Chapter 47: Entry into the Artillery Division Part 1
After tidying up the bedding, Zhou Lin and Zheng Sanfu headed to the competition venue—a spacious courtyard with ten stoves, each equipped with a wooden table for food preparation. Contestants would undergo three rounds, determining the top eight, with monetary rewards ranging from ten to two hundred "法币" and additional military rank incentives.
Amidst the preparations, returning to their quarters, Zhou Lin sensed trouble. His bed was occupied, blankets scattered. Confronting the intruder, a bald man, Zhou Lin issued a warning. A brawl ensued, with Zhou Lin emerging victorious, earning respect and easing tensions in the room.
The next day, Zheng Dafu arrived, learning of the brawl. Laughing it off, he revealed the bald man's affiliation with Zheng Dafu's rival, a deputy company commander. The rivals competed for the position of company commander, adding an underlying conflict to the culinary competition.
Assured by Zheng Dafu, Zhou Lin focused on the artillery division dynamics, noting internal rivalries similar to those in the overall military. Unperturbed, he disregarded these intricacies, aware of the predetermined outcome from his knowledge of future events.
As the competition officially commenced on the third day, Zhou Lin and Zheng Sanfu strategized for success in a diverse field, facing contestants with up to twenty years of experience. In the second round, Zhou Lin showcased his culinary prowess with "芷江鸭" (Zijiang Duck), lacking only the elusive "芷草" (Zicao), revealing his adaptability and creativity. Entering the top eight, Zhou Lin faced Zheng Sanfu in a one-on-one battle, a twist of fate dictated by the draw.