Chapter 577 - 438 Arrival, Tianjin Base_2

Martial Arts Competition isn’t like academic exams; everyone here is a seasoned veteran from outside training. Coming here, everyone’s a bit guarded; they’ve packed all sorts of spicy condiments, and Chang Ming even prepared pickles for everyone, just in case they can’t get used to the food and it affects their performance.

When they reached the Teaching Building where they had agreed to meet, Fang Huai immediately felt relieved at the sight of his uncle.

With Old Zhang here today, it’s like having a lifeline.

On his way here, he had thought about what would happen if Old Zhang didn’t show up for some reason. That might just be fate screwing with him, forcing him to chase after achievements. After surviving the ordeal at the Beichuan market, he felt what was meant by unseen fate, and if that were the case, he was prepared to fight against fate itself, even if it meant not competing.

As for Old Zhang who’d just narrowly escaped death, he seemed rather relaxed today, dressed in casual clothes and wearing a pair of buy-two-get-one travel shoes, obviously without bringing proper shoes and having casually bought a pair. On top, he was wearing a duckbill cap, looking very leisurely; he probably had visited all the tourist spots during the early days here.

"Regimental commander, hello!"

Everyone greeted him loudly.

Old Zhang came over and waved to everyone.

"Let’s go, let’s go, the cafeteria food here is terrible. I’ll treat you to something outside."

Fang Huai, who was mentally prepared, promptly raised his hand.

"Thanks, but no thanks, Regimental commander! We still have several days to go. I think it’s better to get used to it sooner. During the competition, we can’t go out to eat anyway. We’ll just grab something in a bit. We still need to check in and get familiar with the venue.

You stuffed us into a train for 20 hours, while you flew over here. If you had any conscience, you’d buy us some of Tianjin’s Goubuli buns," Fang Huai said.

Old Zhang made a face at that.

"What Goubuli buns? I’ve tried them for you, they’re expensive and don’t taste good. I’ll buy you some jianbing guozi and juan quan in a bit."

Fang Huai’s mouth twitched.

So stingy, and you’ve even tasted them for us, 666.

You know those Goubuli buns, which cost dozens of yuan for a basket, can make you smarter, right? Look, haven’t you grown smarter?

Zhang Zhongting was too lazy to argue with Fang Huai and instead turned to the other soldiers, showing a friendly smile.

"Little He, how’s your training going? This time, the individual events will be focused on physical ability, which is different from two years ago—no more of your favorite 100-meter hurdles or hook ladder climbing to the fourth floor. What place are you aiming for?"

He Zhijun was not as casual as Fang Huai and stood at attention to report loudly:

"Report to the Regimental commander! I aim for first place!"

Zhang Zhongting smiled.

"And what about Little Gui? Load-bearing climbing is your strong suit, if I remember correctly, you took fourth in an individual event at the Grand Martial Arts Competition two years ago, right?"

Gui Qiang stood tall and said with a smile, "If He Zhijun takes first, I’ll settle for second!"

"Tao Dongdong, Liu Shoulin, your abilities are balanced. Actually, I am most optimistic about you two. Confident in placing well?"

Zhang Zhongting knew exactly what cards he held.

Both Tao Dongdong and Liu Shoulin answered loudly: "Forever striving for first!"

Zhang Zhongting nodded and then looked at Huang Zhongjiu.

"Little Huang, I have expectations for you. As a cadre among the troops, you must make it into the top three!"

"Yes!"

Fang Huai

What a group, the small corps team intending to take all the top spots.

What, going to squeeze onto the podium altogether?

Where do I stand?

But he was still quite impressed with his uncle. For someone in his position, simply remembering these people’s names was commendable. And it seemed he was aware of everyone’s areas of expertise—a characteristic worthy of someone who aspired to be a Chief of Staff.

"Hmm, not bad! Having dreams is a good thing! But remember, you may disregard your opponents on a strategic level, but tactically, you must take them seriously! All right, let’s head to the cafeteria!"

Zhang Zhongting ended with a formulaic statement, gesturing Fang Huai to come over.

"Come with me."

Fang Huai followed Zhang Zhongting, and the others naturally stayed a few steps behind.

"No need to go to Beijing."

The first thing Zhang Zhongting said made Fang Huai’s heart tighten.

"What’s up? What happened?"

The Martial Arts Competition started on the 15th and ended on the 17th. He really feared his uncle might have planned to take a flight back early, just like before.

That would truly be a wasted trip!

Zhang Zhongting saw his worried face and pointed inside, saying:

"The leadership is inside. He is overseeing the competition. I’ve already met him. I told him after the competition is over, I’d invite him for a meal, and he agreed. But Counselor Hu is also there, and he asked me to bring you along.

However, a ministry leader is coming for the competition closing, so he might not have time on the 17th. You’ll stay an extra day in Tianjin, and after lunch on the 18th, we’ll go back together."

Fang Huai relaxed, then furrowed his brow and asked:

"The leader is inviting me and Counselor Hu too? Is he planning to talk business and no longer intends to talk to you alone?"

"Stop making wild guesses." Zhang Zhongting chuckled softly: "The leader said he’ll handle the meal arrangements. If you place within the top three in the competition, consider it as him treating you to a victory meal. If you don’t place, you still want to eat out? Prepare to stand and be lectured."

Oh boy!

That’s such a personable tone from the leader, and he’s even found an excuse to invite for a meal. It seems like they’ve already talked things through, and it went well!

Is Old Zhang about to form a connection... no, establish contact with the leader?

He probably came early specifically because he knew the leader was overseeing the Grand Martial Arts Competition and wanted to meet him in advance.

Fang Huai involuntarily twisted his neck.

"If the leader says that, then I need to try hard to take first place and aim to eat atop the table."

Zhang Zhongting couldn’t help but laugh, but recalling this kid’s performance at the Corps Arena, he did seem capable of leading the pack. If Fang Huai could take first or second place this year, it would truly be a major boost for the corps’ morale. He encouraged Fang Huai: