Chapter 92

Lu Weiguo led the team back to the camp, escorting Wei Jian.

The previously quiet camp immediately burst into activity.

Captain Zhao hurried back to the camp. Listening to Lu Weiguo’s report, he finally felt relieved.

He had been restless all night, worried that something might happen to Lu Weiguo.

Fortunately, they had captured the man.

Captain Zhao patted Lu Weiguo on the shoulder, “Well done. You’ve earned another merit this time.”

“It’s my duty,” Lu Weiguo replied.

It was clear that Wei Jian had been targeting his wife. Whether for public duty or personal reasons, he would give his all.

Captain Zhao sat down in his office chair and gestured for Lu Weiguo to sit as well.

He sighed, “In a few days, my transfer order will arrive. Someone else will take over my position, and Chen Qiang will be promoted to deputy commander. Your deputy commander will also be transferred.”

Lu Weiguo already had some idea about these changes.

Captain Zhao continued, “Chen Qiang is familiar with all of you. He’s straightforward and capable; it wasn’t easy for him to get to this position. You all need to support him.”

Lu Weiguo felt a sudden pang of sadness. He had served under Captain Zhao since coming off the battlefield.

The sudden change was hard to adjust to.

But seeing Captain Zhao still worried about the camp before his departure, he reassured him, “Don’t worry, we won’t slack off.”

Captain Zhao smiled but then looked a bit dazed, “I originally thought that with your military achievements, you should take my position. But since you married a girl from the Shi family, I’m not worried, just make sure to keep your mindset right.”

He feared that Lu Weiguo, being young and ambitious, might have conflicts with Shi Tingyu over the promotion.

He also worried that Lu Weiguo might feel resentful towards Chen Qiang and cause trouble.

After all, they were once officers of the same rank, and now Chen Qiang was above him. No one would be happy about that.

Especially since Lu Weiguo’s military achievements and abilities surpassed Chen Qiang’s.

Sitting there, if not for the respect he had for his leader, Lu Weiguo would have rolled his eyes.

“What are you thinking? Chen Qiang is capable, has more years of service than I do, and is upright. His promotion is well-deserved. I have no complaints. Besides, I was prepared not to be promoted for a while when I got married.”

“My wife and I have a good relationship. You don’t need to worry.”

Hearing this, Captain Zhao finally relaxed completely.

“Don’t rush. These chaotic days will soon be over. When things settle down, you’ll get what you deserve.”

“Be patient, kid. I believe Professor Shi and his team will be back soon.”

Lu Weiguo felt invigorated. Promotion didn’t matter much; with his hard work, it would come eventually. What excited him was the prospect of his in-laws’ hardships ending.

His wife would be very happy then.

After giving a few more instructions, Captain Zhao sent Lu Weiguo to rest and granted the morning off.

The night had been exhausting.

Leaving Wei Jian to Captain Zhao’s care, Lu Weiguo felt at ease.

This would likely be the last major task Captain Zhao handled before his transfer.

After washing up at the camp, Lu Weiguo went home. When he arrived, Shi Tingyu was still asleep, though not very peacefully.

To reward Lijian, Lu Weiguo didn’t get into bed but went to the military dog base to buy some big bones and cooked them for Lijian as a treat.

As long as it was accounted for, it was fine occasionally.

The military dogs had also worked hard during the capture mission, and Captain Li was giving them special treats.

Lu Weiguo happened to join in.

On regular days, meat bones like these might not be available.

After getting the meat bones, Lu Weiguo returned home.

He put the meat bones in a pot on the coal stove to simmer and, after estimating the cooking time, went back to the bedroom to sleep.

As soon as he lay down, Shi Tingyu woke up.

Seeing him back, the memories of the previous night flooded back to her.

She felt around his body, “How are you? Are you hurt?”

If Wei Jian was indeed a spy, the operation must have been dangerous.

Lu Weiguo grabbed Shi Tingyu’s wandering hand, laughing, “Are you taking advantage of me?”

Shi Tingyu paused, then realized what he meant and glared at him, “I’m asking seriously.”

Lu Weiguo kissed her hand and conceded, “Alright, you’re serious. I’m the one not being serious.”

Shi Tingyu, exasperated, couldn’t stay mad at him.

Lu Weiguo lifted the thin blanket, placed her on top of himself, wrapped her in the blanket, and gently patted her back, “Wei Jian has been captured, so you don’t have to worry.”

Shi Tingyu looked up in surprise, only to be pushed back into his embrace by Lu Weiguo’s large hand.

With his loved one in his arms, Lu Weiguo felt completely content.

Even though she couldn’t lift her head, it didn’t stop Shi Tingyu from speaking.

“What exactly happened? Can you tell me?”

Since Shi Tingyu was involved in the incident with Wei Jian, Lu Weiguo saw no reason to hide anything from her.

He recounted the story of Wei Jian’s escape and eventual capture.

Shi Tingyu frowned, “Do you really think Wei Jian is a spy? Something feels off.”

Lu Weiguo listened attentively to her. She wasn’t like the usual family members who knew nothing about enemy spies. If she felt something was off, he took it seriously.

Shi Tingyu thought for a moment, “I drew the portrait of the small-time spy leader last time, so we suspected he was here to test if I was the portrait artist. But you mentioned Wei Jian had some research results. If he were a spy, how could he have research results? Wouldn’t they be trying to destroy our research?”

Lu Weiguo frowned, his hand on her back slowing its gentle pats.

“Are you saying he stole someone else’s results?”

Shi Tingyu nodded but then shook her head, her hair brushing against his chest and sending tingles through him.

Suppressing his reaction, Lu Weiguo looked at her, waiting for her thoughts.

“If he stole someone else’s results, why hasn’t there been any word of it? Wouldn’t the victim take action?”

She had read many stories about spies from this period in her previous life.

“Some spies are from foreign countries. They use outdated products as a way to infiltrate our important research institutions.”

“Right now, our country’s technology lags behind foreign countries. Wei Jian has no overseas study experience, and he’s so young. Did he really develop these results on his own?”

“Could it be outdated foreign technology?”

Lu Weiguo’s eyes widened. They had been thinking too narrowly.

Nanjing had once been the base of the Nationalist government, and most of their spies were from there. With Wei Jian previously inquiring about the portrait, they had assumed he was a Nationalist spy.

They had never considered another possibility.

Seeing his reaction, Shi Tingyu said, “Those involved in the matter are often the most confused.”

“Besides,” she continued, “he might still be connected to Nationalist spies.”

She had read many reports about double agents.