Chapter 1 The First One
Unlike the other military region leaders who were filled with emotion, Gao Shiwei was brimming with excitement.
Initially, he hadn't held much hope for the Iron Fist Regiment or Qin Feng, as their previous results typically placed them in the mid-tier.
They had once occupied the top spot, but at some point, the Southeast Military Region's military branches began to suffer from a lack of fresh talent, causing them to grow anxious.
However, with the emergence of a talent like Qin Feng, he believed the situation of the Southeast Military Region's talent shortage would soon be rectified.
The outcome of this exercise also exceeded his expectations.
As the directorate blew its whistle, this year's Hundred Regiment Battle came to an end.
Undoubtedly, in terms of both points and ranking, the Southeast Military Region's Iron Fist Regiment secured first place.
Deservedly so!
When Qin Feng returned to the border defense base with Kang Lei, the soldiers from other military regions applauded in unison.
This was a victory they had earned themselves.
At this moment, Gao Shiwei, accompanied by He Zhijun, Fan Tianlei, and a host of other leaders, approached with smiles.
"Excellent! You're all commendable! Hahaha..."
Kang Lei, Qin Feng, and the others immediately snapped to attention and saluted, exclaiming, "Greetings, Commander!"
Gao Shiwei looked at them with a happy expression and said, "Alright, you may stand down!"
After saying this, Gao Shiwei walked to Qin Feng's side and patted his shoulder, saying joyfully, "Good lad, you've brought honor to our Southeast Military Region. When we return, I will personally recommend you for commendation and training."
As he spoke, Gao Shiwei shifted his gaze from Qin Feng to the other soldiers, encouraging them, "And you all, you've done well too. You will all be commended, and await good news upon your return!"
Upon hearing Gao Shiwei's words, the soldiers responded excitedly, "Thank you, Commander."
Fan Tianlei's gaze towards Qin Feng, He Chenguang, and the others held a rare sense of admiration.
At this point, the commanders of several other military regions and leaders of special forces units approached.
"Old Gao!"
Upon hearing this voice, Gao Shiwei's smile faltered for a moment before disappearing immediately, his expression becoming somewhat tense.
He Zhijun, Fan Tianlei, and the others beside him also began to feel tense.
They were all well aware of the intentions behind these people's arrival at this moment.
They were here purely to poach talent!
Gao Shiwei, observing the approaching leaders of other military regions, immediately asked with vigilance, "What do you want?"
"Greetings, Commanders!" Seeing so many generals approaching, the assembled soldiers quickly snapped to attention and saluted.
The commander of the Central Military Region, as if he hadn't noticed Gao Shiwei's wary expression, continued with a smile, "What are you saying, Commander? Can't we just come over to congratulate you?"
Gao Shiwei snorted coldly, "Hmph! Those who offer favors without reason are up to no good!"
The commander of the Central Military Region ignored Gao Shiwei's remark and walked directly up to Qin Feng, praising with a smile, "You are Comrade Qin Feng, aren't you? You've done exceptionally well. With such great potential at your age, your future achievements are limitless."
Qin Feng felt no joy upon hearing this, but rather some confusion. Nevertheless, he replied calmly, "Thank you for your kind words, Commander!"
The commander of the Central Military Region's tone shifted, and he sighed slightly, "Alas, if only my Central Military Region had a soldier with such potential as you. I would certainly cultivate you well. What a pity..."
With these words, the commanders of the other military regions couldn't help but shake their heads.
This scoundrel, he really knew how to put on an act!
He was better at acting than a trash can.
Gao Shiwei gritted his teeth, muttering inwardly.
This old fellow really knew how to play the victim.
Kang Lei, Gong Jian, He Chenguang, and the others' expressions changed upon hearing this, and their hearts sank. They all looked towards Qin Feng with unease.
They all understood the implication of these words. This was clearly an attempt to poach talent!
At this moment, Qin Feng also understood the purpose of these leaders' congratulatory visit.
He then simply offered a faint, calm smile and said, "Commander, you jest. Today's victory was merely by chance. We may not be able to win against you in the next competition."
Qin Feng's words were clear: in the next competition, he would still represent the Southeast Military Region.
Trying to poach him? Not a chance!
The commander of the Central Military Region's smile froze for a moment, then he quickly relaxed and laughed heartily, "Very well! Then I shall await the next competition and see whether your Southeast Military Region or our Central Theater Command is more formidable."
Gao Shiwei and the others breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Qin Feng's words. They had truly worried that Qin Feng might succumb to temptation and leave with them.
However, it seemed their worries were unfounded.
Seeing that Qin Feng had rejected the Central Theater Command's invitation without hesitation, the other military regions could only sigh slightly. They knew their own chances were slim and said no more. After offering their congratulations to Gao Shiwei and Qin Feng, they departed.
After the competition, the personnel from various units rested at the border defense base before departing by plane.
Qin Feng and his group also boarded a plane home, but they were returning to the Iron Fist Regiment, not Wolf Fang.
The commendation ceremony soon commenced as scheduled.
In the morning, on the Iron Fist Regiment's parade ground, under the national flag, the military flag, and the fist emblem.
Nearly a thousand soldiers of the Iron Fist Regiment stood below, the entire parade ground filled with an aura of stern discipline.
This commendation ceremony was personally presided over by the Commander of the Southeast Military Region, Gao Shiwei. He Zhijun and other high-ranking military officials from the region were also present.
Above the rostrum hung a large red banner: Southeast Military Region Iron Fist Regiment Commendation Ceremony, Year XXXX.
At this moment, He Zhijun stood on the rostrum, his gaze solemn as he surveyed everyone present, and then declared loudly, "Comrades, we have gathered here today to hold a commendation ceremony. Without further ado, let us proceed directly to the awards."
"Following a decision by the military region's leadership, in view of Comrade Qin Feng's outstanding achievements in this competition, this soldier will be awarded the First Class Merit Medal and promoted from the rank of Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant, becoming a company-level officer."
"Now, let us give a warm round of applause to invite Comrade Qin Feng to the stage to receive his commendation and award."
After He Zhijun's proclamation, he himself led the applause. Immediately, thousands of people present applauded with immense excitement, their eyes filled with admiration.
He Chenguang and the others applauded more vigorously than anyone else present, as they were Qin Feng's teammates who had fought alongside him.
From the beginning to the end of the exercise, they were acutely aware of how much Qin Feng had contributed to the Iron Fist Regiment's victory.
It could be said that it was precisely because of Qin Feng's protection that the Iron Fist Regiment had not been eliminated halfway through.
After all, they had encountered many special forces soldiers from other military regions probing their positions during the perimeter defense.
But Qin Feng had repelled them all.
Therefore, as Qin Feng took the stage to receive his commendation, they all felt immense pride.