"Ya’nan makes a good point, you know. In life, no one knows what may happen tomorrow, what if you end up needing these skills?" He Teng adopted Chen Ya’nan’s words. "In the absence of opportunity, we can’t do anything. But given the chance, why shouldn’t we learn? I trust your learning ability, I believe you can handle this."
This was probably the only time in He Teng’s life that he used his position for personal gain.
"Exactly, Auntie He, once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize that you too have this latent passion in your heart! The feeling of holding a gun is really amazing!" Chen Ya’nan continued to encourage her on the side. Seeing He Teng not objecting, she felt secretly pleased. Her plan for the afternoon was really working out!
One afternoon, He Zhilan was abruptly pulled to the shooting range by Chen Ya’nan and likewise snatched to the front by He Teng to start learning in earnest.
Perhaps it was because she had touched a handgun during her childhood or perhaps because she was born a soldier, He Zhilan was able to pick up faster than other beginners. As Chen Ya’nan said, only when she truly held and used a gun did she find this burning enthusiasm hiding beneath.
While teaching He Zhilan, He Teng didn’t neglect his fresh batch of recruits. He Zhilan’s exceptional learning ability was an example that slapped them in the face. If they couldn’t even compare to a beginner like He Zhilan, it would be a disgrace.
Therefore, after the afternoon training, all He Teng had to do was glance at He Zhilan, then at the recruit. They would know exactly what He Teng meant and then obediently stand aside to reflect on where they had fallen short.
After spending an afternoon at the shooting range, He Zhilan felt her blood boiling. By the time she was leaving, she was still eager for more!
"Zhilan, you’re really amazing! You’ve picked up so much after the captain gave a few pointers and led you through a few shots. If you have the opportunity to learn more in the army, who knows, you might even become a sharpshooter!" Niu Rang praised He Zhilan unabashedly, making her blush with embarrassment.
Shaking her head, He Zhilan laughed lightly, "Stop teasing me. Sharpshooter, seriously? If word gets out, I’d die of embarrassment! All I did was build on what I’ve experienced in my childhood..."
"Experienced what?" Niu Rang curiously asked from the side.
Her expression faltered for a moment before she shook her head repeatedly. Sneaking a peek at He Teng, she saw that he didn’t react, and so breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that she held her tongue in time, and better that He Teng seemed not to have heard.
"I’ve always watched you guys training. It seems fun. But only when you try it yourself do you realize how physically demanding it is!" He Zhilan quickly changed the subject. "I’m starving right now!"
"Sister-in-law, there’s not a single training session in the army that isn’t tough! But we all love it!" Niu Rang laughed and said, "Sister-in-law, you should visit the base more often in the future. That way you can learn more from us. You may not become a sharpshooter, but at least after some time, you should be able to hit the target every time."
"Sure! I’ll come every weekend! You guys better not get tired of me!" He Zhilan happily agreed.