Due to the need for ti to prepare for the selection from various military divisions, the selection began on the third morning. The weather was pleasant that day, with no wind or rain, and the winter sun shining brightly. The training ground was filled with candidates from various divisions, forming several formations, each standing alert, full of fighting spirit, and looking straight ahead. Standing in front of each formation were the leaders of the participating units.
According to tradition, a major event requires a speech from the headquarters so leaders can offer so encouragent. As the host, Captain Li was responsible for accompanying the guests. A tent and a podium were set up on the training ground. So leaders sat under the tent, responsible for supervising and judging this selection competition. Captain Li had ntioned these details to Luo Zheng two days before. Luo Zheng didn't mind; he was okay with an open selection, as no one could find fault with the results. But the selection rules had to be set by himself, and that was the bottom line. Fortunately, Commissioner Song was also aware that the bottom line could not be shaken and didn't interfere with this issue.
After Captain Li spoke a few formal words, he gestured for Commissioner Song to speak. Luo Zheng waited patiently, seeing that Commissioner Song was speaking in a perfunctory and aningless manner, going on at length. Luo Zheng lost patience and glanced at Captain Li, who gave a wry smile and shook his head slightly. It was not appropriate to openly oppose soone from a subordinate major military district.
Luo Zheng waited patiently for a few more minutes. Seeing that Commissioner Song was still speaking enthusiastically, he lost patience, stood up abruptly, disregarded the surprised looks around him, left his seat under the tent, walked straight to the podium about five ters ahead, and stared coldly at Commissioner Song.
"Sothing wrong?" Commissioner Song didn't expect Luo Zheng to act so unpredictably and directly interrupt his speech. This was very impolite. Such behavior caught Commissioner Song off guard, and he asked sowhat stiffly.
"Are you done? The brothers are here for the selection, not to listen to your nonsense. You've already wasted three days of my ti; how much longer do you intend to delay?" Luo Zheng said coldly, his voice loud and directly confrontational.
Commissioner Song's face turned ashen, and he stared coldly at Luo Zheng. If not for fearing Luo Zheng's status and strength, he would have pounced. Luo Zheng knew there was no room for compromise with the Song family. Since they wanted to challenge, he might as well stomp them down without rcy, saying relentlessly, "If you have sothing to say, say it; if not, step down and stop wasting ti. I'm not here to listen to your drivel."
"You." Commissioner Song didn't expect Luo Zheng to be so aggressive, directly confronting him, leaving him speechless for a mont. Commissioner Song was disoriented by Luo Zheng's straightforward military style. The battles between politicians are full of hidden conflicts and plots, but they usually don't openly tear each other down, and certainly don't engage in public confrontations. Commissioner Song couldn't adapt to Luo Zheng's style.
"If you have nothing to say, step down." Luo Zheng said unceremoniously, grabbing the microphone.
Commissioner Song's face turned pale with anger, unsure whether to stay or leave. So of those who ca with Commissioner Song stood up abruptly, hands on their guns, looking ready to resort to violence. Captain Li quickly stepped forward to diate, walking to Commissioner Song's side, lowering his voice to remind: "Sir, calm down. If a fight breaks out, it will be our military district that loses face. There's no need to be laughed at."
"Uh?" Commissioner Song suddenly shivered, coming to his senses. He realized Luo Zheng intentionally embarrassed him, setting a trap. As long as he overreacted, the selection would be ruined, and he'd take all the bla. Such deep calculation. At this thought, Commissioner Song took a deep look at Luo Zheng and finally understood why his family repeatedly failed — the fundantal reason. With resentnt, he left.
Captain Li managed to diffuse Luo Zheng's sche, looking apologetically at Luo Zheng with a bitter smile. Luo Zheng understood Captain Li's difficulties, nodded indifferently, and took the microphone, looking at everyone. His gaze gradually sharpened, blood boiling in his heart. With a serious expression, he shouted loudly, "Many of you here probably know . Today, I'm not offering you an opportunity for promotion and wealth, but I'm looking for brothers willing to die with . Who among you can beco my brother? We'll speak through facts and results. Any takers to be my brother?"
"Yes!" everyone roared in unison. News of Luo Zheng's deeds had long spread through the military district. Though not everyone had t him, they all knew of his exploits. Seeing him in person, they lost their sense of mystery and idolization. Especially Luo Zheng's words evoked a sense of camaraderie and an uncontainable heroic spirit, with a sharp murderous aura piercing the sky.
Luo Zheng looked at everyone with so excitent. Everyone present was a promising candidate, carefully selected from various divisions. But knowing they would be following him to their deaths weighed heavily on his mind. With heavy thoughts, he furrowed his brow slightly and, after signaling everyone to quiet down, continued, "We're all soldiers here, not playing with words. Let be upfront. Those selected will face a death rate of 90%. It's absolutely life or death. If you're scared, hide it. If you're not afraid, give it your all. Tell , are you afraid?"
"No!" everyone shouted in chorus, their voices booming like thunder, echoing to the horizon with a fierce, forward montum. As proud Special Forces soldiers, each person had their dignity and pride. No one was a coward, and no one wanted to be underestimated.
"No fear? Let tell you, I'm afraid. There's nothing shaful about that. I'm very afraid of death, so I don't like seeing anyone die. But war is cruel, with no rcy, no what-ifs, and no luck. I'm afraid of seeing brothers fall in my arms. This ti, I'm here to select people, and the first rule is to run. Run fast so the enemy can't catch up, and you survive. Do you all understand?" Luo Zheng shouted loudly, his heart heavy, as images of his brothers' tragic deaths flashed through his mind, his fierce eyes reddened, filled with tears.
"Understood!" everyone stood and shouted, their gaze at Luo Zheng becoming softer and more respectful. An officer who places his brothers' lives first is worth following, is vibrant, and is compassionate. Everyone secretly vowed, making the most important decision of their lives.
"Next, I will announce the selection rules." Luo Zheng quickly controlled his emotions and shouted loudly, "Twenty kiloters, twenty kilograms of weight-bearing cross-country. The route is predetermined. Everyone exits through the camp gate and runs along the marked rope route. The top thirty will qualify. If you don't reach your current position within eighty minutes, you're out. Understood?"
"Yes." Everyone roared, a huge fighting spirit exploded above the training ground. Everyone was rolling up their sleeves, silently challenging each other. This selection was not just choosing candidates but also a contest of strength between divisions and individuals. No one wanted to fall behind.
"Good that everyone understands. Judges, take your positions and ti the participating formations. Let's start." Luo Zheng shouted.
User Comments
0 comments from readers