4 Chapter 2: Old Man Shu Dao Mountain

He arrived at the entrance of the Armed Department with only half a minute to spare.

Fang Huai got off the bus with his military-issued camouflage bag and stared at the Armed Department Gate bearing the "August 1st" emblem, just a stone's throw away, feeling a lot more at peace.

[30]

The countdown started.

"Mom, where's the food and cigarettes you brought for me?"

It would be a long journey ahead, and Fang Huai planned to savor his last meal before officially joining the military.

He had barely finished speaking.

[20]

Fang Huai's eyes widened in shock.

That definitely didn't even take five seconds.

Zhang Mei stepped off the bus, sluggishly rubbed her waist.

"Wait a sec, I'll go get them for you."

[10]

Fang Huai turned around and started running as if it were a sprint.

"Why are you running? Fang Huai! Slow down!" Zhang Mei called out anxiously from behind.

Fang Huai had already reached the gate, and he looked back, hesitating whether to wait for his mom to bring over the things.

[5]

Is this how it's gonna be?

"No need!"

Fang Huai quickly turned back as the person in front of him stopped and bent down to tie his shoelaces.

[3.]

They even added a damn period, Fang Huai felt a chill running down his spine.

The number 3 was indeed curious.

The most awesome mountain in Chuan Yu—Old Man Shu Dao Mountain.

Without hesitation, he braced himself and leapt.

Tumbling and scrambling, Fang Huai vanished at the entrance and dashed into the Armed Department Courtyard.

For a moment.

There was no reaction from the system.

Zhang Mei, standing outside the gate, was struck with astonishment as she watched her son disappear.

Fang Kaiyang got off the bus and noticed only Zhang Mei.

"He went in by himself? Didn't he take his stuff?"

"Um..." Zhang Mei was somewhat stunned.

"He seemed to say he didn't need it... Never mind, I'll take it to him."

Fang Kaiyang stopped her and glanced again at the Armed Department, his eyes holding a tinge of satisfaction.

"Hmm... If he doesn't want to bring it, then he doesn't have to. You've been doing everything for him all these years, spoiling him. Now that he's finally becoming independent for once, don't hold him back. Let's go, we're going home."

"He has nothing in his bag!" Zhang Mei became anxious.

"Come on, come on, the military has everything."

"The troop's vehicle will be leaving soon, aren't we going to say goodbye?"

"No need for that, we have to let him learn to grow up on his own! Once he comes out of the new recruit group, we'll find a way to see him. I guarantee you will see a brand new son!"

...

Inside the Armed Department Courtyard.

The surrounding youngsters were all hurriedly saying goodbye to their loved ones, some were even crying, while a few showed a bit more resolve, wearing their military caps neatly, standing apart from the crowd on their own, with an air of disdain for mingling with the others.

At first glance, they were ones who had served as militiamen at the Armed Department before enlisting.

Fang Huai squatted on the ground, gasping for breath.

[Task Completion, congratulations to the host for gaining your father's favor for the first time.]

Friggin' heck, what is this "Father's favor"? A special prop?

[Complete three tasks, and you can choose one primary ability.]

His mood suddenly settled.

Fang Huai had read many novels, and upon seeing this sentence, he felt for certain that his life was set.

A wish-granting system! Why even bother earning money?

He was going to be Superman.

In his past life, he was a sorry soldier who couldn't even climb the horizontal bar. This time, he swore he'd be flipping over it effortlessly.

Physically outperforming the entire nation in the Grand Martial Arts Competition, leaving the Squadron gate to woo girls, adept at poetry and lyrics, fangirls falling at his feet, printing money with the system.

Who needs an uncle's backing? Uncle, I'll have your back from now on!

Being this kind of soldier... wasn't too bad.

Fang Huai relaxed altogether, not even thinking about PPT anymore. He was well aware that with such a system, making money was unnecessary.

...

After entering the courtyard, his memories belonging to this era also began to resurface, as hazy images grew clearer—whether it was the work of the system, he did not know.

Next to him, a twentysomething lad was patting the shoulder of a new recruit, offering earnest brotherly advice.

"Old Two, I haven't taken good care of you these years. Remember, if you want to stand out in the troops, you need to be gutsy. When it's time for the meal and singing, you file a report and teach everyone that 'Green Flower in the Army' song I taught you!

Also, when you first go in, they'll serve you welcome noodles. If you don't like the spicy sauce, you can ask the Head of the Cooking Squad to add your preferred beef sauce. If they don't have it, shout for them to stir-fry it for you right there! Don't be embarrassed, the squad leaders are all nice and like outgoing soldiers; they'll definitely add some for you!

The cigarettes I gave you, don't smoke them alone. Once you're in the military, you have to understand the nuances of relationships. When you meet a squad leader, offer one to him, especially those with stars on their shoulders. You must call them 'bro' and be quick to offer them a light!

Don't let your squad leader find the whistle I gave you.

On weekends when you have time off, the troops will issue mobile phones for you to call home. The Company Leader and Instructor might be busy and forget, so if that happens, take out that whistle and blow it—loudly—to remind them.

Oh, and remember, there's a confidentiality policy in the military; no photos allowed! If you see anyone in civilian clothes taking pictures with a camera, they're definitely enemy spies! That's your chance to make a name for yourself. Take them down, and at the very least, second-class meritorious service is yours!

If there's a chance, go for it yourself. With two people, it might end up being two third-class merits instead!

All these are secrets I've learned after two years in the military that the squad leader won't teach you! Don't go telling people recklessly!"

Fang Huai felt overwhelmed by all he heard.

Oh my god, is this really his brother? Deep-seated hatred!

The guy doesn't plan on letting him live, does he?

The new recruit listened with a face full of emotion and regret: "I got it, bro! I'll never make fun of you for not getting into the Military Academy again! I'll work hard to get into the Military Academy and stay in the military, become an officer!"