Lu Ziqing flipped through the recommendation forms for officer candidates from various classes, from freshmen to juniors, each nominated by either their instructor or advisor.
A thick stack of documents, and as Lu Ziqing flipped further down, her expression grew darker...
Shen Xinhui sat to the side,
"No one knows the students better than their advisors, so I trust that the students recommended by them are indeed the best."
Lu Ziqing listened but did not respond.
Lu Ziqing lifted her eyes to see who it was, the advisor of Class 1 Year 2, Gao Jun.
Gao Jun hurried in, handing the recommendation form to Lu Ziqing, "Report to Commander, this is the recommendation information form for Class 1 Year 2."
Lu Ziqing took it, glancing briefly at the name "Luo Shengnan" on the form, and her lips twitched slightly.
Such a detail immediately put Gao Jun on high alert.
Lu Ziqing tossed the recommendation form carelessly onto the pile, leaning back, "Instructor Gao, I remember asking you not too long ago about who you thought was the most outstanding student in your class, right?"
"...Yes, Chief Lu asked."
"I also remember you saying then that although Luo Shengnan is excellent, Tang Xiaohua has even greater potential. In no time, she will outshine Luo Shengnan."
Gao Jun pursed his lips, while Shen Xinhui raised an eyebrow,
"Does Commander Lu mean to suggest that Instructor Gao should have recommended Tang Xiaohua instead of Luo Shengnan?"
"Commander, I was just casually asking Instructor Gao."
"What’s there to ask? I think Luo Shengnan is very good. This girl is friends with Lingxi, and she’s Political Commissioner Luo’s daughter. Besides, she got into Xilin Military Academy on her own merits, isn’t that better than some unknown Tang Xiaohua?"
Lu Ziqing’s gaze settled on the stack of recommendation forms in front of her.
"Is Commander Lu unhappy with the candidates recommended?"
Lu Ziqing’s discontent was plainly written on her face, easily perceived by Shen Xinhui.
Just then, the sound of knocking rose again, Song Lili stood in the doorway in her training uniform, standing tall.
"Tang Xiaohua? Why aren’t you training? Why have you run over here?"
"Good day to you, Chief Lu and Instructor Gao. Report to Chief Lu, it’s currently break time. I saw that you came to the academy today, so I wanted to come and consult you about something."
Lu Ziqing saw that Song Lili didn’t seem to mind Shen Xinhui and Gao Jun were also in the office,
"I heard that Commander Lu is selecting a group of students to start an officer candidate class."
Lu Ziqing was momentarily surprised, how did she know? Was it... the President who told her?
However, it was quite normal for rumors to spread among students from military families at the academy.
"Yes, what about it?"
"Chief Lu, I would like to know, what are the criteria for entering the officer candidate class?"
At this question, both Shen Xinhui and Gao Jun were taken aback...
"Is that something for you to ask? This is the job of instructors and advisors! They will pick the most outstanding students!"
Shen Xinhui’s voice deepened, carrying a hint of threat.
But Song Lili was undaunted, looking directly into Shen Xinhui’s eyes, "Then... what are the criteria for the instructors and advisors’ selection?"
Shen Xinhui’s eyes narrowed slightly, before he could reply, Song Lili said,
"It wouldn’t be... the bigger the rank of someone’s parent, the closer the relationship with the academy’s officers, the more likely they are to be chosen, right?"
"Tang Xiaohua! What nonsense are you spouting! Xilin Military Academy admits students based on their capabilities, not their family background! Don’t you know that by now?! Where have the school’s mottos gone?"
Song Lili blinked, seeing Shen Xinhui’s rage, and quickly said,
"Oh, I misspoke. Since it’s based on individual abilities, then I am reassured. I’ll tell the other students that everyone can participate in the selection for officer candidates based on their own abilities! Chief Lu, I’ve finished asking my questions, I won’t disturb the leaders’ discussion of official business any longer."
Song Lili saluted and left, leaving behind three people with their own thoughts.