Chapter 276: The Two Women Meet
Holding the Military Merit Medal and certificate in his hand, Chang Ning couldn’t describe the complex emotions in his heart. He didn’t even believe himself when he said he didn’t want this Second-class Merit.
If they set aside the matter of defying orders, with the total contributions he made in this exercise, he could completely deserve a Second-class Merit.
It was precisely because there was this matter of defying orders in the middle that Chang Ning didn’t know what to do.
“Hope you stay humble and achieve even greater accomplishments.”
He Da Dui seemed not to notice Chang Ning’s abnormality and patted his chest with a hearty laugh to show encouragement.
“Yes!”
Chang Ning saluted the Captain.
So late at night, He Da Dui was still in the 026 Logistics Warehouse, obviously specifically to award Chang Ning alone.
“Good grief, can’t stand it, kid.”
Ostrich stared at the box containing the Military Merit Medal, his eyes gleaming.
“You have two Military Merit Medals now, right?
This year is only your second year in service. If we let you serve a few more years, us brothers will have to salute you.”
“Ostrich, if you’re envious, next exercise or mission, strive to be like Chang Ning and capture an enemy leader alive.”
Medic pushed Ostrich aside and picked up the box. The Military Merit Medal sparkled under the light.
Although with his family background he had seen plenty of Military Merit Medals—his grandfather even had a First-class Merit.
But those weren’t his own, so of course Medic envied Chang Ning’s Military Merit Medal.
To be precise, the entire B Group envied Chang Ning’s Military Merit Medal.
Who made it so that currently in B Group, besides Chang Ning, no one else had one.
And Chang Ning had two!
“Alright, you’ve seen enough. Pack up and get ready to sleep!
Lights out is about to sound.”
Geng Jihui told Chang Ning to put away the Military Merit Medal, then dispersed the B Group members gathered together.
He had just graduated from military academy not long ago and didn’t have a single Military Merit Medal.
He always felt that the empty spot on his dress uniform chest looked unsightly.
He made up his mind to get a few Military Merit Medals to decorate it too.
After discharge from the hospital, the routine of sleeping until he naturally woke up drifted far from Chang Ning.
In its place were punctual wake-ups, training, rest…
Chang Ning was like a spring wound tighter and tighter, waiting for the day to release its enormous kinetic energy.
One week later.
B Group, just finishing training and about to eat breakfast, received a mission to gear up neatly and run to Brigade Headquarters.
Chang Ning looked at Geng Jihui: “What mission? Why all the mystery?”
This mission was unusual in that it required them to go to Brigade Headquarters. Normally they went directly to Lone Wolf’s combat command room.
“Whatever the mission is, as long as it doesn’t make me soak in the Training Ground every day.” Qiang Zi said.
No one liked soaking in the Training Ground every day getting abused.
“Hurry up, don’t keep He Da Dui waiting.”
While talking, Xiao Zhuang dashed out like smoke.
He had returned to the unit three days ago and was doing recovery training these days.
Although in the hospital his girlfriend visited every day, being idle all day was quite boring, so the pent-up energy was perfect to vent on the Training Ground.
Therefore, unlike the other B Group members, he didn’t hate training.
“Just out of the hospital and already different, full of energy.”
Ostrich fastened his Military Belt and walked up to Chang Ning, winking as he spoke.
“You talking to me?”
Chang Ning pointed at himself; he really didn’t understand what Ostrich meant.
Anyone lying in the hospital for nearly a month would be about the same as Xiao Zhuang—what was there to say about it.
But seeing Ostrich’s expression, he felt this guy had an ulterior meaning, not just the surface one.
“Ignore him. Ostrich is just envious and jealous.”
Medic drifted by and said faintly.
Hearing this, Ostrich bristled like a cat whose tail was stepped on: “Who’s envious? Would I envy Xiao Zhuang? What a joke! This guy’s ridiculous!”
Ostrich’s bristling reaction combined with Medic’s words gave Chang Ning more insight into Ostrich’s behavior.
“It’s okay, you’ll have one too later.”
Thinking of Xia Lan, that stubborn and arrogant woman, a haze suddenly covered Chang Ning’s good mood.
“Just keep your eyes open when finding a girlfriend.”
Seeing Chang Ning solemnly warn him, those who didn’t know might think Chang Ning was saying it to himself.
The words were vague and cryptic, leaving Ostrich very puzzled.
It sounded like Chang Ning meant his future girlfriend would cause big trouble.
