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Chapter 4 - The enlistment notice is here!
Chapter 4 - The enlistment notice is here!
Chapter 4: The enlistment notice is here!
“Good morning, Aunt Li.”
Just as dawn broke, a figure appeared on the village road, wearing shorts and a short shirt, running back and forth in the village. When encountering villagers working in the fields, he would smile and greet them.
With a hoe on her shoulder, Aunt Li responded instinctively to the greeting, “Good morning to you, too.” However, the figure swiftly passed by before she could identify the person.
Curious, Aunt Li turned to observe the disappearing figure, “Isn’t that the Chen kid from the Chen family who quit his internet addiction?”
After returning from the county hospital, Chen Ming adjusted his daily routine, waking up immediately after the alarm rang and carefully folding his sheets. Before high school, he regretted not joining the military and found solace by following military bloggers.
Recalling their emphasis on the challenge of folding sheets, he practised diligently, aspiring to adapt to military life. After morning jogging and breakfast, he utilised the school’s playground equipment for training during the relatively cool hours.
Chen Ming’s health wasn’t optimal, and he aimed to prepare himself for military life. Afternoon would find him doing push-ups and sit-ups in his room. In the evening, he enjoyed reading magazines collected from before his internet addiction took hold.
Although the village lacked the hustle of big cities and modern entertainment, Chen Ming found contentment within. As he gazed at the books retrieved from beneath his bed, he mused, “If only I hadn’t succumbed to internet addiction, studied well, and made my parents proud.”
Enjoying the breeze and cicada sounds, Chen Ming closed a book and lay on his bed, signalling the end of another day.
Days repeated with Chen Ming’s determination evident. His mother, pleased with his efforts, regularly bought meat to supplement his nutrition. Despite his slim appearance, Chen Ming’s muscles strengthened over time.
One evening, his mother bought half a pound of meat from the village butcher. During dinner, his parents insisted on serving him, abstaining from eating themselves. Realising their intention, Chen Ming smiled and quickly finished his meal before returning to his room to read.
Aware that only when he ate his fill would his parents consume the remaining meat to avoid wastage, Chen Ming continued his routine. After all, without a refrigerator, uneaten food on a hot day meant potential waste.
As Chen Ming left the table, his father stood up and cautiously approached Chen Ming’s room after taking a couple of casual bites. He pressed his ears against the door, listening attentively.
Mother Wang Yan, observing Chen Gensheng’s behaviour, looked puzzled. “Honey, what are you doing?” She asked while clearing the dishes.
Chen Gensheng quickly turned around, placed a finger to his lips, and whispered, “Shh.”
Perplexed, Wang Yan approached quietly, joining in to listen. After a while, there was no sound from inside. Seeing Wang Yan’s confusion, Chen Gensheng grabbed her hand and pulled her aside.
“Don’t you think our son has been acting strangely?” He whispered, eyes on Chen Ming’s room door.
Wang Yan scratched her head and asked, “What’s so strange?”
Chen Gensheng hurriedly explained, “He used to ignore us and sneak out to surf the internet even during holidays. But now, do you see any signs of him being addicted to it?”
Wang Yan gave him a skeptical look, “So, now that he’s doing well, you’re worried? You’d rather have him argue with you when he comes back?”
“That’s not what I mean,” Chen Gensheng clarified. “I’m just wondering if something happened to make him change so suddenly.”
Days passed, and one afternoon, Chen Ming, doing sit-ups in his room, heard his mother call out, “Son, there’s a letter for you!”
Realising it could only be one thing, Chen Ming jumped up and rushed outside. The postman handed him an envelope. His father, having guessed it was likely the enlistment notice, also came out. The whole family eagerly watched as Chen Ming opened the envelope.
Carefully unfolding the paper, Chen Ming read, “Comrade Chen Ming, in response to the national call for conscription, you have voluntarily joined the Dragon Army. Report to the Armed Forces Department of Hongrao County by 12:00 on September 15, 2008.”
Excitement filled the room.
“It’s done!” Exclaimed his father, unable to contain his joy.
His mother, a bit more composed, calculated the days, furrowing her brow. “September 15? That’s just three days away. Why such a rush?”