The dawn of the next day arrived, with morning light gently dawning.
The daily life of the forces kick-started in such a clear morning where the sun's first rays drenched the expansive Base. Salty smell introduced by sea winds where they brushed, soldiers in training uniform wandering between lush grassland and shimmering tree shadows lent vitality to this land.
After morning exercise and breakfast, the new recruits from the boot camp swarmed into their dormitory to embark on their hectic routine of housekeeping.
However, in Dormitory of Class 2, Row Three, things were busier than usual.
"Flossie, the squad leader said he would be coming to inspect the housekeeping soon. Do you need any help?" The deputy squad leader, hastening to the entrance of the dormitory, tugged at Flossie Wright's sleeve and whispered softly to her.
Drake Easton, who had not been inspecting their conditions for quite some time, informed the deputy squad leader of the inspection during the morning exercise assembly. The fuss was obviously targeted at Flossie Wright. If anything, even slightly wrong, was found in Flossie's housekeeping, Drake would take this opportunity to make a big deal out of it. No one knew what Flossie might have to endure.
Flossie Wright touched her nose.
Janice Wood, popping out from nowhere to stand beside Flossie Wright, patted her chest and assured, "Deputy squad leader, I can help her when the time comes."
Flossie Wright lifted her eyelids.
"What are you guys doing at the door?!"
With one person after another entering the dormitory, the three standing outside were startled by a harsh voice. The deputy squad leader and Janice Wood shivered unreservedly and thought to themselves, "Disaster!"
What were they going to do to help Flossie Wright with her housekeeping now that Drake Easton had come to supervise?
"Go inside." Only Flossie Wright remained unruffled, she didn't even glance back as she casually waved her hand to beckon the people on either side of her to enter.
Drake Easton, who had just arrived outside the door, turned an iron-blue hue upon seeing Flossie Wright's arrogance.
"Brother, the world is so wonderful..." Rowdy Brightwill, who had arrived with Drake, stepped in front of Drake, gave his shoulder a friendly pat and shook his head thoughtfully, "Irritability, no good, no good."
"..."
Drake Easton gave him a cold glance. Noticing the taunting look on his face, Drake's face darkened further. He brushed off Rowdy Brightwill's patting hand and walked straight into the dormitory.
Rowdy Brightwill shrugged helplessly at Drake's retreating figure, then followed him in.
However, much to his surprise, the dormitory that welcomed him was deadly silent, filled with a cryptic atmosphere.
Drake Easton, who was walking in front of him, also abruptly stopped in his tracks.
Rowdy Brightwill instinctively squinted his eyes, scanning the whole room and noticed that all eyes were on one particular bed.
The neatly made bed, both the blankets on it and the folded ones were creaseless as if ironed. The blanket folded like tofu blocks looked as if it was carved from a mould, with its clear edges looking sharp as a knife.
Indeed, it was common in the military camp to have blankets folded so precisely, but…
Rowdy Brightwill paused, looking at Flossie Wright, who seemed calm and nonchalant, all while watching people's reactions.
All signs pointed to the fact that the bed was hers.
However, according to Drake's description of Flossie Wright last night, it seemed improbable that this affluent young lady's housekeeping skills would reach such a level.
"What are you all standing there for? Shouldn't you start preparing for the housekeeping inspection?!"