“What future? Anyway, you and that nurse from the General Hospital are acquaintances, so you can ask her to introduce one for us brothers.”
Ostrich put his arm around Chang Ning’s neck, a fawning smile on his face.
When it came to finding a partner, face could be set aside first.
Finding a partner in Wolf Fang, this monk temple, was too hard. Plus, Lone Wolf B Group was a special combat squad on full-time alert with pitifully few holidays and even fewer chances to go out.
Under these conditions, finding a partner was next to impossible!
“But why not ask Xiao Zhuang? His partner is also at the General Hospital.
With my relationship with Xiao Fei, it’s hard to ask.”
They had formally known each other for less than a month, barely good friends, so asking her to introduce a partner for a comrade felt abrupt.
“Hehe~
You think Ostrich didn’t ask Xiao Zhuang?
Ren Xiao Zhuang had just returned from the hospital, not even had a sip of water, and this guy already pestered him.”
Didn’t expect you to be like this, Ostrich.
Medic’s words refreshed Chang Ning’s impression of Ostrich.
In his impression, Ostrich was unreliable but not this shameless.
Could only say environment really changes a person.
“No more chatting, line up quickly.”
After tidying their uniforms, everyone lined up at the Dormitory entrance and ran toward Brigade Headquarters under Geng Jihui’s slogan.
At this time, Wolf Fang had not yet become a brigade-level unit, and the entire Barracks had not been expanded, so B Group reached Brigade Headquarters without spending much time.
“If I’m not mistaken, that female soldier standing at the entrance seems to be Xiao Zhuang’s partner.”
The running B Group saw a group of female soldiers at the Brigade Headquarters entrance, and their running rhythm got messed up.
Gao Zhong Dui saw his soldiers being so embarrassing, his furrowed brows deep enough to crush a mosquito.
But thinking these soldiers were teenage and twenty-something young lads, full of youthful vigor, this reaction to seeing female soldiers was understandable.
Gao Zhong Dui said with a dark face: “Look at you all. Never seen female soldiers before? Embarrassing! Stand properly, all of you!”
Once B Group realigned, Gao Zhong Dui turned to the female soldiers and squeezed out a reluctant smile.
“Sorry, everyone, for the embarrassment.
Next, my soldiers will lead you. Excuse me.”
With that, Gao Zhong Dui didn’t wait for Xiao Fei to thank him and turned into Brigade Headquarters.
He was going to ask the Captain what exactly was going on.
Logically, Wolf Fang Special Forces Detachment was a confidential unit and wouldn’t let strangers in.
But today they actually let in a group of female soldiers from Military Region General Hospital and wanted them to experience it.
What was there to experience at the Training Ground?
“Wow! These are Special Forces Soldiers?”
A female soldier looked at B Group’s seven muscular young men, her eyes sparkling.
The female soldiers whispered and chattered, discussing the lined-up Special Forces Soldiers.
Separated by four or five steps, the strong masculine hormones hit them head-on.
With Gao Zhong Dui gone, B Group wasn’t idle.
“Xiao Zhuang, my happiness depends on you, kid.”
Ostrich saw Xiao Ying turn to talk with a female soldier and urgently wanted Xiao Zhuang to have Xiao Ying make introductions for him later.
“I’ll try.”
Seeing his partner, Xiao Zhuang’s heart had already flown away; he didn’t hear what Ostrich said.
Even if he heard, once with Xiao Ying, he would throw Ostrich’s matter to the back of his mind.
“Chang Ning, you too, talk to Xiao Fei. If it works out, brother will buy you drinks.”
It seemed Ostrich was stimulated by Chang Ning and Xiao Zhuang; with good brothers around him pairing up, his lonely heart began to stir restlessly.
Poor Ostrich, no one paid him attention. Xiao Zhuang’s heart had flown to his partner, and Chang Ning now felt like a clay Buddha crossing the river—barely able to protect himself.
Xiao Fei’s gaze seemed to have some magical power, making the stared-at Chang Ning feel uncomfortable all over.
At this moment, due to nervousness, she felt hot all over and had no mind to listen to Ostrich.
“Alright sisters, how about we have the male soldiers take us to the Shooting Range to shoot?”
Perhaps noticing Chang Ning’s unusual mood, Xiao Fei’s obsidian-like pupils gleamed slyly.
Under Xiao Fei’s suggestion, the female soldiers all pestered Chang Ning and others to teach them to shoot.
The Special Forces Soldiers training at the Shooting Range saw a group of chattering female soldiers suddenly arrive, and several missed the target.
