readbooksol Chapter 28 Heading to the Capital to Report
Chapter 28 Heading to the Capital to Report
The Central Military Commission's special plane was a small jet with only eight seats in the cabin. Lin Zhe sat by the window, watching the sea of clouds churning outside.
Two hours later, the plane landed at the military airport in the western suburbs of Beijing. A military-plated SUV was already waiting by the runway, and a major got out of the vehicle.
"Lieutenant Colonel Lin, this is Officer Wang from the General Office of the Central Military Commission. I've been ordered to come and receive you." The major saluted, his movements precise and standard.
"Thank you for your hard work." Lin Zhe returned the greeting and got into the car with his simple luggage.
The car drove directly to the Central Military Commission building. Along the way, Officer Wang frequently glanced at Lin Zhe through the rearview mirror—such a young lieutenant colonel, picked up by a special plane from the Central Military Commission, and specifically requested to see by the leaders of the Central Military Commission... what kind of person must he be?
The Central Military Commission building was solemn and imposing, with sentries standing guard at the entrance, conducting strict checks. Led by Officer Wang, Lin Zhe walked through a long corridor and arrived at the door of a conference room.
"Lieutenant Colonel Lin, please come in. The leaders are already waiting for you."
Lin Zhe took a deep breath and pushed open the door to enter.
The conference room wasn't large, but it was packed with people. A quick glance revealed that everyone there was a general—the lowest rank being major general, and the highest being lieutenant general. Vice Chairman Yang Zhenguo sat in the head seat and nodded slightly when he saw him enter.
"Greetings, Commander! Lin Zhe, Deputy Captain of the Hunter Blade Special Forces Team of the Southwest Military Region, is here to report for duty!" Lin Zhe stood at attention and saluted, his voice loud and clear.
"Comrade Lin Zhe, please have a seat." Yang Zhenguo pointed to the seat opposite him.
Lin Zhe sat down, his back straight, his hands resting on his knees. Facing so many high-ranking generals, he felt no nervousness, only calmness—he had seen many such scenes in his previous life.
"Comrade Lin Zhe, we have all read your report," Yang Zhenguo said bluntly. "It is very well written and very forward-thinking. We invited you here today to hear your more detailed explanation."
"Yes, sir."
Lin Zhe stood up and walked to the projection screen at the front of the conference room. The staff had already prepared the equipment.
"Commendations, my report is divided into three parts: the evolution of future warfare, the direction of our military development, and the path of technological development." Lin Zhe opened the PPT—he had made it on the plane, and although it was simple, it highlighted the key points.
He began his explanation. From the characteristics of information warfare to the principles of network-centric warfare; from the development trend of intelligent equipment for individual soldiers to the application prospects of drone swarm tactics; from the limitations of traditional combat modes to the advantages of distributed warfare...
He spoke with great enthusiasm, using simple and easy-to-understand language, and frequently used examples from the exercises to illustrate his points. The generals listened attentively, some nodding occasionally, others taking notes.
"...Therefore, I believe that future wars will no longer be a contest of quantity, but a contest of quality; no longer a decisive battle of large armies, but a precision strike by small groups on multiple fronts," Lin Zhe concluded. "The development of our military should move towards informatization, intelligence, and precision."
He paused, then added, "Of course, these are just theoretical concepts. Their practical implementation will require technological support. Some of the technologies I mentioned in the report, such as intelligent command systems, unmanned combat platforms, and individual soldier exoskeletons... I am currently researching them privately, and I expect to submit a preliminary technical feasibility report to the General Armaments Department within three months."
These words sparked a low murmur in the conference room.
"You're researching these technologies?" a lieutenant general asked. "Comrade Lin Zhe, you're a special forces soldier, how do you have time for research?"
"Reporting to the commander, I conducted research during my rest time," Lin Zhe replied. "Moreover, many of my ideas stemmed from practical combat needs. For example, the individual soldier system was an improvement idea that arose from border patrols and special operations missions."
