Chapter 35: You Teach Her

Seeing Xu Qiao listening attentively, Guan Yuqi nodded with satisfaction. "Since the new recruits were assigned to their respective companies, they have spent the last few months familiarizing themselves with this equipment."

"As for you, you've missed this period, so you must work hard to catch up if you want to participate in the training and duties of the communications platoon."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qiao quickly nodded. "Don't worry, Squad Leader, I will definitely give it my all."

But as soon as the promise left her lips, she realized something. "However... where do I even start learning?"

Without waiting for her to finish, Guan Yuqi handed her a notebook. "This contains the secret codes that everyone in our wireless detachment must memorize."

"It's this... thick?" Seeing the notebook, which was heavy enough to be used as a brick, Xu Qiao’s eyes widened instantly.

Her reaction made the others laugh. "Did you think being a signal soldier was easy?"

"Not only do you have to memorize the codes, but you also need to master signaling methods and communications technology. You can't afford to be lacking in any of these areas."

Xu Qiao truly hadn't expected the role of a signal soldier to be so demanding; it required not only physical fitness but also a sharp memory.

Taking the book and seeing the dense text inside, her head began to throb. "What if I can't memorize all of this?"

"What if you can't?" Guan Yuqi chuckled. "That would be like a scout who can't shoot, a tanker who can't drive a tank, or a cook who can't cook."

Guan Yuqi nodded. "Exactly."

Seeing the notebook, Xu Qiao felt a sense of resignation, but she couldn't help but think of Yin Li, a martial arts enthusiast who had somehow smuggled piles of wuxia novels into the kitchen squad, opening up a whole new world for her.

"In addition, these two weeks aren't just for memorizing codes." Guan Yuqi looked at Cheng Yifei, who was watching the scene with amusement. "Yifei, you will teach her how to transmit."

"Me?" Cheng Yifei, suddenly targeted, turned green.

"Yes, you."

Cheng Yifei choked, an instinctive urge to refuse rising within her. But meeting the squad leader’s gaze, she stifled it. "Fine, I'll do my best."

"One week," Guan Yuqi stated. "If Xu Qiao doesn't learn it by then, no dinner. And you," she added, looking at Cheng Yifei, "if you fail to teach her, you don't get dinner either."

Cheng Yifei was stunned. "Is this really about dinner? I can't afford to lose face like that."

Xu Qiao smiled, leaning back casually. "If that’s how you’re going to teach, then take your time. After all, I won't be the only one going hungry."

Cheng Yifei was caught in a trap of her own making. She had been harboring a grudge against Xu Qiao for her past behavior, and even though Xu Qiao had changed, she remained skeptical. Yet, she couldn't let herself be the one who failed to teach the material.

"Fine," Cheng Yifei gritted her teeth. "I'll teach you, and I'll do it properly. If you can't learn it this time, that’s on you."

Xu Qiao, knowing when to quit while she was ahead, moved over to the radio. "If you’re doing this for my own good, then hurry up and teach me what I need to know, instead of just glaring at me."

Cheng Yifei's expression fluctuated between shades of blue and purple. She realized that she had fallen right into Xu Qiao's snare. Having been outmaneuvered, she didn't dare try to confuse her with pure theory again and began to teach her the actual operation of the radio.

Seeing this, Xu Qiao stopped teasing and sat down to listen. The training began with the two of them staring each other down, the atmosphere awkward, but as Cheng Yifei began to explain the equipment, they finally settled into the work.