Chapter 16: Public Service Activities

Chapter 16: People-Assistance Activities

Inside the conference room, the "Deployment Meeting for the Second Half of the Year's Rural People-Assistance Activities" was underway.

The meeting was presided over by Regiment Commander Wang. With the meeting halfway through, the basic plan had mostly been finalized; only the allocation of personnel for a few specialized roles was still under discussion.

Sitting at the long table, Regiment Commander Wang stared intently at the meeting notes on the blackboard, his brow furrowed. His right hand rubbed his chin stubble in a contemplative manner.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "The number of medics in the regiment has always been tight. Usually, we can manage, but every year when it comes to these rural assistance activities, it becomes a major problem. The tasks ordinary soldiers can help with can mostly be handled by the villagers themselves; what is often most scarce is medical service."

Zhong Heng asked in confusion, "Doesn't the regiment have a total of ten medics? We are going to five villages this time, so couldn't we just assign two medics per group on average?"

Huo Qingshan explained in a solemn voice, "At least one medic must remain at the camp for emergencies. That leaves nine, which is difficult to distribute. One person would end up alone, tasked with handling the medical aid for an entire village by themselves. The workload would likely be overwhelming, and no matter how you distribute them, it wouldn't be fair to that lone individual."

Zhong Heng: "..." *I see. I underestimated the situation.*

Just as the situation reached a stalemate, Chu Yao stood up from a corner and spoke in a calm, poised manner: "Commanders, if the allocation is truly difficult, I would like to apply to be a medical team of one. That way, the other eight colleagues can be divided into four pairs."

As soon as she spoke, everyone's gaze in the conference room shifted simultaneously toward Chu Yao.

Hearing this, Regiment Commander Wang immediately interjected to dissuade her: "Even if we have to pull one medic out to lead a team alone, it should at least be a male comrade. As a female comrade, facing an entire village of villagers will only make it harder for you to cope."

Chu Yao gave a gentle smile, looking relaxed and composed. "Regiment Commander Wang, if nine medics are to be divided into five groups, someone is bound to be left alone regardless. When I was studying in technical school, I ranked first every year, and my practical assessments never fell below the 'excellent' grade. I have confidence in my professional abilities, and I believe I am capable of handling this task."

She then pivoted her tone: "Furthermore, as far as I know, Commander Huo's family has been in the medical profession for generations, and he himself possesses some medical knowledge. If you are truly worried, I can join the group led by Battalion Commander Huo. That way, he can assist me with the workload. Please trust my ability and approve my application, Commander."

Chu Yao rendered a standard military salute to Regiment Commander Wang.

She was on fire.

The others in the meeting room were somewhat moved, sighing inwardly: *Truly, a woman can hold her own against men!*

Except for Meng Youyou, who was: "..."—staring dumbfounded.

*She can even pull a move like that? I've truly opened my eyes today!*

After all that circling around, it turned out she was aiming for Huo Qingshan all along; her fox tail had finally shown.

*Sister, with this kind of perseverance, you could succeed at anything! Why bother being so obsessed with a man?*

Just how much does she like him? She'd rather work two jobs alone just to stay with her beloved.

*This is insane! It's practically turning the natural order upside down!*

Seeing Chu Yao's determined attitude, Regiment Commander Wang compromised: "Comrade Chu Yao, well done. Then you will go to Jinshui Village with Huo Qingshan. But remember, if you encounter any difficulties midway, you must report them immediately, and I will make adjustments then."

Chu Yao replied excitedly, "Received!"

Since things had reached this point, Dou Dou urgently fanned the flames in Meng Youyou's mind: [Chu Yao is in the same group as Battalion Commander Huo. Do you still plan to just sit there and wait for death?]

Meng Youyou calmly played deaf and mute: "..."

Dou Dou continued to add fuel to the fire: [In the group led by Battalion Commander Huo this time, Chu Yao is the only female comrade. Moreover, Regiment Commander Wang just told him to look after her. This is such a great opportunity for Chu Yao; she will definitely take the chance to do something. If you don't jump in and meddle now, they might have already tied the knot by the time they return from this trip.]

Meng Youyou suddenly blurted out: "Well, Director Peng told him to look after me before, and how did he treat me? He barely even listens to the Director, let alone a Regiment Commander."

Dou Dou: [...]

Meng Youyou wailed: "I heard them say that for the people-assistance mission, we have to stay in local villagers' homes or camp in temporary tents. You know me—I'm sensitive to my sleeping environment! I've only just managed to get used to the hard beds here, and now you want me to sleep on the ground?"

Dou Dou tried to persuade her earnestly: [Host, if you cannot endure small hardships, you will ruin your grand plans. Those who wish to achieve great things should not be bothered by trivialities!]

Meng Youyou rolled her eyes wildly: "You're just talking big without any skin in the game. It's easy for you to say such pretty words."

Dou Dou's patience ran out, and it began to slack off: [Anyway, you'll have to pay for your own choices. If you don't go this time, you bear the consequences.]

Meng Youyou: "..."

*Threatening me again?*

*Am I that easy to manipulate?*

*You really underestimated me...* "Regiment Commander Wang, I would also like to apply to participate in this people-assistance activity."

Who was speaking?

Everyone's gaze shifted once again to Meng Youyou, including Chu Yao's... gaze... sigh... it was hard to describe.

Meng Youyou felt numb: "..."

*What kind of... extreme female competition scene is this?*

*This wasn't my intention! It's this damn system threatening me; I'm being forced into this.*

*Heavens, witness me! I really don't want to steal your man!*

*I just want to break you two up... No! Wait! Why does saying it that way feel even more wicked?*

*No, no! It's your fault for wanting to cheat in the future. That just proves your current feelings are a whim; you don't truly love him.*

*So, it's better if this ill-fated relationship never even starts. It's better for you, for him... and for me... all three of us!*

Regiment Commander Wang cleared his throat twice, pulling Meng Youyou back from her internal struggle. He asked with a smile, "When I asked you privately yesterday afternoon, didn't you say you wanted to stay at the camp to continue your classes? Why the sudden change of heart?"

As they say, sincerity is the ultimate weapon. Meng Youyou expressed herself with a serious expression and a sincere tone: "Regiment Commander Wang, I must confess and repent. To be honest, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to adapt to the living conditions over there and was afraid of the hardship, so I shrank back."

"But I just saw Comrade Chu Yao. As a fellow woman, she stepped forward without hesitation to shoulder a heavy responsibility, and I feel immense shame and self-reproach."

"I have now deeply reflected on my ideological awareness and recognized my shortcomings. Fortunately, it is not too late. I would like to apply to join the people-assistance group that Comrade Chu Yao is in to contribute my part."

Huo Qingshan's eyes flickered slightly: "..."

*What kind of act is this now?*

On the other hand, Regiment Commander Wang, having heard this moving speech, looked gratified, his eyes shining with deep appreciation.

Regiment Commander Wang did not hold back his praise: "It's alright, Translator Meng. Everyone's upbringing is different, and adaptability naturally varies. I can understand your initial hesitation; it is a normal phenomenon. But I am very happy that you have the thought and courage to take this step. That is also worthy of praise."

Meng Youyou felt a bit guilty being praised so much... Amidst that guilt, a faint sensation seemed to linger in her heart. It was just a momentary flicker, and by the time Meng Youyou tried to savor it again, it had already vanished.