A bright moon hung high in the sky, its cold moonlight pouring down, as if covering the earth with a silver carpet, refreshing the minds of those who basked in it.
Luo Ye sat on the West Playground, staring blankly at a small weed in front of her. Although she appeared very determined in front of Ye Xuan, in fact, she was quite uneasy, especially after the announcement earlier today. Though she didn’t mention the final step, she believed that what Ye Xuan had told her was the absolute truth.
She didn’t expect to be involved so early on; having once disappointed Uncle Jiang, she wanted to become a qualified soldier and make Uncle Jiang proud.
However, doing so could inevitably lead to her family’s worry, and could even potentially bring them sadness. Was it really worth it? For the first time, she doubted her choice.
Ye Qingzhu stood at the entrance of the playground, looking at the tiny figure—frail and alone, feeling a sudden surge of sympathy. Sighing lightly, she walked over, "Luo Ye, may I sit down?"
Luo Ye quickly stood up and saluted, "Hello, Instructor!"
After Ye Qingzhu returned the salute, she smiled gently, "Luo Ye, there’s no need for so much formality in private. Can I sit down and chat with you?"
"Can I say no?" Luo Ye replied with a playful smile.
"Hehe..., of course!"
Seeing Ye Qingzhu looking slightly embarrassed, Luo Ye held back her laughter and casually pulled her over, "Sit down, no need to be overly formal with me."
"That’s right, you are practically my future sister-in-law!" Ye Qingzhu couldn’t help but joke.
"Instructor," Luo Ye reminded her, slightly embarrassed.
"Alright, alright, I know. No more jokes. Let’s talk about serious matters," Ye Qingzhu paused, "Luo Ye, speaking only from the perspective of being Ye Xuan’s sister, not as an instructor, do you want to make the final selection?"
"I think everyone’s answer is probably similar. As a soldier, no one wants to be a low-rank forever, right?"
"But still, I want to tell you that your matter really bothers my brother. He worries about you becoming too fierce, he fears you getting hurt, worries about you bearing too much at such a young age, worried..., in short, he has lost his usual composure over you."
Ye Qingzhu helplessly stroked her forehead, "Come on, comrade, are you dismissing me with just one word? You clearly understand what I mean."
Luo Ye turned serious, "Instructor, I’ve told you before, you misunderstood the relationship between Brother Ye and me. To him, I’m like a younger sister deserving his pity."
"In his eyes, I am just a child, so he feels concerned and tender towards me. To put it prec retailer, he never regards me as an equal."
Mou Ye looked indignant, which made Ye Qingzhu laugh, "Don’t be too unsatisfied. I’m years older than you, and in his eyes, I’m still a child. That’s his way of showing care, you’re the second girl he has ever cared for."
"Alright, being the first, what do you suggest the second one do?"
"I don’t know, I have no right to tell you what to do; I just want to share his thoughts with you. Being his sister, naturally, I hope he can be happy," Ye Qingzhu sighed lightly, "I have no position to dictate your actions either. Knowing he worries, I also wish to join their ranks. What position do I have to talk about you?"
Ye Qingzhu smiled and pinched Luo Ye’s nose, "Don’t be so surprised. If I really make the selection, the Instructor will need to be replaced. Just don’t forget about me then."
"I really don’t know what to say," Luo Ye gave a bitter smile, "I am fully aware of how arduous and perilous that place is. Hence, I was pondering whether to go or not; unexpectedly, now there’s another candidate."
"In this batch of recruits, there are potential talents abound. Whether one can make it in, including myself wishing to join, is still uncertain," Ye Qingzhu patted Luo Ye, "Really, there’s nothing to worry about. When assigning tasks, leaders also consider the family situation of the members."
"It may sound harsh, but that’s the truth. Some really high-risk tasks are assigned to orphan soldiers."
Luo Ye nodded, "I understand, the truly heartbreaking part is for those who survive an incident. Under such circumstances, the arrangement is indeed helpless."
"Since you understand, why insist on going?"
"Isn’t it the same for you?"
The two exchanged a smile, suddenly feeling closer. Ye Qingzhu looped an arm around Luo Ye’s, "Actually, for students who make the selection, aside from the tougher training, other aspects are more relaxed compared to regular students. After participating in small tasks, you can get holidays. For you, if you truly make the selection, it won’t be much of a loss."