US Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, left his serious demeanor from his closed-door meetings with top Chinese officials, and put on his humor cap at a hearty, happy lunch he had with soldiers of China's top military school in Beijing on Wednesday.

Acting like an "elder" humorously sharing his experiences and advice to the young soldiers, Hagel brightened up the lunch with his light mood while talking to the student beside him and enjoying his favorite Chinese menu of kung pao, dumplings and broccoli with garlic using chopsticks.

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Hagel didn't display his usual toughness as a military man, but acted more like a father showing concern to his wards.

At one point, he asked People's Liberation Army soldier, Xing Daichun, who was beside him, if he was going to eat his sausage. He casually told him that he should eat more because he was still young.

"It is natural for young people to eat wholeheartedly, especially sausages. You are still growing. I'm not" he said in jest.

Hagel, himself a decorated officer, sent the whole room of students laughing over his remarks. The laughter provided a happy backdrop to an otherwise serious and stoic lunch.

Hagel asked more questions about the school training, like how many hours of training do they get, and how long usually was their lunch time. Chen Pengxing, 24, who sat nearby, said they only have 20 minutes for lunchtime.

Hagel was at ease with his fellow soldiers in the canteen and showed camaraderie among them in the dining hall.

Hagel fired off more questions and Zou Peng, President of the Academy, gladly answered him.

After lunch, Hagel expressed appreciation to his hosts and talked about his days as a soldier.

He injected his own sense of humor again in his short talk. "Many, many years ago when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I was a sergeant in the Army..." he said, sending the soldiers laughing.

On a serious note, Hagel gave an inspirational message to the soldiers saying that they will lead the next generation, and that China is very proud of them. Chen Pengzing handed Hagel a metal insignia of the school with the date of the foundation of the PLA inscribed.