First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 108
Chapter 108: Request
Xia Yanfeng directly exited the scenario.
She stepped out of the sensor, where her manager was already waiting for her.
The manager's lips parted slightly, momentarily at a loss for words to comfort her.
Xia Yanfeng walked out and collapsed to the ground, burying her face in her hands as she began to sob uncontrollably.
"Stop crying," the manager crouched down and patted her back reassuringly. "It's alright."
Xia Yanfeng gasped for breath as if she might pass out from hyperventilation. She had never cried so unrestrainedly before.
On the optical computer screen beside them, notifications flashed incessantly without pause. The sound of incoming messages never ceased.
"We can start over, it's fine," the manager suddenly raised her voice with conviction. "Yes! We can launch a public condemnation online! Their behavior was unethical, purely for venting personal emotions. They're just capitalizing on the hype, looking for clout..."
"Enough." Xia Yanfeng lifted her head. Her vision was blurred, everything appearing watery. Though she couldn't open her eyes properly, the manager's face and figure appeared with startling clarity in her mind.
"I don't like competing. I don't like Sanyao. I don't like doing promotions. I don't like the materials you prepare. I don't like accompanying you to social events. These are all things I dislike."
The manager was momentarily stunned. "Darling, what are you saying?"
"I don't like it. I don't like not being able to speak a single truthful word. I don't like always having to act according to others' demands. I don't like deceiving myself. I don't like being a despicable hypocrite..."
The manager grabbed her arms. "Of course you're not, darling! I'll handle this matter, okay? Pull yourself together. Your true fans won't be affected. You just lost one match, it's no big deal."
Xia Yanfeng forcefully shook her off, then collapsed weakly to the ground again.
She cried hoarsely, her voice rough and indistinct as she shouted: "I don't like Dad... I don't like Brother, and I don't like you either! I don't like any of you..."
"Start over? Just don't appear before me anymore... Only when you leave can I truly start over..."
The manager froze in place, making no further move to touch her.
The match officially ended, yet the comment section grew strangely quiet.
This was an outcome that had been predetermined, hardly surprising.
Starting on the defensive, then forcefully turning the tables to pressure them into abandoning their spy tactics. It had been an exciting match, but in the end, some harsh words had been spoken.
Bright Bulb stood at the entrance, making an exaggerated dying expression at her. He gestured toward Xia Yanfeng, then held up seven fingers, indicating her seventy million fans.
Lian Sheng glanced back. Though she had already logged out, the system-maintained silhouette of her avatar remained in place, motionless, crying with complete abandon.
Well, at least this was more endearing than her hypocritical sweetness at the beginning.
But from start to finish, he had merely observed without intervening.
Bright Bulb smiled again and gave her a thumbs up.
This was their honor, their inviolable territory. Hearing Lian Sheng speak those words had actually made him quite happy.
"Uh..." Stroke of Brilliance looked at the situation, momentarily unsure what to say. He scanned the comment section but found nothing useful for reference.
After all, Xia Yanfeng was a well-known public figure. Right now, he should be helping mediate.
But someone spoke before he could.
"You said she wanted to be a frontline soldier? No. Her performance tells me she lacks the resolve to live or die. She has no preparation for sacrifice. I hope everyone understands—that's not a place you can just check into whenever you feel like it. Once you stand in that position, you're a soldier for life. Even after retirement, ten years, twenty years later, they remain haunted by the shadows of the battlefield. Memories of struggling daily on the brink of life and death leave them anxious, uneasy, guilt-ridden, unable to stop tormenting themselves." Liliana closed her eyes. "If you view these people's suffering as something trivial, I will never agree!"
Liliana said: "She works hard—let her do what she's good at. I respect every dedicated professional."
"Clap clap clap. Comments can't convey my voice, but I'm genuinely applauding here."
"Nothing wrong with what was said!"
"I admit Xia Yanfeng looks pitiful now, but the words weren't wrong. However harsh, they're facts—she made mistakes that led to this harshness."
"I believe Lian Sheng spoke this way because she understands the sacrifices and cruelty of war. So don't stand before her saying things like 'you tried hard, you deserve to join the military.' Worthiness comes from action, not fans' empty praise."
"To Xia Yanfeng: you have so many fans, you're so fortunate to have so much love. I hope you won't misuse that love to lead them into dishonorable actions. You're an idol—you must take responsibility for your words and deeds!"
"Apologies on Fengfeng's behalf. She tried her best but fell short. Maybe she lacks proper understanding, but she didn't mean any harm."
