Chapter 111 Lu Zhanming's Complaint
In the darkness, Lu Zhanming's figure moved like a ghost, quickly traversing the camp area.
He didn't return to his dormitory or reinforce the sentry posts, as Zhang Yunxiang had already made arrangements. Instead, he went straight to the headquarters office building.
At this time, most of the offices in the building had already turned off their lights, with only a few windows still lit.
Lu Zhanming, familiar with the place, arrived at Zhang Yunxiang's office and knocked on the door.
"Enter."
Pushing open the door, I found Zhang Yunxiang there, frowning at several documents. Seeing him, I was somewhat surprised.
"Zhan Ming? It's so late, is something wrong? What about Comrade Bao…?"
“She’s resting, Dong-guk is watching over her.”
Lu Zhanming spoke succinctly, walked to his desk, took out a neatly folded envelope from his pocket, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Zhang Yunxiang.
Zhang Yunxiang picked it up and saw that the envelope clearly read "Relationship Application Report" in neat penmanship.
Applicant: Lu Zhanming.
Applicant: Gu Baobao.
Zhang Yunxiang: "…………"
He held the envelope, looked up at Lu Zhanming's face—as expressionless as ever, but with an unusually determined gaze—and then looked down at the dating application in his hand, almost choking on his breath.
"Lu Zhanming!"
Zhang Yunxiang slammed the envelope on the table, feeling both annoyed and amused.
"You little brat! What time is it?! The situation is dire! And you're still thinking about writing a love report?!"
Lu Zhanming stood ramrod straight, his voice steady:
"Reporting to the Chief of Staff, it is precisely because of this time that I must fight. I want the organization to know that I am serious about Comrade Gu Baobao and that my pursuit is aimed at marriage."
This way, whether it's protecting her or handling any subsequent issues, I can stand by her side more legitimately. It will also prevent anyone from using the despicable tactic of 'ambiguous relationship' to make an issue of her again.
Zhang Yunxiang was speechless.
Upon closer reflection, it seems... to make some sense?
Didn't that whistleblower letter today imply that the baby had an ambiguous relationship with the military officer?
If Lu Zhanming's romantic relationship is approved by the organization, this attack will naturally crumble.
Moreover, given Lu Zhanming's rank and background, his open pursuit of Gu Baobao is itself a form of intangible deterrence and protection.
"you……"
Zhang Yunxiang pointed at Lu Zhanming, then shook his head and chuckled after a long pause.
"Wow! You, Lu Zhanming, how come I never noticed before that you were so... so calculating? Even pursuing a girl is like deploying a war mission!"
Lu Zhanming remained unfazed:
"Reporting to the Chief of Staff, pursuing Comrade Gu Baobao is my most important and glorious task at present."
Zhang Yunxiang: "..."
He was speechless.
"I have received the report."
Zhang Yunxiang put the envelope into the drawer.
"I'll submit it according to procedure. But don't get too excited, it's still uncertain whether our baby will agree!"
"She gave me the opportunity to pursue her."
Lu Zhanming's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile.
Zhang Yunxiang rolled his eyes:
"Look how smug you are!"
He waved his hand.
"Alright, alright, the report's been submitted. Now get back to protecting your important mission objective!"
"yes!"
Lu Zhanming saluted, but didn't leave immediately. Instead, he walked to the old-fashioned crank telephone in the office.
"Chief of Staff, may I borrow the phone?"
Zhang Yunxiang waved his hand, indicating that he could do as he pleased.
Lu Zhanming picked up the microphone, skillfully cranked the handle, and then recited a series of internal private line numbers.
The call was transferred several times before it was connected. During the wait, he stood ramrod straight, his profile appearing particularly hard and cold under the light.
Zhang Yunxiang watched from the side, vaguely guessing who he was going to call.
After several transfers, a frail but energetic, impatient voice finally came from the other end of the line:
"Hey? Which brat is disturbing my sleep so late?"
Lu Zhanming took a deep breath, his voice unconsciously lowering, softening, and carrying a rare...complaining-like grievance?
