Zhao Jiang chuckled and explained, "It was just announced eight days ago. I've been too busy lately to have a chance to see you, so I came here specifically to see you today."
Lian Lei and Guan Xingxiu, who were standing next to him, also knew Zhao Jiang because of Gong Maode, but Zhao Jiang held a higher position and they were not usually that close.
Lian Lei couldn't help but ask curiously, "Team Leader Zhao, what great achievement have you made? According to the rules of the Military Intelligence Bureau, one cannot be promoted to the rank of colonel without a great achievement?"
Gong Maode quickly pulled Zhao Jiang aside to sit down, poured him another cup of tea, placed it in front of him, and asked in surprise, "This is a really great thing, tell me about it."
Guan Xingxiu and Lian Lei both gathered around, and Zhao Jiang explained with a smile: "We were lucky this time. The task of clearing out Japanese spies from the Military Intelligence Bureau was transferred to our department. My old superior, Director Ning, came back to take charge of the work, and as a result, he gave me an opportunity. We seized a radio and a codebook, and after the commendation, I was promoted to this rank!"
All three men were breathing heavily. Gong Maode's eyes widened, and he asked urgently, "A radio and a codebook? Good heavens, this one achievement alone is enough for you to be promoted to major."
Guan Xingxiu leaned forward and asked curiously, "Team Leader Zhao, what kind of big case is this?"
Zhao Jiang was taken aback upon hearing this. After a moment's hesitation, Gong Maode quickly said to Guan Xingxiu, "Old Guan, have you forgotten the Military Intelligence Bureau's secrecy regulations? Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask."
Gong Maode's words made Guan Xingxiu a little embarrassed. After all, the Military Intelligence Bureau was an intelligence agency, and there were still many rules and regulations.
Zhao Jiang waved his hand and said, "This case is over. The report has been issued. It's not exactly a secret. It was just the leak case that caused a stir before. We arrested a Japanese spy and got promoted as a result."
Although he said it was no problem, Zhao Jiang's description was still vague, and he didn't say anything specific.
The three men were still quite envious. Lian Lei couldn't help but say, "The leak case caused quite a stir. It was a major case that the top brass of the Military Commission paid close attention to. I didn't expect it to actually be related to Japanese spies. I heard that the Second Intelligence Division investigated for a long time and detained a large number of people. I didn't expect it was you, Team Leader Zhao, who cracked it. I really admire you!"
Gong Maode was also happy for his friend's promotion. He said with a smile, "Old Zhao, this time your wish has come true. You've crossed the big hurdle of becoming a colonel-level officer. Your future is limitless. You have to treat us to a meal!"
The other two nodded in agreement, and Zhao Jiang quickly nodded and said, "Yes, yes, I came here today specifically to invite you, Lao Gong. Three days from now, that is, 7 pm on the 5th, at Juxianlou. Everyone who has time should come and do us the honor. We've booked the whole place, it would be a waste not to go."
Zhao Jiang's words surprised everyone. It was just a celebration banquet, but Zhao Jiang had booked the entire Juxianlou restaurant. That was quite an extravagant gesture.
Juxianlou is one of the most prestigious restaurants in Yuzhong District, renowned for its excellent food, but also for its exorbitant prices. It's not a place that ordinary people can afford, and even ordinary military officers like Gong Maode wouldn't dare to dine there easily.
Gong Maode frowned. He knew Zhao Jiang's situation and that his salary wasn't high. Even though the Second Action Division was known for being wealthy within the Military Intelligence Bureau, such a large sum of money was beyond Zhao Jiang's means.
He couldn't help but say, "Old Zhao, you've gone a bit too far. It's enough for the brothers to get together; there's no need for such extravagance."
The other two people felt the same way, but since they weren't close enough to each other, they didn't feel comfortable offering their advice.
Zhao Jiang quickly explained, "It's my fault, it's my fault. I didn't explain clearly. This celebration banquet was organized by Tianming and me, and he mainly paid for it."
"Tianming? Nie Tianming?" Gong Maode asked curiously.
He also knew Nie Tianming. They were both action team leaders in the action section and were quite familiar with each other. Later, because of Zhao Jiang, they became very close.
"Nie Tianming has also been promoted to major?"
"Not only that, he was promoted to major, but also directly promoted to head of the Third Operations Section. A double celebration! I was just joining in the fun!"
Zhao Jiang's words once again unsettled the three of them!
Chief of the Operations Section? Or the Chief of the Operations Section of the Second Operations Division? That's the largest department in the Military Intelligence Bureau, the supervisory department facing the military. The prestige of this position is quite different from that of a section chief in other departments.
Gong Maode, in particular, was shocked by the series of news and didn't know what to feel. What had happened in just over half a month? His friends, who were drinking and complaining together just a moment ago, had all risen to high positions in the blink of an eye. What had happened to the Second Action Division that caused such a big change?
Lian Lei knew Nie Tianming; they were both captains before, only one rank higher. Now, he was completely outclassed. He scratched his head, feeling somewhat unable to process the news: "Nie Tianming has actually been promoted to head of the Second Division's Action Section? My God, that's like rising to the top in one step!"
Gong Maode couldn't help but ask curiously, "Old Zhao, what exactly happened in your Second Operations Division? You've all gone up there, remember to lend a hand to your brothers!"
Zhao Jiang then revealed a slight hint of smugness and explained with a smile, "What else could it be? You know, Director Ning is Tianming and my old superior. This time, he's taking charge of the work, so naturally he'll look after us brothers. He's the first distinguished guest invited to this celebration banquet. Lao Gong, since you said you wanted to give him a hand, this is an opportunity. Actually, you and the director are old acquaintances. He even mentioned you before, saying you're one of the few in the Military Intelligence Bureau who can go toe-to-toe with him. This time, you and the director should find an opportunity to catch up. You know, Director Ning and Director Zhao have an extraordinary relationship. Having him say a few good words for you is more effective than anything else."
"Director Ning is also going to the banquet?" Gong Maode asked in surprise. Ning Zhiheng was a high-ranking official in the Military Intelligence Bureau, holding a high position and great power. However, this superior rarely showed his face. Now that he was personally showing up to support his trusted subordinate, it was considered to be giving him a lot of face.
"Of course, and both section chiefs will be there. I'll give you a chance to talk, so you'd better seize the opportunity!"
Zhao Jiang patted Gong Maode on the shoulder, then looked at his watch and said, "Alright, I still need to invite Lao Zhang and Lao Yu, so I won't chat any longer."
After saying that, he stood up and said to Lian Lei and Guan Xingxiu, "You should all come. It will be more lively with more people, and everyone can have a good get-together."
Lian Lei laughed and said, "Then we won't stand on ceremony! Juxianlou! Goodness, I'm going to have a big meal and a few drinks, and we won't leave until we're all drunk!"
"Yes, we won't leave until we're drunk!" Zhao Jiang agreed with a smile, then waved and strode out the door.
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