Let you join the army to quit Internet addiction, but you create the Matrix
Chapter 17 - Handing out the Red Book. Do you guys know about Crazy English?

Chapter 17: Handing out the Red Book. Do you guys know about Crazy English?

It was five-thirty in the afternoon. Although the sun was not as hot as when we first arrived, after an afternoon of exposure, everyone in the class was exhausted.

The squad leader glanced at the time and said to the recruits holding military posture, “Alright, today’s training is over. Go rest for a while and get ready for dinner!”

Everyone raised their heads in confusion as they looked at the squad leader. Sunburnt and drained, they sat on their mats in the dorm, questioning life with blank expressions. With a good physique, even Chen Ming struggled after the intense afternoon, sitting on the mat and adjusting his breath.

The squad leader chuckled, “Can’t handle the first day?”

In a zombie-like state, led by the squad leader, they returned to the dorm, questioning life with blank expressions. Watching their state, the squad leader couldn’t help but shake his head.

“Alright, take a good rest. The next three months will be challenging.”

Quickly recovering, Chen Ming got the nod from the squad leader and hurried downstairs to set up the meals in the cafeteria. At six o’clock, dinner commenced, bringing vitality back to the fatigued bodies and minds.

The squad leader was absent, and the recruits loosened up without supervision.

“Huh, finally survived this day.”

Fatty He Dong tossed his hat on the bed, removing his sweat-soaked camouflage jacket.  Yu Jun sat on the mat, untying the laces on his military boots.

“I’m exhausted. I wouldn’t have come if I knew the military was this tough.”

Before enlisting, he idealized military life based on TV dramas, but the reality differed.

Chen Ming advised, “Stop complaining. Take a bath later, massage your muscles before bed, or you’ll be sore tomorrow.”

Standing in military posture might not seem demanding, but every movement engaged muscle groups. Leg muscles, even during the military posture, maintain tension, and thighs were strained.

Relaxing is crucial. Otherwise, they’ll wake up sore tomorrow.

Recalling the morning’s experience, the trio of He Dong, Yu Jun, and He Xue looked at their exhausted legs with sorrow.

“When will this end?” They lamented.

As they finished lamenting, the dormitory doors suddenly opened. The squad leader entered, holding a stack of red books.

“Who told you to undress? It’s too early for showers and lights out!” He scolded, distributing a red book to each recruit.

The book boldly displayed the Dragon Kingdom Army’s internal affairs, disciplinary, and queue regulations.

“These are the army’s rules. Memorize them. There will be assessments. If anyone stumbles in front of the instructor and company commander, you’ll regret it!” The squad leader’s stern warning made everyone cower.

After noticing the book’s thickness, Chen Ming realized memorizing it all would be challenging. As the recruits reluctantly opened the red books, the squad leader’s gaze warned against any hesitation. With a strategic move, Chen Ming began loudly reciting the regulations, surprising everyone in the dorm.

Confused, they stared at Chen Ming, and even the squad leader questioned his sanity.

Chen Ming explained, “Crazy English, ever heard of it? Shouting helps memorization. Let’s try it with these regulations.”

He then passionately recited, and the dorm echoed with his voice. Recruits, intrigued, asked if it was effective. Chen Ming nodded, suggesting the thick regulations were better learned through vocal recitation. Relieved by this unconventional approach, they joined in, realizing it could be a more engaging method. Like a leader’s guidance, Chen Ming’s initiative inspired them to believe they could succeed with effort.

Soon, the rhythmic reciting sound echoed from Dormitory No. 202, filling the entire building and vibrating through the night.