First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 74
Chapter 74: Selecting People
Lian Sheng directly agreed. Zheng Lei, seeing her still in high spirits, couldn't help but jump in frustration.
How could she be so impulsive! Hadn't she properly considered the practical implementation issues? This concerned the Military Academy's standing among all military schools—how could she so easily fall into these cunning fellows' trap!
"Don't celebrate too soon, it's just a verbal agreement for now." Zheng Lei rushed forward, planting himself in front of Lian Sheng with hands on hips. "There are too many impractical aspects to this matter. Don't bully a freshman, especially a female freshman."
The Red Team commander hadn't expected it to go so smoothly either. Adhering to the principle that matters could be discussed properly but this match must happen, he said, "If you have any requests, you can raise them now. We'll do our best to accommodate them."
Lian Sheng waved Zheng Lei aside and said straightforwardly, "None. Just ensure the match proceeds smoothly."
Zheng Lei covered his face with his hand, feeling profound disappointment toward Lian Sheng. Then he was unceremoniously pulled aside by her.
Zhang Ce said, "If you're short on people, do you need us to help post recruitment notices? Don't worry, we won't tamper with the personnel selection—we'll guarantee basic fairness."
Lian Sheng refused, "No need, I can find people myself."
She didn't doubt this point. After all, the match would be broadcast. If they engaged in such behavior and were caught, not only would any chance of victory be lost, but their reputations would be ruined. Centuries of prestige from both military academies would be squandered by them.
There was no need to do something so counterproductive.
Feeling several intense gazes directed at her, Lian Sheng pointed at the group behind Zhang Ce and asked, "Why did so many people come? Is there something else?"
Zhang Ce said, "They came voluntarily, saying they wanted to see the legendary commander in person."
Uninterested in other matters and disliking this scrutinizing attention, Lian Sheng asked again, "Once everything's settled, let me know the time."
Red Team commander: "Tentatively scheduled for next Saturday. I'll post the details on the Sanyao official website and the military academy forum. Please keep an eye out."
Lian Sheng nodded, "Fine."
With all necessary questions answered, there seemed nothing left requiring her attention.
Zhang Ce's lips parted slightly as if to invite her out for a meal, but before he could speak, Lian Sheng patted the optical computer in her pocket and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I've been quite tired lately. You all shouldn't linger here either—we're opponents now."
Red Team commander: "Sorry for disturbing you. We'll leave now."
The two groups bid farewell. Lian Sheng hurried off, while Zhang Ce and the others turned to leave Alliance University.
Zheng Lei warily glanced back until their figures completely disappeared around the corner before catching up to Lian Sheng, howling in her ear, "This is a terrible deal! They came fully prepared!"
Lian Sheng continued walking with her hands in her pockets.
Zheng Lei urgently said, "For this match, the First Military and Allied Military Academies are collaborating to recruit their own people. That means their forces will be more familiar with each other and better organized. Thinking pessimistically, they might have even rehearsed. Oh heavens, my Sheng, what will you do!"
Lian Sheng: "..."
Zheng Lei looked skyward and said, "Where are you going to find so many scattered soldiers now? You've probably never experienced the power of scattered soldiers—they'll always find a hundred ways to get you killed before them. They're a bunch of unscrupulous little demons who'll do anything for points. It's hard for a first-time commander to intimidate them."
The more Zheng Lei thought about it, the more convinced he became of his own brilliance as the Command Department's rising star: "Their goal is clear—to redeem their honor. Without the internal competition for points, the team's main conflict disappears. They hold every advantage now, my Sheng!"
Lian Sheng tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at him.
Zheng Lei patted his chest, "I understand—at times like these, you'd beg for my help. Though my abilities are limited, rest assured I'll do everything I can! Meng Jiangwu and the others too—the Command Department will fully support you!"
"Not particularly needed," Lian Sheng said. "Don't waste your hard-won lottery spot—focus on doing well in the league matches. I remember canceling registration deducts points, which isn't cost-effective. I can't guarantee you'll earn any points."
"..." Zheng Lei exclaimed, "You're not confident of winning?"
"I am," Lian Sheng repeated. "But I can't guarantee you'll earn points."
Only then did Zheng Lei grasp her meaning. Whether one could earn points naturally depended on individual capability. He felt an arrow pierce his heart.
Lian Sheng continued, "If the match is scheduled for next Saturday, it might conflict with the league matches. Don't worry, I have my own plans."
Zheng Lei reminded her, "Even without conflict, you can't participate. Rules state students can only join one major league match per month. So anyone who's already in the military academy league can't respond to your call. Do you understand? There won't be many students available for your match."
"I see. I'll go recruit people now. Thanks for your concern." Lian Sheng stopped at a fork in the road and said, "Though we won't have a chance to collaborate, I sincerely invite you to watch my match. I also wish you overwhelming victory in your league matches."
Zheng Lei sighed. Knowing he couldn't sway Lian Sheng's decisions, he could only offer his blessings, shrugging, "Then do your best too."
