Chapter 117 Professor Gu Baobao
On a small path in the residential compound on an island.
Gu Baobao lowered her head and walked back silently. Her steps were not fast, but they carried a heavy weariness.
After the forced composure and sharpness at the negotiating table faded, a deep sense of powerlessness and anxiety about the uncertainty of the future quietly crept into my heart.
She is not afraid of what she faces, but she is afraid of being implicated.
She fears that her loved ones, who cherish her dearly, may live in fear and even meet with misfortune because of her.
The elements and connections of this era are like a boulder that can crush a family.
A warm and strong hand suddenly grasped her wrist, the force not heavy, but with an unyielding determination that left no room for escape.
Gu Baobao paused, looked up, and met Lu Zhanming's deep eyes.
He had somehow walked to her side, leaned down slightly, and looked at her directly. There was no blame or advice in his eyes, only complete concern and understanding.
"Baby,"
His voice was low, with a comforting calmness.
"Are you still upset about yesterday? Or... worried about the outcome of the negotiations?"
Gu Baobao looked at him, her lips moved, but she didn't know what to say for a moment.
sad?
Yes, how could I not be upset after being slandered like that?
But more than anything, there is lingering fear, and the persistent anxiety brought on by the sword hanging over one's heart.
She lowered her eyes, her voice somewhat muffled:
"Brother Zhanming, don't you think... I'm putting on airs? Just because I have some influence, I'm trying to act high and mighty with the country and the organization, making so many demands?"
She asked the question rather cautiously.
In this era that values selfless dedication, wouldn't her concern for her personal and family safety, even using it as a prerequisite for cooperation, seem too selfish and lacking in consideration for the bigger picture?
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhanming gently shook his head, his grip on her wrist tightening slightly, his tone resolute:
"No, baby. I've never felt that way."
He looked into her eyes, and spoke each word clearly and distinctly:
"You are no different from us soldiers who carry guns. We are on the battlefield, defending our country with our lives and blood."
And you, in another realm where there is no smoke of gunpowder, are also fighting for the country with your wisdom and knowledge, and may even save more lives and create greater value.
"For a soldier to charge into battle, his back must be entrusted to a trustworthy comrade and his family must be properly taken care of so that he can be single-minded and forge ahead without hesitation."
"Your request to ensure the safety of your family is not an act of arrogance or selfishness. It's about clearing away any worries you might have before you embark on this battle, ensuring your safety. This is reasonable, justifiable, and absolutely necessary!"
His words were like a warm current, instantly dispelling the chill and anxiety in Gu Baobao's heart.
He didn't try to pressure her with grand principles, but instead stood from a soldier's perspective, understanding her struggle and acknowledging her needs.
Her nose tingled slightly, and her eyes welled up with tears. She quickly lowered her head to hide her momentary loss of composure.
So this is what it feels like to be understood and supported so unconditionally... It's so reassuring.
"Thank you, Brother Zhanming."
She spoke softly, her voice trembling with a barely perceptible sob.
Looking at her slightly red eyes and her lowered head, Lu Zhanming felt his heart melt and wished he could immediately offer her all the peace and tranquility in the world.
He suppressed the urge to pull her into his arms, only releasing her wrist. He feared that if he held on any longer, he wouldn't be able to let go. He said in a low voice:
"Let's go back first. No matter what the outcome, I'll be with you."
The two returned to the courtyard. Gu Dongguo was pacing anxiously at the entrance of the main room, leaning on a makeshift cane. Upon seeing them return, he immediately glared at them and asked:
"How did it go? How did the talks go? Those guys didn't bully you, did they?"
Gu Baobao shook her head:
"Brother, I'm fine. Let's wait for news."
Gu Dongguo noticed that her complexion seemed alright, but the seriousness between her brows remained, so he didn't press further. He simply glared at Lu Zhanming, his eyes questioning her:
Why didn't you protect my sister's feelings?
Lu Zhanming responded with a look that said, "Take it easy."
Just as the three were each lost in their own thoughts and preparing to have lunch, Zhang Xiaobing's panting yet excited voice came from outside the courtyard gate:
"Expert Gu! Commander Feng requests that Regiment Commander Lu and you go to headquarters immediately! Comrade Huo Zheng says there is urgent news!"
Gu Baobao and Lu Zhanming exchanged a glance and quickly stood up.
When I arrived at Commander Feng's office again, the atmosphere was noticeably different.
Commander Feng wore a relieved smile, and Zhang Yunxiang also looked excited.
Huo Zhengze stood beside his desk, holding a telegram he had just received, still bearing the special markings of the telegraph operator.
Upon seeing Gu Baobao enter, Huo Zheng walked directly forward and succinctly informed her of the contents of the telegram, as well as the key decisions he had just confirmed via a secure phone call:
"Comrade Gu Baobao, after urgent research and coordination, the higher authorities have now formally responded to your request and made the following decision—"
His tone was solemn, and each point was clear and forceful:
"First, regarding your personal security. All your files and information will be upgraded to the highest level of confidentiality immediately and will be sealed and managed by a specialized department."
Except for a very few authorized personnel at the highest level, no one has the right to access or inquire about any of your background information. This is to prevent similar accusations of dubious origin from the outset.
"Secondly, regarding your family, the safety of Comrade Gu Dongguo and his immediate family members in Qinghetun, Liaoning Province."
A secret order has been jointly issued by relevant departments, placing your family members on a priority protection list. Local authorities have received clear instructions.
Your family is under state protection. No incident or investigation may affect them, and they must be provided with necessary security assistance. Any violation will be severely punished.
"Third, in order to better implement protection measures and to facilitate your work, it has been decided, after research, to officially award you the rank of professional and technical colonel."
You are not only a specially appointed expert at the Island Military Region Hospital, but also a specially appointed professor at the newly established Island Military Region Medical College, enjoying corresponding benefits.
You have the right to travel to medical schools to teach and share your knowledge and experience, as needed.
"Fourth, according to the policy on accompanying military personnel, your immediate family members, including your grandparents and parents, are all eligible to accompany military personnel."
The organization encourages and assists them to relocate to the military family compound on the island for centralized protection and to facilitate your care of your family. The relevant procedures and housing arrangements will be initiated immediately.
Fifth, the specific terms of the technical cooperation will be agreed upon in detail by you and the working group after the aforementioned safeguards are implemented. The higher authorities have agreed in principle to the reasonable profit-sharing ratio you proposed.
After Huo Zheng finished speaking, the office fell silent.
Gu Baobao stood there, stunned, processing the series of information.
Top-secret file...listed for priority protection...colonel rank...medical professor...family members residing with the officer...
Each and every one of them precisely addressed her deepest fears and most urgent needs.
They not only promised protection, but also provided specific and workable solutions, and even incorporated her into the military system, granting her high honors and status.
This is not just appeasement; it is the highest level of recognition and commitment!
Commander Feng stepped forward, patted Gu Baobao on the shoulder, and said in a loud voice:
"Comrade Baby, no, now I should call you Colonel Gu! Now you can put your mind at ease, right?"
The organization has placed its wholehearted trust in and high regard for you! From now on, go all out! If the sky falls, we tall guys will hold it up!
Zhang Yunxiang also laughed:
"Professor Gu, our medical students are really lucky from now on!"
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