Intent understood.

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This time, she was determined not only to break their record but also to leave those instructors with bruises on their faces. She wanted to see if they could still act arrogantly with panda eyes under them! Unconsciously, she arrived at the third challenge—a tall wall blocking her path. Ouyang Qianyu dashed down the slope, using the momentum. In an instant, she vaulted over the wall and stood on the other side. The wall only reached her chest! Shangguan Xiao sighed again—being short was such a disadvantage! Those long legs of hers could clear it in one leap, while she had to climb.

Truly, comparing oneself to others could be infuriating. It was better not to engage in rivalry but to live one’s own simple life. Resigned, she placed both hands on the wall, pushed hard, and hoisted her right foot up. With a firm grip, she climbed over the low wall, flipped over, and dropped down. Though not as effortlessly as Ouyang Qianyu, she was still faster than most. Behind them, many hesitated at the trench’s edge—stretching out a leg but afraid to take the next step. Some were even worse, stuck awkwardly on the crossing poles—left foot on top, right foot below—trapped and blushing with embarrassment.

It wasn’t until someone behind lost patience and gave a decisive kick that they moved. Others crawled slowly down the poles like caterpillars inching toward a leaf—both comical and pitiful. The instructors shook their heads, perhaps admiring their ability to embarrass themselves so thoroughly. Indeed, the young heirs of wealthy families were hopeless cases—useless despite nearly a month of training. Even the most inept would have toughened into resilient soldiers by now, yet these privileged ones remained feeble.

How they survived so far was beyond comprehension—perhaps the old saying was true: fools are blessed with fortune. Shangguan Xiao sprinted and leapt, supporting herself with one hand on the jump platform, swinging her legs over and twisting her body. With a single motion, she cleared the high board jump. Several instructors watched dumbfounded from the observation deck—was this petite, delicate child really a girl? Ignoring her earlier moves, there was no doubt. But the fact remained—she had already completed the fourth challenge in just four minutes and one second. The previous record was four minutes and thirty seconds. At their current pace, breaking the record was inevitable.

Yet, there was still one last hurdle. If they wasted time there, no record would be possible. Honestly, the instructors hoped the two would break the record. After all, years had been spent here to find the most outstanding soldier to recruit. Now, these two—a boy and a girl—were both perfect candidates, destined to become pillars of the nation. Unfortunately, they overlooked that neither would obediently submit. How could they be used by others?

The narrow bridge was Shangguan Xiao’s specialty. Having loved dancing since childhood, her greatest pride was her balance. Walking on the slender wooden bridge, she seemed to stroll down a sturdy street, even running across swiftly. Without any wobble, she crossed the bridge in seconds and returned to the track. Ouyang Qianyu followed closely. When they reached the high wall together, Shangguan Xiao looked up at the two-meter barrier, feeling the sun suddenly glaring in her eyes. It was truly an affront to her pride! These obstacles were clearly designed for those short in stature! Look at Ouyang Qianyu—he stood with only a seven-centimeter difference from the wall’s height.

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Seven centimeters! He could reach over with just one hand! Seeing the frustrated Shangguan Xiao, Ouyang Qianyu smiled faintly and extended his hand with a gentle grin: “Need some help?” Staring at that long hand, Shangguan Xiao thought his smile was a bit irritating. She turned her head sharply and rejected coldly, “No need! I can get up by myself!” To prove it, she stepped back and charged at the wall, grabbing it with both hands and placing her feet on it. Right foot first, then left. She perched atop proudly, raising her head arrogantly. “Hmph! Even without help, I still made it up!”

Suddenly, her body tipped backward! Ouyang Qianyu instinctively reached to catch her foot but was too slow. Shangguan Xiao wrapped her arms around her legs, spun several times midair, performed a perfect landing, and stood safely amid gasps. Proudly watching Ouyang Qianyu, who had climbed over recklessly in his anxiety, she saw his face darken with anger. His voice turned icy: “Do you think this is impressive? What if you had injured yourself? You’d still be standing here laughing, huh?”

