It was the eighth day of military training, another scorching day.
“Stand at attention!” the instructor barked, his gaze sweeping over the ranks for any sign of movement.
His eyes softened when he looked at Gu Wanrong.
She had made a strong impression on him: petite, fair-skinned, and initially pale with exhaustion on the first day. He had received advice from veteran instructors about paying special attention to fragile-looking girls, who might faint from exhaustion.
Yet, Gu Wanrong persisted, day after day, becoming more energetic and demonstrating excellent discipline and form.
“Report!” Xu Rong arrived late in the afternoon.
“Twenty push-ups!” the instructor scowled, noticing her makeup, long hair, and strong perfume.
“Report, Instructor, I have a medical issue today; I can’t do that many,” Xu Rong said, attempting to avoid punishment. She knew there would be no actual medical check.
The instructor, already annoyed by her tardiness, was furious at her excuse. “Then you’ll stand at attention here until the end of training, while everyone else rests for ten minutes.”
The class sat down, curious about Xu Rong’s defiance.
Xu Rong’s face flushed, enduring the stares.
“Gu Wanrong, demonstrate proper posture for her,” the instructor said, noticing Xu Rong’s lack of remorse. He wanted to use Gu Wanrong as an example.
Gu Wanrong quickly stood at attention.
“See? You’re both human. Look at her, then look at yourself! Gu Wanrong, return to your position!”
Xu Rong’s posture didn’t improve; she glared at Gu Wanrong, resentful.
Gu Wanrong knew Xu Rong would hold a grudge. She didn’t care.
That afternoon, while everyone practiced marching, Xu Rong stood at attention. Her anger was directed at Gu Wanrong, blaming her for her exhaustion and humiliation. Seeing Gu Wanrong’s still-pale skin after eight days of training, while she herself was sunburnt, had angered her further. She had spent the morning at a beauty salon and arrived late.
The instructor, deeming the punishment sufficient, called Xu Rong back into formation.
Xu Rong and Gu Wanrong, similar in height, were placed side-by-side in formation. The instructor paired two rows together to practice marching, checking for uniformity. Failing groups would continue practicing.
When Gu Wanrong’s row was at the front, Xu Rong started to act up. While Gu Wanrong was marching, Xu Rong kicked her hands twice. She usually used Jiang Yanyao for such actions, but they weren’t in the same group.
Gu Wanrong knew it was Xu Rong’s revenge. She turned around.
“Xu Rong, can you march? Your kicks are way too high,” Gu Wanrong said coldly.
The other girls in the row, witnessing the incident, comforted Gu Wanrong, gently blowing on her injured hands.
“I stood for hours; it’s not my fault if she’s clumsy,” Xu Rong retorted sarcastically.
“Your clumsiness doesn’t justify hitting someone,” one girl said, pointing at Gu Wanrong’s swollen hands.
“Exactly, she’s the one kicking too high,” added another.
“What’s the commotion? Is the practice complete?” the instructor asked, approaching the group.
“Instructor, Xu Rong was kicking Gu Wanrong, injuring her hand,” the girls explained.
Gu Wanrong’s fair skin made the injury more noticeable.
“Gu Wanrong’s short legs and small steps made me accidentally hit her,” Xu Rong defended.
“I was maintaining the same pace as my row. Xu Rong deliberately kicked my hands,” Gu Wanrong countered.
The instructor saw Xu Rong’s guilt.
“Xu Rong, you’re doing it again! Back to standing at attention!” The instructor was exasperated.
He then checked on Gu Wanrong’s hand.
Gu Wanrong declined medical attention, as it was a minor scratch.
After the instructor left, the girls comforted Gu Wanrong. They continued their practice.
Their group passed the inspection, thanks to their diligent practice and Xu Rong’s absence.
That evening, Gu Wanrong posted a photo of her injured hand to the “Tianxuan Hotpot Girls” WeChat group, complaining about her roommate.
Wu Aiai said she would come to support Gu Wanrong after her training.
