First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 151
Chapter 151: Admitting Fault
"There were indeed many good deeds." Lian Sheng cleared her throat and said, "For example, helping a minor boy who was suffering from violence. Saving a misguided adult male. Assisting a dedicated grassroots civil servant in law enforcement... Oh, and helping a love-deprived individual rediscover the radiance of maternal love."
The crowd: "..."
The crowd: "..."
The instructor tapped his fingers on the armrest and said, "Quite proud of yourself, aren't you?"
"Not at all!" Lian Sheng added, "This is what we should do!"
Lian Sheng glanced at them.
These people were utterly unreliable. If it were Lin Lie—oh, she would definitely have chimed in and carried the conversation forward. One must never let the other party detect even the slightest wavering.
When facing accusations one hasn't committed and must never admit to, assertiveness better conveys one's stance and attitude, ensuring enough leverage in negotiations.
These clueless idiots were utterly ruining the mood, completely failing to keep up with the rhythm.
Lian Sheng stared straight ahead, hands clasped behind her back, looking directly at the instructor.
The instructor observed them impassively. After all, they were just students—no matter how much they tried to act mature, they still carried an air of naivety. Plus, the long-term disciplinary training at the military academy meant they still subconsciously deferred to and respected their instructors.
Only this Lian Sheng was the most assertive of them all.
The instructor said, "I thought I'd hear some self-reflection from you. Seems we expected too much."
"We can reflect. But first, we'd like to know the details of what happened so we can reflect accordingly," Lian Sheng said. "If you're willing, I can recount the events first."
The instructor shifted his posture, crossing his arms. "Go ahead."
Lian Sheng: "The six of us went downtown, drawn by its reputation—"
Fang Jianchen quietly corrected, "It was the West Residential District."
Lian Sheng: "—guided to the West Residential District, where we saw an officer—later learned to be just a White Snake—beating another officer and a civilian. When he started hitting a child, we took a small step forward. Then the White Snake enthusiastically took our photo, and we came back."
The instructor felt he should maintain his dignity. Stroking his chin, he asked, "'Just a White Snake'? What does that mean?"
"Local snake," Cheng Ze said. "It was a joke from another officer earlier, but Lian Sheng didn't know."
The instructor: "..."
The instructor: "..."
The instructor said, "That's it?"
The other five nodded in unison. Fang Jianchen raised his hand. "I swear, apart from the inappropriate metaphor, everything else is true."
The instructor: "Do you know how the police reported this to me?"
Lian Sheng: "Please enlighten us."
The instructor said, "They said you were selling unlicensed products in the city, got into a dispute over profits, and—relying on your status as military students—assaulted local residents and an innocent child. When a brave officer intervened, you then beat him up to intimidate him. The officer was so traumatized he resigned."
He swiped on his optical computer and pushed the report forward.
The instructor: "Here's the officer's injury report and resignation letter. The police department is deeply distressed and demands a clear explanation from the military."
The group fell silent.
The instructor was surprised—these youngsters were quite composed. But then again, considering what they'd done, it was also amusing. No matter how composed, they'd still made an undeniable mistake.
Too inexperienced, too trusting. They'd have to bear the consequences themselves.
Lian Sheng sighed. "I, too, am deeply distressed by such baseless accusations."
The instructor's temple twitched. Pointing at her, he snapped, "Shut up."
Then he pointed at Lu Mingyuan. "You. Speak."
"This is a serious slander. We can't admit to it," Lu Mingyuan said. "We didn't resort to violence. Even if there were conflicts, we wouldn't use such a brutish and easily exposed method. Most importantly, the motive doesn't hold."
The instructor: "What motive?"
Lu Mingyuan, the data analyst of the group, said with utmost sincerity, "None of us lack money. Even if we had money, there's nowhere to spend it."
He found Lu Mingyuan's words even more offensive than Lian Sheng's. How heartbreaking.
These brats were all cut from the same cloth.
Fang Jianchen called out, "Report!"
The instructor glanced at him. "Speak."
Fang Jianchen: "Was there no surveillance footage from the area?"
The instructor: "They said there wasn't any during the incident. But there is footage of you entering and leaving freely."
Fang Jianchen: "Then they could ask the people involved, right? Whether we helped or attacked them. Who's the tyrant and who's the good citizen. Surely they wouldn't all lie?"
Lian Sheng shook her head and sighed.
Impossible. That would be digging their own graves.
The instructor glanced at her, then produced another document.
"This is the testimony and signatures of the locals. They said you rented a room there recently, storing who-knows-what. Based on interactions, they found you arrogant and rude, verbally abusive. You bullied the landlord, haggled aggressively, and strong-armed your way into renting." The instructor tapped his optical computer. "Of course, it also includes the so-called victims you helped. So whose word should people believe? If you still want to argue, we can arrange a confrontation."
With a sarcastic tone, the instructor added, "Need any more evidence? The police department is very good at producing this stuff. Let them prepare it all at once so I can give you a clearer conviction."
Lu Mingyuan didn't know whether to feel disappointed or shocked. "Ah..."
The group listened, feeling a chill in their hearts. But there was nothing they could do.
They could understand, but they couldn't accept it. After all, their living environments were worlds apart. They rarely faced such widespread malice from society.
Honestly, they'd already guessed this outcome.
The troublemaker was a local snake—he dared to steal a police uniform. He could accompany real officers on patrol, openly take bribes in front of them, assault a real officer in public, and enforce "justice" violently. It showed how much influence the local authorities had—or rather, how little. They were practically just set dressing.
And a "regular citizen" could directly influence the police report, twisting black into white. The power behind him was self-evident.
