Chapter 1011 Sino-Western Negotiations 1
Just as Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng were forcibly suppressing the turbulent waves in their hearts, and the stiff smiles on their faces had not yet fully adjusted to a natural state -
A clear and deep voice, like the sound of a jade chime, pierced the subtle silence of the square and resounded clearly in everyone's ears:
"Representatives from the Western Theater who have come all the way here!"
The owner of the voice was none other than the young commander who had shocked them terribly—Gu Chengyuan.
He took a step forward, his movements calm and unhurried, yet with an invisible gravitational force that instantly attracted all the attention in the audience.
His posture was as straight as a pine tree, and his dark green general's uniform exuded a restrained and noble luster in the sunlight. His deep eyes calmly swept over Zou Yuan, Zhang Shouzheng and the slightly uneasy members of the delegation behind them.
Wherever his gaze reached, it seemed to carry a tremendous force, completely crushing the last bit of unreality in Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng's hearts caused by the age difference!
"I am the commander of the Zhongzhou War Zone, Gu Chengyuan."
The three words "Commander" were pronounced clearly and loudly, hitting everyone's heart like a heavy hammer. The calm and majestic demeanor that was absolutely disproportionate to his age was fully displayed at this moment!
"On behalf of all officers and soldiers of the Zhongzhou War Zone, and the tens of millions of residents in the area—" At this point, Gu Chengyuan's voice rose slightly, carrying a penetrating power that clearly echoed on the shores of Yue Lake:
"welcome!"
The moment the words fell, the initial impact brought by that young face was completely overwhelmed by the mountain-like commanding aura revealed in his every move!
Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng only felt an invisible pressure coming towards them, which made them subconsciously straighten their backs and put away all the remaining gaffes and distracting thoughts, leaving only the solemnity and awe that was due when facing the theater commander!
Well, that's a nice way of putting it.
In fact, it is more of a helplessness that one has to accept in the face of reality and the situation being stronger than oneself!
You must know that the development of reality will never be affected by human will. Therefore, from the perspective of strength, since you cannot resist the brutal invasion of magical realism on the logic in your heart, you might as well lie down and try to enjoy it!
From the perspective of Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng, this Zhongzhou war zone that appeared out of nowhere can definitely be called the number one war zone in the Zhou state!
This ranking does not distinguish between before and after the end of the world!
Especially judging from what we have seen and heard along the way, even the Eastern War Zone before the end of the world will inevitably be beaten by the strength displayed by the Central Plains War Zone!
At least the air force is unmatched. The Zhongzhou Theater has fourth-generation aircraft, strategic transport aircraft, and strategic bombers. It is like a miniature version of a super military power!
Faced with the Central Plains Theater equipped with top-of-the-line equipment, let alone the Eastern Theater, even some so-called world powers, such as England, France, and Barat, would be beaten to a pulp!
There is an old saying in the military: When your strength reaches a certain level, even farting is the truth!
Therefore, with the strength currently displayed by the Zhongzhou War Zone, what can a general who is in his early twenties, let alone the commander of the war zone, do even if he is a little bolder?
As long as Commander Gu shows enough sincerity, their Western Theater Command... cough cough————
'Radical! Radical!'
...
Their thoughts raced, and Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng took a deep breath almost at the same time, forcibly suppressing the complex emotions surging in their chests.
The two of them quickly exchanged a knowing look—a look filled with the determination of grasping at a life-saving straw!
The next second, Lieutenant General Zou Yuan, Deputy Commander of the Western Theater Command, and Lieutenant General Zhang Shouzheng, Director of the Joint Political Work Department of the Western Theater Command, took a step forward, put their heels together, and almost at the same time, a crisp "pop" sound was heard!
Contrary to their usual casual demeanor as senior leaders, their postures were as standard as two recruits, and they solemnly saluted Gu Chengyuan with great enthusiasm and respect!
At the same time, Zou Yuan's resonant voice, with a rough texture like the northwest wind and sand, pierced through the brief silence and rang out clearly:
"Report to Commander Gu!"
"Zou Yuan, Deputy Commander of the Western Theater Command!"
"Zhang Shouzheng, Director of the Joint Political Work Department of the Western Theater Command!"
"Leading all members of the high-level delegation from the Western Theater Command—"
His voice suddenly rose, with a solemnity and eagerness that was almost like an oath:
"Thank you for the warm reception from the Zhongzhou Theater!"
