Chapter 19: Bearing the Weight Forward

After making his promise to Guo Jing, Laopao got a headache—he had no idea how to make Xiao Zhuang truly convinced, and he didn’t have the overwhelming strength Guo Jing had over him.

He and Xiao Zhuang were evenly matched, but he’d given his word to the squad leader—if he gave up halfway, wouldn’t he be a cowardly soldier?

Fortunately, after these past few days of interaction and training, their relationship wasn’t as hostile as it had been in the original storyline.

Their tension stemmed entirely from both being powder kegs; their strengths were nearly equal, and neither could ever submit to the other.

But during these two days of contact, they reached a mutual understanding: on the battlefield, they could rely on each other.

Still, Xiao Zhuang was careless in his conduct, so it was natural for Laopao to look down on him.

Outside the dorm, sure enough, Xiao Zhuang was gossiping about him with his roommates.

“I’ll tell you guys, Laopao may be strict with us, but deep down he’s good—he’s someone you can fully trust on the battlefield, he just won’t say it out loud.”

Hearing Xiao Zhuang say this, Laopao felt unexpectedly warm inside.

Finally, this kid understands my intentions.

Then Xiao Zhuang added: “I’ll tell you guys, even though Laopao seems respectful toward the squad leader now, he’s still Bufu .”

“I always feel they’ll have a contest someday—I just don’t know when.”

“Xiao Zhuang, who do you think would win if the squad leader and Laopao fought? The squad leader has a higher rank, but Laopao has more service time.”

Xiwa asked, puzzled.

Hearing Xiwa’s question, Xiao Zhuang sneered: “Ambition isn’t tied to age—our squad leader’s skills are incredible.”

Everyone in the dorm was drawn in by Xiao Zhuang’s words; even Laopao’s inner gossip flame was ignited.

Looking around at the curious stares, Xiao Zhuang grinned proudly: “You know the Wolf’s Fang Unit? The one Laopao applied for multiple times but never got into.”

Outside the dorm, Laopao’s face darkened, but he held back, driven by his own curiosity.

“Our squad leader has actually fought hand-to-hand with their senior squad leader—and even beat him in marksmanship.”

Xiao Zhuang’s words stunned everyone in the dorm and even Laopao outside the door; not only was the Wolf’s Fang Unit’s squad leader an elite,

even the Wolf’s Fang Unit’s special operators were the dream of every soldier in the Night Tiger Recon Company—countless soldiers had tried out and failed to make the cut.

Hearing that Guo Jing had defeated Doghead Gao in marksmanship, everyone’s emotions were clear—especially Laopao, who couldn’t help blushing as he recalled his earlier confidence in challenging Guo Jing to a shooting contest.

Xiao Zhuang, now fully warmed up, continued: “I’ll tell you guys, Laopao’s got no respect for anyone deep down—I bet he’ll challenge the squad leader sooner or later.”

“Wow, when that happens, we’ll have a real show.”

Hearing Xiao Zhuang, Laopao’s face turned as black as charcoal—so you knew the squad leader’s strength all along and didn’t tell me?

When I go to challenge the squad leader, you’ll just sit back and watch? Do you know how I felt when the squad leader knocked me down over two hundred times? Do you know how I felt when I challenged him to a shooting match?

How could I ever believe someone like you would take a bullet for me on the battlefield?

Furious, he kicked open the door. Seeing it was Laopao, everyone in the dorm felt awkward—especially Xiao Zhuang, who had been the loudest in mocking him.

Looking at the embarrassed group, Laopao spoke slowly: “Fine, you’ve been in the army only a few days, haven’t learned anything else—but you’ve learned how to laugh at your squad leader.”

He walked up to Xiao Zhuang, stared him straight in the eyes, and said:

“Especially certain people—afraid to speak their mind face-to-face, only gossiping behind backs like market gossips.”

“And as for certain people’s wish to watch a show—it won’t come true.”

Hearing this, Xiao Zhuang’s face fell with regret.

“What, disappointed you won’t get to see your squad leader’s show?”

Laopao mocked.

“No way, squad leader.”

Xiao Zhuang laughed it off, trying to dodge the blame.

“Stop talking nonsense—you won’t see a show because I’ve already challenged him.”

Laopao said casually.

Hearing this, Xiao Zhuang didn’t look excited—he frowned in concern: “You’ve already challenged him?”

“I’ve already challenged him—I got knocked down over two hundred times in half an hour during hand-to-hand, and I got crushed in marksmanship too. How’s that? Happy? Delighted?”

Laopao asked bitterly.

Seeing Laopao’s dejected look, Xiao Zhuang quickly comforted him:

“Squad leader, the old saying goes: victory and defeat are common in war. You lost this time—win it back next time.”

Of course, one thought remained unspoken: Laopao had almost no chance of ever defeating Guo Jing.

After all, Laopao was older than Guo Jing, and their skill gap was already enormous.

Hearing Xiao Zhuang’s comfort, Laopao gave a self-deprecating laugh: “You’re right—I’ve been rejected by the Wolf’s Fang Unit several times.”

“Squad leader Laopao, don’t lose heart—it’s just the Wolf’s Fang Unit, what’s so great? They didn’t pick you? That’s their loss.”

Hearing Xiao Zhuang’s words, Laopao flew into a rage: “What do you know? Do you understand why a soldier enlists? Do you comprehend a soldier’s honor? Do you understand the honor of the Night Tigers? Do you understand the honor of the Wolf’s Fang Unit?”

Xiao Zhuang was left speechless by Laopao’s questions—he’d only just joined the army, and his reason for enlisting was because of his girlfriend, Xiao Ying.

Laopao stared straight at Xiao Zhuang and asked solemnly: “Where does a soldier’s honor come from? Do you know?”

“Time and again, when the people face disaster—floods, fighting drug lords—the military always steps forward first, risking their lives to protect the people.”

“The people’s peace and happiness are the greatest honor of a soldier. Do you understand that?”

Hearing these things so distant from his own life, Xiao Zhuang felt ashamed of his earlier thoughts—and for once, he didn’t argue back.

“Do you know why I want to join the Wolf’s Fang Unit? Because they’re warriors who’ve passed true tests.”

Laopao spoke, his expression filled with reverence, his tone heavy with respect:

“Do you know why the enemy calls them Wolf’s Fang? Because they’re fast, precise, ruthless—they make enemies understand that China is not a place for them to run wild.”

“In countless unknown places, they sacrifice their lives to preserve today’s peace and happiness. I want to join them—to face true trials, to become a true warrior.”

“I want to stand with them on the nation’s most dangerous frontlines, guarding the people’s peace and security. Do you understand?”

Here, Laopao shouted at Xiao Zhuang in fury.

Nearby, listening to their conversation, Guo Jing fell silent for a long time—he seemed to understand why the people here lived in such peace, untouched by war.

Inside the room, Xiao Zhuang, too, seemed to understand: there is no such thing as tranquil years—only others bearing burdens for us.