The instructor didn't know which girl had brought the burgers, so all four girls in Zheng Yanyan's dormitory were punished equally. They were all made to stand in front of the girls' dormitory, and by now, a crowd had gathered to watch, including girls from other dorms, boys who had come to see their girlfriends, and others who had come just to see what was happening.
Among the girls, Zheng Yanyan and her dormmates were all known for being exceptional, but none said a word in this situation. Usually, they could laugh and joke, but this was a serious matter involving disciplinary action, so they had to be careful, especially for girls like Shen Yu and Su Qing, who always aimed for perfection.
Shen Yu had never made a mistake or been scolded by a teacher. Being called out and publicly shamed by the instructor made her feel miserable, so admitting fault was out of the question. Su Qing's thinking was even simpler—this was Zheng Yanyan's doing, not hers. Of course, she wouldn't expose Zheng Yanyan, but at worst, she'd accept the punishment alongside her.
In school, things often seemed like a big deal at the moment, but once they passed, they would realize it was no big deal. The main issue was the embarrassment of being watched by everyone.
Zheng Yanyan, being a stubborn girl, couldn't believe they were being punished just for eating some KFC. She was determined to find out who had reported them and, if she could, give them a piece of her mind. Her eyes scanned the crowd, trying to spot the snitch.
"So, none of you want to talk? Fine, you'll all get major demerits, and your military training will be marked as failed!" the instructor threatened, glaring at them.
By this time, Zhou Yuwen and the others had arrived.
Hearing this, Chang Hao was visibly worried about Zheng Yanyan and whispered to Zhou Yuwen, "Old Zhou, what should we do?"
"They're just trying to scare them. She doesn't have that kind of authority," Zhou Yuwen said, exasperated. The idea of failing an entire class's military training for four girls was ridiculous. If the counselor found out, they'd probably think the instructor had a grudge against them.
"What's with the indifferent attitude!?" Chang Hao snapped, unexpectedly angry at Zhou Yuwen.
"?" Zhou Yuwen looked at Chang Hao, suddenly realizing that he probably blamed him for getting Zheng Yanyan into trouble by buying her the burgers.
There was a stir in the crowd at that moment as a few male instructors arrived. The female instructor briefed them on the situation, and the lead instructor frowned as he approached the four girls, asking, "Who brought these burgers?"
"I did. It has nothing to do with them," Zheng Yanyan boldly admitted.
What's the big deal over something so trivial?
Zheng Yanyan wasn't one to be intimidated by this.
"You brought them?" the instructor looked at Zheng Yanyan, displeased.
"Yes, if you want to punish someone, punish me. It's not their fault."
If someone had to take the blame, it would be better for one person than the whole group. Zheng Yanyan remained indifferent, her hands casually behind her back, not bothering to stand at attention.
The instructor stared at Zheng Yanyan for a while, but she seemed unfazed. He turned away from her and moved to Su Qing, asking, "Where did these burgers come from?"
Su Qing thought the instructor was ridiculous, but she couldn't say that aloud.
"Hey, I already told you—" Zheng Yanyan began, but the instructor suddenly shouted, "Did I ask you!?"
His roar made Zheng Yanyan, who had been nonchalant, genuinely frightened.
She was just a young girl who had never been scolded like this before.
"Stand properly!" the instructor shouted again, making all four girls instinctively snap to attention.
"Do you think this is a joke? Military training has strict rules against storing food in the dorms; you not only stored it but smuggled it in! What is this?" The instructor kicked the black plastic bag before them, scattering the KFC packaging all over.
Of course, he wasn't going to clean it up.
With his hands on his hips, the instructor looked furious. "I'm giving you one last chance. How did this stuff get in here?"
The four girls were intimidated into silence, lowering their heads and saying nothing.
"You," the instructor barked at Zheng Yanyan.
Zheng Yanyan was shaken, her face pale, but she gathered herself and replied, "I brought it in."
"Did you not understand me!?"
"Are you deaf or blind?"
"I asked who brought it in!"
"I asked how it got in!"
"What kind of look is that!? What do you think you're doing!?" The instructor noticed Zheng Yanyan glaring at him angrily.
But the instructor was unfazed.
"I'll ask you again—how did you bring it in?"
"Just brought it in! What do you mean, 'how'!?"
"From the dorm to the field, everything's been sealed off. So, tell me, where did you get in, and where did you go out?" the instructor pressed.
Zheng Yanyan couldn't answer. As she glanced up, her eyes met Zhou Yuwen's briefly before she quickly looked away. "I brought it in. How I did it is none of your business."
"Not talking?"
"Fine, then stand here until you're ready to talk. Let's see how long you last."
The instructor was enraged and didn't hesitate to glare at the onlookers. "What are you all staring at? Want to join them in getting punished?"
Hearing this, some instructors began to disperse the crowd.
Chang Hao was deeply conflicted at that moment. He was worried about Zheng Yanyan and thought, "Why are you so stubborn, Yanyan? Why are you arguing with the instructor? Just apologize and cry a little, and it'll be over. You're only making things worse!"
What should he do now?
Chang Hao knew the instructor. He had met him before when he went to the instructors' dorm to smoke and had exchanged greetings with this instructor, who had even patted him on the shoulder, saying he looked strong.
Chang Hao had thought this instructor was easygoing and had considered speaking up on Zheng Yanyan's behalf, but then the instructor's sudden outburst scared him.
Now, in this situation, Chang Hao felt completely at a loss. He looked at Zheng Yanyan, still defiant and staring down the instructor, and felt torn.
He wondered if he should step forward and say, "Instructor, I brought the burgers."
But if he did that, he'd face punishment himself.
He was the class representative of Company Two, Class Four.
The instructors all had a good impression of him.
If he admitted this?
This was the first time his superiors had so valued Chang Hao.
If he had rushed out now, the instructor would have been disappointed in him, right?
Was he willing to give up his future for love?
Chang Hao gritted his teeth, torn for a long time!
Finally, he made up his mind!
To hell with this so-called career!
"Report!"
The instructors were still dispersing the crowd when a voice rang out, not too loud but clear.
Everyone turned to see where it came from.
The tall figure of Zhou Yuwen stood out in the crowd.
Standing next to Zheng Yanyan, the head instructor frowned at Zhou Yuwen. "What is it?"
"The burgers were from me," Zhou Yuwen said, looking indifferent.