The motorcade made it smoothly through the gates, and the director got out first with the crew, looking at Renee Morgan with an especially amiable expression.
Renee Morgan: ???
No need to grab their luggage yet; they had to go meet their new instructors first.
Renee Morgan and the other team members followed a soldier, who led the crew to meet their new instructor.
It was said their new instructor was quite the hotshot—had won impressive awards in international training competitions, a true elite special forces soldier.
The summer sun was intense, and by the time they walked to their destination, everyone was dripping with sweat.
The PD bro seemed to have a hidden talent; soon, only the seven group members were left standing in the open area.
Soon a formation arrived, organized and disciplined, commanding respect.
First squad, second squad, third squad…
The seven members in the center, staring at the perfectly aligned troops around them, looked a bit dumbfounded.
Before they could even voice their confusion, whistles started blaring, swirling sounds filled the air, and fierce winds slammed into them; next to Renee, Lynn Miller cried out in surprise—several helicopters were circling overhead, apparently preparing to land.
Renee Morgan's high ponytail stuck to her scalp; besides testing hair volume, that style really tests looks—and she was excelling at both. Standing under the helicopters, she looked even more stunning than some K-drama lead actress.
The million viewers in the live stream finally got a clear look at Morgan's true face. Instantly, there was a flood of amazement, praise, and skeptical commentary.
Some people doubted Renee Morgan's rapid overnight popularity, suspecting it was all behind-the-scenes capital manipulation. Otherwise, how could a newcomer with zero background blow up on an unpromoted reality show in less than half a day?
[She's pretty, sure, but girls like her are all over the internet. Nothing special. I really don't get why she's so famous.]
[Did anyone notice that there are six small windows and one big one in the stream? To be fair, the main cam should rotate among the seven contestants. Based on seniority, Zara Chapman and Miles Yates deserve the spotlight. But now, the main cam is always focused on Renee Morgan—even the top actor and actress are just supporting her. The show's obvious favoritism is wild.]
[Yeah, isn't she supposed to be a rookie? For her to get this setup—even international stars would have to move aside.]
[Renee Morgan is the viral moment—who else should the main cam be on? The producers aren't idiots.]
[...]
The online debate was fierce, but as soon as the crew posted this batch of promo pics, countless viewers rushed to save them anyway.
Facing the raging wind, Renee Morgan reached out to shield her eyes from the blinding sunlight and finally saw the helicopters drawing closer.
A bold team member shouted, "So cool, so cool—look at his sunglasses. He's hotter than any celebrity!"
Renee Morgan agreed—military charisma is something stars can never fake; you only feel it in person.
Lynn Miller chimed in, "He's gorgeous—ah... Morgan, Morgan, he's looking at me. He's coming toward me. Oh my god, am I dreaming…"
Renee Morgan: "..." You can scream if you want, but why are you screaming my name?
Surrounded by watching eyes, Renee Morgan took a deep breath, quietly pinched Lynn, and whispered, "Ms. Miller, he's not yours!"
Lynn let out a sigh, regretful: "Of course, all the hot guys are handed over to the country."
Renee Morgan smiled, looking up at the man standing before them. He took off his sunglasses; his slim, tall figure looked even longer in army green, radiating strength and such a powerful aura no one dared meet his eyes.
Renee Morgan didn't really see his face clearly. She vaguely remembered his star-like eyes—calm, strong, and reassuring when he looked at her, with a kind of powerful acceptance.
The group paused in front of them for just a few seconds, then left.
The formations all dispersed as well—they had only come to welcome those guests.
"Morgan, Morgan… what are you thinking? Wasn't that officer super handsome?" Lynn Miller recalled the shoulder epaulets and switched terms.
Handsome?
Renee Morgan hadn't gotten a good look and shook her head.
"Your standards are way too high! This guy is even hotter than Miles Yates…" Lynn gasped, tugged Renee's arm, and pointed at Miles, meaning: "Then what does it take for you to think someone's handsome?"
Renee Morgan watched the people approaching, guessing they must be their instructor and squad leader, and quickly said, "Quit messing around."
Three people approached, all in army green, looking very serious.
The one in the middle was the instructor; on either side were squad leaders, one for the girls, one for the guys. Squad leaders were also contestants; if their team screwed up, they'd be responsible.
Renee Morgan quietly sized up the three soldiers. Hearing their names felt like a dream; she let out a silent breath of relief.
Looks like the track's still the same—every arrival and departure stays, only the passengers change; some get off early, some get on halfway, but everyone's destination is their own choice.
Maybe the instructor's gaze was too sharp; Lynn Miller was already afraid to act up.
The instructor swept his gaze over them and finally fixed on Zara Chapman, speaking coldly: "Take off your hat."
Zara Chapman was stunned, looking awkward: "Sir, the sun's really strong. Can I take it off later?"
The instructor stood stiffly, eyes icy as he stared at her: "Here, orders are absolute. Take off your hat."
Everyone's attention was locked on her. Zara Chapman looked embarrassed: "I… I can't. I'll get heatstroke."
The instructor stayed quiet, face dark and oppressive; even the fans watching through the lens felt it.
In the end, Zara Chapman's eyes went red, but she still took off her hat.
The instructor's cold stare returned: "Can you run in that outfit?"
Zara Chapman looked at him in shock: "We just got here—really, we have to run right now?"
"Did you not know where you were coming, or what you were here to do?" The instructor's voice was icy.
"Then can I go back and change?" Zara was desperate not to embarrass herself any further.
"We're running to the dorms. Do you expect us all to wait while you stroll over?" The instructor's words were sharp as knives.
Zara Chapman actually started crying.
Renee Morgan could sense Lynn Miller beside her getting restless again. Think about it: she'd kindly warned Zara about her inappropriate outfit, but Zara hadn't listened. Now that she was embarrassed, not a soul would pity her.
After running back to the dorms, Lynn Miller sidled up: "Morgan, did you know this was coming? Is that why you reminded her about her shoelaces—just to keep her from clashing with Zara?"