Zhou Siyin brought iodine and treated Gu Wanrong’s injury.
Gu Wanrong was touched by their support. When Zhou Siyin returned to her dorm, Xu Rong hadn’t yet come back. Jiang Yanyao was in the dorm; she offered insincere apologies before washing her uniform.
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Chapter 20: Back to the New Home
The remaining days of military training passed peacefully for Gu Wanrong. A classmate told her that Xu Rong had been summoned by both the instructor and the advisor after the incident, presumably for a reprimand, so she didn’t cause any more trouble.
After the two-week training, Gu Wanrong, due to her outstanding performance, was selected as a model soldier. The university’s news club featured her in a short video, boosting her popularity.
Monday morning, military training officially concluded.
“Ms. Gu, the black Mercedes-AMG GT 63 you ordered is being delivered to your address at Yaxue New Garden. It’ll arrive in ten minutes. Please sign for it.”
Gu Wanrong showered and changed after removing her uniform. She had forgotten about the car.
She reached Yaxue New Garden just as the delivery personnel arrived. After confirming her identity, she signed the documents and inspected the vehicle.
As she drove into the parking garage, the novelty of a new car felt less intense this time. She was looking forward to Xiu Yi’s cooking and Nai Cha.
Gu Wanrong parked, took the elevator to her new apartment, changed into her slippers, hung up her bag, and went straight to the kitchen. She had called Xiu Yi earlier.
“Xiu Yi, I’m back!” Gu Wanrong opened the kitchen door.
The range hood was on; Xiu Yi was cooking. “Wanrong, go out; you’ll be overcome by the fumes. Your Nai Cha has missed you too.”
Gu Wanrong left the kitchen and closed the door.
“Meow~ Meow~ Meow~” Nai Cha ran towards her. It had missed her.
Nai Cha rubbed against her legs, meowing affectionately.
Gu Wanrong picked up Nai Cha, showering it with kisses. She sat on the sofa, petting it.
Gu Wanrong: “Do you like the new home? I brought you here because I missed you.”
Nai Cha: Meow
Gu Wanrong: “It’s bigger than our old home. Have you explored it all? Let’s take a tour together.”
They started exploring, but before they could finish the first floor, Xiu Yi called, “Ms. Wanrong, lunch is ready!”
“Coming!” Gu Wanrong replied, putting down Nai Cha.
At lunch, Gu Wanrong praised Xiu Yi’s cooking. She had missed her authentic C City dishes during military training.
Xiu Yi was pleased.
Around 2 pm, Zhang Shi posted in the class group chat:
Zhang Shi (Vice President): We’ll have a class gathering tonight at 5:30 pm at Xi Yu BBQ Restaurant, near Jinmao Mall, to get to know each other better. I’ll send a poll.
Xu Rong (Writing Secretary): A great idea!
Jiang Yanyao quickly voiced her approval.
…
Gu Wanrong was deciding whether to attend when Yu Yingying messaged her:
Yingying: Let’s go to the gathering tonight. Yingying: I didn’t attend military training, so I don’t know many classmates. Keep me company. Yingying: [jpg]
Gu Wanrong: Okay, I’ll go.
Gu Wanrong agreed; Yu Yingying was her first college friend.
Yingying: I love you! Yingying: Shall we go shopping at Jinmao Mall this afternoon? Gu Wanrong: Shall I pick you up? Gu Wanrong: We can drive back to school after the gathering. Yingying: Yes! You’re so kind!
Gu Wanrong had only bought a few summer clothes. Shopping with Yu Yingying would be perfect.
Yu Yingying sent her address; she lived in Yun Ding Ya Zhu, the same complex as Gu Wanrong’s villa.
Gu Wanrong went upstairs to change into a black short-sleeved shirt, denim shorts, light makeup, a half-ponytail, a Cartier Love necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, a Tiffany & Co. bracelet, Gucci white sneakers, Dior sunglasses, and a Miu Miu white saddle bag.
