Ning Zhiheng sat opposite him. He had also been walking for a while and was a little thirsty. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said helplessly, "I just took on the mission to wipe out the plainclothes team. These past few days I've been casting a wide net, searching almost the entire Yangjing District. I'm here today to report the progress to the commander, otherwise the commander will think I'm slacking off and just coasting along!"
Although Ning Zhiheng's words were somewhat of a joke, the situation was indeed as he described. He had been on the right flank battlefield for seven days, but had not been incorporated into the combat sequence at all, which was simply impossible for other units.
Especially given the heavy casualties and severe attrition at the front, the fact that his troops were able to remain in the rear was naturally due to the mission of clearing out the plainclothes team, and more importantly, Zhang Zhengkui's support. However, this situation could not continue indefinitely.
He had to produce some results to let Zhang Zhengkui know that their special agent team had been working hard and achieving some success, otherwise he would eventually be dragged to the front line again.
Li Lixin was the commander's adjutant, so he was naturally aware that the commander had assigned the task of clearing out the plainclothes team to Ning Zhiheng.
However, he knew very well that this was not an easy task. When the troops were plentiful before, the command had sent troops to encircle and suppress them several times, but all of them had failed. Now, the troops were short of manpower and were all deployed on the Huangpu River defense line, barely maintaining their position. The rear was even more vulnerable, making it even more difficult to carry out another encirclement and suppression.
He wasn't optimistic about Ning Zhiheng's mission. He hesitated for a moment, carefully considering his words, before finally speaking: "Zhiheng, we're not strangers, so I'll be frank. The commander once told me that you're a rare intelligence talent in our Baoding faction, and it's a real pity to send you to the front lines. This time, the mission to wipe out the plainclothes team was assigned to you partly because the plainclothes team is indeed rampant, and partly, to be honest, it's also out of concern for your safety. It's a well-intentioned effort!"
Li Lixin's words startled Ning Zhiheng, but he quickly understood. Li Lixin had pointed out that the commander had probably seen through his little scheme—that he didn't want to be cannon fodder on the front lines—and that's why he went along with it and agreed to his request. After all, he was a key member of the Baoding faction, especially a core member of the intelligence department, whom Zhang Zhengkui valued highly. Those who could be protected would naturally receive extra care.
Ning Zhiheng felt a warmth in his heart, but also a sense of shame. After all, he was a military bigwig who had been in the military and political arena for many years. Ning Zhiheng's supposedly clever little scheme could not be hidden from him at all.
He said sincerely, "I have no way to repay the Commander's kindness and care!"
The two men chatted in the office while waiting for Zhang Zhengkui to return, but by 5 p.m., three hours had passed and Zhang Zhengkui still hadn't come back, so Ning Zhiheng couldn't help but get anxious.
Seeing that Ning Zhiheng had been waiting there so persistently, Li Lixin realized that it didn't seem like he was just reporting on work progress. He suspected that Ning Zhiheng had something important to report, so he couldn't help but ask, "Zhiheng, is it something very important?"
Ning Zhiheng hesitated for a moment. He knew Li Lixin and Zhang Zhengkui were close confidants, but as a secret agent, he didn't want to reveal the situation to others. He bit his lip and said with difficulty, "There are some things to report, but..."
"Understood, understood! After all, he comes from an intelligence background; he's always cautious in his actions!" Li Lixin chuckled.
To become Zhang Zhengkui's adjutant, he was naturally a very quick-witted person. He immediately understood Ning Zhiheng's meaning, waved his hand, and indicated that he did not mind.
Just as Ning Zhiheng was waiting anxiously, he heard the sound of car brakes outside, followed by a burst of noisy footsteps.
Commander Zhang Zhengkui finally returned from the front lines. He walked quickly into the command post, covered in dust, and arrived at the door of the operations room, where he saw Li Lixin and Ning Zhiheng waiting outside.
He was taken aback for a moment, then his serious expression relaxed. He pointed at Ning Zhiheng and teased, "You little rascal, you disappeared after showing up once, and now you know to come see me?"
Ning Zhiheng quickly stood up straight and replied respectfully, "It was all because I was ignorant and failed to ask for your help in person. I have something important to report to you this time!"
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