Chapter 1119 Radiant

At the same time, on the other side of the VIP apron, a huge Y-20B strategic transport aircraft was ready, its dark gray fuselage casting a long shadow on the ground.

Not far away, four J-16 heavy fighter jets were lined up quietly like birds of prey ready to take off, with the pilots on standby in the cockpits.

Du Yuming, Zhao Jie, Lieutenant Colonel Wang Lei and other pilot representatives from the Eastern Theater Command were waiting at the apron.

Soon, one airport shuttle bus after another, led by a guide vehicle, drove directly to the transport plane's gangway.

The car door opened, and Lieutenant General Zhou Wei, Director of the Joint Political Work Department of the Eastern Theater Command, and Lieutenant General Wang Zhiming, Deputy Commander, got out first.

For this trip, both of them changed into more formal uniforms. The stars on their epaulettes shone brightly in the setting sun. Although they looked tired from the journey, their eyes were full of hope.

Due to the tight schedule, they only brought a handful of staff and guards with them, traveling light and showing their utmost sincerity and efficiency.

Seeing this, Du Yuming immediately stepped forward and saluted: "Director Zhou, Commander Wang! Thank you for your hard work!"

Zhou Wei and Wang Zhiming returned the greeting solemnly. Zhou Wei shook Du Yuming's hand and said sincerely, "Commander Du, thank you for your help! Time is short, so I won't waste any more pleasantries. Let's hurry and set off."

"Everything is ready!" Du Yuming turned sideways and led the Yun-20B, and started to talk nonsense:

"This is a special plane prepared for our senior officials to travel. It has reliable performance and sufficient range. It is escorted by four J-16 fighter jets throughout the journey to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Wang Zhiming looked at the four J-16s with sharp lines and full of power. A complex expression flashed in his eyes, which was both envy and a deeper curiosity and attention to the "Zhongzhou Theater" he was about to visit. He nodded and expressed his gratitude from the bottom of his heart.

"Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements!"

Without much greetings, after a simple handover and confirmation, Zhou Wei and Wang Zhiming quickly climbed the gangway under the watchful eyes of Du Yuming and others, and their figures disappeared into the cabin door.

The accompanying personnel and a small amount of urgently carried information and samples representing the sincerity of the Eastern Theater Command were also quickly loaded onto the plane.

——

The hatch slowly closed and the ground crew removed the gangway.

The engine of the Y-20B began to emit a low and powerful roar, and the tail nozzles of the four J-16s also spewed out hot air flows.

Under the command of the tower, the Y-20B slid onto the runway first and began to accelerate. The huge body was getting faster and faster on the runway, and finally took off with a light-hearted attitude and rushed into the sky bathed in sunset.

Immediately afterwards, four J-16s took off one after another, like loyal guards, and quickly completed formation in the air, escorting the Y-20B in the center, forming a tight flying formation.

The formation flew half a circle over Gucheng Lake, adjusted its course, and then flew towards the southwest - the heart of the Zhongzhou war zone, where the night market was located, without hesitation.

As the roar of the engine quickly faded away, it eventually merged into the twilight.

Du Yuming and Zhao Jie stood where they were until the navigation lights of the night flight formation disappeared completely into the deep sky in the southwest, like stars swallowed by the night sky.

"Commander, it seems that this time, we are really going to see major changes." Zhao Jie said softly, with a subtle premonition of future changes in his voice.

Du Yuming looked deeply at the last streak of warm light on the western horizon, which was swallowed by darkness. It was as if he was watching the departure of one era, and also as if he was welcoming the arrival of another.

"Yes. The power of the East China Sea is about to be integrated, giving us more cards in our hands. But the upcoming negotiations... won't be easy either."

He changed the subject and looked sideways at Zhao Jie: "Have you received a reply from the war zone regarding the summary of the situation you were responsible for after today's meeting?"

When Zhao Jie mentioned this, his face instantly showed an uncontrollable excitement, and he even subconsciously straightened his back a little:

"Commander, the theater has replied, and it was Chief Gu himself! The reply specifically praised your impulsive decision-making and seizing the crucial opportunity to establish contact with the Eastern Theater. They said they would commend you for your meritorious service!"