In a place where officials and criminals colluded, what were they? Just civilians. If they didn't suck up to the authorities, why would anyone side with transient students?
If the ones standing here today were military students without backing, what would their fate be?
As for the consequences of the students being framed, the locals could only offer a sliver of pity before looking away.
In the grind of poverty, not everyone could afford compassion.
"I know the tricks you youngsters pull. We've all been there. The base turns a blind eye as long as you don't go too far. But what did you do? Within days of arriving, you provoked the worst possible people." The instructor looked at them. "I like clever people. But I don't like people who rely solely on petty cleverness."
The instructor asked, "Now, can you reflect on your biggest mistake?"
The group remained silent.
The instructor pointed at Lu Mingyuan again.
Lu Mingyuan: "..."
He genuinely couldn't think of his mistake. After all, he'd just tagged along downtown with them, craving snacks.
Lu Mingyuan ventured, "I shouldn't have taken that step forward?"
"..." The instructor, "Huh?"
Zhao Zhuoluo took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Reporting, Instructor. I believe we shouldn't seek reasons from the victims—the ones who need criticism and reflection are the criminals. Our biggest mistake was cutting corners when coming to the base by bringing unauthorized items. We were punished—the items were stolen, and we didn't pursue it. Beyond that, I don't believe kindness and justice should be treated as mistakes to reflect on."
The instructor stared at him. Zhao Zhuoluo met his gaze unflinchingly. The atmosphere between them grew tense.
Ye Buqing silently stepped forward in solidarity with his comrade.
The others followed suit, closing ranks.
What a bunch of proud, stubborn, foolish youths.
The instructor slammed the table. "What are you crowding for? Can't see my face clearly? Step back!"
They sheepishly retreated.
The instructor pointed at Lian Sheng. "You. Evaluate your dear friends."
Lian Sheng scanned their faces. "Their biggest mistake was ignoring my analysis."
The instructor: "What analysis?"
"I said those houses weren't safe." Lian Sheng. "So their biggest mistake stems from their IQ and life experience."
The instructor leaned on the table, puzzled. "Has none of you reflected on your impulsiveness? What exactly did you do? The other party was indeed handling the man's criminal evidence during discussions and enforcement. When you felt guilty, didn't you know to lay low? Didn't you know when to keep your heads down?"
None of them took the police report seriously. They tacitly understood it was all nonsense.
Someone who never resisted was indeed very composed.
Just as Lian Sheng was about to speak, two hands clamped over her mouth from either side.
The instructor: "This matter must be dealt with severely. I have plenty of ways to make you admit your mistakes. If you refuse to repent and only cause trouble here, why should I keep you?"
Lian Sheng quickly said, "I admit my mistake."
The group bowed in apology, chanting respectfully, "We admit our mistakes."
The instructor was about to speak when another knock came at the door. He tilted his head. "Who is it?"
Doctor Lin pushed the door open and walked in, hands in his pockets. "Hello."
The instructor: "You are?"
Doctor Lin approached and extended a hand. "Lin Shu, doctor from Alliance University."
The instructor shook his hand. "Can I help you?"
"My students made a mistake, so I'm here to take them back for internal criticism," Doctor Lin said. "They're too stupid. I'll give them a shot to clear their heads."
The instructor was taken aback.
Doctor Lin kicked the nearest student in the rear. "Get out!"
Fang Jianchen yelped, clutching his butt as he jumped. The others flinched.
Doctor Lin aimed a kick at Cheng Ze, who dodged smartly and bolted for the door.
"Wait!" The instructor stopped them, standing. "What about the punishment? This is a military matter. At the base, you follow our rules. Is Alliance University shielding them?"
Doctor Lin said, "Of course not. But you're mistaken. They aren't Expeditionary Force soldiers yet—punishment isn't your jurisdiction."
The instructor tried to interject. Doctor Lin continued, "The selection tournament is the committee's affair, a joint competition hosted by military academies. It has nothing to do with the Expeditionary Force. This time, you're just helping with training. You can report to the school, but disciplinary action is the school's decision."
The instructor was stumped, only now remembering this detail. This year's situation was different.
But these were Alliance University's elite students. People protected their own. The outcome of "internal criticism" would obviously be a slap on the wrist.
He paced between them, then fixed his gaze on Lu Mingyuan.
Lu Mingyuan shrank back.
Doctor Lin gave a look. Lian Sheng caught on and said, "The whole thing was the five of us conspiring. He just tagged along out of kindness. If there's footage, even better. You'll see Senior Lu wasn't there when we rented the place. Sadly, he didn't do anything wrong."
If there was a valid reason to absolve responsibility, that was acceptable.
"I think you understand the truth too. The 36th District police station became such a cesspool because of everyone living there. You might think it's none of your business or that you can't change it. But openly undermining governmental credibility and endangering locals is absolutely not normal. I guarantee it won't last. You can tolerate it, but that doesn't mean your students should. After all, they're the Alliance's future. The first thing they learn shouldn't be compromising with and normalizing sickening wrongs." Doctor Lin said, "This is Alliance University's educational philosophy. We've never had a tradition of swallowing such indignity. My apologies."
Doctor Lin gave a half-bow. "I've already reported to the school. The punishment has been decided. Starting today, they'll suspend base training for a week and do community service. You're welcome to supervise."
The instructor was momentarily stunned. He wanted to refute but didn't. Then he frowned.
How naive.
But wasn't all change born from naive ideas?
Doctor Lin turned and shot them an icy glare.
The six instantly stiffened, saluted the instructor, and filed out of the room.
Before they could relax, Doctor Lin emerged, shut the door, and walked past them. "Get over here."
Their scalps prickled.
Doctor Lin was far more terrifying than the instructor.
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