Yang Zhenguo gave Lin Zhe a deep look: "Young man, your abilities... are very comprehensive."
"Thank you for the compliment, sir. I was just doing what a soldier should do."
The meeting lasted two hours. Lin Zhe answered various questions raised by the generals, ranging from tactics to technology, from the present situation to the future, with fluent and clear answers.
At the end, Yang Zhenguo shook Lin Zhe's hand: "Comrade Lin Zhe, your explanation today has been very beneficial to us. The Central Military Commission attaches great importance to your report. The technical research you mentioned should be expedited. If you encounter any difficulties, please raise them directly, and the Central Military Commission will provide full support."
"Yes, sir! Thank you!"
Stepping out of the conference room, Lin Zhe breathed a sigh of relief. The presentation went more smoothly than he had anticipated.
Officer Wang greeted him: "Lieutenant Colonel Lin, your accommodations have been arranged at the Military Commission Guesthouse. Please rest in Beijing for the next few days; other leaders may wish to see you."
"OK, thanks."
At the same time, at Zhang Dajiang's home.
Zhang Dajiang walked into his house looking dejected, threw his military cap on the coat rack, and sat heavily on the sofa.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Zhang Xueying came downstairs and asked curiously when she saw her father's expression.
"What else could it be? Losing the exercise was incredibly frustrating!" Zhang Dajiang said irritably. "That kid you like, Lin Zhe, he's the one who led the raid on my command post and 'decapitated' me!"
Zhang Xueying's eyes lit up: "Really? Lin Zhe is that amazing?"
"Impressive?" Zhang Dajiang's eyes widened. "Your dad's already a 'martyr,' and you still call that impressive?"
"Of course he's amazing!" Zhang Xueying sat down next to her father. "Dad, Lin Zhe is the Red Army, and you're the Blue Army. On the battlefield, we each serve our own side. The fact that he beat you shows he's capable. You should be happy—it shows you have good judgment; the person you chose is truly outstanding!"
Zhang Dajiang's anger subsided somewhat after his daughter's words, but he still retorted defiantly, "What good taste? I get angry just looking at that kid!"
Just then, the phone rang. It was Chen Jianfeng calling.
"Old Zhang, what's wrong? Still angry?" Chen Jianfeng's voice was tinged with laughter.
"Stop talking nonsense and get to the point," Zhang Dajiang said irritably.
"I have good news for you. Lin Zhe is in Beijing and is giving a report at the Central Military Commission right now," Chen Jianfeng said. "Your future son-in-law is really making a splash."
Zhang Dajiang was taken aback: "The Central Military Commission is giving a report? What report?"
"It was that report on the future form of warfare that stunned those old generals in the Central Military Commission," Chen Jianfeng said. "Old Zhang, your future son-in-law is more than just a military strategist; he has a lot more to his head than that."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Dajiang's expression completely changed. His previous frustration vanished, replaced by undisguised smugness.
"Yingying, pour me a glass of water." He leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs.
Zhang Xueying was puzzled, but she still poured water and handed it to him: "Dad, what's wrong? You're angry one minute and laughing the next."
"Your Uncle Chen called and said Lin Zhe is in Beijing, giving a report at the Central Military Commission," Zhang Dajiang said slowly, taking a sip of water. "And he's being highly regarded."
"Really?" Zhang Xueying's eyes lit up.
"Of course it's true." Zhang Dajiang looked at his daughter. "Yingying, Dad's asking you, do you really like that boy?"
Zhang Xueying blushed: "Dad..."
"Don't be shy," Zhang Dajiang said seriously. "Lin Zhe is truly a gem. He's good at fighting, good at research, and intelligent. If you really like him, Dad supports you."
"Really?" Zhang Xueying was both surprised and delighted.
"However," Zhang Dajiang changed the subject, "relationships are a matter between two people. Dad can only create opportunities for you; whether it works out or not depends on yourselves."
He thought for a moment and said, "How about this, I'll invite him to my home for a meal as a way of thanking him for 'going easy' on me during the exercise. You two can get to know each other and see if it's a good fit."