"We are on this journey, carrying the earnest expectations of all the soldiers in the Western Theater and millions of our fellow surviving compatriots! We only wish to speak frankly with you, discuss major issues together, and pray for a bright future for this land that has suffered so much!"
Lieutenant General Zhang Shouzheng followed suit, his voice steady and earnest: "Commander Gu! The entire Western Theater Command holds the most sincere anticipation for this meeting! I hope this trip will build a solid bridge between our two theaters!"
The voices of the two lieutenant generals echoed in the square. They were very humble and their tone was extremely sincere.
The understanding that had to arise due to the gap in strength has now been completely transformed into a pragmatic and urgent demand for cooperation.
The way they looked at Gu Chengyuan, there was no contempt caused by age. Instead, there was only the heavy hope and unreserved surrender attitude when facing an absolutely strong man.
...
The echoes of Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng’s almost “pledge of allegiance” were still lingering, and the atmosphere in the small square was solemn and full of expectations.
Gu Chengyuan's deep gaze lingered for a moment on the faces of the two lieutenant generals of the Western Theater Command, as if he could penetrate that solemn appearance and see directly into their inner anxiety and hope.
He didn't speak immediately, but the silent pressure made the air even more tense.
After a few seconds of silence, the curve of Gu Chengyuan's mouth, which showed his control of the situation, deepened slightly. He did not return the greeting, but took a step forward and extended his right hand - this action itself was a higher level of acceptance and tone-setting that went beyond the military salute.
His palms were broad and strong, with the warmth unique to a young commander. He first shook hands with Zou Yuan's slightly rough hand.
"Deputy Commander Zou, Director Zhang," Gu Chengyuan's voice was not loud, but as steady as a rock, clearly reaching everyone's ears:
"I have received your sincerity and expectations."
He let go of Zou Yuan and shook Zhang Shouzheng's hand with the same force. His eyes swept over the two lieutenant generals and the members of the Western Theater Command delegation who were holding their breath behind them.
"There's no need to say enough words of gratitude. You and I are both soldiers of the Zhou State, connected by blood. When the apocalypse arrives and lives are ravaged, protecting the country and its people, and restoring order, is our bounden duty!"
He changed the subject, his gaze suddenly becoming as sharp as a knife, going straight to the core:
"The security and stability of the northwest not only concerns the survival of millions of soldiers and civilians in your theater, but also serves as a key barrier to the strategic depth and future development of our Central Plains Theater!"
"This is our greatest common interest! It is also the core cornerstone of this meeting!"
As soon as these words were spoken, it was like thunder exploding in Zou Yuan and Zhang Shouzheng's hearts!
"This young Commander Gu probably has big plans!"
Not only did he see through the weakness and predicament of the Western Theater, but his final words, 'It is also the key barrier to the strategic depth and future development of the Central Plains Theater!' seemed even more profound!
However, Gu Chengyuan didn't care what the two of them were thinking. After letting go of Zhang Shouzheng's hand, he let his hands hang naturally at his sides. His posture remained as straight as a pine tree, and his aura of control over the situation became stronger and stronger:
“Therefore, the Central Plains Theater Command has a positive attitude towards establishing a close, candid, and pragmatic cooperative relationship with the Western Theater Command.”
He used the four words "positive attitude" clearly and forcefully, which gave hope and left enough room for maneuver - cooperation is possible, but it must be "frank and pragmatic" and no tricks should be played.
Finally, Gu Chengyuan glanced at everyone:
"This isn't a place for deep discussion. We've prepared a meeting room. Everyone, please follow me. Let's—" He leaned slightly aside and gestured for permission. His movements were fluid and powerful.
"Let's go inside and discuss the Northwest strategy!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Chengyuan's hand, seemingly casually but with great force, gently patted Lieutenant General Zou Yuan on the shoulder.
"Snapped"
This spontaneous clapping sounded like encouragement from a superior to his subordinates, and also like a silent declaration and reminder:
"I understand your predicament. The door to cooperation is open, but you must follow my rules!"
Then, Gu Chengyuan said no more, turned around, and walked towards the office building with steady and firm steps.
Looking at the tall and straight back that was like a magic needle that stabilized the sea, Zou Yuan, deputy commander of the Western Theater Command, and Zhang Shouzheng, director of the Joint Political Work Department, had almost no time to think about it. They hurriedly followed as if they were drugged.
Seeing this, the other members of the Western Theater's delegation followed closely behind, joining the flood of cadres from the Central Plains Theater and heading towards the headquarters building!
At this point, the talks that will determine the fate of the Northwest and even the Zhou State have officially begun!
