Chapter 3: Pass the military inspection and wait for enlistment!
Chen Ming was eagerly anticipating serving in the military. In his previous life, he was rejected at the barracks’ gate due to nearsightedness. After vision surgery became widespread, he had already surpassed the age for military service.
Whenever he saw a spirited soldier on his phone, he felt a surge of enthusiasm, regretting his past failure. Now, with the chance for a second try, he vowed to fulfil the unaccomplished dream in this life.
The next morning, his father, seemingly afraid of his change of heart, led him to the town’s conscription office after an early breakfast. Chen Ming’s village was a distance away, and the quickest way to town was by the shuttle bus returning from the county.
Coincidentally, the bus from the previous day was the same one they took. The chubby ticket seller, seeing them, curiously asked if they were heading to town early. His father, a simple farmer, nodded in response.
Still groggy, Chen Ming found a seat after boarding the bus. Initially wanting to sit beside him, his father was pulled away by the ticket seller, who whispered about a teacher named Yang in a big city who ran an academy for rebellious children.
The conductor, sharing information with the passengers, mentioned that Yang’s second son had recently attended the academy and became well-behaved after coming out. Chen Ming overheard everything.
“Thunderbolt Master?!” Chen Ming’s face turned pale, recalling the famous title from his previous life. If he entered that academy, his life would be ruined.
His father, pondering for a moment, decided to take him for a military inspection first. If he passed, the state would care for him. Otherwise, he would consider the academy. Chen Ming prayed for a successful military inspection.
As the old bus rumbled towards the terminal, the place for conscription was at the town centre, not far from the station. Many people of similar age, some voluntarily and some reluctantly, came to sign up.
After filling out the registration form with basic information, they queued for the preliminary medical examination at the town clinic. Despite its worn appearance, the clinic had everything needed.
Fortunately, Chen Ming smoothly passed all the checks with a green card, securing his path through the initial examinations. Even the weight concern he had before passed. The doctor advised him to eat more and mentioned a city checkup notice in a few days.
Holding the passed medical form, Chen Ming squinted under the bright sunlight as he left the examination hut. After a busy morning, it was now mid-day.
His father, anxiously waiting at the door, hurriedly approached when he saw Chen Ming come out. He asked, “How did it go?”
Chen Ming handed over the report with a smile unseen for a long time. Trembling, his father took it. Not knowing many big characters, his father recognised the green check in the upper right corner as a pass, and his face lit up with joy.
“Passed, I passed!” His father excitedly exclaimed, holding the medical form.
Passing through a store, he took out a crumpled five-dollar bill. “Boss, give me a…”
The father’s face beamed joyfully when he looked at his son’s bright smile and the green check on the medical form. On the way home, the father proudly showed the medical form, spreading the news that his child had passed. At home, his mother, learning about the past, was ecstatic all night. Illiterate, they couldn’t read much on the form.
After dinner, they insisted Chen Ming read the form to them. With an amused expression, he began reading the details.
“Medical examiner: Chen Ming; age: 18; height: 178cm; weight 55kg…”
“Vision: Qualified; Hearing: Qualified… All physical examinations are normal, meeting the requirements for the initial test.”
His parents, delightfully listening, found joy in each “qualified.”
In their eyes, it wasn’t just Chen Ming’s medical report but proof of a new life.
Three days later, a notice arrived, taking those who passed the initial test to the county seat for the next examination. After completing the tests, they were sent back. With Chen Ming’s clean bill of health, the township government arranged a political trial.
Coming from generations of honest farmers, the political trial posed no problems. As each check concluded, the most critical hurdle for Chen Ming’s enlistment was finally over.
Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the enlistment date!