"Dad! You're so kind!" Zhang Xueying was so happy she almost jumped up.
"Don't get too excited yet," Zhang Dajiang said. "It's not even certain whether they'll come. Besides, you need to perform well and not scare them away."
"I know, I know!" Zhang Xueying nodded repeatedly.
At this moment, Wang Hui came out of the kitchen: "What's making you so happy?"
"Mom, Lin Zhe is in Beijing! Dad wants to invite him to our house for dinner!" Zhang Xueying said excitedly.
Wang Hui smiled and said, "That's great. I'll cook a few more dishes to treat them well."
The family of three was talking when the phone rang again. This time it was the General Office of the Central Military Commission, informing Zhang Dajiang to attend tomorrow's meeting to discuss matters related to Lin Zhe's report.
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Dajiang became even more smug: "See? Lin Zhe's report has alarmed the Central Military Commission. This kid has a bright future ahead of him."
Lin Zhe had just settled down at the Military Commission Guesthouse when his phone rang. It was Chen Jianfeng calling.
"Lin Zhe, how's the report?" Chen Jianfeng asked.
"It went very smoothly, and the leaders attached great importance to it," Lin Zhe replied.
"That's good." Chen Jianfeng paused. "There's something... Commander Zhang Dajiang would like to invite you to his home for a meal as a way of thanking you for 'going easy' on us during the exercise—even though you didn't go easy on us at all."
Lin Zhe was both amused and exasperated: "Commander, this..."
"I know, it's a bit sudden," Chen Jianfeng said. "But Lin Zhe, Commander Zhang really admires you. And... his daughter is home too. Go visit her, just to make friends. It's okay if it doesn't work out."
Lin Zhe remained silent for a few seconds. He knew that Chen Jianfeng and Zhang Dajiang were creating an opportunity for him.
"Okay, I'll go," he finally said.
"That's more like it!" Chen Jianfeng laughed. "I'll send you the address, and the time is tomorrow night. Do your best, but don't be too reserved. That old rascal Zhang Dajiang looks serious, but he's actually quite easy to get along with."
Shortly after hanging up the phone, the guesthouse receptionist called: "Lieutenant Colonel Lin, there's a car looking for you at the door. They say it was sent by Commander Zhang."
So fast? Lin Zhe checked the time; it was 5 PM. He quickly straightened his military uniform and went downstairs.
A military-plated SUV was parked at the entrance. The driver, a young soldier, saw Lin Zhe, stood at attention, and saluted: "Lieutenant Colonel Lin, Commander Zhang sent me to pick you up."
Lin Zhe got into the car, his mind filled with mixed feelings. In both his lives, he had never experienced anything like this—meeting the woman's parents, especially those of commander-level officials.
But he quickly adjusted his mindset. A soldier never backs down in the face of adversity. The same applies to matters of the heart.
The car drove into the military compound and finally stopped in front of a three-story building. The yard was planted with flowers and plants and was very well maintained.
Lin Zhe got out of the car, straightened his military uniform, took a deep breath, and walked towards the door.
The door opened, and there stood Zhang Xueying. She was wearing simple loungewear today, her hair loosely tied up, looking fresh and natural.
"Lin Zhe, you're here!" Her eyes sparkled.
"Comrade Zhang... hello." Lin Zhe was a little reserved.
"Just call me Xueying, come in quickly." Zhang Xueying stepped aside.
Lin Zhe walked into the living room. Zhang Dajiang was sitting on the sofa. Seeing Lin Zhe, he stood up and said, "Lin Zhe, you're here? Have a seat."
"Greetings, Commander!" Lin Zhe stood at attention and saluted.
"There's no need to be so formal at home," Zhang Dajiang waved his hand. "Have a seat."
Wang Hui came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron, and smiled kindly: "Lin Zhe, right? I've often heard Old Zhang talk about you. Please sit down for a while; the food will be ready soon."
"Hello, Auntie, I'm sorry to trouble you," Lin Zhe said politely.
