Chapter 175: Chapter 174: The Selection Begins

Zhao Dahu didn’t dare to make a sound, not even daring to beg for mercy. He sneaked a glance and saw that Ling Chengyan had turned to guide the others, and only then did he stealthily get up.

The morning passed quickly. After lunch, Ling Chengyan received a notice. It wasn’t about handling the morning’s incident, but that the selection projects for company-level cadres tomorrow had increased. Originally, there were only the 400-meter obstacle course, 10-kilometer weighted cross-country, and shooting events; now, a three-day survival confrontation was added.

This is merely survival training, without any hypothetical enemies. As long as the marching route is completed within the specified time and the destination is reached, it’s fine. Of course, there is no supply along the way. All food and drink must be self-provided, and encountering severe weather means battling against it…

Survival confrontation involves having opposing sides. Besides contending with natural difficulties and personal physical fitness, one must try to strike the enemy. If one is completely annihilated by the enemy, the only outcome is elimination.

Looking at Ling Chengyan’s expressionless face, showing no emotion, Staff Officer Xing circled her twice: “Nothing you want to say?”

Ling Chengyan stood at attention: “Guarantee to complete the task.”

Although no explicit measures were given, the addition of competition projects was no less than giving her an opportunity?

Survival confrontation in the wild, miles away from villages or stores, without a single person beside you, relies entirely on individual skills.

This is her chance.

However, Ling Chengyan still sighed internally: The leadership showed leniency towards Shao Guoqing, intending for her to make him realize that there are always stronger people out there, and not to attempt scheming using underhanded means; otherwise, it would all be for nothing in the end.

She has followed the leaders for many years, and they still care about such relationships.

Ling Chengyan asked again: “How many participants in total?”

Staff Officer Xing squinted his eyes like a sly old fox: “I thought you really didn’t care about anything.”

Ling Chengyan stood silently.

Staff Officer Xing shook his head, waved his hand in boredom: “A total of eight people can freely form teams or act individually, unrestricted, and take the top three.”

Special Service Company has a total of three cadre slots, the company commander and deputy company commander (battalion level), and instructor (battalion level); the meaning of taking the top three is self-evident.

Ling Chengyan’s mouth barely twitched: “Yes. Guarantee to complete the task.”

Staff Officer Xing didn’t feel like talking anymore, covering his aching cheek like having a toothache, waving her away.

He could punch and kick the male leaders, but with female leaders, he really had to endure his anger and frustration himself.

Better to send her off quickly, so out of sight, out of mind.

Half a day passed in the blink of an eye, and the next day, the district’s major event ’Special Service Company Selection’ officially commenced.

Internal selection, not a major competition, with no opening ceremony. Even the leadership speech was straightforward and simple. After Leader Han’s brief few words, the commencement was announced, followed by Staff Officer Xing announcing the selection projects and rules.

Ling Chengyan stood in the formation below with the Automobile Company participants, listening quietly. She and her team members all had solemn expressions, without a hint of change. Observing other units, there were whispers or contemplative, even anxious expressions among many, even Leader Han couldn’t help but nod in approval internally.

He hadn’t misjudged her; not only is she capable, but her soldiers are exemplary too. Even if the selection fails to be among the finalists, based on their spirit alone, they wouldn’t fall behind even in field armies.

If unknown, no one would have guessed they belonged to the Automobile Company.

One must know that because the Automobile Company often goes on field duties and has broad societal exposure, their training is relatively weaker, and discipline is relatively more lax.

After Staff Officer Xing announced the projects and rules, the selection officially began.

This selection adopts an elimination system.

All personnel start with the 400-meter obstacle course on the field. Those who don’t meet standards are directly eliminated; those who meet standards can participate in the second event, a 30-kilometer weighted cross-country.

The two selection events proceed consecutively, with no rest time in between. The passing line for the 30-kilometer weighted cross-country is one and a half hours; non-passing participants are also eliminated.

Ling Chengyan had eaten a 70% full breakfast, controlled her water intake, and as she listened to the command, led her team into the field. The Automobile Company lined up in the middle, neither at the head nor at the tail. Compared to those participating last, their physical stamina would be better, considered an advantage.

The 400-meter obstacle course is also in a loaded state. Ling Chengyan felt the soldiers’ luggage one by one, squeezed what seemed like a full dry food bag, and the soft touch pleased her, waving a hand to pat the shoulder of the fellow.

The one being patted was Ding Ping, not very tall, but exceptionally agile and light. However, his stamina was slightly lacking, so carrying some rations on him was particularly important.

After checking, Ling Chengyan instructed them to put their luggage rolls down and all sat down to conserve energy.

Next-door troops watched the Automobile Company’s approach, some disdainful, some laughing, and of course, some envious.

Their female commander was tough and considerate of her soldiers, knowing to let them sit and rest, unlike those commanders who made their men stand hard just to impress the leadership. Hundreds of participants, at the back, would have to wait two or three hours at least.

In the spectator stand, Leader Han turned to Commissioner He Limin with a smile: “Quite interesting.”

He Limin nodded, thinking: Look at this; this is the attitude a grassroots cadre should have in leading troops, truly loving them as their own children, thinking for the soldiers under them. No wonder discipline is strict, and their support rate is high.

For those who can participate in the selection, their physical and technical standards must still be online. The 400-meter obstacle field sees few people brushed off—less than one out of ten, given that everyone is at full physical capacity in the morning.

Soon, Ling Chengyan led the Automobile Company into the selection field.

Ling Chengyan was at the back of the queue, watching each soldier prepare and run out. Her gaze followed them as they overcame twelve substantial obstacles successfully and quickly and reached the finish line.

When she reached the finish line, Wu Qingyun, who was in front of her, also happened to time, and Ling Chengyan heard the scorekeeper holding the stopwatch report: “Qualified!” She couldn’t help but twitch her mouth.

Those judged qualified leave the field and run towards the gate, where the timer records the departure time of every participant running cross-country.

When Ling Chengyan reached the gate, she saw her entire Automobile Company, without a single one missing, standing at the gate waiting for her.

“You all…” Ling Chengyan impulsively wanted to tell them to start early and leave early, but instead said: “Depart.”

“Yes!” Everyone replied in unison, cheerfully setting off following Ling Chengyan’s command.

Routes are planned early, every street, or section of the road, has supervision stations on the roadside, which also serve as temporary rescue stations. In case of emergency, they can quickly respond.

A group of over twenty from the Automobile Company running by attracted quite a number of attention.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep