Chapter Twenty-One: The Decision

Time slipped by, and three days passed. For Qin Feng, these days felt interminable; the superior’s decision was still pending, leaving him in anxious limbo. He wished they’d simply give him an outcome—good or bad—so he could face it head-on, rather than endure this torturous wait.

Morning arrived, the dew sparkling, sunlight streaming down, marking the start of a beautiful day. Qin Feng had just finished breakfast when the messenger found him, announcing that the battalion commander wished to see him. Qin Feng knew the verdict had finally come, and a wave of relief swept over him. No matter what happened, at least it was settled. Straightening his uniform, he made his way upstairs.

He reached the commander’s office, knocked, and reported in. After being summoned inside and saluting, Qin Feng faced the commander, still feeling a touch of nervousness. He recalled the three-year promise and thought to himself: if he was expelled from the army, everything would be over—nothing would remain.

“Nervous?” the commander asked, noting Qin Feng’s unease.

Hearing the commander’s words, Qin Feng inexplicably relaxed. Perhaps things weren’t as dire as he’d imagined. His expression grew serious, and he replied solemnly, “Reporting, sir, I’m fine.”

“Oh?” The commander regarded Qin Feng with surprise, noting the sudden calm. Smiling, he said, “No need to be nervous, it’s good news. I know the details now. You’ve done well—brought honor to our battalion. It’s a pity, though, that the glory cannot be publicized. I hope you understand and can rest easy.”

The commander’s face was bright with satisfaction. He knew Qin Feng belonged to their battalion, excelling in every way—a soldier worthy of pride. He was genuinely happy.

“I understand, sir. I’m at ease. Will I be expelled from the army?” Qin Feng asked cautiously, unable to shake the suspicion in his heart.

“Expelled?” The commander looked at him in confusion, seeing Qin Feng tense again. With a stern expression, he barked, “Who told you that nonsense? Tell me, I’ll have a word with them.”

“No, no, it was just my own guess. No one said anything,” Qin Feng hurried to explain, startled by the commander’s fierce reaction. He realized, after all, that someone fit to be a commander naturally possessed such an imposing aura.

He hastily offered a nervous smile. “Sir, I just thought, since the decision was delayed, maybe I was being expelled.”

“No one told you? It was your own speculation?” the commander pressed.

“Really, it was just my own guess,” Qin Feng affirmed.

“Good. Don’t overthink in the future. No need for wild speculation—just focus on your duties. Understood?” the commander advised.

“Yes, sir,” Qin Feng replied.

“Good. Remember—your matter is a military secret. You must not speak of it to anyone, not even those closest to you. Secrets must not be leaked; keep this in mind, understood?” the commander instructed.

“I understand. I will keep it to myself and tell no one,” Qin Feng promised. Military secrets were no joke; leaking them meant facing a court-martial, and much worse. The consequences could be severe.

“Very well. Regarding your case, after deliberation by the district committee, you are awarded a first-class individual merit. Here is your medal. Because secrecy is required, there can be no award ceremony. The district asked me to hand it to you,” the commander said, opening a box. Inside lay the medal—at its center, the national emblem, surrounded by five large facets, striking in its appearance.

Staring at the medal, Qin Feng could scarcely believe it. He was stunned, only coming to his senses when the commander hung the medal around his neck. He quickly saluted, “Thank you to the Party, to the organization, to the district, to the commander.”

“It’s well-earned—won through your bravery and sacrifice,” the commander said with satisfaction, handing Qin Feng the box. “You may show the medal, but do not divulge the details. Understood?”

“Understood.” Qin Feng saw how emphatically the commander insisted, sensing the gravity of the matter. He agreed wholeheartedly; he would do his duty, strive harder, and grow stronger.

“Well done. You’re an outstanding soldier,” the commander said, his eyes full of admiration. He wished to keep Qin Feng close for cultivation, but remembered the higher-ups’ decision to recommend Qin Feng for the Tiger Commando selection, and felt a touch of regret. Still, he continued, “Your achievements have been recognized, and the organization has decided to promote you to sergeant. Additionally, the higher-ups have another decision: you are recommended to participate in the Tiger Special Forces selection. If you choose not to go, you can remain in the reconnaissance squad as its leader. Will you go or stay?”

Both options were excellent, but the choice was Qin Feng’s to make.

Qin Feng understood: sergeant was a non-commissioned officer, nearly an officer. To go from private first class to sergeant usually required passing through corporal and staff sergeant, but he had jumped two ranks. If he became reconnaissance squad leader and performed well, he could be promoted to platoon leader, company commander, and so on—perhaps even surpassing the battalion commander, with boundless prospects.

Yet, Qin Feng remembered his three-year promise with Su Yun. His face grew resolute, his decision made. He said, “Sir, I’ve made up my mind. I want to participate in the Tiger Special Forces selection.” His tone was unwavering.

“The Tiger Special Forces selection is grueling and dangerous. Even after passing, training is perilous. Even then, you remain a regular soldier. Are you sure?” the commander asked.

“I’m sure. I will participate in the Tiger Special Forces selection,” Qin Feng replied firmly.

“I knew you’d choose the selection,” the commander smiled. “Ever since you met the Tiger Special Forces captain, I sensed you wanted to become a commando.”

The commander believed Qin Feng aspired to be a commando, though he didn’t realize Qin Feng was driven by his promise to Su Yun.

“Yes, sir. I want to be a commando—the strongest soldier,” Qin Feng declared.

“Good. Pack your things. At noon, I’ll arrange for someone to take you to the district for registration. You can then participate in the Tiger Special Forces selection,” the commander said.