THE REAL PROTEGE

Chapter 72: THE BATTALLION RUN


Meanwhile, Ling Li checked on the twins, her heart heavy with worry. She hoped that this confrontation would finally make Nina understand the gravity of her actions. As she tucked the twins into bed, she couldn't help but think about the fragile peace within their family. The soft glow of the nightlight cast gentle shadows on the walls, and she whispered a lullaby, her voice trembling with unspoken fears.

Four Eyes returned, his face still tense. Ling Li met his gaze, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Let's hope this is the end of it," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Four Eyes nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I hope so, too," Four Eyes replied, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and fatigue. They stood there for a moment, drawing strength from each other, before heading to bed, their minds restless with the weight of the day's events.

The following day, Camp Blaze was alive with the early morning hustle. The crisp air was filled with the sounds of soldiers preparing for the battalion run, which usually started at six. The sky was painted with the first hues of dawn, a serene contrast to the tension that lingered in the air.

Four Eyes couldn't recognize Ling Li in full-gear uniform. She moved with grace and confidence. Only Four Eyes, Fatty, Chatty, and Shun were not carrying anything on their backs except for their rifles, bullets, first aid kits, and water on their waists. The rest of the battalion was laden with heavy packs, with rifles in their hand, their faces set with determination.

"Chu Yan, Shun, join me in my group; Quan Ye, join Reginalds' group; Murphy, Pharsa will join you in the third group," Ling Li instructed them, her voice clear and authoritative. "Let's go find your positions," Ling Li added, her eyes scanning the group with a mixture of pride and concern.

Four Eyes and Shun followed Ling Li, but Four Eyes grabbed her hand, stopping her. He tried to pull the bags off her back, his face a mask of frustration. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked her angrily, his voice low but intense.

"Honey, do you think this is my first time doing this? Come on, we are running late," Ling Li replied, her tone firm but gentle. She pulled Four Eyes back instead, her eyes meeting his with a steely resolve.

Shi Min was already waiting for them upfront, his silhouette outlined against the rising sun. The battalion began to form up, the air buzzing with anticipation. As they prepared to start the run, Ling Li took a deep breath, hoping that today would bring them one step closer to peace.

"F O R M A T I O N…!" Shi Min roared, his voice echoing through the camp as the soldiers snapped to attention.

"Camp Blaze, this is the seventh run this year, and I'm greatly honored to join you today! Are you ready?" His voice was filled with pride and energy.

"Sir, Yes, Sir!" The battalion responded in unison, their voices strong and determined.

"Camp Blaze… forward, march!" Shi Min commanded, and the battalion moved as one, their footsteps creating a rhythmic thud against the ground.

The early morning air was crisp, and the forest terrain was challenging but familiar. Group A, led by Shi Min and Ling Li, set a brisk pace, their movements synchronized and efficient. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, the rustling leaves, and the distant calls of birds providing a serene backdrop to their exertion.

Less than an hour later, Group A arrived at the designated spot, their faces flushed with effort but triumphant. Group B, with Reginald and Fatty, followed closely, coming in an hour and twenty minutes. Group C, bringing up the rear, took nearly two hours, their faces showing the strain of the run.

"Have some water," Ling Li said to Four Eyes, noticing the fatigue etched on his face. She handed him a canteen, her eyes filled with concern.

"Um," Four Eyes grunted, taking a long drink.

Ling Li began to put down her gear, her movements fluid and practiced.

"How do you do it?" Four Eyes asked, his voice tinged with awe.

"You will learn it in the future, Honey. The main key is breathing technique," Ling Li explained, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I will teach you."

"Um," Four Eyes replied, his admiration for his wife growing.

As they rested, Chatty approached, his face a mask of exaggerated distress. "Help, help. I can't breathe," he gasped, collapsing dramatically. Fatty walked beside him, chuckling at his antics.

"Where is Shun?" Ling Li asked, her eyes scanning the area.

"He is with Shi Min," Fatty replied, still amused with Chatty.

Ling Li noticed Chatty lying on the ground. "Chatty, get up. It is not good for you to lie down," she reprimanded him. "Sit up."

"I can't! I really can't breathe," Chatty insisted, holding his chest and catching his breath. His voice filled with panic.

Ling Li's concern deepened. She grabbed Chatty's wrist, checking his pulse.

"Dammit!" Ling Li muttered, instantly pulling out her phone. "Bring oxygen and a stretcher to my office now!" she barked into the phone.

In less than a minute, Pharsa arrived with her subordinates, carrying an oxygen tank and stretcher. "What happened?" Pharsa asked anxiously.

"Hook him up! Faster!" Ling Li ordered. "Take him to the infirmary, get an ECG. Go!"

Shi Min and Shun arrived just as Chatty was being wheeled away. "What is wrong with Chatty?" Shi Min asked, his face creased with worry.

"Let's go. I'm not sure, but I think he has a heart attack," Ling Li said, her voice steady but urgent as she walked briskly to the infirmary.

"What?!" Four Eyes and Fatty exclaimed simultaneously, their faces pale with shock.

"Paps, brother-in-law, don't worry. Mom can handle it," Shi Min assured them, his voice calm and confident.

Despite Fatty's shock and nervousness upon learning that his friend Murfy was having a heart attack, his face flushed when he heard Shi Min calling him brother-in-law.

At the infirmary, Pharsa handed Ling Li the ECG results. "Just as I have thought. Prepare the operating room. Shi Min and Mushu, assist me. Pharsa, roll him in. We have no time to spare," Ling Li commanded, her voice filled with authority and urgency.

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