As Lu Qingqing had predicted, Cai Xiaojuan was expected to fall behind after about four to five kilometers. However, the unpredictable terrain had severely depleted their stamina.
"Qingqing, what do we do?" Zhou Fengjiu asked.
Lu Qingqing was also troubled. Should they abandon them so early?
Those who have participated in long-distance drills know that for individuals with differing abilities and lacking confidence, many things are easier to accomplish with motivation from others. In prolonged solitude, they are very likely to give up.
Yet, if they didn't separate now, forget competing for rankings, they might not even reach the passing mark.
"Qingqing, you all go ahead. We will definitely reach the finish line before six o'clock," Cai Xiaojuan said, not wanting to put Lu Qingqing in a difficult position.
Lu Qingqing pondered for a moment. "I have a method. If you are willing to keep going, I can't guarantee you'll be in the top forty, but at least there's hope for success."
"What method?" Hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.
They were not selfish people; the circumstances forced them to make difficult choices. But if Lu Qingqing had a good plan to help those falling behind, everyone would be willing to cooperate.
"Our drill distance is the same as the male police officers, but their load is double ours. Even if they are ahead now, they will have stragglers when their energy is depleted."
Lu Qingqing explained that she would break away from the female police contingent and proceed alone. Along the way, she would leave a specific symbol indicating the direction of the First Peak, so that those following would not need to climb again, thus saving stamina and time.
Male officers would fall behind and rest, while female officers would save procedures and press on.
There was a chance of overtaking.
"No, that's too hard on you."
"Exactly, you'll be doing the work of three people. Even if you manage to finish, will you be able to get up tomorrow?"
No one had expected this to be Lu Qingqing's plan. On the surface, Lu Qingqing intended to leave the laggards behind, but in reality, everyone knew that if they moved as a group, climbing the peaks in rotation would allow for physical rest.
However, if this task was entrusted to one person, she would have to ensure frequent ascents, and the energy expenditure would be more than ten times greater.
Moreover, the most crucial point was, even if you managed to endure the first round of the competition, would you have any energy left to compete in the second round?
"As long as you keep going, without abandoning anyone, my efforts will be worthwhile," Lu Qingqing swept her gaze across everyone. "There are seven female police officers here. More people will fall behind as we progress. I hope all of us can pass the assessment."
...
Lu Qingqing traversed the woods. Although this was only the edge of the Jinyun Mountain range, it was sparsely populated, and the thick layer of fallen leaves left no trace of those who had passed.
Therefore, it was impossible for Lu Qingqing to be lazy.
She had to climb tree by tree.
This ten-kilometer weighted training, while appearing to be an individual competition on the surface, was actually an opportunity to strengthen their impressions and familiarity with each other, so that they would not be at a loss when selecting teams for the second stage.
Lu Qingqing, having grown up in the mountains and forests, and having participated in numerous climbs and ventures into small woods since starting her job, maintained a steady pace for at least the first five to six kilometers.
Within two to three kilometers behind her, the six female police officers also gradually spread out, with Zhou Fengjiu, who had slightly better stamina, being the furthest ahead.
"Fortunately, we have Lu Qingqing, otherwise we probably wouldn't have even reached that slope yet."
"Indeed, we don't have to worry about getting lost or wasting energy climbing, it feels like our pace is much faster."
The stragglers encouraged each other, pulling and supporting one another as they moved forward.
Along the way, they encountered some male officers resting. Seeing their surprised expressions, they even quipped, "What are you sleeping for? Get up and chase us."
Time was ticking by, and judging by the sun's position, it was around one or two in the afternoon.
Lu Qingqing took out the steamed buns distributed by the training institute and washed them down with water.
She had a small bottle of chili sauce hidden in her bag, but Hu Jia had made a surprise raid the previous night and confiscated it all.
Though hungry, the steamed buns tasted good, but they were no match for the accompaniment of chili.
"Hu Ergou, you just wait. One day, I will return all the plain water you made me drink today."
Moving forward, the First Peak loomed closer, but the backpack on her shoulders grew heavier, and her steps slowed.
Lu Qingqing nearly fell from a tree several times.
Along the way, she saw Wang Xue. The woman was so exhausted she didn't even have the strength to taunt Lu Qingqing. She could only spread her legs, panting, and watch as Lu Qingqing passed her without any semblance of composure.
There were still three hours until six o'clock. It was estimated that the stronger trainees would start appearing soon.
Hu Jia could no longer sit still and stepped out of the tent to look around.
This amused the other instructors, who teased him, "Stop looking, no matter how much you look, the first one out won't be from your special operations team."
Hu Jia ignored them, eager to interact more with Lu Qingqing, who was so perfect in his notes.
Finally, the first trainee appeared.
Hu Jia glanced at their build and then looked away.
Male, not her, no interest.
Soon after, a second figure appeared.
Male, not her, please leave, don't block my view.
...
Lu Qingqing began to climb the mountain. A little more effort, and she would reach the First Peak.
She didn't know her ranking, but she hoped it was within the top five.
Lu Qingqing was not an arrogant person, and she certainly didn't believe she had the protagonist's fate, where despite a gap with others, she would inexplicably win first place.
She believed that effort yields rewards. Whether the results were good or not was secondary; what mattered was whether one had given their best and improved their abilities.
"Qingqing..." As soon as she reached the mountaintop, a tall figure rushed towards her.
Still a bit unfamiliar, Hu Jia appeared somewhat reserved.
Lu Qingqing waved her hand and plopped down on the ground.
She didn't want to speak, nor did she have the strength to.
"Lu Qingqing, you must report to be considered finished with the ascent," an instructor shouted.
Lu Qingqing struggled to get up, but Hu Jia pressed her down. "You sit."
With a glance, the instructor pouted and approached Lu Qingqing. "Report successful, fifth place, Lu Qingqing."
Well, not bad.
Lu Qingqing collapsed on the ground, having finally lived up to the expectations of herself, Zhan Ruoxuan, and Cai Xiaojuan, securing a team leader position.
One after another, many more trainees climbed up.
Gradually, more and more appeared. Wang Xue also arrived, taking 21st place. Right behind her was Zhou Fengjiu, at 22nd.
Lu Qingqing greeted Zhou Fengjiu, "Where are those few people?"
"Don't worry, they'll make it in time," Zhou Fengjiu said, sitting beside Lu Qingqing. "Thank you."
Lu Qingqing smiled. As long as they remembered her kindness, that was enough.
Recovering her strength, Lu Qingqing slowly pushed herself up. Her limbs were sore, and she longed for a massage.
But here...
Lu Qingqing's eyes met Hu Jia's starry gaze.
Haha, how shy!