Realizing how reckless she’d been, Shangguan Xiao’s smile vanished. She looked at him with a wronged expression, tugged his sleeve, and obediently admitted, “Sorry! I was wrong!” She didn’t know that such a small gesture would infuriate him so. Seeing her act so casually, Ouyang Qianyu knew she was only placating him. Helpless, he gripped her shoulders firmly, stared into her eyes, and spoke earnestly: “I really like you. Not just as a friend, but as a man loves a woman. Do you understand? I want to be with you, to date you, and marry you!”

Finally, Ouyang Qianyu chose a moment and place for his confession that was truly unexpected. This time, no one interrupted. Shangguan Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief after hearing him. Just now, Ouyang Qianyu said he wanted to date her and even marry her—something she never imagined. She always thought he was just teasing, often annoying her so much that she could only get angry at the thought of him. Yet now, he was seriously telling her he loved her. It was astonishing news.

Although she did have some feelings for him, she didn’t know how to respond immediately. She needed time to sort out her emotions. She didn’t want to make a casual or perfunctory decision, fearing a choice now might haunt her forever. So she fell silent, unsure how to reply. Ouyang Qianyu, seeing her thoughtful silence, assumed she was troubled by his words. His voice grew heavy but he tried to sound calm as usual: “You don’t have to answer now. Just think it over. Whatever your decision, I will wait.” Then he looked deeply into her eyes. That gaze made Shangguan Xiao feel that if she rejected him, it might be the end between them.

The end? But why did the thought of Ouyang Qianyu leaving again make her heart contract painfully, her breath grow shallow as if she might stop breathing? Watching his retreating figure, she reached out but said nothing. Retracting her hand, she steadied herself and quickly caught up with him. Now was not the time to dwell on this.

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Passing a few green trees, Shangguan Xiao no longer had the heart to enjoy the scenery. Ouyang Qianyu’s voice echoed in her mind, as if whispering in her ear that he loved her. She felt selfish for this feeling. Only now did she realize he had always indulged her unconditionally. No matter how many times she challenged his limits, he silently bore it all. She seemed to bring him only sorrow and pain, yet he obeyed her every word.

Even now, when she said she wanted to prank the instructors, he never frowned and simply agreed. Could she really deserve someone like him? It was the first time Shangguan Xiao doubted herself. Ahead was the low pole net. Ouyang Qianyu went first, crawling forward on the ground. Shangguan Xiao followed closely. Behind them, Xiao Ai, Hui, Bingling, and Xuexin had quietly caught up. Xiao Ai’s distinctive voice called out from behind: “Hey! Ouyang, Shangguan! You two are really fast!” They had given their all but couldn’t catch up. If not for Ouyang and Shangguan suddenly pausing earlier, they’d have been left far behind.

Yet, the atmosphere between the two was somber—even she, usually oblivious, could tell. The others quietly followed, sensing the heavy mood. Though they didn’t know what was said, it seemed Shangguan Xiao had upset Ouyang. But they did witness the earlier stunt—Shangguan’s daring move had really startled them. They thought she had fallen for not sitting properly, but it was just a prank! They were nearly scared out of their wits. Given how much Ouyang loved her, his anxiety must have been even greater.

That was why Ouyang was so angry. But credit to Shangguan Xiao—she truly was impressive. Even someone as calm and composed as Ouyang could be riled up by her. Clearly, she was a rare talent. Ouyang’s future life would surely be colorful. Yet, those quietly amused didn’t know the real reason for Ouyang’s silence—he feared Shangguan Xiao might not accept his confession.

He ran silently but unconsciously slowed his pace, wanting to glance back at her. Perhaps Shangguan Xiao didn’t realize she had already planted the seed of love in his heart. That seed had taken root and grown into a towering tree, deeply entrenched. Even if he wished to forget her, it was impossible.

Shangguan Xiao struggled inside, unsure how to face Ouyang’s feelings. Afraid to try, afraid that if he fell for someone else later, what then? She didn’t want to be hurt or hurt him, so she let things drag on. Maybe time would prove everything, and soon her heart would have its answer.

They arrived at the large mud pit the chief instructor had mentioned. The dried pit looked unremarkable, except that at the far end, over twenty instructors stood lined up, waiting like predators for their prey to arrive.