Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Brave Heart (Part Two)

"But why can't university students enroll? My physical condition fully meets your recruitment requirements. Can't I contribute to my country?" The student persisted, refusing to let the matter drop and demanding an explanation.

The colonel fell silent, his words heavy. "This time, we're fighting in Burma. It's an overseas operation, the future uncertain, and no one knows how long this war will last. The general believes university students should prioritize their studies, using their knowledge to serve the nation more effectively, rather than dying senselessly on foreign soil, wasting their education."

"I'm not afraid of dying. I'm studying mechanical engineering, and I heard the 200th Division lacks talent in this field. If I join, I can serve the country with my knowledge. Please, Colonel, let me go!" The student’s face froze, then suddenly lit up with joy.

The colonel hadn't expected such steadfastness from the student. He sighed, "Alright! What's your name? I’ll allow you to enlist! From now on, you’re the technical soldier of the 200th Division!"

"Yes, sir! My name is Shi Yong."

"Come here!" The colonel slapped the table and shouted, "Write your name in the register! And get moving!"

"Yes, sir!" Shi Yong hurried over, scribbled his name, and rushed off to report to the barracks.

This was merely a small episode; recruitment continued as usual.

Soon, it was Luo Hanya’s group’s turn. The captain frowned at the girl before him and said, helplessly, "Sorry, we do not recruit female soldiers." The crowd found amusement in the scene, heckling, "Girls should go home and have children—war is for men," and similar remarks echoed all around.

Xia Wenhua was not one to be trifled with. She glared, pulled out her proof of identity as a postgraduate from the Royal College of Surgeons in England, and declared, "I’m here to be a military doctor. Are you still not going to accept me?"

The captain was clearly stunned by the credentials. What does the army need most? Without question, military doctors. A corps of excellent doctors is an essential pillar for any elite force.

Consider what an iron army fears most: heavy casualties among veteran soldiers, a shortage of replacements, no time for recovery. Many elite units have been decimated in such cycles.

If, after being battered, a unit's wounded can be treated promptly, then the veterans become the spiritual backbone and the new recruits will grow into experienced soldiers. Those who survive the great battles will become the core of rebuilding the force.

The most precious asset of an army is its battle-hardened veterans; the quality and availability of military doctors directly determines how many survive. The importance of military doctors is immense.

And now, before him stood a postgraduate from the Royal College of Surgeons. The captain felt as if he'd been struck by a wave of fortune and could hardly believe his eyes. He smacked himself hard across the face. "Ouch, that hurts—ha! It's real! I’m not dreaming!"

Those around stared in astonishment at the captain, who had just slapped himself and then, beaming, ushered Xia Wenhua before the colonel. The onlookers were in disbelief: how could a group of men be ignored while a young woman was received so warmly?

"Yes, this identification is genuine!" The colonel’s eyes burned with excitement as he looked at Xia Wenhua, even making her, with all her boldness, a little embarrassed. "Haha, forgive me; I was too excited. May I ask your name?" Realizing his behavior was inappropriate, the colonel laughed to ease the awkwardness.

"Xia Wenhua."

"Excellent. You are now a second lieutenant medical officer in the 200th Division. Go and report to the barracks," the colonel said kindly.

Xia Wenhua was thrilled. She glanced mischievously at her companions, waved, and set off ahead.

Her gesture clearly irritated Bombshell. Bombshell, defiant, strode up to the still-excited captain. The captain, in good spirits, saw the overweight man and his face darkened. "Your physical condition doesn’t meet the standards. Next."

"Hey! Are you looking down on me?" Bombshell was annoyed, slapping the table in anger.

"What could you possibly do at your size? Your fitness is below standard—how can you dispute that?" The captain was equally annoyed, wondering if he’d been too lenient earlier, allowing such a character to act up.

But Bombshell's next move startled him. Just like Xia Wenhua, Bombshell produced a paper—no, a letter.

The captain’s heart skipped. "Could this be another military doctor? Am I so lucky?" He opened the envelope and found it was a recommendation from the Central Military Academy: "This individual excels at calculations; in artillery computations, none in this year’s academy surpass him. He is suited to be an artillery officer."

After reading, the captain found Bombshell much more agreeable. "No one in the academy is better at calculations—what a treasure!" But he kept a stern face. "Fine, write your name down and report to the barracks. You'll be assigned later."

Bombshell was naturally dissatisfied. Why should Xia Wenhua receive such special treatment while he did not? Still, there was nothing he could do except leave, frustrated.

Watching Xia Wenhua and Bombshell pass the test, Spinach and Bighead began to panic. They lacked confidence in their physical fitness and feared they might not make it through. Luo Hanya smiled and whispered something in their ears; their eyes lit up, their spirits steadied, and their previous anxiety vanished.

Luo Hanya strode forward and saluted the captain. "Good day, sir. I am here to enlist."

The captain looked him up and down and shook his head. "You seem so slight—how are you fit for service?"

"Sir, you may not know, but I practice Tai Chi. Though I don’t look robust, my physical condition meets the requirements. If you doubt me, you can spar with me to test my skill," Luo Hanya replied shyly.

The captain hadn’t expected this young man to challenge him. He stood up confidently. "Alright, if you can withstand ten moves from me, you can enlist."

Luo Hanya’s eyes sharpened, and he adopted a provocative stance, smiling lightly. "Ready when you are, sir—don’t hold back."