Chapter 75: Would You Like to Experience Life at the Grassroots Level?

This assistant instructor appeared quite stern—even his voice carried a sharp edge. After he harshly reprimanded those who tried to swap their dorm rooms for single occupancy with the dorm manager, not a single person dared to act out again. Otherwise, many would have relied on their privileged backgrounds, assuming that special treatment awaited them here.

“Hello, I’m Zhong Qing,” came a sudden greeting from the dormitory doorway. A sweet-looking girl dressed in a chic jacket stood there, holding a pink suitcase and smiling as she knocked lightly, introducing herself to those inside who were busy unpacking.

“I’m assigned to this dormitory as well. Something came up unexpectedly at home, so I’m a bit late—sorry!”

“Really not afraid of it being crowded,” Jiang Qiqi muttered, shutting her suitcase with a snap. Her eyes revealed clear annoyance—she had hoped to share the room with Gu Wan alone. Instead, two others had already arrived, and now another newcomer appeared.

“If one more person shows up, the dorm will be full. How am I supposed to live like this?” She tossed her clothes onto the bed in frustration. Gu Wan, who had just arranged her books neatly on the desk, turned around with a gentle smile to comfort her.

“Come on, Qiqi, the instructor said downstairs today that everyone gets a six-person room—no exceptions.”

Even Gu Wan, accustomed to the spacious villas of the capital’s wealthy district, had to live like everyone else.

“By the way, Wanwan, I heard your family’s house is a huge villa. Your bedroom must be enormous. Can you handle squeezing six people into one dorm for the training?” Jiang Qiqi’s interest sparked as she glanced at Gu Wan.

“It’s fine. It’s not an especially harsh environment—I can manage,” Gu Wan replied with a smile.

Zhong Qing, the sweet new arrival at the door, felt awkward. She lowered her right hand and gripped her suitcase handle, walking herself into the room.

Zhong Qing’s arrival coincided with dusk; everyone was busy settling in. Only Jiang Qiqi and Gu Wan were present. Earlier, another girl had arrived—a thin, plainly dressed girl. Jiang Qiqi had commented right in front of her, but the girl seemed timid, too shy to speak, and quietly brought in her suitcase. No one knew her name, and she was currently absent from the dorm.

“Are you finished unpacking?”

“Mm, Wanwan, let’s go to the dining hall for dinner,” Jiang Qiqi said, looping her arm through Gu Wan’s and pulling her along.

“The instructor said we don’t have to gather until eight tonight—it’s six now, just enough time for a meal.”

—

“Boss? Why are you at this military base?” Jiang Chen had been driving all afternoon, just to deliver a document for Shen Chao Xi to sign. He parked beneath a quiet building in Area C, watching as Shen Chao Xi reviewed the paperwork. Leaning against the car, his brow was furrowed deeply.

“What, you want to experience life at the grassroots too?” Shen Chao Xi raised an eyebrow, signed the document with a swift flourish, and wrote the name Wen Xi.

“Heavens, no,” Jiang Chen replied, genuinely alarmed. He was, after all, practically a deputy commander in the First Military District. To come here for ‘life experience’ would be madness, and he certainly wasn’t as idle as his boss.

The base was under strict closed management, barring casual entry and exit. But someone of Jiang Chen’s status could easily gain access, and arrangements had been made for secrecy.

“Boss, how long will you be here?” Jiang Chen asked, scrutinizing Shen Chao Xi’s cool expression. With the autumn joint exercise approaching, the First Military District would take the lead, and Shen Chao Xi’s presence was essential.

“Ten days, maybe half a month,” Shen Chao Xi replied, snapping the file shut and handing the signed papers over. “The First District’s training mustn’t fall behind—I’ll return to inspect it.”

Jiang Chen accepted the file with a smile. “Don’t worry, boss. You know you can trust me.”

Just then, Jiang Qiqi, heading toward the dining hall, paused and pulled Gu Wan back, pointing toward the people near the car with surprise. “Is that—Shen Chao Xi?”

The distance made it hard to see the man’s face clearly, but she immediately recognized the girl beside him: Shen Chao Xi, the very one who had competed with them for a dorm room earlier today. Her face stood out anywhere.

“Heh, so that’s how she’s so bold right after arriving—seducing men for favors!”

“Shameless,” Jiang Qiqi muttered.

Gu Wan also glanced in Shen Chao Xi’s direction. Though she couldn’t make out the man’s features, she confirmed that it was indeed their dormmate, Shen Chao Xi. She had noticed her earlier in the dorm—the girl’s beauty was striking, enough to overshadow Gu Wan herself if placed side by side. The impression lingered.

“Maybe they just know each other,” Gu Wan replied softly, seeing Jiang Qiqi’s outrage. “Qiqi, we don’t know the truth. It’s best not to jump to conclusions.”

“Oh, Wanwan, you’re just too naive,” Jiang Qiqi said, patting her hand as if she were worldly-wise. “Your family’s upbringing is good, but not everyone is like that. Who knows if her private life is messy—maybe she’s here just to attract men. Look at how she acted this afternoon! Who else would dare confront us directly, demanding the chief instructor arrange a single room for her?”

“In my opinion, she relies on her looks and figure to get involved with men—her private life must be chaotic…”

Gu Wan frowned, hurrying forward to grab Jiang Qiqi’s hand and looking at her seriously. “Qiqi! We girls shouldn’t spread such talk. Let’s pretend we saw nothing today—don’t mention it to anyone.”

“Alright, alright, Wanwan, don’t worry—I won’t gossip,” Jiang Qiqi said, seeing Gu Wan’s concern and laughing as she promised.

But really, what was there to be afraid of? Shen Chao Xi was the one with a messy private life, not them. Even if this got out, it wouldn’t affect them at all.