Chapter 40: I am here representing the Navy this time.

Since the Chief is unavailable to make an appearance, who should be found to hold down the fort?

Back in his quarters, Sun Yongguo paced back and forth. He, along with Zhang Gongnong and Li Mingrui, held the rank of Senior Colonel, but they were all in technical roles; it would be against protocol for them to preside over the proceedings.

"Captain Zhou?" He thought of Zhou Qinglei, but immediately shook his head. Zhou was only a Colonel—a bit lacking in stature for the task. After pondering for a long time and mentally reviewing everyone in the base, he still couldn't find a suitable candidate. Suddenly, a thought struck him. Almost without hesitation, he placed a call.

Meanwhile, Su Dingping, who was enjoying the sea view at Mount Lao, was unaware that Sun Yongguo was tearing his hair out over his affairs. The two of them stood at the edge of the cliff, watching the rolling green waves, neither speaking.

Behind them, Wang Xin was stomping her feet in anxiety. "It’s been over ten minutes! They haven’t said a word. What are they doing? Playing statues to see who speaks first?"

"You young people are truly troublesome. Back in my day, I decided on the first sight. 'A woman three years older is like holding a golden brick'—isn't that wonderful?" Zhang Gongnong suggested to Wang Xin, "Why don't you go over and help?"

After the previous awkwardness, he didn't dare act rashly. It would be a disaster if he said the wrong thing. As someone who had been there, Wang Xin felt Zhang's suggestion made sense, but her step, just about to be taken, froze in mid-air.

"When do you and Professor Zhang plan to leave?" Guo Xueyun asked suddenly.

"Sister Xueyun, what's wrong?" Seeing the two in front move, Wang Xin quietly withdrew her foot.

Guo Xueyun replied, "As a Qingdao local, since you've come to visit, it is only right that I take you out to look around."

Su Dingping turned to look at Guo Xueyun. She quickly added, "It’s the etiquette of hospitality."

After a moment's thought, Su Dingping said, "We’re leaving this afternoon."

"Leaving this afternoon? So soon?" Guo Xueyun slightly avoided Su Dingping’s gaze, feeling a trace of loss in her heart. She couldn't quite untangle her own feelings. Lately, however, a certain figure had frequently appeared in her mind. That moment when Su Dingping spoke to her about the "Chinese Dream," saying, "Each generation has its own Long March, and each generation has its own mission. The baton of the era has been passed to us; we are the sparks that build China," had been deeply etched into her heart. Handsome, academically brilliant, and possessing grand ambitions—such a person would shine anywhere.

"Time is tight and the mission is heavy. I have no choice," Su Dingping explained.

"But you’re only a senior in college, you..." Halfway through, Guo Xueyun paused, then changed her tone: "Why not leave in the evening? I can take you and Professor Zhang for a proper tour of Qingdao this afternoon. It would be a chance to fulfill my duties as a host."

As she spoke, she looked up, meeting Su Dingping’s eyes directly.

The sea breeze swept past, scattering Guo Xueyun’s hair. Standing there in a snow-white down jacket, she looked beautiful and poised. Gazing up at him, Su Dingping felt his own heart pounding.

Just then, someone in the distance shouted, "It’s snowing! Look, it’s snowing!"

Suddenly, the surroundings erupted in cheers; couples embraced.

"I hope I’ll be with... forever!"
"I hope... to be healthy and happy for a lifetime."

The surrounding noise drowned out Su Dingping’s voice, but when Guo Xueyun turned back, a faint smile appeared on her face.

...

Within the Northern Maritime Military Base, Sun Yongguo waited anxiously. "It’s already the afternoon, why haven't they returned? Could Zhang Gongnong have gotten lost?"

He checked the time; his anxiety grew. It was past five o'clock, and there was still no word.

"Dean, what’s wrong? Should I contact old Zhang and have them come back sooner?" Li Mingrui asked quickly.

"No, no, we can't rush them!" Sun Yongguo waved his hand, forcing himself to calm down. "It's fine, a little late is okay. Don't worry."

Two more hours passed before Zhang Gongnong returned. Seeing him, Sun Yongguo immediately asked, "Comrade Gongnong, where is Dingping?"

"Dingping... ahem, he ran into a bit of a situation. I came back first, he will be back shortly."

Hearing this, Sun Yongguo became agitated. "Comrade Gongnong, you’re confused! How did I instruct you? To bring Dingping back safe and sound! And you—you come back alone! If anything happens to Dingping, how do you expect me to answer to the Chief?"

"It really was just a minor incident. It’s complicated, but don't worry, Dingping is perfectly safe. I left the driver with him and came back myself," Zhang Gongnong explained hurriedly.

"Really?"

"Absolutely!"

Zhang Gongnong’s tone was firm, leaving Sun Yongguo with nothing to do but fret. But with the driver there, if they really ran into trouble, it shouldn't be a major issue. Zhang Gongnong helped himself to a glass of water without ceremony. Soon after, someone from the base approached.

"Professor Zhang, the information you requested has been found."

Zhang Gongnong took the documents and glanced at them, his heart secretly surprised. "That girl, Guo Xueyun, is actually from a military compound family and is in the Army. It seems there’s no issue with her."

"Comrade Gongnong, what is it?" Sun Yongguo looked at him, puzzled.

"Nothing, just checked on someone. They are fine." Seeing Zhang Gongnong being evasive, Sun Yongguo didn't press for details. "By the way, Comrade Gongnong, there is a matter we need to take responsibility for shortly. Comrade Mingrui, come over and listen as well."

Sun Yongguo briefly outlined the situation. Upon hearing it, Zhang Gongnong and Li Mingrui were both surprised and delighted.

"Dean, don't worry, I guarantee this will be handled properly! I’ll go wait at Dingping’s door right now, and as soon as he returns, I’ll bring him over!" Zhang Gongnong promised, patting his chest.

Hardly had he left when Li Mingrui followed. "Wait for me, I’m coming too."

The two waited at the door for a while before finally seeing Su Dingping approaching, carrying bags of gifts.

"Professor Zhang, Professor Li, what are you doing here?"

"Nothing, just waiting for you."

As they spoke, they stepped forward, took the gifts from Su Dingping’s hands, and followed him inside. Once the items were put away, Zhang Gongnong pulled Su Dingping aside.

"Dingping, come with us."

"Huh? Are we starting work tonight? I’m ready."

"No, you’ll see when you get there!"

With that, they effectively flanked Su Dingping and led him toward Sun Yongguo’s room. With a bang, the door closed. Looking at the three solemn men in the room, Su Dingping was completely baffled.

"Dean, what's going on? Is there a problem with the 956E project? That shouldn't be, I was only gone for a day."

"Dingping, come here."

Only then did Su Dingping notice a black box on the table.

"Senior Colonel Zhang, it’s your turn!"

Suddenly, the door opened and Zhang Zhaoxin, in full military uniform, walked in. Su Dingping was about to speak, but heard Zhang Zhaoxin say, "Comrade Su Dingping, I am here representing the Navy."