Chapter 205: Dismiss Kang Changyi, Lu Yang Becomes Acting Platoon Leader

Me, I've become a Non-commissioned Officer?

So I'm an old soldier now?

Lu Yang was instantly knocked senseless by a double surprise.

The honor of being a Four-qualities Excellent Soldier already made him overjoyed.

As the highest honor during the Conscript phase, it was also his cousin's biggest regret when he retired.

The selection criteria for this title are stringent; a soldier with soul, ability, bravery, and virtue would be the finest soldier in any unit.

This shoulder insignia symbolizing Non-commissioned Officer status also means that, in the eyes of the senior officers, Lu Yang is no longer a recruit.

Rather, he is a veteran who can shoulder duties, bear responsibility, and has faith.

Conscript service is called that because military service is every citizen's honorable duty.

Non-commissioned Officers, however, belong to the volunteer soldier system and are professional soldiers; they are the essential backbone of the unit's combat training, education management, and weapons operation and maintenance.

This scene made Chen Panpan and the other same‑age conscripts enviously stare; Lu Yang has already made it, while they still have to endure the days with longing.

Even after the two‑year Conscript term ends, they must submit applications and write reports before they might be retained by the unit.

But Lu Yang completely skipped those steps and was kept by the unit in the most assertive way.

Granting the Non-commissioned Officer Rank early is a high recognition from the unit and also a fear that Lu Yang might run away.

Such domineering love—anyone willing to stay in the unit and develop would want it.

"Congratulations, you are now truly a veteran!"

He Zhen Tao saluted Lu Yang, his smile unmistakable, happier than his own promotion.

Lu Yang replied excitedly, "Thank you, senior officer, thank you for the trust of the higher leadership!"

Wang Zhongxi cracked a joke: "This rank looks far better than the previous one you liked. On your shoulders you now carry two guns—a sniper rifle and an assault rifle."

"It matches perfectly your role as a precision shooter in the exercise; it's quite fitting."

Lu Yang smiled shyly; if he later learned to drive tanks or fly aircraft, wouldn't his shoulders need a set of military chess instead?

Wang Zhongxi said earnestly, "A Non-commissioned Officer is a new beginning, a fresh start. You are now a professional soldier; you must strive even harder moving forward."

"Yes, senior officer, I will keep working hard and maintain it."

"Also, from now on your allowance will increase, and you will enjoy all Non-commissioned Officer benefits, including home leave."

Hearing about home leave, the same‑age conscripts in the unit were so envious they nearly cried.

Being eighteen or nineteen and away from home for the first time, in such a closed military environment, claiming they don't miss home is a lie.

During the Conscript phase there is no home‑leave; even when on break they can only wander nearby.

If they go out in the morning, they must return and cancel the leave before nightfall, or it counts as a violation.

But once promoted to Non-commissioned Officer it's different; besides the higher allowance, there are fixed annual home‑leave periods, and travel expenses are reimbursed by the unit—simply exhilarating.

Learning he could have home leave, Lu Yang was also pleased.

But he wasn't ready to tell his family yet; he wanted to surprise his parents.

Even though he had been away less than a year, honestly his family was his biggest concern.

In his previous life he struggled alone in a big city, busy with making a living; the pressure made him impatient, and every call home ended with a hurried hang‑up.

Now, living a second life, Lu Yang gradually realizes his parents are the ones who care about him most.

So now, whenever he has free time on weekends, he calls home to talk with his parents, letting them know he is fine and they need not worry.

"Alright, return to the unit."

"Yes."

Lu Yang returned to the formation and stood properly again.

But for some reason, everyone felt he seemed more upright, as if he had grown a bit taller than before.

Perhaps it was the Four-qualities Excellent Soldier medal on his chest, or perhaps the first‑phase Non-commissioned Officer rank on his shoulder.

In short, Lu Yang's standing in everyone's eyes rose a notch.

Zhou Kaidong's eyes were full of satisfaction; this was a soldier he had gradually brought up from the New Recruit Company.

Cheng Jun also felt very proud, because the soldier came from the Sixth Company, so he also shared the honor.

