CHAPTER 223: CHAPTER 223: MISERABLE MILITARY CAMP (4)_1

"Number off," Liu Dabao glanced over the seven people before him, his gaze landing on Shangguan You and Yu Zijin, whose legs were still trembling slightly, and barked sharply.

"Alright, everyone is here. Each of you will tie two sandbags to your legs. You must reach the mountaintop before sunset and come down the mountain before ten o’clock tonight, returning here. If you can’t make it back within the specified time, all of you will stay on the mountaintop overnight. Do you hear me?" Liu Dabao pointed at the pile of sandbags, each weighing three kilograms, and roared.

Shangguan You’s body swayed. She looked at the towering mountain that reached into the clouds, eyed the stone path, and then glanced at the pile of sandbags on the ground. I wish I could just faint. This is simply torture, inhuman torture. At that moment, she finally understood why this military unit was stationed here, why a base was built at the foot of this great mountain—every soldier was expected to conquer it.

Shangguan You and Yu Zijin exchanged glances, apparently both having the same idea.

"You two, step out!" Liu Dabao pointed at Shangguan You and Yu Zijin.

"Yes, Commander," Shangguan You and Yu Zijin said simultaneously as they stepped out of line.

"At ease! Attention! Right-dress! Forward-dress! Quick march!"

The two exchanged another glance, then both heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, we’re only being asked to run up the mountain. If we’d been ordered to carry the sandbags, we’d both resolved to feign fainting.

"The rest of you, hurry up!" Liu Dabao yelled, watching the two run off before urging the others.

"Yes, Sir!"

On the winding road, Shangguan You, while running, could see other soldiers with sandbags tied to their legs running down the mountain. Sweat streamed down their foreheads, their uniforms soaked through, yet they maintained discipline, chanting slogans and running down in formation.

They’re coming down just as we’re going up. It seems they went up the mountain at midnight.

Shangguan You stopped running and sat down on the ground to rest. I’ll just wait for Brother Qing and the others before continuing.

"Shangguan You, do you think we can make it up the mountain?" Yu Zijin also stopped, looking at Shangguan You beside her. Then she gazed at the peak piercing the clouds. The road ahead is so long; when will it end? This is only the first day of military training, and it’s nearly killed us. Half a month of this, and we’ll be stripped to the bone, not even a bone left.

"Of course we can," Shangguan You spoke calmly. Since last night, Yu Zijin has suddenly started talking to me more. What is she up to?

"Yeah, if you can do it, so can I," Yu Zijin said as if encouraged, her eyes brightening.

"Brother Qing." Shangguan You stood up, looking at everyone with sandbags tied to their legs, then at Shangguan Qing. Her heart ached for him. Brother Qing hasn’t eaten anything since morning, only a Jade Dew Pill. I was worried his body wouldn’t be able to take it; that’s why I stopped to wait for him.

"Youyou, are you hungry? Here, eat this," Shangguan Qing wiped away sweat and pulled out a small bag from his pocket. Inside was a small bun he had saved specifically for Youyou last night, fearing she would be hungry. He hadn’t expected it would actually come in handy now.

"Brother Qing, I’m not hungry. You eat it." Shangguan You’s eyes stung. Shangguan Qing would rather starve himself just to leave food for me.

"Silly girl, you haven’t eaten anything since morning. How could you not be hungry? Eat, I’m not hungry." Shangguan Qing ruffled her hair, smiling affectionately at Shangguan You. Skipping a meal or two won’t kill me, but I just can’t stand the thought of my girl going hungry. She shouldn’t have to suffer this hardship; she should be at home, enjoying herself. Yet here she is, enduring this.

"But you haven’t eaten either, Brother Qing." Tears welled in Shangguan You’s eyes as she looked at Shangguan Qing’s satisfied expression, a warmth spreading through her heart.

"Youyou, I did save a few buns for you all, but Liu Dabao saw them and confiscated them," Gui Mo said with some annoyance. That damn Liu Dabao! Sooner or later, I’ll make him know what it feels like to go hungry. "Youyou," he continued, his voice tinged with remorse, "I’m useless. I could only let you go hungry."

"Silly, I have Brother Qing’s bun. I’m not hungry. Thank you all," Shangguan You pushed back her tears and smiled at them.

"Youyou, Zijin, Zifeng, I had also secretly hidden a few buns for you, but Liu Dabao found them all and took them. So now you’ll have to go hungry. Let’s run faster, and after we get down the mountain, we can eat," Zhang Yuchen said, his voice also filled with emotion.

"Thank you," Yu Zifeng replied faintly. I’m so hungry too.

"Okay, let’s share. The bun is quite big anyway," Shangguan You said with a light smile. She then divided the bun into four pieces, handing one to each of them. Although the pieces weren’t large, and the bun wasn’t very tasty, everyone ate it happily, feeling the camaraderie, the friendship, and a touch of emotion.

Yu Zifeng took his small piece of bun and ate it bite by bite. Even though this bun is terrible, it tastes like the most delicious delicacy in the world. My heart is filled with such sweetness. This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten. A smile crossed Yu Zifeng’s handsome face, invigorating his spirit. He even felt the heavy sandbags on his legs grow a little lighter.

"Shangguan You, it’s really good. Thank you," Yu Zijin said, her eyes reddening. For Shangguan You to willingly divide her food into four parts at a time like this... it would be a lie to say I’m not moved.

"No need to thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Brother Qing. Brother Qing, let’s run faster! We still have to go down the mountain for dinner. Tonight, I want to eat three full bowls!" Shangguan You laughed lightly, a bright smile on her face. A captivating sparkle flashed in her deep eyes. She turned back with a smile and immediately started running forward.

Her smile was genuinely heartfelt. Her light laugh dazzled everyone, making their hearts tighten. Even Yu Zijin was momentarily stunned. It’s like I’m seeing a field of flowers in full bloom. After a moment, Yu Zijin snapped back to reality and quickly followed.