Zheng Lei had come out to buy food for his roommates. After this long delay, the food in his hands had gone cold.
Afraid his starving roommates might perish if he delayed further, he bid her farewell to deliver the food.
Lian Sheng rubbed her hands together and sat down on a nearby flower bed.
Combat deficiencies could be compensated for with terrain and strategy. Soldier selection could also be reconsidered. What she lacked most now was a reliable data analyst.
Without a data analyst's reminders, she couldn't grasp the rhythm of this battlefield.
Lian Sheng took out her optical computer and sent Lu Mingyuan a message: "Got time? Where are you now?"
Lu Mingyuan replied shortly after, "I'm at the student activity center."
Tucking away her optical computer, Lian Sheng headed for the activity center.
Lu Mingyuan, having received her message, waited at the entrance.
Lian Sheng jogged over and pulled him aside, getting straight to the point, "Free lately? Interested in a league match? We haven't collaborated in ages—I miss your data analysis."
"I've heard—it's the match against the First Military and Allied Military Academies, right? It's trending online now. They've formally challenged you." Lu Mingyuan adjusted his glasses regretfully, "But I don't have time recently—preparing for league matches and getting ready for internship in advance."
"I see. Then focus on your work." Lian Sheng waved, about to leave, then paused and asked, "Can you recommend anyone?"
Lu Mingyuan pondered briefly before saying, "I recommend Zhou Shirui. He's a sophomore now. If no one's invited him, he probably won't join league matches and might be free on weekends. Technically speaking, his skills are more than sufficient. I just don't know if he'll accept your invitation—he has his own circle and seems to participate in plenty of matches each month."
It had been a while since Lian Sheng last heard this name. What stood out most was his statement back then: "Senior, I think we'd work well together."
Because of this line, she'd remembered him clearly.
Lian Sheng unconsciously frowned, "Is that so?"
"Hmm?" Lu Mingyuan said, "I've never teamed up with Zhou Shirui and don't know him well. But many commanders who've worked with him speak highly of him. I've seen his models too—his modeling speed is incredibly high, and his accuracy is exceptional. He must have years of experience—not something an average student could match."
Lian Sheng stroked her chin and nodded, "Alright, I understand."
Lu Mingyuan added after some thought, "But you'll need to ask questions proactively—he usually won't give very explicit suggestions. After all, data analysts are the first to touch battle data, and casual remarks might interfere with the commander's decisions."
Having said all he could, Lu Mingyuan prepared to leave, "Well then..."
Lian Sheng pressed further, "Then recommend me a few forwards too while you're at it."
Lu Mingyuan: "..."
Lu Mingyuan said, "Maybe try asking on the school network. Though this is a personal challenge to you, given how big the previous incident was, everyone knows it's about the school's reputation. Students who weren't selected will likely be happy to help. Let me see who's available and mark them for you. For specifics, you can consult Zhou Shirui."
"Master! Master, you've worked hard!" Lian Sheng clasped his shoulders, smiling, "One last question—how do I find Zhou Shirui?"
"He's inside." The all-knowing Master Lu pointed, "Our department's hosting a promotional event for freshmen."
Lian Sheng entered the activity center. The spacious venue was packed, with a senior demonstrating on stage. Zhou Shirui sat on a small stool beside the podium, lazily browsing his optical computer.
Though he tried to shrink behind the senior, his conspicuous position made him instantly noticeable.
Lian Sheng hunched over and approached from behind, tapping his shoulder, "Yo. Junior."
Zhou Shirui turned and, seeing it was her, stood up, "Senior."
The two moved to a secluded corridor.
Lian Sheng asked, "Interested in a league match? Not the military academy league—I'll be chief commander."
"Of course." Zhou Shirui seemed pleased. He flipped his optical computer to show he already knew about it and extended his hand, "Looking forward to working together."
They exchanged contact information, finalizing the matter.
That afternoon, back in her dorm, Lian Sheng logged into Sanyao, planning to recruit players online. While pondering how to screen applicants, another player appeared nearby and said, "Piaoqi Great General, right? I've watched many of your matches. Interested in teaming up to earn points?"
Lian Sheng froze momentarily before adding him as a friend and starting a private chat, "What points?"
"A 5,000 vs. 5,000 battlefield match. Points are awarded based on individual contribution. Outstanding performers might even get bonus points from professors." The other said, "I'm from the First Military Academy. Most participants are military academy students, but not all. We hope experts like you will join. You seem to need points too. Trust me—this will be far more efficient than arena matches."
Lian Sheng: "..."
This was extremely awkward.
Sorry for the delay; I’ve been travelling due to work, and of all the times, my laptop decided to take a paid leave now. I’ll try my best to get the chapters out daily.
Want to dive deeper into the story? You can request bonus chapters or grab the complete Part 1 (147 chapters) as an EPUB from my Ko-fi shop!
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