joy, and soon the place buzzed with murmurs of acknowledgment—”Mm” “Ah” “Yes”—echoing around them. “Haha...” “Hee hee...” Some of the female soldiers who had already moved in ran out to watch the fun. Hearing the chaotic chorus of responses, they began laughing and playfully patting each other on the shoulders and backs. “Go back to your rooms, don’t make a mess here!” “Yes!” It quieted down outside the bungalows. The ragtag group flushed with embarrassment. Zeng Meili had reminded them before boarding the vehicle to answer questions with “Yes,” but in their haste, they had forgotten... Zeng Meili scanned the group but didn’t scold anyone. Instead, she started assigning rooms from the roster. Chuxia and Luo Xiaoqiong were assigned to Room 3, along with Qiao Ningyi and Sun Shangmei, as well as two other female soldiers—Lin Mengran and Qu Xiaojing—who had joined en route. Jiang Xiaodie and Xue Qinqin, both from the Red Flag Commune, were allocated Room 4. Four soldiers were already staying in Room 3. Seeing Chuxia and the others enter, a medium-height woman with a slim figure, short hair, and a round, apple-shaped face greeted them with a laugh. “Hello, I’m Liu Meijun, eighteen years old, from A Province, A City. From now on, we’re comrades in arms, and we must help each other.” As she spoke, she deftly took a small cloth bag from Chuxia’s hand. “You look so thin, it must be hard carrying these things, right?” “I’m fine, thanks.” Chuxia felt somewhat resigned to being looked down upon upon entering and introduced herself, “My name is Lin Chuxia, seventeen years old, from B City, Yunsong County, Dalin Village, Red Flag Commune in A Province.” “My name is Luo Xiaoqiong, eighteen years old, from the same village as Chuxia,” said Luo Xiaoqiong, continuing where Chuxia left off. The others followed suit in introducing themselves, and after everyone stuffed their luggage into the lockers and settled in, the dorm room instantly buzzed with chatter. The three soldiers who had kept seated were all from A City. They looked at Chuxia and the rest with a clear sense of superiority in their gaze. “I heard you all come from rural areas. Did you join the army just for a regular meal?” The soldier who asked this was Yang Xiaoli, nineteen years old, tall, slim, with large almond-shaped eyes that she deliberately widened when speaking. “Yeah, I heard rural areas are so poor that people eat tree bark, is that true?” This was asked by Yuan Mengmeng, eighteen years old, medium height, sturdy build, with unremarkable delicate eyebrows and eyes. “Ah, eating tree bark? Can that be true?” This question came from Qi Jihong, eighteen years old, big eyes, long lashes, fair skin, as cute as a doll, and very pretty. “You three seem quite curious about food. If you’re so intrigued, why don’t you go experience rural life yourselves?” Sun Shangmei was the first to retaliate against their discriminatory questions. “Experience going hungry? Girl, that’s too funny,” scoffed Yuan Mengmeng with a sneer. “I can think of other things to experience, but going without food? You’ve got some imagination.” “What makes you think we don’t have food?” Sun Shangmei frowned. “Let me tell you, the situation in the vast rural areas is very good now. The members all have food and clothing, not at all what you imagine.” Hearing Sun Shangmei’s official propaganda-like speech, the corners of Chuxia’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Based on her guess, each dorm seemed to form a squad. So, who would become the Squad Leader? Just looking around the ten people in her own room, although it was only a brief interaction, their personalities were already showing. There was no need to mention Sun Shangmei; clearly, she was someone with a strong desire for authority. Qiao Ningyi had a cheerful and magnanimous character. Lin Mengran and Qu Xiaojing, one appearing soft and weak, the other tall and sturdy, both had been quiet and had not shared their backgrounds, making them the most mysterious of all. Among the four city girls, Liu Meijun was the most agreeable. The others seemed to follow Yang Xiaoli as their leader; presumably, the Yang family had a good background. That left her and Luo Xiaoqiong. After considering everything, she thought Qiao Ningyi was well-suited for the Squad Leader position, but she was sure Sun Shangmei and Yang Xiaoli would not be satisfied with that... “Chuxia, what are you thinking about?” Jolted by a poke from Luo Xiaoqiong, Chuxia came back to reality and gave her a faint smile, “Are you done unpacking?” “Mm.” Luo Xiaoqiong nodded. “What were you spacing out about?” “Guess who will become our Squad Leader?” Chuxia whispered into Luo Xiaoqiong’s ear. “I wish it were me, but I don’t think that’s likely...” Glancing around, Luo Xiaoqiong said, “You know, I think Qiao Ningyi seems suitable.” Chuxia laughed softly, “Great minds think alike.” “What are you two talking about?” Liu Meijun walked over with a big smile, “You look like you’re having a good time. Share with me, make me laugh too?” “Nothing much, just that everything is so new here.” Luo Xiaoqiong laughed and patted the small stool next to her. “Sit down, there are so many rules here. We can’t sit on the beds during the