My Dreamy Old Husband novel Chapter 109

Michael patted her waist and said sternly, “I have to rush back to the crew to shoot the night scene. There is not much time. Let me show you the tactics that you have learned today.” He then held onto Sophie and slowly demonstrated the techniques to her.

He gave a commentary on every action of his and said, “Stanley has a well known weakness—his lower hip is unstable. Aim there.” He pointed out every move to Sophia carefully, personally giving a run down on the techniques. Sophia watched him, equal parts attentive. She wrote everything down in a notebook, for fear of forgetting something.

Michael didn’t have much time, and he left after giving her some tips. Before leaving, he said to her, “It’s easier to get high scores in the Superb Company. When I was a drill instructor in Superb Company, the overall score was 90. You just have to train well.

I will send you some videos once I get back; you can have a look.” He also cheered her up by saying, “Those already in the Superb Company only joined earlier. In reality, they are not much better than you. I have faith in you; you can do it.”

Before Michael left, he took out a box of chocolates wrapped in silk flowers. Looking at the gift, Sophia was surprised, having no inkling as to why Michael would want to give her a gift.

She looked up at him, confusion written all over her face. Michael bent down to hug her, his breath hot over her cheeks. He whispered in her ears, “Happy birthday, chica.”

Birthday? Only then did she remember that it was her birthday. It had been ages since someone wished her happy birthday. If she remembered correctly, only her grandparents would wish her. She remembered her grandmother’s wrinkled face, her skin looking like an old tree trunk, as she showered much love on her.

Every year, her grandmother would boil two eggs on her birthday. As her uncle was not filial, her grandparents had hard lives, living on the eldery subsidies. A young Sophia greatly appreciated the two eggs as her birthday gift.

At that time, she was lucky that the school had provided free compulsory education and a lunch subsidy. Otherwise, she would not have been able to complete her studies. Her childhood dream was to study hard, get into Bayside University, and be filial to her grandparents.

Little did she know that things would take such a different turn. After her grandmother’s death, this was the first time she received a birthday gift. She felt a mixture of emotions, and her eyes welled up. She held the box of chocolates close, but didn’t know what to say.

Michael gently stroked her messy hair and said, “Alright, it’s late. Go back and have some rest. Tomorrow’s task will be rather difficult.” Sophia nodded and remained silent. She knew that if she spoke, she would choke up…

It was eight o’clock the next morning, and everyone gathered at the training field. A lieutenant carried a box of camouflage paint, then grabbed people at random before smearing it on their faces. Sophia’s uniform has also been upgraded to the combat uniform, and she was painted with camouflage.

The morning task was a cross-country run, whereas the afternoon task was firearms training, with tactical combat training and formation practice at night.

When Sophia listened to Joel’s announcement on the day’s training, she felt hopeless. Yet, there was a flame burning deep down. She was determined to complete all of this!

The Superb Company’s training was no joke. They were dropped off early in the morning, and were left at the foot of a hill. At Joel’s command, the company of 20 to 30 rushed into the hill, following the established route. Sophia also followed everyone and mimicked their actions. Although she brought up the rear again, she wasn’t left behind.

Stanley deliberately slowed down and kept pace with her as he teased her while running, “Oh, little one, if you can’t take it just go back!” Sophia was already panting hard, and she had no energy to reply. Gritting her teeth, she kept on track with the team. Seeing that he couldn’t get a reaction out of her, Stanley ran to the front.