Chapter 135: Contacting You

Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Contacting You

For dinner, Aunt Zhao made a soup with mushrooms and sliced pork, scrambled eggs with tomato, cold shredded kelp, and garlic bok choy.

The portions for each dish were generous.

Even with Lu Zhengchuan, who always had a hearty appetite, the four of them still managed to polish off everything.

"Wanwan, you get some rest. I’m going to make a phone call." Lu Zhengchuan hadn’t forgotten his task. Worried the newsstand would close if it got too late, he let Su Wan know he was leaving.

Su Wan nodded. "While you’re at it, could you stop by the supply co-op and buy some candles and kerosene? We’re out."

Although their home had electricity, Su Wan rarely used it at night because the bill was quite expensive.

Now that they were expecting children, Su Wan couldn’t bear to take on the extra expense. Besides, kerosene lamps and candles worked just as well.

"Alright." Lu Zhengchuan wanted to say more, but he held his tongue.

’He wasn’t an idiot. The fact that Wanwan went through so much kerosene and so many candles proved she was staying up late at night to study.’

’Her brilliance was no accident; it was the result of hard work.’

Lu Zhengchuan left the house and headed straight for the newsstand. The sky was darkening and the streets were mostly empty, though the supply co-op next to the newsstand still had a few stragglers.

He first made the call to his unit.

Master Ji was in his office handling official duties when his adjutant entered. "Reporting, sir."

"Come in."

"Ah, Xiao Deng. What is it?"

"Sir, Battalion Commander Lu is on the line for you."

"Oh? Is Xiao Lu calling to report his victory? I already heard he did exceptionally well in the Capital Military District exercises. Took first place and really showed up Old Zhong’s troops." Master Ji beamed. "Hahaha, Old Zhong won’t be able to brag in front of me anymore! That kid really did me proud."

He had Xiao Deng transfer the call to his private line, then waved him away.

"Hello, Xiao Lu. What can I do for you?" Master Ji’s voice was hearty, filled with admiration.

Lu Zhengchuan said, "Sir, I’d like to sell the car I’ve lent to the unit."

Master Ji had expected him to talk about the military exercises; he never thought he’d bring up the car instead.

"Sell the car? To the unit? Why? Are you in urgent need of money?" Master Ji fired off a series of questions.

His concern for his star subordinate was obvious.

"Sir, something has come up at home. We just found out Wanwan is carrying twins, but their development isn’t going well. She has to take medication every day now, and it’s costing a considerable amount of money."

"I’m trying to pull the funds together now."

Hearing this, Master Ji shot to his feet in shock. "What! Comrade Su Wan is in that much danger!"

"I’m sorry to trouble you with this, sir. Also, I wanted to ask, when do I need to report back for duty?"

Lu Zhengchuan was actually hoping to ask for leave. Seeing Wanwan’s belly grow bigger by the day, he truly didn’t feel right about leaving her.

But Wanwan wasn’t due for at least another two months, and there was no way he could get that much time off.

He had to choose between taking his leave now or in the half-month before her due date.

"Zheng Chuan, for winning the exercises, the Capital Military District will definitely award you a bonus. It should be around a thousand yuan."

"If you need the money urgently, I can front it to you myself."

"As for the car, submit a formal request, and I’ll handle the paperwork. I’ll do my best to get the funds into your account within a month."

"Oh, and the police have already sent the items and money recovered from the Zheng Family to the base. If you need the cash urgently, I can have Xiao Deng mail it to you."

"As for reporting back..." Master Ji’s brow furrowed slightly. "There was actually something I needed to discuss with you."

"Sir, please go ahead." Lu Zhengchuan couldn’t have been more grateful to hear how his superior was looking out for him and helping him raise money. He immediately affirmed his readiness to listen.

"It’s like this. The situation in the south has become unstable, and there’s been a rise in border skirmishes. Due to the geography, this conflict naturally falls under the jurisdiction of our Southwest Military Region."

"My original plan was to have you lead a unit to the border to assess the situation. It would be best if a fight doesn’t break out, but if it does... we won’t hold back."

In other words, Lu Zhengchuan would have to go to the front lines.

"...Since it’s a military order, I will follow the organization’s arrangements." No matter how reluctant he felt, Lu Zhengchuan knew what was at stake. The country had to come before his family.

"Good. Zheng Chuan, I have high hopes for you. These skirmishes might not escalate into a full-blown conflict, but this is a prime opportunity to distinguish yourself. I know you want a transfer to the Capital, and I wouldn’t want you to miss a chance like this."

"Besides, I’ll rest easier knowing this is in your hands."

Master Ji wasn’t making this assignment lightly. He downplayed the severity of the situation, but only the top brass knew the truth: the friction in the south was being deliberately instigated by a certain major power, looking to provoke them and test their resolve.

By stationing troops there, they had to be careful. If they showed the slightest sign of weakness, the other side would seize the opportunity to encroach on Hua Country’s territory and use it as leverage to force Hua Country into accepting unfavorable terms.

After all, M Country had a long history of doing such things on the international stage—either by controlling economies or, under the guise of international aid, seizing control of a smaller nation’s food supply, turning it into their own personal backyard.

In short!

He would absolutely not allow M Country’s scheme to succeed!

That was why sending a highly capable team to resolve the current disputes under the guise of a border patrol was the first step. An outstanding performance might just have the desired deterrent effect.

After all... if a real war broke out, given the country’s current lack of advanced weaponry and its modest economy, the number of sacrifices would likely be immense.

"I understand, sir. I’ll get things settled with Wanwan and head back immediately." Lu Zhengchuan’s brow furrowed. He, too, realized this mission was far from simple.

This great game between nations had always been ongoing; it was just that ordinary people were never aware of it.

"Alright. The military will do what it can to help with your family matters. Besides, Comrade Su Wan is a physics genius, someone the country values highly."

"Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll start the paperwork for Comrade Su Wan’s medical coverage. As your dependent, she is fully entitled to receive treatment at half-cost."

"As for the car, I’ll fight to get you the best possible price. After all, vehicles are in high demand right now."

In times of conflict, vehicles were a precious resource. By selling it now, Lu Zhengchuan would not only get a high price but also leave a favorable impression on the military leadership.

"Once it all comes through, you’ll have tens of thousands of yuan. That will be more than enough to cover expenses for Comrade Su Wan and the two children, and you’ll be able to leave for your mission with peace of mind."

Master Ji had made thorough arrangements. As soon as he hung up, he went to expedite the matter personally.

Lu Zhengchuan then made another call, this time to He Rong.

"The item Wanwan promised you is ready. Do you want me to mail it to you first thing tomorrow, or should I just bring it with me when I come back in a couple of days?"

"It’s ready?" He Rong shot up from his seat, pleasantly surprised. "Bring it with you! Don’t mail it. That’ll take too long."

"I need it as soon as possible."

Lu Zhengchuan caught the urgency in his voice. "You’ve heard about the border skirmishes, then?"