day, and these stools are uncomfortably cramped.” “Yeah, but...” “Beep beep beep...” The sudden whistle cut off Liu Meijun’s words. She quickly stood up, “Assembly, let’s hurry outside.” Five minutes later, everyone had gathered, and in front of the barracks stood a large, dense crowd. “At ease!” “Attention!” After scanning the group, Zeng Meili said, “Starting from now, everyone must hold themselves to the standard of a soldier. After lunch, we will begin by studying regulations, discipline, and principles. If things are still this chaotic tomorrow, don’t blame me for being unkind. Among those standing here, a hundred comrades, after three months of training, will be assigned to various health service squads to continue learning for a year. Only then will you officially become independent medical soldiers. Of course, those who do not qualify will be sent back from whence they came. You are different from ordinary female soldiers. In addition to physical training, you will also undergo cultural lessons. Therefore, if you fail to meet the standards in either area, your spot will be revoked. There are ten classes based on dormitories, with Dormitory One being Class One, and so on, up to Dormitory Ten being Class Ten. Now, I will announce the squad leaders and deputy squad leaders. Of course, this is only provisional. In half a month, squad leaders will be reselected based on everyone’s performance in cultural and physical training. The temporary squad leaders and deputy squad leaders are: Class One Squad Leader Liang Aiwie, Deputy Squad Leader Jin Xiaoyue. Class Two Squad Leader Xiang Liming, Deputy Squad Leader Yu Wenhui. Class Three Squad Leader Qiao Ningyi, Deputy Squad Leader Yang Xiaoli. Class Four Squad Leader Gu Ningyi, Deputy Squad Leader Jiang Xiaodie. ... Class Ten Squad Leader Wang Lihua, Deputy Squad Leader Yuwen Aiye. After lunch, squad leaders and deputy squad leaders will organize their classmates for study. Tomorrow morning there will be a test, and the results will be posted on the large bulletin board at the military headquarters. If you don’t want to lose face, work hard.” “Yes!” “At ease!” “Attention!” “Right face!” “Forward march!” Following Zeng Meili with puzzled expressions, the women marched in steps that were far from synchronized, drawing the heated gazes of many along the way. The A Military Region had only one female soldier company, and now with the addition of these lively, fresh-faced young female soldiers, it was quite a feast for the eyes. Squads of male soldiers, seemingly looking straight ahead, were actually sneaking glances from the corners of their eyes! And the female soldiers? Were they not curious? Those who were bold turned their heads to observe the passing male soldiers, while the timid ones stole glances with the corners of their eyes, pretending not to be curious—there were only a few of those. “Chuxia, do you think we’ll run into Regimental Commander Zhou and the others?” Luo Xiaoqiong, who was about as tall as Chuxia, asked in a low voice as she walked beside her, after filling her eyes for a while. Chuxia, who had been seriously observing the male soldiers of this era, turned her head back languidly, “From what you’re saying, it seems like you’re looking forward to meeting him?” “Well, a little. He was the first to suggest we enlist, and I think we might have been selected this time with his help.” “You’re overthinking it,” Chuxia rolled her eyes, “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” “Even if he didn’t help, Instructor Zhou must have. Speaking of which, Instructor Zhou is really nice. If only he didn’t look so old, right?” “What are you trying to do?” Chuxia poked her in the forehead, with a hint of warning in her action. This girl was engaged to Zhao Qiliang, after all. “What do you think I want to do?” Luo Xiaoqiong winked and said with a mischievous smile, “You haven’t gotten engaged yet, have you?” Chuxia: “...” Can you please stop being so nosy? Thinking that Chuxia was just shy, Luo Xiaoqiong nudged her with her shoulder, her face begging to be punched, “Don’t be shy! It’s normal for men to marry and women to get married.” Chuxia nodded, “Yeah, I’ll talk to my brother about it; you’re in a hurry to get married.” “Sure, tell him. Even if you do, he won’t marry me right now,” said Luo Xiaoqiong with a long sigh, “Now that my brother and I have enlisted, my mom and dad must be very relieved. Sigh...” “You will have one hour of rest after lunch. You can visit your brother then, as you’re in the same military region,” said Chuxia. Luo Xiaoqiong nodded, “Okay, come with me.” “I’m afraid your brother won’t want to see me.” “He wouldn’t dare!” Luo Xiaoqiong huffed coldly, “The way that idiot is always fixated on Zhong Hongying and her social-climbing eyes—he never lets go. Hey Chuxia, if my brother really reforms, you should become my sister-in-law. First come, first served. Getting rid of Zhong Hongying... I’m counting on you!” Chuxia: “...” That leap in logic left her truly speechless... (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes of recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

Chapter 91 - 91 82 Settling Down

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