Chapter 167 We Must Win This "Resource War"

After the harrowing surgery at the hospital, Gu Baobao was practically half-carried and stuffed into the car by Lu Zhanming.

On the way back to the hotel, she tilted her head and fell into a deep sleep, resting her head on his shoulder.

Even the bumpy car ride, the flashing neon lights outside the window, and the few reporters waiting outside the hotel couldn't wake her up.

Looking at the dark circles under her eyes and her still somewhat pale face, Lu Zhanming felt a pang of heartache and immediately picked her up in his arms.

Wrapped himself in his coat, he strode through the hotel lobby, ignoring the reporters with their bulky cameras and their curious stares.

"Commander Lu, Expert Gu, she..."

Sui Jianguo, who was waiting at the elevator entrance, came up to greet him and asked in a low voice.

"I'm exhausted, I've fallen asleep."

Lu Zhanming spoke succinctly, carrying the person straight into the elevator.

Sui Jianguo looked at the closed elevator doors, sighed, feeling both proud and worried.

This precious baby must be protected very well.

Room 1508.

Lu Zhanming carefully placed Gu Baobao on the bed, wanting her to sleep more comfortably, and reached out to unbutton her coat.

She had moved very gently, but as soon as her fingertips touched the first button, Gu Baobao's eyelashes trembled and she opened her eyes groggily.

The gaze focused on a magnified, angular, yet anxiously worried handsome face.

"Brother Zhanming?"

Her voice was soft and confused, like a kitten that had just woken up.

Lu Zhanming's heart skipped a beat, and he softened his voice:

"Baby, we're back at the hotel. Are you hungry? Should I have someone bring some food up?"

Gu Baobao's mind was still a little fuzzy. After a few seconds of processing, she slowly uttered an "Mmm" and struggled to sit up.

"I'll... wash up first."

"Okay, no rush."

Lu Zhanming helped her sit up, watched her slippers shuffle unsteadily into the bathroom, then quickly walked to the door, opened it a crack, and whispered a few instructions to the comrade on duty outside.

Security at Gu Baobao's place has now been upgraded to the highest level, and even food deliveries must undergo strict checks.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Gu Baobao splashed cold water on her face, which finally made her a little more awake.

Looking at herself in the mirror, her eyes tired yet clear, she took a deep breath.

The nearly 30,000 yuan from the Merit Mall was still flashing in her mind, but at this moment, she had no mind to look at it in detail.

It's only the second day of the exhibition; the real battle may not have even begun yet.

She needs to make good use of this short break and focus her energy on how to secure the greatest benefit for the country.

After changing into comfortable pajamas, Gu Baobao ate a few bites of the light food that Lu Zhanming had sent over, rinsed her mouth, and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Even the system was whispering to Defu in his mind.

[Host, a huge sum of money! The online store! New products!]

It didn't even allow her to hold on for a second longer.

Lu Zhanming sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her peaceful sleeping face. He gently tucked the blanket around her, his eyes so tender they could melt, before turning into sharp vigilance.

He got up and checked every corner of the room again. After confirming that it was safe, he lay down on another bed fully clothed, but his ears were always perked up, paying attention to even the slightest movement outside the door.

The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains.

Gu Baobao was naturally awakened by her biological clock.

After sleeping for nearly ten hours, thanks to the combined effects of the spiritual spring water and deep sleep, most of yesterday's fatigue has been swept away. Apart from a slight dullness in my mind due to overexertion, my body has basically recovered.

She sat up and found that Lu Zhanming had finished washing up and was standing by the window, cautiously observing the street below through the gap in the curtains.

Hearing the noise, he immediately turned around, his eyes filled with warmth:

"Awake? How are you feeling?"

"Much better."

Gu Baobao got out of bed and stretched her stiff shoulders.

"Those at the exhibition booth today probably won't have an easy time."

"Um."

Lu Zhanming walked over and handed her a neatly ironed black wool coat and a white shirt.

"Minister Sui had it delivered this morning, it's new. He said today... I expect quite a entourage, so dress smartly."

Gu Baobao took the clothes, understanding the situation.

With yesterday's newspaper report, the booth is sure to be packed with people today.

After getting ready, the two went downstairs for breakfast.

The rest of the delegation was already in the restaurant. When they saw them come in, their eyes lit up with barely suppressed excitement and pride.

Good morning, Expert Gu! Good morning, Commander Lu!

"Dr. Gu, you were amazing yesterday! You made our country proud!"

"I read the newspaper, it was so well-written!"

Sui Jianguo carried the tray over and sat down opposite Gu Baobao. Although his face still held its usual composure, the smile in his eyes was impossible to hide. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice:

"Baby, have you rested enough?"

"Alright, Minister."

"good."

Sui Jianguo nodded, lowering his voice further, but his tone became serious.

"We need to have some contingency plans for today's situation. After what happened at the hospital yesterday, you'll definitely be surrounded by people as soon as you arrive at the booth today."

What I mean is, you just need to show up, symbolically examine a few important guests, go through the motions, and liven things up.

The remaining reception, explanations, and negotiations will be handled by our other comrades. You need to conserve your energy; our trump card can't be depleted by the next day.”

Gu Baobao listened attentively, and then added:

"Minister, I understand. However, I have another idea. With so many people here today, from all walks of life and from all countries, it's a good opportunity to gather intelligence."

Can we make a list in advance to see what technologies, equipment, and resources our country currently lacks the most?

When our comrades chat with visitors, should they consciously steer the conversation towards these topics? If they happen to come across something we need...

Those who are also interested in our medicines... perhaps we could discuss resource exchange, rather than just simple buying and selling?

Sui Jianguo's eyes lit up instantly, and he lightly slapped the table, his voice rising slightly with excitement:

"Oh my! Baby! I love a quick-witted and insightful young man like you!"

He immediately glanced around at the other comrades in the restaurant who were also listening intently, raised his voice slightly, but still kept it within the range that only their table could hear:

"Did you all hear what Expert Gu said? Once you get on the bus, I'll distribute the urgent demand list from China, and everyone needs to memorize it!"

When we arrived at the booth today, eyes lit up and ears strained! Make sure you memorize all the background information you need to gather, and what valuable items they have! We're not here to do small-scale business; we're here to secure strategic resources for the country! Understand?

"clear!"

Several young comrades responded in hushed tones, their faces flushed with excitement, eager to get started.

you do not say!

Yesterday I saw that a Chinese comrade was on the front page of a major newspaper in Country F, with a large section reporting on a Chinese doctor's heroic rescue during a terrorist attack.

Having completed a highly complex surgery at the hospital, the feeling of pride and triumph was even more exhilarating than drinking ice water on a sweltering summer day!

For a long time, the Western world has always looked at them with a hint of disdain and distance, but Gu Baobao used her real skills to tear open a gap!

Today, they are the soldiers who follow Expert Gu into battle!

We must win this "resource war"!