"Hahaha - you only praise me? You kid! You are young, but you think a lot!" Du Yuming scolded with a teasing tone, but there was no blame in his eyes, instead there was a kind of appreciation.

As the laughter died down, Du Yuming turned to face Zhao Jie, his expression becoming serious and friendly. He reached out and carefully straightened the collar of Zhao Jie's training uniform, which had been flipped up at some point and swayed slightly in the evening breeze. His movements were filled with the natural concern of an older brother.

"Zhao Jie, I'm a few years older than you and have experienced more ups and downs. Is it okay to call you Xiao Jie?"

"It's not too much, Commander, please feel free to do as you please!" Zhao Jie felt warm in his heart, knowing that this usually dignified commander was going to open up to him at this moment.

"Now the Jinling Military Sub-district is in ruins and surrounded by powerful enemies. It depends on the two of us brothers to work together to hold it together." Du Yuming spoke earnestly, his voice not loud, but every word clear:

"To put it bluntly, the future of this military sub-district is the future of both of us brothers! Doing our job well for the commander-in-chief and safeguarding the interests of the war zone is also closely tied to our own futures!"

He looked at Zhao Jie with a blazing gaze: "So, work hard. I'm always very good at judging people. Your future may be even brighter than mine!"

Zhao Jie quickly waved his hands after hearing this, a flattered look on his face: "No, no, no! Commander, please stop joking..."

"Hey!" Du Yuming raised his hand to interrupt Zhao Jie before he could finish. He stared at him with a half-smile, his eyes seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts:

"Who in this world doesn't yearn for progress? There's nothing shameful about being ambitious. What's shameful is wanting to improve yourself when you don't have the ability."

He paused, then said with absolute certainty, "After observing you for the past few days, I've seen that you still have a lot of room for growth. I'm optimistic about you!"

After saying that, Du Yuming said no more, took his hand off Zhao Jie's shoulder, turned around, and walked with steady steps straight towards the Mengshi command vehicle that was waiting quietly not far away.

Zhao Jie stood there in a daze. Du Yuming's powerful words echoed in his heart like a huge bell, stirring up waves that were difficult to calm down. A boiling heat surged from the bottom of his heart, almost bursting through his chest!

He subconsciously pursed his lips, barely suppressing the excitement and excitement that was almost overflowing with words.

Do I really... have the ability to shine brightly?

This idea was like a young sprout breaking through the soil, growing wildly in his heart, which once felt a little inferior due to his background.

As a military cadre who changed his career halfway, Zhao Jie has undoubtedly been feeling inferior for a long time. This inferiority complex not only implies a denial of his past self, but also urges him to continue to work twice as hard as others.

To this day, this is the first official encouragement Zhao Jie has received since officially joining the army...

Recognition from the captain of the Spark Commando and commander of the Jinling Military Sub-district!

Thinking of this, he subconsciously raised his head.

The indicator lights on both sides of the airport runway are like two rows of silent guards, extending into the distance, sinking into the darkness, but stubbornly marking the direction.

The signal lights on top of the tower rotated and flashed, and the red light swept across his face regularly, as if conducting some kind of solemn inspection.

Sporadic, warm lights shone through the windows of the hangars and barracks in the distance, blending with the cold, starlight that had just risen in the sky.

Brilliant light...

This is no longer an unattainable word, but has become the figure waiting for him beside the Mengshi car in front, the land under their feet that they need to conquer and protect, and the lights and stars in the night sky that guide the direction.

An unprecedented sense of clarity and strength filled his limbs and bones.

Before he had time to savor the complicated emotions, Zhao Jie saw Du Yuming standing next to the car, looking back at him. He took a deep breath of the air filled with aviation fuel and the coolness of the night, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and quickly caught up with him.

His steps were firm and powerful as he stepped on the solid ground. His figure blended into the interweaving light and shadow of the airport, as if he was actively walking towards the future outlined by the lights, which was full of challenges and hope.