Chapitre 8: Trial Case

Two years had passed since the court's verdict, and in those two years, Rong Xinghe had grown in ways not many could have anticipated. At just the age of 17, she was already something of a legend, not because of her fortune or her family's name, but because of the battles she had faced and conquered.

Yet, no one had the slightest inkling that she was destined for a greater trial ahead, one that would redefine her identity, elevating her from the 'little sister' of six powerful men to a role of immense responsibility and national significance. She was about to make a decision that would change the course of Xanvoria's history forever.

As much as the Six Tigers wished to shield her from every cruelty of the world—the very shadow of the Rong family, even the air that brushed against her the wrong way—they knew they couldn't protect her from everything. Her brilliance was like that of the Sun, impossible to contain or dim, not that they'd ever want to do that. They had witnessed her potential, her resilience, and above all, her unshakable determination to carve out her own destiny.

While the Superfamily focused on advancing their careers, an unforeseen twist emerged in their life. As Xanvoria became engulfed in a heated national debate, little did anyone know that Rong Xinghe would soon find herself at the heart of it, shaping her destiny in a way the Six men could've never imagined.

Xanvoria had long been known for its history, culture, and military prowess. Its armed forces were lauded worldwide, known for their advanced technology and highly trained soldiers. But there was one glaring flaw the nation had chosen to disregard for years now—women were not allowed to serve in the military. For ages, the military had been an exclusively male-dominated profession, and the sheer idea of women clothing themselves in the uniform had been dismissed outright by military officials.

However, the tides were changing now. Across the globe, women's empowerment movements were gaining momentum, and Xanvoria was no exception. As discussions about women's rights streamed in the political sphere, it became inevitable that the question of women in the military would arise. Feminist groups, backed by several political parties, demanded that women be given the right to fight for their country as well. They argued that women were just as capable of defending the nation as men, pointing to examples from other countries that had integrated female soldiers into their military forces.

The politicians, eager to gain public acceptance, voiced their support for the cause. The nation watched as the debate intensified. Protests erupted across the country, with women marching in the streets, demanding equal opportunities to serve their land.

But the Military remained unwavering. They believed the issue of women's involvement in the armed forces was a political topic that had no business in military discussions. The army higher-ups, retired generals, and even the Military Chief himself scoffed at the notion, certain that women could never withstand the physical and psychological severities of the Xanvorian military training. According to them, opening the military's doors to women would undermine the institution's strength and discipline.

For weeks, the country was caught in a stalemate. The media greedily fanned the flames, turning the debate into a national spectacle. Talk shows featured heated arguments between feminist activists and military officials, each side rooted in their position. The central government, too, was divided, with some members supporting the reform and others siding with the military.

Then came the announcement that shocked the nation. The Military Chief, Zhao Jin, issued a challenge that left the country reeling.

"If any woman can complete the five-year training program for the position of the nation's Military Chief, I will resign and hand over my position to her. If she succeeds, the military will open its doors to both men and women, in any and all combat roles. But if she fails, the debate is over, and the military will remain as it is."

It was a bold, calculated move. The training to become Xanvorian Military Chief was known as the most brutal, rugged, and demanding program in the world. The candidate would be trained across all military branches—Air Force, Navy, Ground Combat, and Intelligence. It wasn't just difficult; it was life-threatening. The military was confident no woman could complete it.

Consequently, no woman stepped forward.

The nation observed, waiting for someone—anyone—to accept the challenge. But the stakes were too high. If a woman failed, it would set back the movement for women's rights in the military and combat by decades. And given the risks involved in this training, few believed anyone would succeed.

Then, three days after the Military Chief's announcement, another statement shook the nation. Rong Xinghe, the seventeen-year-old heiress to the Rong Business Empire, announced that she would take on the challenge.

"I will be the trial case.", she said in a press conference, her voice composed and clear, her eyes filled with cold resolution.

The news spread like wildfire. Headlines spread throughout the country:

"BREAKING NEWS: Rong Xinghe Accepts Military Chief's Challenge!"

"17-Year-Old Heiress Takes On Xanvoria's Toughest Military Training Program."

"Rong Xinghe: The Young Woman Who Dares to Defy Tradition."

The announcement staggered the country. People couldn't believe that someone so young, someone with a background in business, diplomacy, and the arts, would dare to accept such an impossibly inhumane challenge. The military was doubtful, and the public was divided. Some saw her as a symbol of hope, while others saw her as foolish. Just what was she thinking?

But Rong Xinghe's brothers knew better. They had watched her grow, witnessed the fire in her eyes that had never dimmed despite everything she had been through. They knew she wasn't doing this for fame or attention. She was doing it because she believed in the principle of it. Having grown up in a family that consistently undermined and belittled women, her determination to challenge these perceptions was unparalleled. By succeeding in this training, she wouldn't just be proving the Rong family wrong; she would be proving an entire nation's outdated beliefs false.

Even so, it was a difficult decision for the family. Ascending to the position of Military Chief of Xanvoria would inevitably place a target on her back, a risk that would persist until her resignation. Given her tenacity and morals, it was likely she would find herself entangled with incredibly powerful figures, further endangering her safety. Moreover, the grueling five-year training program itself was a fierce battle for survival, filled with life-threatening challenges.

Yet, denying her would inflict just as much pain. They were the ones who had instilled in her the quality of dreaming big. For Rong Xinghe, her independence was not just a desire; it was a core aspect of who she was. Taking that away from her, making her feel as if her Six Tigers lacked faith in her abilities, would only shatter her spirit. They would rather die than be the cause of a single tear sliding down her cheek.

"Are you oka about this?", the girl had wrapped her arms around her Bro Lu, her voice soft and uncertain.

The man parted from the girl, planting a protective kiss against her forehead, a tender smile across his mouth, "We will always be oka with your dreams, Kiddo.", he chuckled, repeating her childish word.

The five brothers observed the interaction with soft smiles, their hearts a mix of pride and concern. They knew the risks that came with her stepping out from their protective bubble and facing the worst of the world alone. Yet, if this was what their precious angel needed to feel a little better and breathe more freely, they were willing to swallow that poisonous bitter pill without hesitation.