Chapter 19: Military Training 3

The scorching September sun baked the earth as a momentous military training program commenced on the campus of Peking University. For the students who had just stepped into this prestigious institution, this training was more than just a test of physical endurance; it was a tempering of the mind.

Li Yifei, a young man harboring grand aspirations, began to write his own brilliant chapter amidst this grueling trial.

On the first day of training, many students struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar environment, the strict discipline, and the high-intensity drills. Li Yifei was no exception. Standing at attention for long periods left his legs aching, and sweat poured down from the relentless sun, soaking his clothes. Yet, he knew deep down that this was an essential process of growth. Unlike his peers, who busied themselves with complaints about their discomfort, Li Yifei silently adjusted his mindset and strove to keep pace with the training rhythm. He understood that no one admitted to Peking University was weak, and he, least of all, could afford to admit defeat.

As time passed, the students gradually adapted, and the atmosphere on the training field grew increasingly spirited. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the field, Li Yifei and his classmates began their daily regimen. From basic formation drills to complex tactical exercises, everyone was filled with passion, striving for excellence. Throughout this, Li Yifei displayed astonishing talent and perseverance.

When the instructors began teaching military boxing, Li Yifei was like a parched sponge, soaking up knowledge with fervor. Relying on his superior memory, he quickly mastered the essentials of every move, while his habit of regular exercise gave him a level of power and coordination that far surpassed his peers. Whether it was the explosive thrust of a lunge punch or the steady stance of a block, Li Yifei performed them with impressive form. While other students were still struggling to remember the sequence of movements, he could already execute the entire routine with proficiency.

Moreover, Li Yifei made the most of his rest periods. While his classmates chatted, he would proactively seek out the instructors to humbly ask for guidance on combat techniques. Recalling the first night of training, when he had spoken with stirring passion during a military theory class, the instructors were already deeply impressed by his sincerity and zeal. Consequently, when he came to ask for advice, they were exceptionally welcoming. Instructor Chang not only patiently explained the nuances of the movements but often sparred with him, passing on the combat skills he had learned in the service without reservation.

The instructors took note of Li Yifei’s diligent efforts. During their daily briefings, Instructor Chang never hesitated to praise him, commending his sharp comprehension and disciplined attitude. Chief Instructor Zhang Pu, hearing this, could not help but add his own words of approval. Gradually, Li Yifei’s reputation grew among the instructors. They were both envious of Instructor Chang for finding such a promising protégé and curious to see this highly lauded student for themselves.

Chief Instructor Zhang Pu even toyed with the idea of recruiting Li Yifei into the military. Watching the dashing, spirited young man on the field, he thought that with such physical fitness and learning capacity, the boy would surely become an outstanding soldier. But then he reconsidered: these students at Peking University were the future pillars of the nation’s scientific research and development, and perhaps they could make even greater contributions to the country in the academic realm.

With this thought, Chief Instructor Zhang Pu set the idea aside, yet he remained filled with anticipation for Li Yifei. He hoped these brilliant minds would achieve extraordinary success in their future academic pursuits; perhaps the leapfrog development of the nation's military technology would one day depend on them.

Time flew, and the nine-day training period was drawing to a close. Finally, the last day arrived: the graduation parade. The atmosphere on the training field was solemn and tense. On the podium sat university officials and high-ranking military leaders, their expressions stern and their gazes sharp, waiting to inspect the fruits of the freshmen’s labor. Chief Instructor Zhang Pu, serving as the commander, stood at the ready below the podium, waiting to issue orders.

"Report to the Chief, all units are prepared for inspection!" With a thunderous report, the parade began.

One formation after another marched past the podium with precise steps and resounding slogans. Li Yifei’s formation was third in line, and he stood at the very front as the student leader alongside Instructor Chang. Looking at the majestic leaders before him, Li Yifei felt an inner surge of excitement. These figures, whom he usually only saw on television, were now within arm's reach, and he had the opportunity to display his training results before them.

He silently steeled himself to perform at his absolute best. With his head held high and a firm gaze, he executed every movement with meticulous precision, each step ringing with strength and determination. He radiated a composure and grit that transcended his years, appearing from a distance like a seasoned veteran.

As their formation marched past the podium, a military leader could not help but ask Chief Instructor Zhang Pu, "Why does that unit have two veterans leading it, when the others have one veteran and one student?"

Chief Instructor Zhang Pu stood at attention and answered loudly, "Reporting to the Chief, that unit also has one veteran and one student. That student is Li Yifei, a rare and promising talent. He possesses extraordinary learning capacity, is diligent and earnest in training, and has high ideological awareness. In previous military theory classes, his responses demonstrated insight and a perspective far beyond his peers..."

Chief Instructor Zhang Pu provided a detailed account of Li Yifei’s outstanding performance. Impressed, the university officials and military leaders decided they wanted to meet this praised student in person after the parade and instructed Zhang Pu to arrange it.

Once the parade concluded, Chief Instructor Zhang Pu had Instructor Chang notify Li Yifei that the leaders wished to see him. Upon hearing the news, Li Yifei was momentarily stunned, never expecting such high-ranking officials to summon him. Yet, he dared not delay. With a heart full of trepidation, he followed Instructor Chang quickly toward the conference room.

At the door, Chief Instructor Zhang Pu went in first to report. A moment later, he emerged and ushered Li Yifei inside.

"Chief, Li Yifei has arrived!" Zhang Pu announced loudly. Li Yifei immediately saluted and shouted with a resonant voice, "Greetings, Chief!"

"Student Yifei, there is no need to be nervous," a leader said with a smile. "We asked you here today because we wanted to see what the student who has all the instructors singing his praises is really like. Indeed, hearing of someone is not as good as meeting them in person. Very impressive!"

Subsequently, the leaders chatted cordially with Li Yifei, asking about his experience during the training and his future plans. Though nervous, Li Yifei remained as calm as possible, answering their questions in an orderly and articulate manner.

After the meeting, Li Yifei let out a long sigh of relief. As he stepped out of the conference room, his palms were still slightly damp with sweat. After all, facing such significant figures would make anyone feel the pressure.

After the training concluded, the students were returned to the university to begin their formal academic careers. Before leaving, Li Yifei made sure to exchange contact information with Instructor Chang and Chief Instructor Zhang Pu.

"Thank you both for your guidance during this time," he said sincerely. "I hope we can stay in touch!" The instructors, holding high hopes for him, patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him to keep striving on his academic journey.

Back at the university, Li Yifei felt a long-lost sense of relaxation. For him, these nine days of military training had been a comprehensive transformation. The once slightly immature, scholarly boy had become more resilient and decisive. His skin was tanned, but his physique was more defined and full of strength; his gaze was firmer, and his every gesture carried a hint of military bearing.

Li Yifei knew that he had already completed the undergraduate curriculum and now needed to strive toward higher goals. He planned to visit several professors the next day to discuss his future studies. This military training had served as a perfect final report for him. He had achieved excellent marks in every assessment, and the university would grant him a commendation—an honor that would be solemnly recorded in his files, becoming another bright highlight on his path of growth.

Reflecting on this period of training, Li Yifei was filled with deep emotion. Progress in life is never achieved overnight; every bit of growth stems from the accumulation of small efforts. Those who stand out do so not only by seizing opportunities but, more importantly, through persistent and unremitting effort.

In the days to come, Li Yifei would carry the tenacity and courage gained from his military training as he pressed forward on his academic path, continuing to strive toward his ideals.