Five stories, five photos, five soldiers, one company

Wang Tao's scar on his forehead [Photo by Lai Qiaoquan]

Wang Tao, private, first class. At the edge of his right brow there is a three-stitch wound he sustained during a race.

The company he was part of once held a 100-meter sprint test. Wu Tao imitated what the professional athletes usually do when crossing the finish line and leaned forward with all his strength. Unfortunately, as he was running too fast he was unable to stop in time and landed on the hard floor. A cobblestone tore through his forehead skin and blood began trickling from the corner of his right eye.

"Did you feel you were being silly for just one test?"

"I wanted to have a foothold in my company."

"What was the final result?"

"12.24 seconds."

"How was it? Did you win?"

"Yes, I won! I was the fastest among those enlisted in the same year with me."

"Did it hurt?"

"No," he said smiling.