"No trouble at all," Wang Hui said with a smile as she went back to the kitchen.
There were three people left in the living room. Zhang Dajiang looked at Lin Zhe with a complicated expression—the frustration of being "killed" by this kid in the exercise was still there, but his admiration was genuine.
"Lin Zhe, you did a great job in the exercise," Zhang Dajiang said first. "Our 'Sharp Sword' team accepted the defeat wholeheartedly."
"You flatter me, sir. I was just lucky," Lin Zhe said modestly.
"It wasn't luck, it was skill," Zhang Dajiang said. "Your tactical execution, the team's coordination, the advantage of your equipment... it was all very obvious. Especially the final decapitation strike, those six men took down my command post, brilliant!"
Lin Zhe didn't know how to respond, so he could only smile.
Zhang Xueying chimed in from the side, "Dad, please don't mention the drills, it's too embarrassing."
"What's embarrassing? Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war." Zhang Dajiang waved his hand. "Lin Zhe, I heard you gave a report at the Central Military Commission today, and the response was very good?"
"The leaders attached great importance to this and offered many valuable suggestions," Lin Zhe said.
"Yes, young man, it's good to have ideas," Zhang Dajiang nodded. "But you also need to be realistic. Can those technologies you mentioned in your report really be implemented?"
"Most of it is possible, but it will take time," Lin Zhe said earnestly. "I am currently researching it, and I expect to have preliminary results within three months."
A look of approval flashed in Zhang Dajiang's eyes: "Good! You have ideas and the ability to put them into action. The army needs people like you."
Just then, Wang Hui called out that dinner was ready. The four of them sat around the table, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.
Wang Hui prepared a lavish meal of six dishes and a soup. During the meal, she kept serving food to Lin Zhe, asking about his life in the army and his family. Lin Zhe answered politely and appropriately.
Zhang Xueying didn't say much, but her eyes never left Lin Zhe. She could sense that although Lin Zhe didn't talk much, every word he said was sincere and genuine.
After dinner, Zhang Dajiang said, "Lin Zhe, want to play a game of chess with me?"
"Okay." Lin Zhe nodded.
The two were playing chess in the study. Zhang Xueying was making tea beside them and watching quietly.
"Lin Zhe, what are your plans for the future?" Zhang Dajiang asked while making a move on the chessboard.
"Stay in the special forces for now and bring the Hunter Blade out," Lin Zhe said. "Then... we'll see what the organization decides."
"Don't you want to go to the General Armaments Department? Or a military academy?"
"I'd like to, but not now," Lin Zhe said. "I feel that the combat experience I gain in the combat units will be very helpful for my future research and teaching."
Zhang Dajiang nodded: "That makes sense. But Lin Zhe, with your abilities, it's a bit of a waste for you to stay in the special forces. The Central Military Commission may have other plans for you."
"I understand," Lin Zhe said, "but I have my own rhythm."
"Good! That's got character!" Zhang Dajiang laughed. "Come on, General!"
After the game, Lin Zhe lost—not because he was bad at the game, but because he deliberately let Lin Zhe win. Zhang Dajiang obviously saw through it, but didn't say anything.
It was getting late, so Lin Zhe got up to say goodbye. Zhang Xueying saw him to the door.
"Lin Zhe, how are you feeling today?" she mustered up her courage to ask.
"Very good, thank you for your hospitality," Lin Zhe said.
"So... will we be able to meet again in the future?"
Lin Zhe looked at Zhang Xueying's expectant eyes and nodded: "Okay."
"That's great!" Zhang Xueying smiled, her smile radiant.
Watching Lin Zhe get into the car, Zhang Xueying felt a sweet warmth in her heart. She knew this was a good start.
Lin Zhe sat in the car, watching the night view flash by outside the window, his heart at peace. As for matters of the heart, let nature take its course.
What he needs to do now is to fulfill his training commitments with Hunter's Blade, to research those new technologies, and to contribute his efforts to the development of the country's military.