Chapter 184: Rewarding the Courtyard House, Transferring to Work in the Capital

On the tarmac, the welcoming team, which had been waiting for a long time, stood solemnly.

Several leaders dressed in Zhongshan suits, exuding an air of authority, stood at the front, flanked by several high-ranking generals in military uniforms.

Beside them stood a striking elderly man with white hair and beard, yet remarkably spry—Lu Zhenbang, the patriarch of the Lu family, leaning on a cane.

With her back ramrod straight, her sharp eyes quickly locked onto her eldest grandson in the crowd, and her brows immediately furrowed.

Another injury?

That little rascal!

Sui Jianguo strode forward, saluted the leaders, and reported.

When they heard that the delegation had not only exceeded all its predetermined targets, but also signed record-breaking orders and multiple technology exchange agreements, they were deeply impressed.

When traditional Chinese medicine swept through the international medical community in Country F, several leaders showed gratified smiles on their faces.

However, when Sui Jianguo mentioned the shooting incident on the last night in a somber tone and clearly stated that the target was Gu Baobao, the atmosphere at the scene instantly froze.

"This is outrageous!"

A military leader's face turned ashen.

"To target our important experts in public? This is a blatant provocation and threat!"

Grandpa Lu slammed his cane down heavily, looked at Lu Zhanming, and then at Gu Baobao, who was being subtly protected by Lu Zhanming behind him. His eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and anger.

His old bones had weathered far too many storms; he knew all too well what such a decapitation strike meant.

The other party is not only greedy, but also unscrupulous and has no bottom line.

"We must immediately upgrade the protection level for Comrade Gu Baobao!"

Another leader was resolute.

"She is now a valuable asset to the nation and cannot be lost!"

Just then, Lu Zhanming, who had been leaning weakly, suddenly broke free from the comrade who was supporting him, stepped forward, and stood up straight, although his face was still pale.

He faced the leaders, raised his hand in a standard military salute, and spoke in a clear, firm, and resounding voice:

"Reporting to the commander! After going through a life-or-death ordeal together, Comrade Gu Baobao and I have confirmed that we are in a romantic relationship!"

I, Lu Zhanming, formally apply to marry Comrade Gu Baobao! I also request that I serve as Comrade Gu Baobao's personal security officer, providing 24-hour protection! Please approve!

There was a moment of silence after he said that.

The leaders were initially taken aback, then exchanged glances and revealed meaningful smiles.

Especially the seemingly most amiable leader, who sized up Lu Zhanming's "still seriously injured" yet intense gaze.

Then, glancing at Gu Baobao behind him, whose cheeks were flushed red and who wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground, he chuckled:

"Good lad! You're quick on your feet! Are you trying to handle both business and personal matters at the same time?"

Lu Zhanming remained unfazed:

"Reporting to the commander! Protecting Comrade Gu Baobao is, in a public sense, to safeguard the nation's important scientific and technological talent and strategic resources; in a private sense, it is to protect my future wife. Duty and emotion are aligned!"

"That sounds nice."

The leader smiled, but his tone carried a hint of testing.

"Wouldn't you feel resentful, like a combat hero and regimental commander, being made a bodyguard for someone 24/7, especially for your partner? Wouldn't you feel like your talents are being wasted?"

All eyes were on Lu Zhanming.

Gu Baobao also looked at him nervously.

Lu Zhanming took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over Gu Baobao before turning to his superior, his eyes open and fervent:

"Reporting to the commander! I have never felt aggrieved! A true hero is not defined by where he stands, but by what he protects!"

He paused, his voice becoming even more resolute:

"My battlefield can be charging into battle on the front lines, or protecting those who create value in the rear!"

Comrade Gu Baobao's value, and the future she can create for the country and the people, far surpasses any victory I could personally achieve on the traditional battlefield!

If I could dedicate all my time and energy to ensuring her safety, allowing her to focus wholeheartedly on research, creation, and nurturing more talent,

I feel this is more meaningful than going to any battlefield! This is the most valuable position I, Lu Zhanming, as a soldier, have chosen under the new circumstances!