And the entire Sixth Company truly felt what it means for one honor to become everyone's honor, a joy of shared pride.

Wang Zhongxi continued, "In this exercise, every soldier of the Sixth Company performed quite outstandingly; they displayed the soldier's bearing and their bloodiness."

"Especially in rapid battlefield maneuvering, the term Iron Foot is truly deserved!"

He shouted, "Therefore, the Regiment has decided to award this year's Outstanding Company Moving Red Flag to your company ahead of schedule!"

"At the same time, the entire Sixth Company receives a regimental‑level commendation!"

"Furthermore, the publicity department's staff will write a special report about you and publish it!"

The series of rewards made Ma Qing'an and He Zhen Tao almost laugh themselves silly.

A battalion‑scale mock confrontation exercise usually only receives verbal praise, rarely any formal commendation.

Only at the regimental level or above, with battles involving thousands, is there enough weight to commend individuals or groups.

But this time, the Sixth Company not only earned the Outstanding Company Moving Red Flag, but also received a regimental commendation.

Now the Regiment will also publish a newspaper commendation of their performance.

All of this is thanks to Lu Yang's luck; this kid is literally the Sixth Company's biggest lucky star.

Excited restlessness spread through the ranks, and everyone's face radiated joy and merriment.

Yet one person looked pale, with cold limbs, starkly out of place amid the Whole Company's happy atmosphere.

Just as this terrified person prayed for the commendation to end quickly, a seemingly casual glance locked onto him.

Wang Zhongxi suppressed his smile and stared silently at Kang Changyi, making him feel a chill inside.

"With praise, rewards, and commendations, there will naturally be criticism..."

As soon as those words were spoken, Kang Changyi's tiger‑like torso jolted, his butt clenched tight.

The others, however, wore a completely gloating expression, waiting to watch the spectacle, and even Lu Yang cast his eyes toward him.

No wonder; Zhou Kaidong said Kang's wife has been quiet lately, doesn't dare speak loudly, because she knows the "end is near."

Wang Zhongxi, no longer the previously amiable, spoke in a very serious tone: "Here, I won't name any comrade, as a way to spare his face."

"In the exercises you were greedy and reckless, treating the soldiers' lives as a child's game… repeatedly making mistakes, never correcting them, almost causing a huge disaster."

Kang Changyi's hands, pressed against his trouser seam, trembled slightly, his face flushed so red it seemed it could bleed.

Such unnamed criticism is far more damaging than dragging him out in public and berating him.

People all have self‑esteem; no matter how thick‑skinned, they cannot withstand a soft knife that slices them inch by inch.

Wang Zhongxi said sternly: "Some mistakes are understandable, but some are absolutely unacceptable!"

"Treating the soldiers' lives as a child's game, taking the order to hold the position lightly, spewing grandiose empty talk, constantly uttering hollow theories."

"Such behavior is unacceptable; such an attitude is even more gravely wrong; it is absolutely intolerable in the unit."

"Therefore!"

Wang Zhongxi raised a finger: "The Tuan Bu decides to dismiss this comrade from all positions. Since he cannot be a commander, he will start from the most ordinary soldier."

Kang Changyi's mind felt as if a ten‑thousand‑foot thunderbolt struck, his suspended heart finally died completely.

Wang Zhongxi: "As for this comrade's original position, I think Lu Yang should replace him. Does anyone have any different opinions, or anyone who wishes to volunteer?"

"None!"

"Don't think because I am the Regiment Commander that you lie to please me; I want the truth. If anyone thinks Lu Yang is unsuitable, feel free to speak boldly."

"None!!"

This time, the voice was louder, more heartfelt.

Who dares to doubt Lu Yang's ability?

Even this series of honors were earned by people risking their lives!

Wang Zhongxi smiled, nodded, and asked Lu Yang in the ranks: "Lu Yang, you have no questions, right?"

Lu Yang loudly replied: "Everything obeys the organization's arrangement!"

Wang Zhongxi nodded: "Alright, from now on, you are the Acting Platoon Leader of your First Platoon!"