The young team member reported the scores for targets No.6 and No.5 again, with Hugo Edwards, the elder brother, achieving the best among the boysâthree nines and an astonishing ten.
Lieutenant Johnson, having reviewed Hugo Edwardsâ information, wasnât too surprised since, after all, he was an actor who had served on the guard team during university.
Alexander SkyShawâs score was only slightly better than Charlie Petersonâs, at 57 points.
And that was really just slightly.
"Report the girlsâ scores," Lieutenant Johnson ordered.
"No.4 target, third ring, second ring, fourth ring, fifth ring, seventh ring, fourth ring, sixth ring, first ring, first ring, third ring, second ring..."
"Stop!" Upon hearing the subsequent scores, Lieutenant Johnsonâs eyebrows furrowed, "There are only ten bullets in total; where did these extra points come from?"
"Report to the commander! I havenât finished reporting yet!" The young team member holding the telescope tried hard to suppress a laugh as he glanced at someone at position No.3 with hands in pockets, looking up at the sky.
"How many more?" Lieutenant Johnson now understood that someoneâs shots had strayed into anotherâs territory.
"Two more!" answered the team member, "One seven and one three."
"Three off-target out of ten; letâs see who it is later!" Lieutenant Johnson said. "No.4 got lucky, 13 shots, 43 points. Continue with No.3."
Having said that, Lieutenant Johnson stood there waiting for his subordinate behind him to report the scores. But after a while, seeing that the young team member hadnât spoken and was struggling to contain his laughter, he shouted, "Report No.3!"
"Report to the commander! I canât report!" said the young team member, his voice trembling.
"Why canât you report! One point at a time, just like before," Lieutenant Johnson barked.
The team member glanced at position No.3, where the girl was still looking up at the sky, only now giving him the back of her head, thinking for a moment before handing the telescope to Lieutenant Johnson.
Lieutenant Johnson looked at the person across who seemed indifferent, as if No.3 had nothing to do with her, then he took the telescope. At one glance, he nearly threw the telescope away in shock.
"No.3! Zero points!" Lieutenant Johnson felt a sense of frustration as if he were dealing with intractable steel.
"Whatâs wrong with you? Werenât you taking the lesson seriously just now? Wasnât your posture correct? How did all your bullets end up visiting someone elseâs home!" Lieutenant Johnson couldnât hold back his temper and yelled, "Ten bullets, and you canât hit one?"
"Commander, commander, calm down," the young team member hurriedly stepped forward to soothe the irritated Lieutenant Johnson, "Missing with all ten bullets is also quite impressive, isnât it? In a way, itâs a record."
The team memberâs attempt at consolation just made Lieutenant Johnsonâs face even darker!
"No.3, Jane Sampson, step forward!" On the verge of rage, Lieutenant Johnson had already forgotten that this girl who embarrassed him was the chiefâs wife, "Speak, what happened!"
"Report! I donât know," Jane Sampson replied, taking her hands out of her pockets after keeping them there for quite some time, standing up exceptionally straight, "Sorry for disappointing the instructor!"
See, isnât it clear that there are some things she just shouldnât be misunderstood about, and some expectations she just shouldnât be given?
She couldnât care less about shooting practice!
She would never be interested in it in her lifetime!
She would rather die than be interested!
Even Old Master Black and Grandpa Sampton said she was hopeless to culture, so why did Lieutenant Johnson harbor the mistaken belief that if she listened attentively, she would excel?
"After we conclude, you will stay behind for extra training until you score sixty," Lieutenant Johnson shouted angrily.
"Yes, Sir!" Jane Sampson wanted to negotiate a different punishment with Lieutenant Johnson, but seeing him furious and looking at her with such disappointment, she swallowed the words she had at the tip of her tongue.