Chapter 38: Military Training in Progress

The next morning at 7 a.m., military training at Linchuan University officially kicked off. Black double-decker buses rolled into the campus, carrying a large group of armed police soldiers.

At the same time, a flood of freshmen poured out of the dorms and onto the sports field.

On the outskirts of Finance Class 4's formation, waves of chatter rose and fell, peppered with exclamations like "Holy crap," "So beautiful," "Fairy," and "I'm done for." The vibe was almost like a celebrity meet-and-greet, drawing curious onlookers even from two formations over.

Jiang Qin fanned himself with his hat, running a hand through his hair, cursing the damn weather for being way too hot.

It was only morning, and the hat was already unbearable. Once training started, who knew how brutal it'd get?

Meanwhile, Cao Guangyu, Zhou Chao, and Ren Ziqiang were trudging over from Class 4's formation, faces brimming with awe.

"Old Jiang, I've realized I've been a frog in a well this whole time!"

Jiang Qin grinned. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

Cao Guangyu: "????"

Ren Ziqiang cut past Cao Guangyu. "Old Jiang, don't laugh. You think Hong Yan and Chu Siqi are the peak of beauty? Let me tell you, Class 4's got a girl who's on another level—her vibe is just dazzling."

Zhou Chao nodded furiously in agreement. "First time I've seen someone so perfect. Like a celebrity—no, better than a celebrity. My worldview's shattered."

Jiang Qin waved his hat to cool off, replying calmly, "Is it really that dramatic?"

"Not exaggerated at all! Come with us and see for yourself—you'll realize you're a frog in a well too!"

"Yeah, Old Jiang, let's go! Checking out a beauty doesn't cost a thing!"

Jiang Qin waved them off with a cool air. "Nah, this damn weather—two steps and I'm sweating. I'll save my energy for training."

Cao Guangyu felt a twinge of irritation. "Goddamn it, you're the only one in the dorm acting all high and mighty!"

"Training's half a month long. I'll see her eventually, no rush. Who knows, maybe she'll come looking for me in a bit."

"What? Looking for you? If she does, I'll eat shit on the spot."

Jiang Qin shot Cao Guangyu a look. "If you wanna eat shit, just say it—don't keep using me as an excuse!"

As the 302 crew bantered, a gaggle of girls from Finance Class 3 suddenly swarmed over from behind. "What're you looking at? It's not like she's yours."

Cao Guangyu turned to see a plain but neat face. "Pan Xiu, I didn't mess with you."

"I'm just stating facts."

Pan Xiu's oversized training uniform hung loosely, making her look sloppy and stripping away what little cuteness she had left.

"Everyone loves beauty—can't we just look?" Cao Guangyu argued righteously.

Pan Xiu huffed. "What, the beauties in our class aren't enough for you? Gotta drool over the unattainable ones?"

Ren Ziqiang, ever the simp, jumped in. "Xiu Xiu, I'm not looking at anyone else—just you."

"Classmate Ren Ziqiang, we've only chatted twice. We're not that close," Pan Xiu shot back with an icy tone.

"Uh…"

Cao Guangyu threw him a scornful glance. "Pathetic simp. Can't move your legs when you see a girl, huh? And what'd you get? A cold shoulder for your warm face!"

Ren Ziqiang looked at Pan Xiu with a wounded expression, then at Cao Guangyu. "Fine, fine, I'll shut up."

While they bickered, the other girls from Class 3 had their eyes locked on Jiang Qin.

At over 1.8 meters tall, Jiang Qin stood out under the blazing sun, his frame especially striking. Guys like him weren't rare at Linda, but in Class 3, he was a standout. The other three from his dorm didn't even compare, and only Zuo Baiqiang from the next dorm could maybe challenge him.

But Zuo Baiqiang couldn't hold a candle to Jiang Qin in looks or complexion, making Jiang Qin all the more eye-catching.

Right now, Jiang Qin was grumbling, clearly pissed at the heat. He pressed an iced mineral water bottle to his face while staring blankly at the supermarket across the field, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.

Seeing this, the Class 3 girls couldn't help whispering among themselves.

"Of all the guys in Class 3, this Jiang Qin's the best at playing it cool!"

"Right? If I hadn't heard about him chasing someone for three years, I'd totally buy his act!"

"Did he really chase someone for three years? Doesn't seem like it."

"Yep, Ren Ziqiang told Pan Xiu himself—how could it be fake?"

"Qingqing, didn't you get mad at him yesterday on the pedestrian street? Why not tease him again later?"

Song Qingqing glared at Jiang Qin's back and let out a cold snort, her mind flashing back to being ignored yesterday. Her made-up face frosted over with irritation.

She'd genuinely thought Jiang Qin was some low-key prodigy. But last night, back at the dorm, Pan Xiu got the scoop from Ren Ziqiang: Jiang Qin had chased a high school classmate for three years, only to get brutally rejected. She'd then regaled the dorm with the juicy tale.

After hearing it, they realized yesterday's scene on the pedestrian street was a misunderstanding. Jiang Qin was just another loser who sucked up to pretty girls—he just hid it better.

"Teasing him sounds fun. He ignored me yesterday, after all."

Song Qingqing put on a bratty smirk and stepped forward. But before she could speak, a rhythmic "One-two-one, one-two-one" chant echoed from the field's entrance. A squad of soldiers jogged in, steps perfectly synced, their shouts loud and commanding.

At the sight, the previously lazy freshmen snapped upright, some even forming lines on their own. Song Qingqing had to ditch her plan and slink back to her spot.

Linda's first military training session was simple: stand at attention under the blazing sun for an hour to tame the freshmen's wildness and build their endurance.

But since it was day one, mishaps were plenty—someone fainting mid-session, another puking out of nowhere. Every time something happened, Jiang Qin's eyes flicked toward Class 4's formation, a trace of worry in his gaze.

Luckily, by the mid-session break, Class 4's group was still fine.

"Old Jiang, bathroom break? Let's go together."

Once the short free period started, Zhou Chao tapped Jiang Qin, who was standing in front of him.

Jiang Qin glanced back. "Didn't you just pee before we got here? It's been less than two hours, and you're going again? Your kidneys shot or what?"

Zhou Chao's breath hitched. "You don't need to?"

"I can hold it for at least three hours."

"Then I won't go either."

Zhou Chao wasn't sure why, but the word "kidneys" sparked some weird competitive streak in him. Gritting his teeth, he forced the urge back and plopped down on the field obediently.

At the same time, Song Qingqing, Jiang Tian, Pan Xiu, and a few other girls sauntered over, casually boxing Jiang Qin in. A mix of perfume scents hit him hard, nearly choking him in the stifling heat.

"Classmate Jiang Qin, heard you chased a girl in high school for three years and still struck out?"