First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 148
Chapter 148: Renting
Before summer vacation began, Lian Sheng and the others were already on their way to the 36th District.
Lin Lie had prepared ample luggage for her. Logically speaking, most of it was unnecessary—she knew this herself, as the military didn't allow students to bring too many personal items to avoid affecting military discipline. Yet Lin Lie still packed them, telling her to handle it as circumstances dictated.
Fang Jianchen brought three whole suitcases of snacks.
Lian Sheng thought he must be the most insane one, but after casually asking around, she discovered the others were even worse. Not only that, they'd borrowed unused luggage quotas from students whose bags weren't full, then rushed to nearby stores to fill every last inch.
The instructors accompanying them—responsible for ensuring student safety (though more importantly maintaining order to prevent the students from causing chaos)—turned a blind eye to this. Neither reminding nor forbidding.
Their journey required three transfers with no direct flights, demonstrating just how remote the 36th District was.
Lian Sheng followed the crowd onto the spacecraft, found her seat, draped a blanket over herself, and began eating.
Beside her, several friends were frantically binge-watching dramas, bidding farewell to what would be their last internet access for the near future.
The Alliance University had deliberately departed two days early so students could enter the base in peak condition, showcasing their school's spirit among the many military academies. Everyone spent another day and night at a hotel during the transfer.
Several students found it impossible to sleep on the spacecraft, leaving them physically and mentally exhausted. They gained profound appreciation for the necessity of this arrangement.
On the final leg of the journey, the passenger count noticeably decreased, leaving the cabin remarkably spacious.
The Alliance University had purchased block tickets, clustering their students in the middle section. Though there was ample space to move about, they preferred maintaining some distance to preserve privacy.
On this flight, they encountered students from the First Military Academy also transferring.
The Alliance University group occupied the front section while the First Military students gathered in the rear—the two military schools essentially chartering the entire spacecraft.
They could have deepened their "brotherly bonds," but instructors from both sides stood between them with stern expressions, cutting off any opportunity.
The atmosphere grew tense as students sat rigidly in their seats, maintaining proper posture until landing.
A crew member passing by remarked, "As expected of elite military academy students—the next generation of military leadership. So disciplined and polite."
The students smiled bitterly.
The only one with a private cabin was Doctor Lin, located at the very rear.
Fang Jianchen didn't dare make it obvious, but his head kept tilting backward in that direction.
Lian Sheng asked, "What's with your eyes? What are you doing?"
Fang Jianchen placed both hands on his knees and smiled. "Wouldn't dare make trouble."
"Why is Doctor Lin coming along?" Lian Sheng asked. "In case of emergencies? Is he returning with the instructors?"
Fang Jianchen said, "He's licensed—can go wherever he wants."
"He volunteered?" Lian Sheng said, shocked. "That can't be right?"
Was he really that enthusiastic? He struck her as someone who hated inconvenience.
"Don't listen to his nonsense," Cheng Ze leaned over to explain. "Officially, this is the Expeditionary Force helping students prepare for finals. We're not under military jurisdiction yet. Military school group travel requires a doctor's accompaniment. But going to mining districts requires special medical qualifications. Our school only has Doctor Lin qualified, so he had to come."
Lian Sheng said, "Being a school doctor means following students everywhere?"
Ye Buqing nodded toward the rear. "This year's an exception. That's why Doctor Lin's getting special treatment."
Truly the Alliance University's top tyrant.
No wonder they didn't dare misbehave now.
They arrived at their destination at noon the next day.
Staggering out, they inhaled air thick with disinfectant.
Lian Sheng looked around. "There really aren't many people here."
Despite being a landing zone, only a handful of passengers disembarked—nothing like the crowded conditions in Alliance District 2.
"It's not peak travel season yet," Zhao Zhuoluo said, adjusting his backpack. "And the 36th District isn't a tourist destination—mostly just workers and long-term residents. The instructors are contacting base now. We'll get clearance first, then have some free time."
Fang Jianchen nodded. "First order of business—rent a place to store our stuff before heading to base."
They seemed to have planned this in advance. Though first-time visitors, they moved with practiced efficiency.
Ye Buqing approached the instructors. "I'll get a local map from them so we can find our own way to base later."
The group retrieved their luggage first, then waited for Ye Buqing's negotiations.
The First Military students appeared similarly divided—some leaving with luggage while others formed ranks before their instructors.
Lian Sheng, startled by their earlier conversation, said, "Is there no food here? Renting just to store snacks? That can't be necessary. It's training—they won't starve us, right?"
"Don't worry, rent's cheap here. Split between us, it's nothing. There's extra space—you can share ours." Fang Jianchen said with certainty, "You'll understand soon—these supplies will be our lifeline."
Lian Sheng remained unconvinced.
These roughnecks who usually seemed so unfussy were actually this particular?
Noticing her expression, Fang Jianchen wagged a finger. "You're too naive. This is all data-backed. You'll regret doubting us soon enough."
Lian Sheng: "You've never been here."
Fang Jianchen: "So what? You can research anything online these days! Just trust me—you'll thank us for this."
Cheng Ze eyed Lian Sheng's suitcase. "I'm more curious what you brought. That's not light either."
"Not clothes, right?" Fang Jianchen lifted it. "Not heavy. Probably is."
Lian Sheng: "No idea. Lin Lie packed it."
Zhao Zhuoluo said, "There'd be no occasion to wear civilian clothes. Aunt Lin would know that. Probably food too."
As they spoke, Ye Buqing returned with an instructor.
The instructor said sternly, "Listen up—base personnel won't be as lenient as us. Don't make strange requests that could backfire. They might not be friendly—they're not your teachers, and technically you're competitors. So grit your teeth and bear it. Endure humiliation if needed—no unnecessary trouble. Understood?"
They nodded.
The instructor continued, "Though you're not in a chain of command, seniority matters. Show proper respect when greeting them. Suppress your tempers—act meek until you earn your stripes. One serious warning: never try bribing them with personal items unless you want to die painfully. Hide your stuff well—don't tell anyone. There've been idiots who tried—don't follow their example."
More nodding.
The instructor looked at Lian Sheng with visible distress. "Most years, having a female student would be a relief—nothing to worry about. But you..." He hesitated. "Just...try talking less. You could choke someone to death with words."
Lian Sheng: "..."
The instructor waved them off. "Go on. Finish whatever you brought quickly. And be discreet when house-hunting—don't let outsiders see."
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