Chapter 449: Rest assured, I will treat everyone equally

What are you up to?

None of your business.

I know even if you don't tell me.

Kang Changyi narrowed his eyes: "Going to ask the instructor for the exam questions, right?"

Zhang Jiaheng couldn't possibly admit it: "Bullshit, would an upright person like me do something like that? I'd stoop to that?"

Kang Changyi leaned in, smirking: "Alright, drop the act; I know what you're up to. As soon as you wiggle your butt, I know what kind of crap you're about to drop—you're just scared of failing the evaluation and getting shoved into a side unit."

I've got a way to get the exam questions; want it?

Zhang Jiaheng looked skeptical: "Really or fake?"

Of course it's true, honest to all ages!

I don't believe it.

Believe it or not, if you do poorly you'll be sent to raise fish—don't blame me.

Kang Changyi flicked his sleeve and turned to leave; the eager Zhang Jiaheng was immediately caught in his grasp.

He rushed over, grabbed him, and whispered: "What's the method? Spill it."

Kang Changyi chuckled wickedly: "Just now you said an upright person like you wouldn't stoop to this, right?"

Zhang Jiaheng's face flushed: "Are you going to tell me or not?"

Two packs of cigarettes.

At most one pack!

Deal.

Kang Changyi lowered his voice and whispered something in his ear; Zhang Jiaheng's expression turned odd, half believing, half doubtful.

Is it reliable?

Of course it's reliable. Do you know what that guy's nickname is? 'All-Knowing,' 'All-Knowing Reach'—just tell them I introduced you...

Zhang Jiaheng went to the cafeteria and found Wan Baoshan of Third Company, who holds the title 'All-Knowing Reach' and is currently on temporary duty.

He sneaked up to the table-wiping Wan Baoshan, like spies meeting, and lowered his voice to ask.

You're the All-Knowing one?

That's me. What's up?

I heard you know tomorrow's exam questions?

Wan Baoshan straightened up warily and tossed the rag onto the table.

Immediately after, a big, braised-egg‑shaped figure came up from behind.

Zhang Jiaheng noticed his retreat blocked from behind and panicked: "I was introduced by Kang Changyi; I have the contact password: I, I am a coward......"

Wan Baoshan immediately broke into a smile: "Why didn't you say you had a password? Come with us!"

Wan Baoshan brought Zhang Jiaheng to the warehouse behind the kitchen, shut the door, and turned on the light.

Kong Long hauled down a box from the top shelf; inside were tub after tub of nutritional supplements.

He tossed a packet to Zhang Jiaheng, leaving him stunned.

I didn't come to buy protein powder?

I know.

Do you actually have insider info or not?

Of course I do!

Wan Baoshan slapped his chest: "Buy protein powder, get insider info; rest easy, you're a friend's referral—I'll give you a discount."

Zhang Jiaheng looked at the packet in his hand, then at Kong Long's burly build, and immediately thought back to the burly guy who sold him protein powder in Sixth Company.

He asked the price; it was indeed a bit cheaper than before, and the acquaintance discount was real.

It's rare to see such honest business.

Zhang Jiaheng readily paid, bought the protein powder: "Can we do it now?"

Wan Baoshan had him lean in and whispered: "According to reliable sources, the evaluation starts tomorrow at 5 a. m.; first indoor duties, then physical and tactical training, afternoon swimming and beach assault......"

Zhang Jiaheng listened closely; after the other finished, he asked: "Is your source reliable? No chance it's fake?"

Wan Baoshan immediately displeased: "This info I got from the Sea Training First Battalion; they just finished all evaluations, so it's absolutely reliable; plus I checked with navy‑and‑army veterans, who said swimming and beach assault carry the most weight."

Maybe there's also boat handling, but the odds are low—it's a reconnaissance unit subject, and we've barely practiced it.

If you want to cram at the last minute, hit those two tonight and you might pull ahead of several people tomorrow.

Okay, got it!

Zhang Jiaheng's heart was pounding with excitement.

Knowing what will be tested puts his mind at ease.

Even if his ability falls far short of excellent.

But this feeling of advance knowledge of the test still makes his confidence surge.

After leaving, he went straight to Company Commander Ma Qing'an to report, then ran to the seaside to practice swimming, hoping to seize the chance.

Not far away on the equipment field, Ma Qing'an stood by the sandpit, looking with feeling at the splashing waves: "Even Zhang Jiaheng knows to put in work—looks like everyone's taking tomorrow's evaluation seriously."

He Zhen Tao: "Not just serious—the evaluation results directly decide what post we'll be assigned to and our future development; all those months of effort are for this moment."

I don't even know what the content is; supposedly it'll test our three months of study, so I'm a bit uneasy.

Ma Qing'an: "We'll meet force with force, water with earth; as long as everyone performs normally, just maintain your usual level."

Suddenly, a chant drifted from afar; the two turned their heads toward the training field.

The Seventh Company soldiers, under Gao Feng's lead, were giving it their all in a final sprint.

He Zhen Tao jerked his chin at them: "Your brother‑in‑law is also giving it his all, trying to outdo you."

Ma Qing'an smiled: "In the past, he always had the upper hand over me; later, in other aspects, the Sixth Company overtook us, and I never found a chance to win back; but this time, they likewise have no chance."

"Without that armored shell, when it comes to stamina and strength, the Seventh Company could never be a match for our Iron Foot."

"Our troops are all speedy legs; once in the water, their speed is like having an engine attached to their rear—whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

He Zhen Tao laughed heartily, his face full of pride: "Who would have thought that the Iron Foot, upon reaching here, would become iron legs skimming the water; it's a pity that Lu Yang isn't here."

Ma Qing'an also wore a sigh: "I don't know where that kid ran off to; if he were here, we might still set new heights, becoming the toughest company among all land-to-sea units of the entire Sea Training Base."

"What's the toughest company?"

A familiar voice came from behind.

The two shuddered, turning their heads in disbelief.

Lu Yang stood behind them, backpack on his back and bag in hand, smiling.

Ma Qing'an's face lit with excitement as he grabbed his shoulder: "Damn, am I dreaming? Is it really the living Lu Yang?"

He Zhen Tao bounced up and down: "Hey hey, my living ancestor, where have you been these past few months? Did you fly abroad on a plane? We waited left and right, we called the naval department's office, but got no word from you!"

Lu Yang casually made up an excuse, saying the personnel here were full, so they assigned him to another Sea Training Base.

Ma Qing'an and the other didn't suspect anything, fully immersed in the joy of Lu Yang's return; with him back, their hearts were set at ease.

Ma Qing'an tightly embraced Lu Yang, overjoyed: "Just having you back is enough, just having you back is enough; with you here, our company is steady, we'll surely get a good score in the evaluation!"

He suddenly turned around, ran towards the training field like a kid let loose, shouting at the top of his lungs at the Seventh Company still in urgent training: "Gao Feng, stop practicing; even if you practice till tomorrow it won't help; look over there and see who's come back—you're done for, hahaha!"

He Zhen Tao slapped Lu Yang's back, saying sternly: "Tomorrow's evaluation, you must crush the Seventh Company's spirit; during your absence, Gao Feng has constantly led them to compete against us!"

Lu Yang guiltily rubbed his nose: "Don't worry, I will definitely... treat everyone equally."