This made the Instructors lose face; the embarrassment went outside Wolf Fang!
Those few who missed wouldn’t get off easy; soon wails like ghosts and wolves came from several spots.
The unlucky Special Forces Soldiers amused the female soldiers into laughter.
Geng Jihui explained the situation to the Instructor in charge of target practice. Seeing it was He Da Dui’s personal order, any complaints vanished, and they quickly cleared several target positions for the female soldiers.
After simply adjusting the rifle, Xiao Zhuang called his partner over and taught Xiao Ying to shoot hand-in-hand.
“Chang Ning, can you teach me to shoot?”
Xiao Fei came to Chang Ning and placed the rifle in his hands.
Looking at Xiao Fei’s expectant eyes, Chang Ning couldn’t bear to refuse.
“Sure.”
With that, Chang Ning casually fired a few shots, then picked up the Binoculars beside him to check the bullet impacts on the Target paper.
He found the bullet impacts quite concentrated, so obviously Xiao Fei’s rifle didn’t need adjusting, saving quite a bit of trouble.
Then Chang Ning methodically taught Xiao Fei how to hold the gun, pull the Trigger, load, operate the safety, and press bullets into the Magazine.
Looking at Chang Ning so close, Xiao Fei’s heart rate was much faster than usual.
Chang Ning’s exhaled warm breath tickled her face.
Face itchy, heart itchy too.
“Pull the Trigger. What are you spacing out for?”
Holding the Binoculars, Chang Ning waited a while without seeing Xiao Fei pull the Trigger.
Turning his head: good grief, she was hugging the gun and zoning out.
“Oh, sorry.”
Xiao Fei snapped back, seriously aimed at the chest target 100 meters away. This time she didn’t keep Chang Ning waiting.
But Chang Ning held the Binoculars silently for a long time, making Xiao Fei start to feel anxious.
Did she miss the target? Shouldn’t have.
She had a great grandfather and grew up in the Barracks since childhood, familiar with all kinds of Firearms.
Her shooting naturally wouldn’t be bad; this was childhood practice.
Even if her hands were rusty from two years as a nurse at the General Hospital without touching a gun, it shouldn’t be off-target.
And she had secretly checked the rifle before handing it to Chang Ning; the sights were fine.
But if not off-target, why was Chang Ning silent?
Done for! Done for! Definitely off-target; what a huge embarrassment.
“Is this your first time shooting?”
Chang Ning’s face was full of surprise.
“Yeah, I know I didn’t shoot well, but don’t laugh at me!”
Xiao Fei said softly, her little face blushing, feeling very embarrassed.
“You’re a genius!” Chang Ning exclaimed.
“Huh?”
Hearing Chang Ning, Xiao Fei was first puzzled, then her face fell, expression darkening.
“What do you mean? I know I missed, but no need to sarcasm me like that!”
With that, Xiao Fei’s eyes reddened, tears welling up, about to spill.
She didn’t expect Chang Ning to be this kind of person, so mean.
Special Forces Soldier so great? Special Forces Soldier can sarcasm people casually?
The more she thought, the more wronged she felt, her nose souring more. Just as tears were about to fall, Chang Ning spoke.
“You misunderstood. I’m sincerely praising you. First time and you hit nine-ring—great talent!
If you don’t believe me, look yourself.”
Seeing Chang Ning didn’t seem to be lying, Xiao Fei knew she had misunderstood him.
Feeling ashamed and annoyed inside, her face instantly flushed red.
“It’s all your fault for not explaining clearly!”
Chang Ning thought: Now it’s my fault! Didn’t know who wouldn’t let me finish speaking carefully.
He didn’t even finish before Xiao Fei’s mouth went on and on.
She misunderstood but blamed him instead.
Chang Ning just thought these things; he didn’t dare say them out.
If he made her cry, he couldn’t account to He Da Dui.
And it wasn’t a big deal; being wronged was fine.
Not mentioning the meals she brought in the hospital, for Xiao Zhuang’s sake he couldn’t hold on to it—who made Xiao Fei Xiao Ying’s Best Friend.
Chang Ning didn’t want to put his good brother in a tough spot, especially since it was no big deal.
“My fault. You really first time shooting?”
Chang Ning didn’t believe Xiao Fei.
Others might not know, but how could he not know Xiao Fei’s background.
Her grandfather was a Military Region bigshot; he didn’t believe she never entered a Shooting Range to fire a few shots.
