The 70s Novel: The Supporting Character Just Wants to Lie Down-Chapter 168: Winning Unexpectedly Without Surprise
Jiang Yan left, coming and going in a rush.
Wang Miaomiao returned to the dormitory, always feeling that Jiang Huilan’s gaze was a bit strange... like she wanted to say something but hesitated?
She asked confusedly, "Sister Hui Lan, what do you want to say?"
Jiang Huilan paused, smiled, and said, "Miaomiao, we’re about the same age, why call me sister? Just call me by my name, it’s more intimate." Oh, having her call her aunt "sister" made her think of her uncle Jiang Yan’s stern face, and she shivered unconsciously.
"Hmm?" Wang Miaomiao was puzzled, always feeling like Jiang Huilan was hiding something from her, and her attitude was strange. She had always been calling her sister, why not today?
Cheng Xue saw Wang Miaomiao’s expression and sensed something was off, so she quickly added humorously, "Sister Hui Lan, don’t bother. Sister Miaomiao only needs one bestie, and that’s me. Don’t think that by having her not call you sister, you can get closer. Hmph, Sister Miaomiao and I don’t need a third wheel."
As she spoke, she winked at Jiang Huilan.
Jiang Huilan realized she had blurted thoughtlessly, arousing Wang Miaomiao’s suspicion, and quickly followed up with Cheng Xue’s words, "I didn’t want to compete with you all for her. Why are you so nervous? Besides, why can’t Miaomiao have two besties?"
"Ah... no way, Sister Miaomiao can only have me, I’m her only one." Cheng Xue hugged Wang Miaomiao’s arm, snuggling together, and dominantly declared her territory.
"Hmph... so petty." Jiang Huilan feigned anger and complained.
Cheng Xue made a funny face at her with a grin, and the two playfully surrounded Wang Miaomiao, beginning to tease one another.
After a round of joking and laughing, no one paid any attention to the brief interlude just now.
Over there, Jiang Yan, after leaving, returned to the office at the camp base, made a few phone calls, and quickly learned more details through his connections.
The investigation was still ongoing because of the information provided by Wang Miaomiao, there was now a clear target, and things were progressing smoothly. It looked like there would be results soon.
Jiang Yan instructed people to keep a constant eye on it and let him know as soon as there was news, implying that such unlawful elements should be punished severely.
Another ten days passed, and that morning was still filled with a series of exercises, 400 meters obstacle run, 3000 meters speed run, and so on...
When the young girls finally finished their run, exhausted and panting, planning to return to the dormitory to rest, a whistle for assembly sounded again.
The scattered girls gathered and lined up once more. Zhu Dalong stood with his hands behind his back, followed by Liu Qing, in front of them.
"Assemble everyone to announce something: at 1 p.m., please dress neatly, bring small stools, and assemble at the playground for an award ceremony."
"Alright, dismissed!"
After speaking, Zhu Dalong leisurely walked away, regardless of the bomb he had just dropped. Instantly, gossip started buzzing among the girls.
"Who did something commendable?"
"Who’s being recognized?"
...
Wang Miaomiao and the others exchanged puzzled glances, while Cheng Xue’s eyes shone brightly. The group exchanged a look and sneakily returned to the dormitory.
"Sister Miaomiao, do you think it might be because of our courageous act?" Cheng Xue couldn’t help jumping up with hope and excitement as soon as they entered the dormitory.
Xue Yunyun’s eyes also sparkled continuously, "Yes, it must be!"
Excited for a moment, she then regretted, "Oh, why was I caught? Otherwise, I could’ve been recognized too." Unfortunately... too unfortunate, she fainted at that time. Waking up even halfway through would have been better, she could have helped too.
Wang Miaomiao observed the noticeably excited expressions of the group and couldn’t help but pour some cold water. She didn’t think the matter from that day was such a big deal to hold a formal award ceremony, not worth it.
"Don’t get too excited just yet, nothing’s been confirmed. Don’t casually guess, it would be embarrassing if someone found out."
With these words, the previously lively atmosphere in the dormitory suddenly quieted down.
"Sister Miaomiao, you... oh, can’t you let us enjoy a little fantasy and happiness first?" Cheng Xue was disappointed, drooping her head lifelessly.
"We can... why not? Besides, I also think it’s possible, we did help them a lot, and even captured three thugs alive." As Cheng Xue spoke, Wang Cuihua immediately agreed.
Wang Cuihua’s heart was similarly pounding. If, if she were recognized and told her parents back home, she wondered how delighted they would be...
Indeed, one soldier brings honor to the whole family.
"Exactly, that’s the point." Xue Yunyun nodded enthusiastically.
Seeing the girls so joyous and excited, Wang Miaomiao teased, "Alright, go take a shower quickly, then eat, don’t delay everyone’s award reception."
"Hehehe..."
Room 108 was suddenly filled with laughter.
At 1 p.m., eighty-eight female recruits arrived on the playground on time,
Zhu Dalong began with an eloquent speech praising and extolling the country and leaders. Then, acknowledging the halfway mark of the three-month training period, he praised everyone, both groups and individuals, highlighting the excellent and the improved.
Lastly, "Wang Miaomiao, Cheng Xue, Wang Cuihua, Luan Qian, Jiang Huilan, step forward." As Zhu Dalong called out the names one by one, Room 108 became genuinely excited.
"...Awarding Wang Miaomiao, Cheng Xue, Wang Cuihua, Luan Qian, Jiang Huilan with third-class merit. May you continue to strive without forgetting your original intentions... Contributing to the country and the people."
Wang Miaomiao and the others stood upright in front of everyone, extremely excited. It was indeed because of the incident last time, so unexpected, with only "third-class merit" echoing in their ears. They could hardly remember how they received the medals, saluted, or returned to their seats, feeling as if they were walking on air.
Was Wang Miaomiao’s award an accident this time? Certainly not, Jiang Yan’s mediation played a part.
Among five people, his family took three spots. Moreover, the girls were injured and deserved some compensation. Besides, they indeed earned their merits.
However, sometimes, if no one speaks up, the recognition might quietly vanish.
In the afternoon’s training, they were all in high spirits, seemingly filled with endless energy.
Even the weakest Wang Miaomiao showed a burst of adrenaline, with training results much better than usual, catching Zhu Dalong’s frequent gazes.
Back in the dormitory, everyone washed up and couldn’t wait to start writing letters.
Yes indeed, writing letters, such a significant event needed to be reported to the family for shared joy and happiness.
Liu Yulan received the letter just after returning from the Yang Family. Last night, Wang Pandi gave birth to a seven-pound-and-eight-ounce baby girl, which delighted Yang Zhigang immensely.
She watched over them for a night, and this morning, Fang Ci came to relieve her. Seeing Fang Ci’s beaming face and fondness for the newly born granddaughter, Liu Yulan felt assured to leave.
