During their time in the Soviet Union, some transactions went smoothly, while others encountered setbacks.
Zhao Qinglan used to sleep very well, but after arriving here, even when she was very tired, she couldn't fall asleep because she was thinking about things.
She had never thought she could get involved in any national affairs; she didn't have such grand ambitions, only wanting to manage her family and career well.
But now that she has truly taken on this responsibility, she wants to do her best. She can endure hardship and grievances, only thinking about bringing back more useful things for the country.
Even though reform and opening up has been going on for more than a decade, we still have a considerable gap with major Western powers in many aspects.
Our rise has alarmed Western politicians, who have imposed restrictions and blockades on us in various ways, all in an attempt to prevent us from becoming stronger.
Perhaps we have suffered invasions and our people have endured great suffering in the past, but the world knows that once the dragon of the East awakens, it will shock the world.
Zhao Qinglan used to dislike coffee and preferred tea, but during her time in the Soviet Union, she gradually fell in love with the somewhat bitter yet invigorating coffee.
After signing countless documents and meeting countless people, Zhao Qinglan finally received the notice to return to China.
If you count them, she actually stayed in the Soviet Union for two months.
Of course, the results were also very gratifying, but before leaving, a few people suddenly checked into the hotel.
Comrade Wei found her and Zhang Yu and explained in a low voice.
"These are scientists from the Soviet Union in related fields. After being persuaded by our colleagues, they are willing to return to China with us to develop their careers. They will also set off with everyone at that time."
Zhao Qinglan's face lit up with joy. "Great, that's wonderful!" Zhang Yu was also happy.
One great scientist is valuable enough, let alone several.
Before leaving, they rented a lobby in the hotel to celebrate the success of their trip and to show it to some people.
The hall was filled with singing and dancing. Zhao Qinglan held a wine glass and leaned against the table to rest.
Zhang Yu sighed. "This mission is finally over. If I don't go back soon, everyone in the company will think I've run away with all my savings."
Zhao Qinglan smiled. She didn't have any worries about that. It was mainly because after she went to Guangzhou, she rarely returned to the head office.
Both of them were under a lot of psychological pressure, and now that they can finish and return home, they feel an indescribable sense of relief.
The accompanying staff were all very happy at that moment, and some even invited others to dance; the atmosphere was great.
But the excitement came to an abrupt end with the sound of gunfire outside.
Zhao Qinglan didn't react at first when she heard it, until Ding Yu came over and pulled her down to squat down.
Some security personnel directed everyone to find cover, and only then did everyone realize what had happened, and they all panicked.
"Mr. Zhao, stay here and don't wander around. I'll go check the situation." Ding Yu stood up, leaning against the wall, and gestured for Liu Dandan to stay and protect him.
Some of the government personnel brought out weapons.
He saw Ding Yu and gave her a handkerchief.
Foreign countries don't have as strict a weapons management system as China, and they are prepared for this.
Some people even went to find a phone to call the embassy.
Zhao Qinglan had assumed the conflict had simply occurred outside their hotel, unaware that the other party was heading straight for them.
Although Zhao Qinglan and her group had been trying to cover their activities, the large number of people and the length of time they stayed still attracted the attention of intelligence personnel from some countries.
Zhao Qinglan and her team could keep their mouths shut, but the people they dealt with weren't so tight-lipped; a little intimidation or enticement would make them spill everything.
Soon it became known that they were also trading large quantities of weapons and high-tech products from heavy industry under the guise of trade, including many items that were previously prohibited from being exported.
Given the domestic environment, it's understandable for ordinary businessmen to buy industrial products, but what's the point of having so many weapons?
Once they learned that several other scientists who had been targeted had also been taken away by their people, the other side confirmed their suspicions.
Driven by a sinister motive of obstruction and resentment towards others' success, an intelligence organization of a major Western power released information that Zhao Qinglan's trade delegation was carrying a large amount of money and gold bars.
This also attracted the attention of Soviet illegal armed groups.
Prices in the Soviet Union are soaring, public discontent is boiling, and the government's control over society has been greatly reduced, with various conflicts frequently occurring on the streets.
Zhao Qinglan never expected that they would be involved.
Soon, Chinese security personnel were injured, and even though the embassy had learned of the situation, it would take time for them to come and request assistance.
After realizing the situation was unfavorable, Liu Dandan and Comrade Wei quickly led the Chinese personnel in the lobby to a slightly safer area of the hotel for relocation.
Zhao Qinglan's heart pounded wildly as she walked, her mind replaying various moments she shared with her family.
She knew the trip might be dangerous, but she never expected it to be on the day before she returned home.
Once everyone had squatted down in a large room, some were already sobbing softly.
After settling them all in, Comrade Wei suddenly stood up.
"Xiao Wei, where are you going?" Zhao Qinglan quickly called out to him.
Just twenty-eight years old, wearing glasses, and with a somewhat refined demeanor, Comrade Wei gave a shy smile.
"Sister Zhao, I'm familiar with this place, maybe I can be of some help."
"But it's so dangerous outside." Gunshots still ring out from time to time.
“Sister Zhao, it’s not necessarily safe to stay here. Besides, there are several of our comrades outside. I’ll go see if I can find the hotel security guards for help. Those comrades don’t speak the Soviet language and can’t communicate with them.”
Zhao Qinglan couldn't bring herself to say anything to dissuade him. She placed her hand on Comrade Wei's shoulder and solemnly said, "Take care."
Comrade Wei smiled, opened the door, and went out.
Inside the room, the sobbing stopped, and everyone looked at the door that had closed again, their expressions increasingly solemn, filled with admiration and respect for Comrade Wei and those comrades still outside.
Zhang Yu sighed. "Qinglan, the best help we can give those comrades is to protect ourselves and not cause trouble."
As he said this, he found a golf club that someone had left there and took it to the door.
Several other men followed suit, finding suitable weapons and joining him in guarding the door.
Zhao Qinglan was filled with anxiety, feeling both worried about Comrade Wei and others, and also missing her country and family.
What if something happens to her this time? No, she didn't dare to think about it.
The riot was only brought to an end when embassy personnel arrived.
After Zhao Qinglan and the others were called out, she immediately began searching for Comrade Wei.
"Where's Xiao Wei? Have you seen Xiao Wei?"
Ding Yu's arm was being bandaged after being grazed by a bullet. When she saw Zhao Qinglan coming over, her eyes reddened. Looking up, she choked out, "Comrade Wei... he sacrificed himself to cover us."
Zhao Qinglan staggered backward, tears welling up in her eyes.
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