"Grandpa, it's me, Zhan Ming."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by an even louder voice:
"Lu Zhanming?! You brat! Do you even remember you have a grandpa like me?! You haven't called in half a year, and when you do call, it's right when I'm sleeping! Tell me, did you mess up somewhere again? Or are you missing an arm or a leg?"
The familiar loud voice came through the microphone, and even Zhang Yunxiang could hear it clearly. He couldn't help but cover his forehead.
Old Master Lu's temper hasn't changed at all.
Lu Zhanming held the microphone a little further away, waiting for the old man to finish yelling before leaning closer. His tone was no longer as calm as usual, but the content made Zhang Yunxiang prick up his ears:
"Grandpa, I'm fine, my injuries have healed. I called to tell you about someone and what happened today."
He recounted the events that had transpired since Gu Baobao arrived on the island in a concise yet clear manner, stating the facts without embellishment.
But the suppressed anger in his tone, along with his undisguised protection and heartache for Gu Baobao, could be felt even through the phone line.
On the other end of the phone, Old Master Lu's breathing became noticeably heavier.
"...That's roughly the situation. The military region leaders and the working group are currently handling it, but the person behind this hasn't been fully identified yet."
Lu Zhanming concluded by saying,
"Grandpa, my baby... is the one I've chosen. I submitted my relationship report today."
There was a full ten seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
Then, Old Master Lu's deep, yet thunderous, voice rang out, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth:
"Good, very good! I've spent my whole life protecting my country, and now that I'm old, someone dares to throw mud at my future granddaughter-in-law? An enemy spy? What a load of bull!"
The old man was clearly furious and swore.
"Although I've never met this young comrade Gu Baobao, from what you've said, he seems like a good kid!"
He's capable and magnanimous; even after suffering such a great injustice, he still thinks of the country and saving lives! He's a million times better than those despicable scumbags who only know how to stab you in the back!
He paused, then his voice became even more resolute:
"Zhan Ming, you better protect him! If a single hair falls, I'll skin you alive! The rest are yours to deal with! I want to see which bastard is tired of living and dares to touch someone from the Lu family!"
"Yes, Grandpa!"
Lu Zhanming straightened his back and spoke in a loud voice.
"besides,"
Old Master Lu's tone suddenly softened, carrying a hint of barely perceptible relief and emotion.
"You've finally figured it out, kid. You have good taste. This girl is good enough for you and for the Lu family. Your parents can rest in peace now."
When his parents were mentioned, Lu Zhanming's eyes darkened, but quickly brightened again:
I will treat her well.
"Nonsense! If you're not nice to her, I'll break your legs first!"
The old man snorted.
"Alright, get lost! Go do whatever you're supposed to be doing! I'm going to stretch my muscles!"
The call was abruptly ended.
Lu Zhanming put down the microphone, his face expressionless, but a hint of relaxation and warmth flashed in his eyes.
With Grandpa's words, at least on a higher level, the baby's safety has an extra layer of protection.
Although the old man has retired, his influence and network of connections remain. If he really wants to get moving, he can give some people a run for their money.
Zhang Yunxiang listened in awe.
Goodness, Lu Zhanming is usually quiet, but he really dares to do things when it matters!
They made a direct phone call to the old man!
This fierce protectiveness, and this self-righteous accusation... Where did the Lu Zhanming who used to shoulder everything himself and never rely on his family go?
Indeed, love makes people stupid?!
Does it also lead people to...go to any lengths?
"Finished? Feeling relieved?"
Zhang Yunxiang joked.
Lu Zhanming nodded:
"Thank you for your help, Chief of Staff. I'm going back to my shift."
After saying that, he gave another standard salute, turned around and left without any hesitation.
Zhang Yunxiang watched his figure disappear through the door, shook his head and chuckled, then suppressed his smile, looked at the relationship report in the drawer, and then, thinking about what Grandpa Lu had just said, his eyes sharpened.
This matter must be thoroughly investigated to give Comrade Gu Baobao and everyone else a clear and satisfactory explanation!
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