Chapter 18: Tofu Pudding with Chili Oil

“This… how is this possible?!” Song Wei’s mouth was agape wide enough to fit an entire egg.

Not only him, but the other recruits were also filled with astonishment, turning to Qi Tian and asking eagerly:

“Platoon sergeant, teach us how you can recite half the regulations and codes in just one night!”

“If you teach us, we’ll take care of all your barracks chores from now on!”

“You know my family’s really struggling. Ever since I was a kid, my mother told me, poor kids have to grow up fast.”

Seeing his comrades’ hopeful faces, Qi Tian couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Sorry, everyone. I don’t have any special memorization tricks. As for how I managed to memorize it all, it’s just pure talent!”

With that, Qi Tian turned back toward Song Wei’s direction.

By now, Song Wei had snapped out of his shock.

Seeing Qi Tian look his way, he instinctively took a couple of steps back.

At this moment, he was truly overwhelmed by Qi Tian.

It was a sense of being utterly outmatched—no matter how hard he searched for a weakness in his opponent, he could never surpass him.

Simply put, it was despair—helpless despair without any means to resist.

“You… what are you going to do?”

“Nothing much. Just wanted to remind you to stop wasting time on meaningless things.

Instead of watching what time others go to bed, you’d be better off reviewing the regulations a couple more times.

Oh, and give me back my medal!” Qi Tian stepped forward and snatched his third-class merit medal from Song Wei’s hand.

In front of everyone, he carefully placed it into the crimson five-star wooden box, then stowed it away in his locker.

“Tch! What’s with the attitude? It’s just a third-class merit medal. Just wait, I’ll get a second-class one and definitely outshine you!”

Song Wei curled his lips in displeasure, turned, and returned to his desk, flipping through the regulations in a huff.

Old Hei had long sensed the tension between Qi Tian and Song Wei.

Seeing their rivalry intensify, he didn’t bother to intervene.

After all, this was the military; if they couldn’t handle a little temper and competition, what kind of soldiers would they be?

He simply revealed a smile more awkward than tears and said to Qi Tian,

“I really don’t know how many more surprises you’re going to bring us.

Since your memory is so good, you’ll be in charge of the entire platoon’s recitation of the regulations.

Remember, in fourteen days, everyone must be able to recite everything perfectly, no mistakes allowed!

If anyone fails, I’ll hold you accountable!”

Upon hearing this, Qi Tian immediately responded firmly, “Yes, sir!”

---

After giving all the instructions, Old Hei stood and left.

He still had a grand surprise planned to give them, and now was the time to prepare it carefully.

Qi Tian fully embraced his role as platoon sergeant.

He led everyone in studying and digesting the regulations together.

By first understanding the meaning and then learning the wording, they began to memorize every rule and clause.

...

Soon, it was time for dinner.

Qi Tian led the soldiers of the first platoon to the mess hall.

All the men walked proudly, their chests puffed out like victorious generals returning from battle.

Passing veterans whispered among themselves.

Clearly, the news that the recruits had each earned third-class merit medals had spread throughout the Iron Fist Regiment!

“Sergeant, you’ve got to admit, being secretly watched like this feels pretty good!”

One soldier whispered behind Qi Tian.

Before the words were out, he took a deep sniff and smiled with delight.

“Sergeant, tonight’s dinner is spicy tofu pudding—it smells amazing!”

“Hey, Little Tiger, your nose is impressive. I think you should stop being called Little Tiger and start being called Old Dog.”

“Get lost! I’m the mountain king, not some dog!”

While they chatted quietly, Qi Tian led them swiftly into the mess hall.

As they entered, Zhang Meng from the second platoon waved at them.

“Xiao Tian, come sit here.

Tonight, the mess hall is specially serving spicy tofu pudding just for us recruits to satisfy our cravings.

Only we recruits get to eat it. The veterans are going crazy over it. Hurry up and sit down; get plenty!”

In the military, a rich, fragrant dish like spicy tofu pudding was rare.

Not only was it complicated to prepare, but it was also light enough that every soldier could eat four or five bowls easily.

With over a thousand soldiers to feed, such a delicacy was a rare treat, only appearing once every few months.

Hearing this, the first platoon’s recruits’ appetites were immediately whetted.

They hurried to the tables next to the second platoon and requested thirty bowls of the spicy tofu pudding from the cooks at the window.

Lin Mang, being thoughtful, brought the first bowl to Qi Tian.

Seeing this, Zhang Meng picked up a bowl of tofu pudding and said to Qi Tian,

“Xiao Tian, I drink this tofu pudding in your honor. I’m sorry for dragging you into trouble this morning.”

---

As Zhang Meng finished speaking, he raised the bowl and was about to drink it down.

But Qi Tian suddenly called out to stop him.

“Wait, Zhang Meng, something doesn’t feel right!”

“What’s wrong? I’ve already eaten three bowls before you came. It’s delicious!”

“I’m not talking about the tofu pudding. Look at the veterans next to us.”

Qi Tian pointed toward the veterans nearby.

“This tofu pudding is a rare treat in the army, and it’s supposed to be only for us recruits.

Normally, that would upset these veterans.

But look at their faces—they’re wearing smiles that are half genuine, half forced. There’s no sign of displeasure at all.

When something’s abnormal, there’s always a hidden reason.

Also, this afternoon, it wasn’t just our first platoon that didn’t train.

You and the second platoon, along with nine others, all went back quite early.

Officially, the ten platoon leaders said the time was for electing the platoon sergeants and reciting the regulations.

But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s some kind of conspiracy behind this!”

...

After hearing Qi Tian’s analysis, Zhang Meng also sensed something was amiss.

After hesitation for two seconds, he put down his bowl and warned the second platoon’s soldiers,

“Brothers, stop eating. There might be trouble!”

Zhang Meng was an elite student from the East Sea Sports Academy specializing in ancient martial arts.

This afternoon, he had already earned the position of second platoon sergeant through his formidable skills, impressing everyone beyond doubt.

At his command, the second platoon’s soldiers immediately set down their bowls and chopsticks.

But the soldiers from the other eight platoons paid no attention.

Seeing the first and second platoons stop eating, they assumed their brothers were already full.

They quickly sent people forward to claim the last pot of tofu pudding, carrying it back to their own tables to enjoy heartily.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the mess hall,

Xu Guoqing and the ten platoon leaders of the recruit company watched the recruits opposite them with amused expressions.

“Go ahead, eat! The more you eat, the worse your night will be.

You’ve come to the Iron Fist Regiment; how could you not experience the special ‘hospitality’ we offer to recruits?”

“I can already imagine these rookies vomiting and suffering diarrhea tonight—it’s going to be hilarious!”

“Wait! Look at the first and second platoons.

Ever since Qi Tian and Zhang Meng whispered together, both platoons have stopped eating.

Could they have guessed something?”

“That remains to be seen.

But even if they have, it won’t stop the other eight platoons.

Tonight’s grand spectacle will definitely be performed spectacularly!”