"If she remains an idol, she'll have countless chances to rise again—her fans will forgive her. But if she's a soldier, her fans have no right to forgive her on behalf of those who sacrificed, nor to keep apologizing for her. If she continues shining with idol glamour, I can't accept it. Facts are facts—if you can't do it, please don't taint that position."
Lian Sheng walked out of the basement.
Before her was bright sunlight, the camera angle behind her. On screen, her figure seemed to merge with the darkness as she blocked the doorway.
"She already has the bearing of someone who takes responsibility," Sun Yan said to the person beside her. "Colonel Lin, Lian Sheng is truly a child to be proud of. She's still young, but she already understands life clearly."
Lin Lie rubbed her fingers absently, her gaze distant.
The current Lian Sheng really resembled Lian Heng now.
Lian Heng had been sunny and optimistic, gentle with everyone. Yet he had unshakable principles. When angered, he could be terrifyingly stern. He never showed hesitation before others. No matter what path he took, he walked it with his back straight.
But he had died at thirty-one. Buried in the place that granted him glory and fulfilled his mission, without ever laying eyes on Lian Sheng.
That was fundamentally a place where no one could guarantee they'd return alive. And she no longer needed a child to make her proud. Their so-called honors were already plentiful enough.
Sun Yan grasped her hand. "Colonel Lin?"
"It's nothing." Lin Lie stood up. "Let's get back to work. Break time ended long ago."
Checking the time, she realized the entire match had only taken two and a half hours. What they'd expected to be a grueling battle had ended in such a one-sided manner.
The Lian team members cheered wildly, jumping and shouting in celebration. They wanted to savor their victory until the countdown ended.
As foot soldiers, though they hadn't fully understood the match or participated in the final assault squad, they still found it thrilling. Such an unexpected reversal of fortunes was incredibly rewarding.
Their main force now gathered together. By match end, over three thousand Lian team members remained alive.
Such proud results made the excitement spread even faster through the crowd.
"Hey!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger called out to Lian Sheng. "What were you talking about? Finished yet?"
Lian Sheng and Bright Bulb approached from the distance, waving at them.
Fang Jianchen struck a pose, leaning casually against the destroyed signal tower. He tilted his head slightly, removed his helmet, and shook his bangs with a roguish smirk. Through gritted teeth, he whispered: "Is the camera on me now? How much screen time did I get this match? I think I'm the MVP, especially with these looks."
Bright Bulb crossed his arms, blocking his view. "If anyone's MVP, it's your Bright Bro here."
"I will literally kick your ass, bro. Move! These days, young girls prefer fresh-faced pretty boys, got it?" Fang Jianchen snapped.
"Both enemy commanders are down, the signal tower's wrecked—of course the camera's on us," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger gestured randomly. "Please adjust accordingly. My handsome face must appear on screen."
Cheng Ze snorted. "Not necessarily. With Fang Jianchen around, all cameras instinctively avoid him to spare viewers' eyes."
Cheng Ze, Ye Buqing, and Zhao Zhuoluo—the three brothers—ran toward Lian Sheng, helmets tucked under their arms. They extended their hands: "Welcome back. Well done, comrades."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shamelessly cut in with an ad: "Hundred Meter Flying Dagger Studio—premium prices, premium guidance. Individual skills unquestionably outstanding. No cheating, calls welcome."
Super Bright Bulb gathered everyone. "Come on, group photo time."
"Wait, tell them not to log out yet," Liliana said. "I have something to say."
The Sanyao backend administrator, who'd been sipping a drink, nearly fell off his chair. He quickly pulled up the backend, entered the code, and posted an announcement.
[Announcement] System: All players please delay logout. Colonel Liliana has words to share.
Both participants and spectators gasped in surprise.
Sanyao, a company known for its aloofness, would never go out of its way to relay messages for just anyone—not celebrities, businessmen, nor politicians. Such actions would only invite criticism and mockery.
This truly demonstrated the special status and influence of military figures.
Liliana asked: "I'd like to know—how much effort did you put into this match?"
Everyone looked up at the text on screen, understanding this question was for the commander.
The camera panned to Lian Sheng's face as she replied indifferently: "Not much. We studied their past eighteen matches and made some educated guesses."
That was how she'd learned the Xia team's habits, their command and combat styles. Their apparent strength masked blind arrogance. Their team wasn't impregnable.
This was a squad reliant on its company commanders and vice commanders—the commander position was unnecessary, or occasionally served to placate emotions. What kind of arrangement was that?
Liliana: "So you're here for victory."
Lian Sheng countered: "Without hope of victory, why would I be here? For sacrifice?"
"I can grant you one request—anything within my authority," Liliana said. "You may make it now."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger interjected: "This is Colonel Liliana. She has recruitment authority for the Expeditionary Force."
