After a round of intense special training, the day of the test arrived. Before the test began, the trainees gathered at the training ground, each honing their martial skills in areas they lacked.
While Yeonwoo was doing basic exercises, Daebok, sitting next to her, struck up a conversation.
“Ay, you’re really diligent. I’ve noticed you training relentlessly, even during dawn and night. Is there a particular reason you’re practicing so desperately?”
“At first, I started training out of fear because I heard that if I failed the test, Lord Kwon Ki Joo would punish me.”
Just the thought of what punishment Kwon Ki Joo might administer was daunting to Yeonwoo.
“But you know how it is with human nature, gradually becoming greedier. Remember when I first joined, and I got in through pull-ups?”
“I do remember. You looked as pitiful as a rain-soaked puppy.”
“That’s harsh! Calling me a puppy! Do you know how nervous I was then?”
Initially, Yeonwoo had joined the Gwangho Army to escape a marriage arrangement with Elder Bae.
Her only combat skill was hunting with a bow. Surviving among the men was challenging, but as she trained, her archery and physical strength improved, bringing small feelings of achievement.
Training in the Gwangho Army was the time when she could focus entirely on herself, and her mind felt clearer.
As she adapted to training, it seemed like army life suited her more than expected, kindling a desire to excel.
“Anyway, I was last when I joined, but this time I aim to be first.”
Yeonwoo had recently experienced several unpleasant incidents. She had been fortunate to receive help each time, but she knew she couldn’t always rely on others.
To protect herself, Yeonwoo had been training fervently whenever she had the chance.
Daebok, with his arms crossed, nodded and added, “Right, a man should have such ambition. But hey, do you know this?”
“What is it?”
Daebok leaned in as if sharing top-secret information, then looked around cautiously before whispering just loud enough for Yeonwoo to hear.
“There’s a reward for trainees who score high in this test.”
“A reward? What is it?”
“Well, it’s…”
Daebok approached Yeonwoo with a grave expression. His lips neared her ear, making Yeonwoo involuntarily swallow.
What could he possibly say that required such secrecy?
Suddenly, Daebok blew air into Yeonwoo’s ear.
Startled, Yeonwoo stumbled backward.
“Ha, have you lost your mind?! What are you doing between men?!”
Annoyed by Daebok’s teasing, Yeonwoo swung her fist at him, but he dodged effortlessly, escaping like an eel.
“Ha! Yeonwoo, you’re so gullible. How will you survive in this world?”
“Stop right there!”
It was typical of Daebok to pull such fruitless pranks, yet Yeonwoo always fell for them.
As they continued their playful chase, the sound of a horn signaled the start of the test.
The trainees lined up for the exam, which was evaluated by a supervisor, much like the assessment during their initial enlistment in the Gwangho Army.
It was time for the special training taught by Biyeong to shine.
“The test will now begin. The categories are wall climbing, target hitting, and apple slicing,” announced the supervisor to the trainees.
“This test is to boost the morale of the trainees, and Lord Kwon Ki Joo and Instructor Biyeong will be personally attending.”
From a distance, under a separate shade, both Biyeong and Kwon Ki Joo, who came to observe the test, were visible.
Oddly, Kwon Ki Joo found himself increasingly concerned about the trainee Hong Yeonwoo. He wouldn’t usually bother about other trainees, but he was curious to see if Yeonwoo’s skills had improved.
“I hope everyone achieves good results,” the supervisor concluded.
As the explanation ended, Yeonwoo and Biyeong’s gazes met from afar. Biyeong mouthed a word to her.
―Stay strong.
Yeonwoo smiled brightly in response, a smile that wasn’t just noticed by Biyeong.
The fresh, spring-like smile of Yeonwoo stirred something in Kwon Ki Joo, confusing him.
‘Why is she smiling like that?’
How could the smile of a man, not a woman, make him feel this good? It was incomprehensible.
But the realization that the smile wasn’t meant for him twisted something inside Kwon Ki Joo.
Yeonwoo’s smile was directed at Biyeong, who was not far from Kwon Ki Joo. Seeing this, an unpleasant feeling arose in him.
“Let’s start the test!” announced the supervisor, regardless of Kwon Ki Joo’s internal turmoil.
The swift and decisive test was nearing its end when the horn signaling its completion sounded.
The sweat-drenched trainees stood in the training field as Biyeong stepped forward to announce the results.
“Everyone worked hard. I’m pleased to announce that there are no failures in this test.”
The trainees erupted in cheers, proud that their hard work had paid off, with no one falling behind.
“Despite recent unfortunate events, I’m proud of how well you’ve all followed along,” Biyeong continued.
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
When he heard this, he sarcastically mocked her for being so delusional, completely unaware that, the person in front of him was the reincarnation of Wen Ru, the famous prime minister of Yuan Shun whom he most admired…
The female CEO who doesn’t want to get married with a divorce agreement in hand × The male archaeological researcher who will only get married if he’s sure he can get divorced