Chapter 141 Lu Zhanming's 24-Hour Close Protection
The Capital Airport was shrouded in a thin layer of bluish-gray cold fog in the early morning.
On the tarmac, the silver-gray special plane, about to fly to a distant country, resembled a silent giant bird, with the bright red national flag on its fuselage appearing and disappearing in the morning mist, making it particularly eye-catching.
The delegation members have arrived one after another and are gathering in the designated area.
The atmosphere was different from the training sessions of the previous days, with a more solemn and subtly excited feel, like the anticipation of battle.
After undergoing a rigorous second inspection and being labeled with different colors, the luggage was loaded and transported in an orderly manner by the ground staff.
Gu Baobao stood in the crowd, exhaling a soft puff of white breath. She wasn't wearing her military uniform today; she had changed into civilian clothes as required for travel.
A thick, soft, off-white turtleneck sweater, layered under a neatly tailored black cashmere long coat, paired with matching straight-leg trousers and black lace-up leather shoes.
Her hair was all combed up and tied into a simple, smooth bun at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead and beautiful neckline.
This outfit was found and coordinated in the walk-in closet of the villa.
The clothes are made of the best quality available in this era, with a simple and classic style, without any logos, which meets the dress requirements for people going abroad without being too conspicuous.
On her, the outfit made her skin appear even whiter and more radiant, and her figure tall and slender. It was a simple black and white combination, yet she wore it with an air of cool elegance and scholarly refinement.
He stood out subtly from his comrades around him, who were dressed in Zhongshan suits, Lenin suits, or slightly formal Western suits, attracting many glances and secret observations.
Lu Zhanming stood half a step away from her.
He also took off his military uniform and put on a set of travel attire uniformly issued by the organization: a crisp white shirt, a dark gray wool suit, and a half-length navy blue woolen overcoat.
The clothes fit him perfectly, outlining his broad shoulders and narrow waist, highlighting his tall and upright figure. However, the cold and sharp look between his brows, a trait typical of soldiers, remained.
The upright posture resulting from long-term training also gives this office attire an undeniable air of strength.
He was carrying two suitcases.
One was his own, a slightly worn, dark green canvas duffel bag, not large and looking lightweight.
The other one belonged to Gu Baobao; it was a brand-new brown leather suitcase, looking quite heavy. Inside, besides the necessary changes of clothes and toiletries,
Most importantly, there were the well-sealed backups of technical data and samples, as well as the silver needle kit she insisted on carrying with her, emergency medicines, and several bottles of specially made drinking water, Lingquan water, in ordinary glass bottles.
His gaze seemed to calmly sweep over the surrounding environment and the people coming and going, but most of his attention remained focused on Gu Baobao beside him.
Looking at the subtle expressions on her calm profile, at the tip of her nose that was slightly red from the cold, and at her unusual attire.
His little girl is so pretty!!
Like a white plum blossom quietly blooming in the snow, pure, resilient, and with its own unique character.
This integrity is now being recognized by more people.
Several young men traveling with her couldn't help but glance at Gu Baobao, their eyes filled with undisguised admiration and curiosity. Occasionally, they would whisper among themselves, discussing something in hushed tones, and letting out good-natured chuckles.
Lu Zhanming's jawline tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment, and his fingers gripping the suitcase handle tightened slightly.
A strange emotion, a mixture of possessiveness and a sense of crisis, quietly grew and spread in my heart.
He knew perfectly well that Gu Baobao was currently only someone he was protecting, and he had no right to stop others from admiring her.
But this realization did not dispel that sense of unease.
He must quicken his pace.
Once this mission is over and he gets back, he will find a way to get Bao Bao to agree to be his girlfriend, no matter what.
He wanted to stand openly beside her, blocking all unnecessary attention.
Not far away, Minister Sui Jianguo, the head of the delegation, was making final confirmations with the leader of the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Sui's gaze swept over Gu Baobao, a satisfied smile flashing in his eyes. He then whispered instructions to his secretary:
"Comrade Xiao Gu has a great image and temperament. When he arrives there, he will be our calling card. I instructed the accompanying reporters to pay attention to the angle when taking photos, and to capture the style and confidence of our young experts in the new China."
"Yes, Minister."
On the other side, the head of the security team, a stern middle-aged military officer surnamed Zhao, called Lu Zhanming and two other plainclothes security guards aside for a final, brief but stern warning before their departure.
"...The situation in Country F is complex, with various forces mixed together. The large flow of people during the exhibition is the time when our security pressure is the greatest. Comrade Gu Baobao is of utmost importance, and there must be no mistakes."
Team Leader Zhao stared intently at Lu Zhanming, his eyes sharp and piercing.
"Zhanming, your mission is to provide 24-hour close protection. This is a top priority."
Based on the risk assessment and the accommodation provided by the other party, in order to ensure safety to the greatest extent, the organization has decided that during your stay in Country F, you and Comrade Gu Baobao will share the outer room of the same suite.
This is an extraordinary arrangement for extraordinary times. We must be mindful of the methods and the appropriate measures, understand?
Living in the same suite?
Lu Zhanming's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained expressionless, only his eyes grew more serious. He straightened his back and said in a low voice:
"Understood. I guarantee to complete the task and strictly abide by discipline."
He knew the weight and helplessness behind this decision.
When you are abroad, you are unfamiliar with the place and people, and you cannot fully control your accommodation. Living separately is too risky.
Placing the most important protected individuals and the strongest security forces at the closest possible distance is the safest option.
As for the separation of men and women... a choice must be made when faced with national security and core interests.
But... the thought of living under the same roof as Gu Baobao, even with the living room in between, still made Lu Zhanming's ears burn, and the unfamiliar flutter in his chest became even more pronounced.
He quickly suppressed his chaotic thoughts and brought his attention back to the task at hand.
"Boarding!"
Orders have come from the front.
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