ALL NOVEL Chapter 29
Chapter 29: It’s over. The pickets are arresting people!
The recruits returned to their monotonous training routine as the rest day concluded. It involved the same fixed schedule, exposure to the sun, and the daily profusion of sweat.
Despite the repetitive training, significant improvements were evident. Everyone’s physical condition has undergone a remarkable transformation since their induction, with even He Dong visibly shedding excess body fat.
Soon, Saturday night arrived, and at nine o’clock, the group finished reciting regulations with Chen Ming and headed back to the dormitory.
“Hey, do you think we’ll have a barbecue tomorrow?” One of them inquired.
“Forget it. We have a barbecue practically every day. Even if the squad leader owns the land, he won’t dare to indulge like that,” another responded.
“Yeah, as long as there are no special tasks tomorrow, it’s already good enough.”
The group seated on makeshift stools in the dormitory discussed plans for their upcoming rest day while preparing for showers.
Ignoring their chatter, the squad leader turned to Chen Ming, “Keep an eye on them; I’ll go write and submit the weekly report.”
After the squad leader left, Chen Ming nodded and continued with his tasks. Later, He Dong approached with a sly smile, “Squad deputy, what are you busy with?”
Chen Ming, sensing mischief, replied sternly, “What are you up to?”
Grinning, He Dong patted his stomach, “Well, since the squad leader is away, why not grab some snacks? Tomorrow’s a rest day. We should celebrate, shouldn’t we?”
Chen Ming frowned, considering the recent disciplinary actions against recruits for uniform violations. “No, the picket caught a few recruits a few days ago. Didn’t you see their names on the board?”
The group shivered at the reminder of the recent punishments. He Dong seemed to accept the reasoning, abandoning the idea of going out.
After a pause, He Dong suggested, “How about playing games tomorrow?”
The mention of games rekindled excitement among the recruits. He Xue, the more sensible one, expressed concern about hunger from their last gaming session.
Undeterred, He Dong, driven by his addiction, suggested skipping the phone call this time and going directly to the activity room. Considering the plan, the recruits nodded in agreement. However, all eyes eventually turned to Chen Ming, acknowledging his leadership among them.
Chen Ming continued to contemplate, thoughts swirling in his mind. He indeed wanted to play games to claim system rewards. As for reporting his safety through a call, he was hesitant—not due to a lack of desire to talk to his parents, but because reaching them required calling the village chief first.
Moreover, the calls were made at 6 a.m., causing inconvenience for his parents. After some consideration, Chen Ming nodded and decided, “Alright, we’ll go to the computer room tomorrow morning!”
The next morning, precisely at 6 a.m., the group got up, addressing the still-in-bed squad leader, “Squad leader, we’re going to make a phone call home.”
The squad leader remained silent, tacitly approving their plan. The group quickly descended and set out. This time, they were more cautious, ensuring their attire was in order. They formed a line and proceeded towards the computer room directly from the dormitory.
“Is this necessary?” He Dong grumbled while in formation. “It’s early. The pickets might not even be awake.”
Displeased with the elaborate formation, the fat recruit complained, “Isn’t this too much?”
Chen Ming warned, “We can’t be careless. Besides, avoiding the pickets every time is too troublesome.”
Previously, they had to be cautious and observe before setting out to avoid pickets. Now, pressed for time, they chose to line up in advance. Even if they encountered pickets, they could march through directly, saving time on detours and scrutiny.
Approaching the computer room, they spotted two straight-standing pickets on the roadside, sporting white helmets and armbands, their eyes scanning continuously.
“There are pickets for real!” He Dong muttered.
Yu Jun lowered his voice, “So early, aren’t they sleeping?”
Chen Ming quickly cautioned, “Stop talking, let’s go!”
They attempted to walk in unison, and one picket, observing their military attire, noted, “Recruits?”
“Yeah, they’re recruits,” another picket observed. “But there’s no issue. They’re dressed properly walking decently, and their formation looks neat. Nothing to complain about.”
As Chen Ming and his group passed, the pickets scrutinized them but found no faults.
When they were about to pass, one picket shouted, “Stop!”
Everyone’s heart skipped a beat.
“It’s over. Something is going to happen,” He Dong whispered.
Chen Ming had a premonition that he might shout and run, but he realized it wouldn’t work. These pickets were likely trained and could easily catch up.
They stopped and saluted the pickets.
Chen Ming returned the salute and asked, “Comrade, is there any question?”
The picket pointed out He Dong’s unbuttoned collar, stating, “This comrade’s dress is not standard, and points need to be deducted. Which class are you in? What’s your name?”
Chen Ming looked and indeed found an unbuttoned button. “Uh-oh,” he thought.
The picket continued, “Which class are you in? What’s your name?”
Chen Ming replied, “Comrade, we’re from Class X. My name is Chen Ming.”
The picket repeatedly pointed at the unbuttoned button, “This needs to be addressed. Points will be deducted.”
Chen Ming felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.