At the start of the first two laps, there was little difference in the physical endurance within the group. However, as the laps continued, the girls gradually fell significantly behind the boys, a gap that continued to widen over time.
He Zhilan and Jiang Biyun, both of whom typically struggled with physical education, were tailing far behind in the women’s group. The pair felt both exhausted and dizzy; Jiang Biyun was panting heavily, her tongue lolling out like a dog’s.
"In a soldier’s life, there is no place for quitting halfway or the concept of giving up! No matter how long or challenging the path, even if you have to crawl, you must get past it! Human potential is forced out under extreme circumstances. What I want to see is your persistence and determination!"
Lin Deng followed closely behind the two of them. His voice was not loud; clearly, his words were intended for the lagging He Zhilan and Jiang Biyun.
"Instructor, I swear I’ll drop dead after reaching the five-kilometer mark!" Even at this intense moment, Jiang Biyun was refusing to show any sign of weakness.
He Zhilan was impressed by Jiang Biyun’s determination. However, upon catching Lin Deng’s somewhat amused expression, she paused. Was Lin Deng hinting something to her and Jiang Biyun through his previous words?
"Good! You’ve got spine. Then I will wait for you at the finish line!" Lin Deng declared, accelerating his pace and overtaking the two girls.
A soldier is always a soldier. For him, five kilometers was as easy as a child’s 100-meter sprint. Within moments, he had overtaken the leading boy, becoming the group’s pace-setter. The other boys, not to be outdone, rose to his challenge and began matching his speed.
"He Zhilan, why do such ruthless men exist in this world? He wants to see us dead, doesn’t he!" Jiang Biyun grumbled, seizing the chance to vent while the others had run far ahead.
"Let’s take it slow. He said he wants to see our perseverance. We can jog a bit, then walk when we’re tired, and then continue running. As long as we complete the distance, that’s all that matters." He Zhilan comforted Jiang Biyun, who was trying hard to maintain composure, though her voice was choked with tears.
Jiang Biyun shot a surprised look at He Zhilan, clearly not expecting her interpretation of the instructor’s emphasis on perseverance.
Five kilometers, if run without rest, would certainly result in her and Jiang Biyun collapsing halfway. Perhaps Lin Deng knew this too. That’s why he said those words before charging forward. If she had understood his hint, it would be her own merit. If she fainted halfway, the most Lin Deng would do was have them taken to the infirmary.
He Zhilan and Jiang Biyun ran and walked in alternation, falling inevitably behind the group by a considerable distance. One other girl, lean and petite, also took to imitating them. When the three of them finally reached the finish line, those who had finished earlier had already had ample rest.
"Assemble!" Seeing the last three girls arrive, Lin Deng immediately called for assembly, without giving the latecomers any rest time.
Jiang Biyun almost spat out blood at Lin Deng from his abruptness.
After assembly, as He Zhilan was catching her breath, she observed her surroundings. Some of the girls were teary-eyed, but compared to her, they were better off. At least they had a rest period, while He Zhilan felt a burning sensation in her chest, ill from exhaustion. The sun was beating down harder, its rays scorching her skin and intensifying her sense of dizziness.