Chapter 56: Opportunity

Ou Cheng’s face was solemn, giving Zhou Kang no chance to speak. His gaze was sharp as he looked directly at Leng Mohan, saying righteously, “What’s wrong with you? In my opinion, your only mistake is that the punishment for Zhou Lin was too light! In such a sacred place as the army, he dared to harass women. It’s conceivable that he must have done plenty of such dirty deeds outside!”

“You hit him today purely to protect your wife; it was a just act! If you had swallowed your anger and dared not deal with him, you wouldn’t be worthy of being someone I trained! Someone who can’t even protect his own wife, what kind of soldier is he? Someone who can’t even protect his own family, how can you expect him to defend the country!”

How could Zhou Kang not hear the threat in Leng Mohan’s words? He knew very well that if he didn’t severely punish Zhou Lin to Leng Mohan’s satisfaction, Leng Mohan might really give up the competition.

Moreover, this competition was no small matter. There were more opponents than ever before, and they were all the elite of the elite. If Leng Mohan lost, he would have an excuse, saying that Zhou Kang’s protection of his nephew affected his performance.

Zhou Lin deserved the beating, but Zhou Kang could only swallow his anger. Not only did he have to punish Zhou Lin, but he also had to satisfy Leng Mohan.

Otherwise, if Leng Mohan performed poorly in the competition, the first person to be blamed would definitely be Zhou Kang!

Zhou Kang looked at him with a gloomy face, his eyes cold, suppressing his inner anger, and asked stiffly, “How should I punish Zhou Lin to satisfy you?”

Hearing this, Leng Mohan let out a sneer. His gaze, like a blade, fell on Zhou Kang, filled with disdain and mockery. “Second Battalion Commander, what does that mean? What do you mean, ‘satisfy me’? Do you think Zhou Lin’s actions were correct?” His voice carried a hint of anger.

“Should I go and tell everyone to watch their wives carefully, otherwise, if your nephew takes a liking to them, they might be snatched away? After all, you, the battalion commander, are protecting him.”

Leng Mohan’s tone was firm, without the slightest concession. He clenched his fists tightly, as if expressing his dissatisfaction and anger.

Zhou Kang’s face became even more unsightly, his lips trembling slightly, wanting to say something but not knowing how to open his mouth.

His heart was filled with conflict and helplessness. On the one hand, he was angry at Zhou Lin’s behavior; on the other hand, he didn’t want to lose the dignity of the battalion commander in front of everyone.

Leng Mohan watched Zhou Kang’s reaction, his anger not subsiding.

Zhou Lin was not a good person to begin with. He was from the Second Battalion, and usually, relying on his uncle being the battalion commander, he acted arrogantly, not even putting the Second Battalion’s company commander in his eyes.

Their team members had suffered a lot of humiliation from him, and some soldiers from other teams could only swallow their anger in the face of Zhou Lin’s humiliation.

“Zhou Lin’s actions in the army, do you really not know about them, or are you intentionally condoning them? You know it yourself. I won’t let this go so easily. He’s from your team; how to punish him is your business, but I also have my own principles.”

Leng Mohan pulled Jiaojiao behind him, his eyes fixed on Zhou Kang, his tone filled with anger and resentment.

“Don’t forget, I was raised by wolves. Wolves pursue their targets relentlessly. Wanting me to let him off easily is absolutely impossible!” Leng Mohan’s voice was cold and resolute.

He clenched his fists tightly, as if showing Zhou Kang his determination and strength.

“Serves him right! Zhou Lin, that guy, usually bullies people because he’s the battalion commander’s nephew. This time, he’s hit a snag, provoking Company Commander Leng! And this month’s competition, I heard the superior is paying close attention. If Company Commander Leng performs poorly, the Second Battalion Commander won’t escape responsibility either.”

Discussions arose among the crowd, and Zhou Kang naturally heard them.

Zhou Kang knew very well that if he didn’t make a statement, his good reputation would be ruined by Zhou Lin.

His face was filled with anger and helplessness, his heart full of resentment towards Zhou Lin. He knew that Zhou Lin’s actions had aroused public outrage, and if he, as his elder, didn’t take action, it would make people think he condoned such behavior.

Zhou Kang secretly made up his mind to discipline Zhou Lin properly and not let it go. After all, the superior was already somewhat dissatisfied with him, and if he didn’t handle today’s matter well, he didn’t know what Leng Mohan would do to him.

Zhou Kang took a deep breath and walked towards Zhou Lin. His steps were firm and powerful, as if showing everyone his attitude. Seeing Zhou Kang’s actions, the discussions gradually quieted down. Everyone curiously watched him, wanting to see how he would punish Zhou Lin.

Zhou Kang was furious. His eyes were filled with disappointment and anger. He raised his hand and slapped Zhou Lin hard across the face.

Zhou Lin, who had already been dazed by Leng Mohan’s beating, was even more astonished. He widened his eyes, his face filled with disbelief.

“Uncle, you actually hit me?” Zhou Lin couldn’t believe it. This uncle, who had always doted on him, would actually treat him like this in front of everyone.

Looking at this useless nephew, Zhou Kang’s anger erupted like a volcano. He pointed at Zhou Lin’s nose and roared, “Shut your mouth! Look what you’ve done! Now, get out of here immediately! You’re under confinement for this month!”

Zhou Kang turned to face everyone, his face serious. He said solemnly, “On behalf of Zhou Lin, I apologize to everyone. His actions were indeed inappropriate. I will discipline him properly and make sure he gives everyone a satisfactory explanation.”

His voice was not loud, and there wasn’t much sincerity; it was more of unwillingness.

After hearing this, Leng Mohan’s lips curled into a slight smile, revealing a sneer. Zhou Kang naturally understood Leng Mohan’s contempt, but he could only silently endure it.

At this moment, Wang Li stepped forward, his gaze directly on Zhou Kang. He said, “Second Battalion Commander, if you want to protect your nephew, just say so. Putting him under confinement, what’s that? In there, he’ll have food and drink, and you’ll even give him special meals, right?”

Wang Li’s words carried a hint of mockery and dissatisfaction.

Then, he continued without hesitation, “Such a painless punishment, it really lets us see your ‘kindness’! Second Battalion Commander, you should tell your daughter and wife to be careful when they go out, after all, harassment only results in confinement.”

At this time, Liang Xin also chimed in, casually saying, “Wang Li, they may not be human, but don’t learn everything.”

Liang Xin’s tone revealed his disapproval of Zhou Kang, and he was clearly also dissatisfied with the light punishment for Zhou Lin.