Chapter 431: Upright and Genuine
At that moment, Lu Jianguo was somewhat distracted; his thoughts were on Lu Ruisheng. When Tang Ming called out to him, he snapped back to reality, "I'll also follow along this time."
This statement was met with opposition from both Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng, "No." Because Lu Jianguo had a heart condition and hadn't been in the military camp for many years, it was too dangerous for him to follow them.
Tang Ming said, "Let Jianshe follow them instead."
Lu Jianguo took a deep breath, "That's fine."
Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng wanted to object again, but they thought if they objected further, Lu Jianguo might regret it later. Since they themselves wouldn't be in danger, and neither would anyone else, they decided to let them follow. This war might even bring more honor to Second Uncle.
Afterward, they looked at the strategic maps of the mountains and seas and discussed many plans. Although Gu Pan's plan was to leverage "Space," that couldn't be disclosed.
Of course, they also had to hear Tang Ming talk about cooperation with the troops.
After nearly finalizing the discussions, Gu Pan and the others got to know their mission and went back to prepare. They were to set out at midnight tomorrow, so they still had a day to prepare.
Meanwhile, Tang Ming and Lu Jianguo also sought out Lu Jianshe to discuss the matter with the higher-ups.
Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng returned to their team and briefed everyone on the general plan. They would be the first to land on the island, so Guo Gang would temporarily replace them as the team leader, and everyone would follow Guo Gang's commands.
The next morning, Zheng Zhan received the detailed operational plan and began assigning tasks.
They would set out at two in the morning and, if Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng could retrieve information from the mountain before dawn, they would use an electronic boat to send it out. Then, they would launch a pincer attack to annihilate the enemy. If Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng failed, they would retreat before daylight.
There were no tasks during the day; they had time to rest well and ask Zheng Zhan if they had any questions.
Today, Gu Pan and their team humbly sought advice from others in the troop, as the more thoroughly they prepared, the safer they would be.
However, in the afternoon, Yu Shengyao came again. He sought out Zheng Zhan, requesting Yu Tianfeng's participation in the operation.
He knew the war could bring great benefits to those who fought. His nephew was currently just a squad leader of a special forces team, which might be fine for ordinary people, but for Yu Shengyao, it wasn't enough. He needed to push his only descendant up the ranks, and this battle was the best opportunity for achievement—earning it through combat.
So, he came for Yu Tianfeng, understanding that in the apocalypse, no one could guarantee eternal protection for anyone. The only way to protect oneself was through status; the higher one's status, the safer one was at the base. Should another danger arise, requiring travel to another planet, only a few hundred could go. Yu Tianfeng currently wasn't qualified, so Yu Shengyao was determined to seize every possible opportunity for his promotion.
Zheng Zhan knew his purpose: "Secretary Yu, this mission originally didn't include his squad. Plus, he just got out of solitary confinement and is unfamiliar with this task, so he can't participate."
He spoke definitively. He was a principled man who could turn a blind eye to minor issues, but never on major ones.
Yu Shengyao understood Zheng Zhan's resolve, so he didn't resort to lengthy persuasions but offered a direct proposition, "Your position could also be adjusted upward."
The meaning behind his words was clear enough without being explicitly stated.
Zheng Zhan looked at Yu Shengyao, "Are you trying to bribe me?" As he said this, he turned on a recorder, "I never engage in such practices. Please show some respect."
"It's not what you think. I just thought, wouldn't it be nice to help each other out?" asked Yu Shengyao.
Zheng Zhan shook his head, "I don't need it. I have dedicated my life to serving Huaxia truthfully. I don't need these things."
Yu Shengyao knew he couldn't sway Zheng Zhan and sighed deeply, "Your stubbornness might not benefit you."
Zheng Zhan replied, "I don't want benefits. As long as humanity continues, as long as Mount Everest Base is secure, how can personal matters compare to the greater good of our people? Secretary Yu, I used to respect you. You also come from a military background. I think you should really think about it."
His words indeed touched Yu Shengyao's heart. Yu Shengyao wasn't ignorant; although he liked to use some schemes, they were legal. He too had a patriotic heart, but when it came to his nephew, he felt quite helpless.
He sighed again, "If only he could be more like you."
Zheng Zhan also sighed, "If you truly wanted what's best for Yu Tianfeng, you wouldn't coddle him but let him grow on his own."
Yu Shengyao remained silent for a moment, "Maybe my thoughts are too extreme." After saying this, he looked at Zheng Zhan again, "I was wrong today. Please forgive me."
Right then, Zheng Zhan cleared the content of the recorder, "Let's pretend we never met today."
Yu Shengyao wanted to say more, but ultimately left without another word.
When Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng came to inquire about some operational matters with Zheng Zhan, they ran into Yu Shengyao as he was leaving.
Without exchanging words, Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng entered the room.
Zheng Zhan waved them over, "Something on your mind? Sit and talk." After saying this, he added, "Secretary Yu has recognized his mistake, so let's pretend this incident didn't happen."
Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng exchanged glances and agreed, trusting Zheng Zhan's character.
They then asked Zheng Zhan some questions they didn't understand or were unsure about.
Zheng Zhan answered each one, especially explaining many applications of the electronic boat.
He also shared many of his combat experiences with them, having been a peacekeeper with plenty of practical advice to give. Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng took all of it to heart very humbly.
The day passed quickly. After nightfall, they went to sleep early to save up energy for their midnight operation.
Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng weren't worried, so they fell asleep quickly, but Lu Jianguo just couldn't sleep no matter what. He tossed and turned in bed without a hint of sleepiness; he simply got up, dressed, and started working, waiting for the pre-dawn departure.
At half past one in the morning, they all got up to arm themselves and reconfirm the plan. They set out on time at two.
The distance wasn't too far, and the boat was faster than a car, but Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng took a submarine. They stopped behind the closest mountain to Japan's temporary residence. The main force waited here for news from Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng. They continued in the submarine toward the mountain where Japan was temporarily residing.
The two quickly reached the base of the mountain, parked the submarine, changed into diving suits, went to a cliffside, climbed up, and changed into camouflage clothes. Then they followed the direction of the lights.
They hadn't walked far when Gu Pan suddenly felt empty space beneath her feet. She immediately pulled Lu Ruisheng with her into "Space."