Lian Sheng: "Really? Any condition?"
Liliana: "Yes."
After brief consideration, Lian Sheng said: "I'd like some points added to my account. Nothing excessive—say, a hundred thousand? Though matching outstanding comrades would be even better."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."
Everyone: "..."
The entire audience seemed stunned by this request.
It was like summoning a genie who offers all the world's riches, only to ask for a single pancake because you're hungry.
The comment section flooded with bewildered faces, endless question marks and ellipses.
This must have deeper meaning, or perhaps she was lightening the mood?
"Wait wait wait! She hasn't thought this through!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger jumped in. "As her employer, allow me to provide some ideological education."
He turned to scold Lian Sheng: "Look what you've done! Are you stupid? Why joke like this before Colonel Liliana?"
"Hm. I'm serious." Lian Sheng stepped past him, facing forward again. "If you lack direct authority but have connections, please put in a word with my professors—tell them to grade decisively. Have them forget about my points."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger scowled. "Why waste such a golden opportunity? People beg for this! And you trade it for damn points? What use are Sanyao points once you're in the military? Have you no awareness as a military student?"
Lian Sheng said: "What awareness? I'll definitely join the Expeditionary Force—why waste this chance?"
Everyone: "..."
Listen to her! How infuriating!
Zhao Zhuoluo said: "No need for trouble. I'll transfer my points to you, and you transfer this opportunity to me. Win-win."
What use did he have for points anyway?!
"No no no, you don't understand." Cheng Ze grew anxious, spouting multiple denials. He wanted to pry open Lian Sheng's skull and pour in boiling water to sterilize her abnormal brain cells.
Cheng Ze explained: "With your record, it's impossible to be specially recruited into the military as a command student. So in your senior year, you must participate in the inter-school tournament as an individual combatant. Only by impressing Expeditionary Force recruiters there can you possibly be selected for professional military training. And even that's just observation—they choose far more than one or two annually, with significant competitive selection. After joining, you undergo one to two years of evaluation. You must outperform your peers to potentially enter Expeditionary Force specialized training. Understand? And that's still the damn training phase!"
Cheng Ze gestured emphatically: "But now! You could skip years of struggle!"
"Ah, but I don't need to," Lian Sheng said. "Skipping years of work doesn't mean my physical abilities can skip ahead too. Current training addresses my deficiencies—it's necessary. Future studies are also essential. No matter how far I go, these shortcomings remain. I'm not yet qualified for that position. I don't want to aim too high only to fall hard."
The crowd fell silent, regarding her with newfound respect.
Refusal sometimes required tremendous courage.
People always fear the future—worrying opportunities won't come again, that mistakes might occur. When faced with great benefits, few can calmly assess themselves, analyze pros and cons, and make clear decisions.
What mindset did that require? And Lian Sheng hadn't shown the slightest hesitation or regret. How could she relinquish it so easily?
"Wrong! You're wrong! She said any request!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger interjected. "You could have Liliana join our studio as an honorary member!"
How utterly tone-deaf.
Everyone turned away, deciding to ignore him.
"I understand." Liliana's mood lifted, her tone no longer as tense. "I respect your choice, but I can't decide on points. I'll merely suggest it to your school. Additionally, I believe you already possess a soldier's ideological qualities."
Liliana continued: "Your friend isn't wrong—procedure requires participating in the inter-school tournament first. Outstanding performance there enables special recruitment. But as a freshman command student, I'll make an exception. If you pass Alliance University's preliminary tournament, I'd gladly offer you a special recruitment slot on behalf of the Sixth Expeditionary Army."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said: "Speaking of which, Colonel Liliana, we have another outstanding vice commander here who doesn't need points. Perhaps you'd like to interview him too?"
Liliana glanced sideways at the screen and told the administrator: "I've said all I needed. Please cut the feed. Thank them for an excellent match—I look forward to their future progress."
"Why'd she ignore me?" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger grumbled. "Weren't we comrades-in-arms once?"
Everyone logged out simultaneously.
Netizens erupted in laughter.
"I bow to the Piaoqi Great General hahaha!"
"Same! I'd never resist such temptation! The Expeditionary Force is every military student's dream—to have it within reach yet refuse expressionlessly!"
"Within reach, yet possibly just a mirage. Lacking professional skills could lead to eventual rejection—how embarrassing. The military's layered training exists for good reason. Dreams grasped through steady effort are the real ones."
"Brother Dao looks devastated!"
"Brother Dao's face is ashen!"
"Brother Dao says he's done raising these hopeless kids!"
"Don't cry, Brother Dao—your studio just went viral."
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Respect!
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