CHAPTER 452: CHAPTER 270: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE LIST

The armies participating in this exercise, Army A and Army B, are under the Beijing Military Region, with the directors from the Yue Military Region leadership. The commendation ceremony was held in the Great Parade Ground of the garrison, where tens of thousands of people densely packed the field, and the student team was arranged at the very front, directly facing the podium.

The leaders present at the meeting included: Vice Chairman Lin Tingtao of the Military Commission, Chief of Staff Ye Jia’an of General Staff, Commander Yan Shangyou of the Beijing Military Region, Commander Yan Lianping of the Yue Military Region, Military Commander Xia Keming of Army A, Deputy Commander Lei Dawei, Military Commander Lin Xibe of Army B, Deputy Commander Qi Liangyang... and so on, with Major Bai Yan from the Beijing Military Region serving as the host.

After Vice Chairman Lin Tingtao and Chief of Staff Ye Jia’an gave their speeches, Commanders Yan Shangyou and Yan Lianping analyzed the gains and losses of this exercise.

"...In this exercise, particularly deserving of praise is the student team formed by the freshmen of class 00 from GF University. For a student team with merely three months of military service, their performance was certainly not inferior to that of veterans with several years of service. Let’s give them a warm round of applause!" concluded Commander Yan Shangyou.

"Clap clap clap..."

The applause was synchronized and enthusiastic, carrying passion and fervor!

"Stand up!"

Sixteen students promptly stood up and saluted the podium. At Mo Datong’s command, they turned to salute the soldiers on the parade ground, spun back around, and sat down.

Major Bai Yan approached the podium with a smile and picked up the microphone: "Next, we move to the commendation and award presentation. The recipient of the First-class Merit is Luo Ye, a student from the GF class of 00. Please come to the stage."

"Clap clap clap..." Members of the student team cheered in unison. Soldiers from Army A and Army B were initially taken aback but then joined in the applause, puzzled as to how such a new student could achieve a commendation usually unimaginable—what grand deed had this freshman done?

Luo Ye stood up, took a deep breath, and walked steadily onto the stage.

"Hello, student Luo Ye," Bai Yan greeted Luo Ye with a smile.

"Hello, Major Bai!" Luo Ye saluted.

After returning the salute, Bai Yan looked down at the audience: "Why student Luo Ye was awarded the First-class Merit is something not very clear to others, aside from the leaders and the students who trained with her. Now, allow me to briefly introduce the reason to everyone.

Some comrades may know that this year’s freshmen of GF University, class of 00, had an excellent opportunity to become members of Team A through selection, and they will be future key commanders of Army A.

And our student Luo Ye, not only achieved excellent results in this selection but also cracked one of the most egregious major cases since the founding of the nation..."

As Bai Yan eloquently explained, the faces of the soldiers in the audience showed dawning realization. The involvement and damage of such a severe case were undeniable; its early resolution was undoubted, no wonder the award of First-class Merit.

"Student Luo Ye, what were you thinking at the time?"

When Bai Yan put the microphone to Luo Ye’s face, Mou Ye had a cold shiver inside, understanding the purpose of this approach. Yet, she couldn’t muster an impassioned and fearless speech; after a brief ponder, she smiled slightly: "It is the duty of a soldier."

Bai Yan waited for a moment before realizing that was the entirety of the response, smiling as she retracted the microphone: "Well put, precise and profound. Student Luo Ye, you did not know that the marshland was for training purposes at that time. Before being rescued, when you felt you could lose your life at any moment, what specifically went through your mind?"

"If I could survive, I would cherish everything and be a qualified soldier!"

"And if you were to leave us?" Bai Yan continued to ask.

Luo Ye smiled awkwardly: "I would feel very regretful; I hadn’t yet reported the criminal’s confession."

Bai Yan looked to the audience: "Comrades, I want to clarify that all the questions I asked Luo Ye, she wasn’t aware of beforehand, meaning her responses were her most instinctual ones.

We did this at the behest of the leaders. The awarding of a First-class Merit might leave many with thoughts, but now, having seen student Luo Ye’s performance, her authenticity without vanity, have we all managed to do the same?"

"Clap clap clap..." The applause erupted again, even more firm and fervent than before.

Bai Yan announced with a smile: "Next, may I ask Vice Chairman Lin and Chief of Staff Ye to present the First-class Merit medal and certificate to student Luo Ye!"

Luo Ye suppressed the nervousness and excitement within her heart, took a deep breath, and tried to look as natural as possible.

"Xiao Luo, we meet again; congratulations." Vice Chairman Lin said with a beaming smile, handing the certificate to Luo Ye: "Don’t be complacent, continue to work hard!"

"Yes!" Luo Ye took the certificate and saluted.