Chapter 30: Give Me a Chance

Chapter 30: Give Me a Chance

Early the next morning, before the bugle call even sounded, Xu Qiao was already up, acting out of habit. However, as she sat up, she realized she no longer needed to report to the kitchen detail. Even if she wanted to start training early, there was no longer a need to rise at such an ungodly hour. Sitting there, she felt a bit dazed, unsure of what she should do with herself.

During her time in the kitchen, her life had truly become regimented; she had grown accustomed to both the labor and the training. The kitchen staff followed a schedule earlier than the rest of the unit, so if she wanted extra training, she had to get up even earlier. By the time she finished her run and the others began their morning exercises, the kitchen crew would be busy preparing breakfast—their first rush of the day. While they still had regular training, their timing was completely different from everyone else’s. When others were training, they were preparing meals; they only found time to train once everyone else had eaten or the prep work was done.

Now that she was back with the communications platoon, she didn't have to squeeze in training during her spare time. The feeling was quite different.

She looked around the room. Seeing everyone still sound asleep, she didn't lie back down. Instead, she packed her gear as she did every day and tiptoed outside.

When Yin Li caught up with her, he looked at her in disbelief. "Xu Qiao, you're really something. You’ve run so much already this morning, and you're not even winded?"

Xu Qiao gave an awkward smile. "I'm just used to it. I completely forgot that things were different today and got up at my usual time."

Yin Li laughed. "You’re quite the stoic one. Do you think everyone can achieve the results you did in the exercise?"

Xu Qiao recalled the combat report. "Is it really that surprising? It was just one exercise. Why is everyone looking at me?"

"You're already a celebrity," Yin Li said. "The entire regiment knows who you are."

When they reached the training ground, the rest of the squad arrived shortly after. Seeing Xu Qiao already there, Guan Yuqi was no longer surprised. As they began their morning exercises, everyone kept sneaking glances at her, their eyes filled with curiosity and disbelief.

Xu Qiao felt helpless. She understood that before this, she had been a deserter, and in just a few months, she had pulled off a major feat in the exercises. It was natural for them to be curious.

After the morning exercises concluded, the squad gathered. Guan Yuqi looked at everyone and said, "As you’ve all seen, Xu Qiao may have made mistakes in the past, but that doesn't mean she will always be that same person." She then looked directly at Xu Qiao. "From now on, we can supervise her and help her, but no one is allowed to look down on her."

"Yes!" the squad replied in unison.

Guan Yuqi nodded, her expression softening. "Good. Now, let’s discuss today’s training plan."

Xu Qiao hesitated, then stepped forward, her expression serious. "Squad Leader, I know what you all thought of me before. I admit that I was out of line and committed too many mistakes. But after everything, I know I was wrong—even, perhaps, unforgivably so. I am truly grateful that the unit has given me this chance to redeem myself."

She looked at her teammates. "I know some of you may not believe I can change, but I am proving it to everyone bit by bit. I hope you can give me some time to show you."

Guan Yuqi nodded with a faint smile. "Having that mindset is a good thing. We aren't the type to write someone off completely, otherwise, we wouldn't have let you back here."

Guan Yuqi then turned back to the group. "Except for those on duty, everyone will undergo physical training this morning. In the afternoon, we will familiarize ourselves with communications equipment, specifically focusing on the transmitter."

As the squad dispersed, the air was still a bit awkward, but the tension had shifted. Xu Qiao felt a sense of relief. She looked at Guan Yuqi with gratitude, knowing that this was a fresh start.