Special Forces: From the very beginning, I can upgrade the entry

The morning sun cast its golden light over the military camp.
Shouts of determination echoed across the training grounds as the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company engaged in an intense training session. Soldiers practised hand-to-hand combat, weight-bearing endurance runs, and tactical drills.
From the steps of the company office, Captain Miao and the political instructor stood with their arms crossed, silently observing the training with satisfaction. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yan, dressed in his combat uniform, stood beside them, holding a cup of tea for Captain Miao. Seeing how well the soldiers performed, Miao’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Zhuang Yan took the opportunity to step forward, offering the tea. Miao glanced at the cup but shook his head.
“I don’t want it.”
Zhuang Yan hesitated.
“Just take a sip,” he suggested.
Miao shot him a cold stare.
Immediately, Zhuang Yan retracted his hand and stood at attention, not daring to speak further.
“Bring me my folder.”
“Huh?”
Zhuang Yan was caught off guard.
“My folder,” Miao repeated, his tone firm.
“Oh! Right away!”
Without another word, Zhuang Yan turned and hurried back into the office to retrieve the requested document.
The political instructor watched this exchange with genuine curiosity.
“Captain Miao,” he asked, “how did you manage to tame this kid?”
“Zhuang Yan is notorious for being a troublemaker. Every other unit refused to take him in.”
“But here? He’s completely obedient under your command.”
Miao chuckled.
“There’s no such thing as an ‘untrainable’ soldier,” he replied confidently.
“As long as he chooses to wear this uniform, I can shape him into a real soldier.”
Miao then looked out at the field, where Zhuang Yan had once fought Zheng Sanpao—the most experienced reconnaissance veteran.
“This kid’s got guts,” he continued.
“He dared to go up against our toughest sergeant, which means he’s got the fire in him.”
“And he’s got heart too. You saw him cry over his comrades, didn’t you?”
“Any soldier who values brotherhood is worth training.”
“In time, he will become an outstanding reconnaissance soldier.”
The political instructor nodded but still had his doubts.
“He’s only eighteen,” he said.
“Still just a kid. He hasn’t even grown into his full potential yet.”
Miao smirked.
“I know,” he said.
“That’s why I treat him like a son. I praise him when he does well and tear him down when he screws up. That’s the only way to train him properly.”
Inside the office, Zhuang Yan overheard every word. A lump formed in his throat, and he fought back tears of mixed emotions. Clenching his fists, he took a deep breath and quickened his steps toward the company office.
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As they continued watching the training, the political instructor shifted the topic.
“I heard Lin Yi organized an exam recently,” he remarked.
“The results were impressive. Most of Squad One passed, except for a few struggling with certain subjects.”
“If this keeps up, many of our veteran soldiers will earn high school diplomas soon.”
Miao nodded.
“I already submitted an application to the regiment headquarters.”
“If they pass their exams, they’ll qualify for entry into the NCO Academy.”
For years, the army’s backbone had been its non-commissioned officers (NCOs). But rising through the ranks wasn’t just about skill—it required academic qualifications. To be promoted beyond sergeant first class, one had to attend the NCO Academy, which was equivalent to a college diploma.
However, the entrance exam was based on high school-level knowledge, making it extremely difficult for older soldiers who had only completed middle school. For many of the elite reconnaissance soldiers, this was a huge barrier. But thanks to Lin Yi, at least nine soldiers would now have a real shot at passing the exam and securing a future in the military. Their return from the NCO Academy would make the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company even stronger.
“This kid is a real treasure,” the political instructor said with admiration.
Miao, however, shook his head.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” he warned.
“Lin Yi won’t be staying here for long.”
The political instructor’s expression darkened.
“You’re not thinking of sending him to Wolf Fang, are you?”
He knew that Miao had a history with the Wolf Fang Special Forces Unit.
For years, Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company had been a talent pipeline for Wolf Fang, providing them with some of the best soldiers.
Miao even had the authority to recommend soldiers for direct trials, bypassing the normal selection process.
However, he simply smirked at the suggestion.
“You really think Lin Yi would take a shortcut?” he asked.
“Don’t underestimate him.”
“He’s as proud as Zhuang Yan, but with even more self-confidence.”
“If he wants to get into Wolf Fang, he’ll do it the hard way—by passing the trials like everyone else.”
Miao then gave the political instructor a meaningful look.
“Just wait,” he said.
“You’ll see for yourself.”
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“Where the hell is my folder?!”
Miao’s voice snapped Zhuang Yan back to reality.
He rushed out of the office, holding the document folder tightly.
The political instructor smirked as he spotted the tears in Zhuang Yan’s eyes.
“Oh? What’s this? The tough guy is crying?” he teased.
Zhuang Yan wiped his face and scowled.
“I’m not crying,” he muttered.
Miao snatched the folder from his hands.
“Get out of my sight,” he barked.
“You’re embarrassing me.”
Zhuang Yan bit his lip and turned away, heading toward a quiet corner of the base.
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Sitting on the edge of a military truck, Zhuang Yan stared at the ground, deep in thought.
He didn’t notice First Platoon Leader Chen Guotao approaching.
“What’s wrong, kid?” Chen asked.
“You look like a mother hen brooding over her eggs.”
Zhuang Yan looked up.
“Chen Platoon Leader,” he greeted.
Chen studied his face.
“Did Captain Miao yell at you again?”
Zhuang Yan shook his head.
“Then what’s got you so down?”
Zhuang Yan hesitated before clenching his fists.
“Do you think I have what it takes to become the best reconnaissance soldier?” he asked.
Chen’s expression turned serious.
“You might,” he said.
“It all depends on how hard you’re willing to work.”
Zhuang Yan’s eyes burned with determination.
“I want to be the best,” he declared.
“But not just for myself.”
“I want to prove Captain Miao right.”
Chen chuckled.
“If you really become the best, it won’t just be for Miao.”
“You’ll be making our entire regiment, division, and army proud.”
He patted Zhuang Yan’s shoulder.
“Now get out there and prove yourself.”
As Chen walked away, Zhuang Yan sat there for a moment, his mind finally at peace. For the first time, he felt a real sense of belonging. And for the first time, he understood what it truly meant to be a soldier.