Xiao Jing felt her hand come into contact with something rock hard, so she looked up instinctively. In her eyes, the facial features of the other party were becoming increasingly apparent.
As usual, there was no expression on Shen Chengfeng's face as he stared coldly at Xiao Jing's enticingly beautiful face. His gaze was neither warm nor hot, but she sensed that he seemed to have many thoughts about her.
Xiao Jing sat up awkwardly, not forgetting to politely dust off the dust and soil on Shen Chengfeng's face with her dirty hands. Coughing lightly, she then asked solemnly, "Are you hurt, sir?"
Shen Chengfeng stood up, and from the corner of his eye looked at the person who was still crouching on the ground. "What are you waiting for? Are you expecting me to help you up?" he asked in a deep voice.
Xiao Jing quickly got up from the ground. By now, thick clouds had enveloped the sun, casting a shadow over the drill ground.
"You may continue," Shen Chengfeng said simply, before coolly taking a step backward.
The corners of Xiao Jing's mouth twitched uncontrollably as she turned to face the wall. She was not sure whether it was because of what Xiao Ye had previously said to her, but right now, she could not help but glance at Shen Chengfeng. Why had he not said anything else? Why had he suddenly wanted to train her himself? What were his intentions?
Shen Chengfeng merely stared at Xiao Jing without saying another word. As the wind scattered the clouds, the sun started beating down on them again.
Feeling his gaze on her, Xiao Jing turned around to look at Sheng Chengfeng, and their eyes met. It was like a scene out of a romance novel – A fallen leaf, carried by the breeze, had started dancing between the two of them.
Xiao Jing's heart was beating furiously in her chest, and she was letting her imagination run wild. Given the way that Shen Chengfeng was eyeing her like a tiger would eye its prey, he must have ulterior motives. Had he gotten used to pinching her delicate skin and supple flesh? Or did her petite build evoke his desire to claim her?
What was she supposed to do? If he came onto her, should she resist? Was there any point in resisting him with her weak and frail body, though? What if it backfired, and compelled him to force himself on her instead?
Shen Chengfeng narrowed his eyes and bridged the distance between them in a couple of steps. "Why are you in a daze? Continue practicing," he said coldly.
Xiao Jing did not know what came over her. Upon hearing the voice behind her, she had instinctively turned around, then balled up her right fist, and pounded lightly on Shen Chengfeng's chest.
"Commander, I'm not that kind of person. Don't be so good to me. I'm going to feel pressured," Xiao Jing said in a somewhat self-righteous tone.
"Pressured?" Shen Chengfeng raised his eyebrows, then glared at her fist, which he deemed to be a form of provocation. Extending a hand, and grasping Xiao Jing around the waist, he then threw her into the air.
By the time Xiao Jing realized it, it was too late. She felt the wind and the glare of the sun, before she landed on the other side of the three-meter wall with a crash, sending up a flurry of mud and soil.
Standing before Xiao Jing, Shen Chengfeng's face was expressionless as usual. There was no telling whether he was angry or happy. In a half-crouch position, he slid on his sunglasses, which reflected Xiao Jing's dirty face and messy hair. "Since you are adamant that I show no partial treatment towards you, being the democratic leader that I am, I shall enhance your training, going forward."
Had she just shot herself in the foot? Xiao Jing could only swallow her suffering, and smile wryly.
Night fell, and the surroundings became deadly quiet.
The fog gradually settled, shrouding the entire camp in darkness.
Xiao Jing collapsed onto her bed, aching all over. Usually, she would immediately head to the bathroom to take a refreshing cold water shower, but she was too tired today to even lift a single finger, so she planned to just head to bed right away.
"Thump, thump, thump." Orderly footsteps were heard coming from the end of the corridor and were slowly getting closer.
Xiao Jing opened her eyes to peek in the direction of the door. She had a feeling that the footsteps were coming her way.
As expected, there was a thud as the door to her room was pushed open the very next second.
There was a figure standing in the doorway, as the dim light from the corridor flooded the room. Xiao Jing sat up and looked at the door, but could not make out who it was.
Xiao Yu closed the door behind him and came to stand next to Xiao Jing's bed without stopping to turn on the room light.
Xiao Jing recognized the somewhat familiar scent in the air. Her eldest brother liked the smell of mint, so there was always a mint scent about him. It seemed to be especially useful for repelling mosquitoes during summer.
"Pack up." Xiao Yu didn't bother making small talk and got straight to the point.
"What should I be packing, First Brother?" Xiao Jing asked in puzzlement.
"Your belongings," replied Xiao Yu as he glanced at the surroundings. "Hmm. There doesn't seem to be much to pack. Put on your clothes and follow me."
"Hang on," said Xiao Jing, as she got out of bed frantically. "Where are you having me go, First Brother?"
"I have already submitted a request for your transfer, and the formalities will be processed tomorrow."
"What request?" Xiao Jing mustered the courage to confront Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu was 1.9 meters tall, so standing in front of him, Xiao Jing was like a little tree at the foot of a mountain. It made for a comical sight.
"This place does not suit you. Staying here will not only be bad for you but will also affect many other people. I will bring you back to Regiment 525," said Xiao Yu.
Xiao Jing refused to budge. Staring fixedly at the man who was almost two heads taller than her, all her fear suddenly dissipated, and she was filled with the courage to stand up to her eldest brother. She answered firmly, "I'm not leaving. Why should I leave? Just because I look like a loser?"
"I think you should know your limits."
"First Brother, no one is born a king, and nobody is born a loser either. I know that the prestige and honor of the Xiao family are at stake. But even if I am unable to become an awe-inspiring general, I would still like to do my bit for the country by performing well in missions. And although the journey might be long and arduous, I will have no regrets as long as I have put in my best."
Xiao Yu was silent for a moment before softening his tone. "I have never looked down on you. It's just that you are not suited for Steel Eagle. If you wish to remain in the Special Command Unit, Third Brother's Shining Tiger would be a better fit for you."
Xiao Jing smiled wryly in response. "I heard that the Special Command Units are categorized into different ranks, with S being the lowest rank, and SSS being the highest. Steel Eagle is ranked SS, whereas Shining Tiger is ranked SSS. Aren't you overestimating my abilities by suggesting that I join Third Brother? I quite like it here, and I believe that the Commander will be fair and impartial and would not treat me any differently just because of my background."
"Precisely. Shen Chengfeng is rigid and inflexible, which is why you ought to join Xiao Zheng. At least he's family."