He Chenguang’s grandfather was also a Military Region bigshot; that guy got special Sniper training since childhood.
Facing Chang Ning’s doubting gaze, Xiao Fei resisted the urge to confess and stubbornly denied it.
She feared Chang Ning would distance himself knowing her background; there were too many such examples around her.
Seeing Xiao Fei unwilling to admit, Chang Ning had to play along.
“If you’re telling the truth, your shooting talent is really strong.”
“Really? Better than you?”
Xiao Fei put the rifle on the Table, propped her chin with her hand, and smiled brightly at Chang Ning.
Anyway, she wasn’t really here to shoot; a girl grown up in the Barracks was no stranger to Firearms.
“Of course…”
Under Xiao Fei’s expectant gaze, Chang Ning said the latter half.
“Of course not as good.”
He had a cheat, and his own talent wasn’t bad; combined, it would be weird if Xiao Fei could surpass him.
“Not as good is fine. I can’t go to the Battlefield anyway; even great talent is wasted on me.”
Xiao Fei didn’t care about that; she was just finding a chat topic.
But Chang Ning couldn’t respond to that; anything he said felt wrong.
“Chang Ning, what are you doing? Wolf Fang starting to recruit female soldiers?”
Tong Youyou’s voice came from behind Chang Ning.
“Big Sister, why are you here? Someone injured at the Shooting Range?” Chang Ning asked.
Tong Youyou was usually at the medic team or the School lab; seeing her was hard.
Unless Soldiers got injured unexpectedly during training when she happened to be at Wolf Fang, she would treat them.
“No one injured. I just came out for air and saw you at the Shooting Range, so I came over.”
Tong Youyou had been quite depressed lately. She studied Chang Ning’s Blood for so many days, checking composition and DNA, but results showed it was like a normal adult male.
So her experiment ended before starting, wasting time and Resources.
But Chang Ning’s Physical Quality was worlds apart from others; where was the problem? She couldn’t figure it out.
The genius girl hit a snag on Chang Ning; how could she not be depressed?
“Chang Ning, won’t you introduce her?” Xiao Fei said.
Though a nurse at the General Hospital, she didn’t know everyone there.
Tong Youyou was on temporary assignment to Wolf Fang and stayed there longer; it was normal they didn’t know each other.
“This is Tong Youyou from General Surgery at Military Region General Hospital, Dr. Tong.”
After introducing Tong Youyou to Xiao Fei, Chang Ning introduced Xiao Fei to Tong Youyou.
Under Chang Ning’s introduction, the two got to know each other preliminarily.
It was clear Chang Ning and Tong Youyou were quite familiar with each other; Xiao Fei felt a sense of crisis.
“Don’t know when Dr. Tong met Chang Ning?”
“Over half a year. What’s up?”
Tong Youyou detected something from Xiao Fei’s tone.
This questioning was like probing her relationship with Chang Ning.
Did she like Chang Ning?
Tong Youyou had seen Xiao Fei’s interactions with Chang Ning earlier, but too far to hear the content.
But from Xiao Fei’s several blushes, she could see clues.
Didn’t know Chang Ning’s attitude, but Xiao Fei definitely had something.
Thinking of this, Tong Youyou became alert.
She didn’t expect someone to target this tasty morsel Chang Ning so soon.
“Nothing, just asking.”
Xiao Fei secretly breathed a sigh of relief; luckily they hadn’t known each other long and their relationship hadn’t developed further—she still had a chance.
“I came to see you. Heard you were hospitalized? Was the injury serious?” Tong Youyou asked caringly.
“No injury actually. Exhausted and fainted from lack of rest during the exercise, recuperated a few days in the hospital.” Chang Ning said truthfully.
It wasn’t classified anyway.
Don’t look at Chang Ning’s nonchalant appearance; it was actually quite dangerous.
“Fainted and you say not serious! What did the Doctor say?”
Hearing Chang Ning fainted, Tong Youyou instinctively grabbed his wrist, fingers accurately on the pulse point, checking his condition.
“Hey, why are you holding his hand?”
Xiao Fei panicked seeing Chang Ning’s wrist grabbed.
In public, under clear skies—pulling and tugging, no discipline?
Most importantly, she hadn’t held Chang Ning’s hand!
“It’s fine. Big Sister is also very skilled in traditional medicine.”
Chang Ning explained for Tong Youyou.
Am I talking about medical skills?
It’s the hand, the hand!
Unfortunately, Xiao Fei could only envy Tong Youyou inwardly; she couldn’t stop the checkup.