His words were sincere and insightful, demonstrating a broad perspective.

It not only reveals one's true feelings but also elevates the theme.

After listening, the leaders' expressions of appreciation deepened.

The leader who asked the question nodded repeatedly:

"Good! Well said! Very clear-headed! It seems this wounded soldier is quite lucid!"

He turned to his colleagues beside him and smiled:

"In my opinion, Comrade Lu is highly conscious, capable, and genuinely cares for Comrade Gu Baobao. He knows her inside and out. He's the perfect bodyguard and revolutionary partner! What do you all think?"

"agree!"

"A perfect match! That's how it should be!"

"Double happiness! We must support this!"

Several leaders expressed their opinions with smiles.

Grandpa Lu was standing to the side, grinning from ear to ear, his white beard twitching.

Good lad!

No wonder he's a descendant of the Lu family!

That's a great way to woo her!

Now that's great! His granddaughter-in-law is a pillar of the nation, and his grandson is a protector of his granddaughter. Both have been transferred back to the capital. This old man's days of enjoying the company of his great-grandchildren are not far off!

"but,"

The leader's smile faded slightly as he looked at Gu Baobao, his tone becoming serious yet concerned.

“Comrade Bao, this trip abroad is too risky. You are young and valuable, and have become a thorn in the side of certain hostile forces and criminals. In the short term, we believe it is not suitable for you to travel abroad easily again.”

Gu Baobao nodded seriously:

“I understand, sir. I also prefer to focus my energy on research and teaching in China.”

"Um,"

The leader nodded in satisfaction.

"Considering your special circumstances and your enormous contributions to the country, the organization has decided, after careful consideration, to adjust your work unit and position."

He looked around at the crowd and announced:

"Comrade Gu Baobao, Comrade Lu Zhanming, you two are to be transferred to work in the capital, effective immediately!"

"Comrade Gu Baobao's original position as a specially appointed expert at the East China Sea Military Region Hospital is retained, and she is appointed as a special consultant to the Capital Military Region General Hospital, with a corresponding promotion in administrative rank."

At the same time, you will be specially appointed as a visiting professor at the Capital Military Region Medical College. Unless there is an extremely special emergency medical event that requires your assistance, you will not be scheduled to conduct routine clinical consultations.

Your primary workspace will be located in a research lab specially provided for you.

The leader smiled as he said this:

"This research lab has a somewhat unique location. The organization considered that you need a quiet, safe, and undisturbed environment for research and necessary rest."

After careful consideration, it was decided to award a well-preserved courtyard house near Houhai to Comrade Gu Baobao!

The front yard will serve as your living quarters, while the back wing will be converted into a research lab and pharmacy to meet your needs. This is both a reward for your outstanding contributions and a sign of the nation's support and guarantee for your future work.

A courtyard house as a reward?!

Gu Baobao's eyes widened slightly.

In this day and age, owning a courtyard house is an unimaginable honor!

This is not just a reward, but a weighty trust and expectation.

Lu Zhanming was also shaken and gripped Gu Baobao's hand tightly.

The leader continued:

"Comrade Lu Zhanming, in view of your loyalty, courage and adaptability demonstrated in this foreign affairs security mission,

In light of the special needs for protecting Comrade Gu Baobao in the future, the organization has decided to appoint you as Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Capital Military Region (at the deputy division level), and concurrently as Director of the Special Security Office.

Your primary task is to ensure Comrade Gu Baobao's absolute safety and coordinate all her work and living arrangements during her stay in the capital. This office is located in the rear building of that courtyard house, so you can work conveniently nearby.

"Considering that you two have been commended for your meritorious service and that you both need time to handle matters at your original work units, adapt to the new environment, and prepare for your wedding, the organization has specially approved a one-month leave for you."

Return to the island in the East China Sea immediately to complete the handover of work and handle personal matters. After the holiday, report to the capital!

"Yes, sir! Thank you for your trust, commander! I guarantee I will complete the mission!"