The list of soldiers returning to civilian life had been released, and the troops had to reorganize the new camp. Qi Taiguo had been busy these past few days. To enhance elite training, the daily drills were even tougher than before, and in the scorching heat of August, the water they drank almost instantly evaporated into sweat. On some bare-armed soldiers, a layer of white salt could occasionally be seen.
Under the fierce sun, Qi Taiguo, with hands clasped behind his back, watched the soldiers in front of him and listened to them counting off.
"Why didn’t Platoon Leader Chen come to training?" Gao Linbing, the company commander from the neighboring Second Company, asked others.
Everyone looked at each other, all a bit puzzled.
Qi Taiguo frowned. It was time for assembly, and Chen Shouwang still hadn’t reported in?
"Platoon Leader Chen is here." Someone called out, pointing to the entrance of the parade ground.
Qi Taiguo looked over and sure enough, saw Chen Shouwang running over in his military uniform. When he arrived, he stood at attention, saluted, and said he was late because he had diarrhea.
Gao Linbing’s face looked a bit displeased as he uttered some instructive words, then said, "Fall in!"
"Yes Sir!"
Qi Taiguo turned to Chen Shouwang and noticed his face was pale, his forehead drenched in sweat. He deeply furrowed his brow. Was he really sick with diarrhea? His complexion looked so terrible!
"Fifty pull-ups, fifty push-ups, run ten kilometers," Gao Linbing barked.
"Yes Sir!"
"Attention, dress right, left turn, march in place." Chen Shouwang blew his whistle and called out commands.
With neat, synchronized strides, they headed for the track, and the orderly military songs also began to play out; Chen Shouwang and the other platoon leaders led their respective squads around the parade ground.
Qi Taiguo approached Gao Linbing and asked, "Old Gao, did Old Chen not ask for leave when he was late?"
"No, I have no idea what’s wrong with him. These days his training has been off, he’s been absent-minded, and today he simply showed up late," Gao Linbing said with a stern face: "He’s too undisciplined."
Qi Taiguo’s brow knitted tightly. For some reason, he was reminded of the person who came to find Chen Shouwang that day.
In the oppressive summer heat, Cheng Su knew that the training was intense during this period, so she had to come up with various ways to replenish Qi Taiguo’s energy and to enhance his physique. Therefore, after lunch, she would always head home early to simmer soup and braise meat.
Today, Cheng Su had just started a soup when she bumped into Chen Shouwang coming back as she left the kitchen.
"Hey, Platoon Leader Chen, you’re back so early?" Cheng Su greeted him with a smile.
Chen Shouwang lifted his head, his face as pale as a ghost, startling Cheng Su, who asked, "Platoon Leader Chen, you’re so pale. What’s wrong? Did you get heatstroke?"
Chen Shouwang raised his hand, forcing a smile, and said, "It’s nothing, maybe it’s just too hot. I’ll be fine after drinking some water."
With that, he did not linger to talk with Cheng Su and waved his hand as he entered his own house.
Cheng Su saw him staggering and couldn’t help but frown. Could the heat alone make someone this weak?
But it’s none of her business. If he didn’t want to talk about it, why should she pry?
Shrugging her shoulders, Cheng Su returned to her room to read, and because it was hot, she didn’t close the door. Soon after, she faintly heard the sound of breaking glass from next door.
Instinctively, Cheng Su walked out and arrived at Chen Shouwang’s door, calling, "Platoon Leader Chen?"
There was no response, so she pushed the door which was surprisingly unlocked, and entered. She found Chen Shouwang lying on the ground, a thermos next to him with shattered glass strewn about.
"Platoon Leader Chen? What happened?" Cheng Su rushed over, shouting, "Someone come quick! We need help!"
She tried to lift Chen Shouwang with both hands, but before she could stand him up, she heard a shrill voice, "What are you two doing, you adulterers?"