Chapter 12 - The First Step in Housekeeping, Folding the Quilt

Chapter 12 - The First Step in Housekeeping, Folding the Quilt

Chapter 12: The First Step in Housekeeping, Folding the Quilt

“Bring them back from each class!” The platoon leader’s command marked the end of the formation. Chen Ming and his comrades followed Li Long back to the dormitory.

As they entered the dormitory, everyone, exhausted from the training, finally sighed in relief. They took off their hats and used them as makeshift fans.

He Dong, upon returning to the dormitory, promptly sat on the bed, ready to lie down. However, the squad leader’s furious shout stopped him: “Who allowed you to sit on the bed!”

Startled, everyone stood up, and even the overweight recruit, in a reflex, looked at Li Long for guidance. Confused expressions filled their faces.

The squad leader explained, “In the military, aside from naptime and nighttime sleep, the bed has no relation to you. Sitting or lying on it is not allowed. If you want to sit, use the small stool underneath. This is discipline!”

Perplexed, they all pulled out their small stools from under the beds and sat down, hands on their knees, afraid to move.

The squad leader nodded satisfactorily, saying, “Each class takes turns on duty today. It’s Chen Ming’s turn.”

After the morning drill, while everyone else was fatigued, Chen Ming, the duty student for the day, was still energetic.

“In school, you’ve all been on duty, right?” The squad leader asked, and they nodded. He explained that military duty was similar but included tasks like serving meals.

Pointing at Chen Ming, the squad leader assigned today’s duty: “Chen Ming, today it’s your turn.”

Chen Ming replied, “Yes,” and left the dormitory. Downstairs, the announcement was made for all duty students to help in the cafeteria.

Upon arriving, the duty students were tasked with collecting meals. Chen Ming, assigned to lead, took enough for his class and set the table.

With a resounding “Understood,” the recruits acknowledged.

The squad leader emphasized, “Military internal affairs are nothing like playing house at home!”

The squad leader continued his lecture by giving examples of areas that require neatness. After breakfast, the squad leader led them back to the dormitory for internal affairs.

“In the military, tidiness is crucial. Cups with handles facing the same way, neatly folded quilts, shoes fixed at the bed’s end, and clothes properly organized. Understand?!” Instructed the squad leader.

With a resounding “Understood,” the recruits acknowledged.

The squad leader emphasized, “Military internal affairs are nothing like playing house at home!”

The squad leader continued his lecture by giving examples of areas that require neatness.

“After breakfast, the squad leader takes you back to the dormitory for housekeeping,” the squad leader announced.

“The most challenging part of internal affairs in the military is folding the quilt into tofu cubes. I’ll demonstrate it now. Pay attention and learn!” He added.

Observing the squad leader’s complex movements, the recruits nodded in understanding.

The squad leader unfolded his perfectly folded quilt, meticulously demonstrating the process with drawn lines and careful folding. Completing the intricate movements, the squad leader’s tofu cube emerged, perfectly square and visually appealing on the bed.

Recalling his previous attempts at home, Chen Ming contemplated the squad leader’s actions. While he had practiced at home without internet resources, his quilts didn’t match the squad leader’s expertise. However, combining the squad leader’s demonstration with his past experiences, Chen Ming quickly grasped the essentials of the technique.

Others, on the other hand, looked bewildered, exchanging confused glances, their eyes filled with perplexity.