What will Chapter 1239 bring?

As evening falls, Yuehu Lake sheds the brightness of the day and is draped in a soft and tranquil twilight.

A lingering glow of orange and crimson hues remained on the horizon, reflected on the mirror-like lake, turning the emerald green water a warm amber hue. The gentle breeze rippled the surface, breaking it into shimmering, dancing waves of light.

The weeping willows along the shore swayed gently in the evening breeze, as if combing through the last rays of sunlight. The verdant pine forest stood quietly by the lake, its shadows stretched long, blending into the deepening twilight, leaving only the sound of the pine trees rustling and the lake water lapping against the shore, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

Those colorful and strangely shaped ornamental mutant fish seemed much quieter at this moment, only swaying their tails leisurely among the aquatic plants near the shore, their scales occasionally reflecting a few specks of light, adding a few lively touches to this tranquil twilight scene.

Gu Chengyuan changed out of his formal attire and into a comfortable dark casual outfit. Accompanied by his bodyguard Pu Guangqiang, he strolled slowly along the stone path by the lake.

He tilted his head slightly back, breathing in the slightly damp and fragrant air, as if trying to exhale all the fatigue from a long day's work.

Pu Guangqiang lagged half a step behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings with alertness and composure, ensuring the absolute and comprehensive safety of this tranquil area.

"Commander, take a walk after dinner, and you'll live to be ninety-nine," Pu Guangqiang joked in his thick Yunnan accent.

Yeah, the accent is funnier than the joke.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyuan smiled faintly and was about to speak when suddenly, a series of deliberately soft but still hurried footsteps came from the tree-lined path behind them.

Upon hearing the noise, Pu Guangqiang turned around abruptly, his hand instinctively reaching for the holster at his waist. However, upon recognizing the person as Zhou Guihong, the director of the secretariat, he quickly regained his composure, though his eyes held a questioning look.

Zhou Guihong walked quickly to Gu Chengyuan's side, about three steps away, stopped, bowed slightly, her face showing the usual respect, but there was a hint of solemnity between her brows.

"Gui Hong? What's up at this hour?" Gu Chengyuan stopped and turned to look at him.

The afterglow of the sunset cast a warm glow on Gu Chengyuan's profile, making his eyes appear even more profound.

“Reporting to the commander,” Zhou Guihong’s voice was clear and steady, but her speaking speed was slightly faster than usual:

"We have just received a confirmation telegram from the Chongqing Military Region via encrypted line. Commander Lu Chong departed from Longfeng Freight Station in Beibei at 6:20 p.m. on a special armored train and is heading to the theater headquarters."

"Based on the current route and speed, it is estimated that it will arrive at the Xishui Railway Hub between 3:00 and 4:00 AM tomorrow."

Gu Chengyuan listened quietly, shifting his gaze from Zhou Guihong's face back to the lake where dusk was deepening.

His expression didn't change much, but his brows, which had just relaxed, subtly furrowed again with a very faint line, the kind that indicates he was thinking.

"I understand." Gu Chengyuan replied calmly, his tone indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. The evening breeze blew, ruffling the short hair on his forehead.

Zhou Guihong paused briefly, and seeing that the leader had no further instructions, she added:

"Commander Lu mentioned in the telegram that in addition to the routine work report and receiving matters related to the 3rd Army Group, there was another important matter that needed to be presented to the Chairman for a decision in person."

"Important matters?" Gu Chengyuan's eyebrows twitched slightly as he turned his head. "The telegram didn't mention any specific details?"

“No, sir. Commander Lu only marked it as ‘Top Secret, to be reported in person.’” Zhou Guihong shook her head.

Gu Chengyuan remained silent for a moment. He knew Lu Chong's personality; he was rough but meticulous, decisive in killing, and would never conceal anything unless it was something extremely special that could not be detailed in a telegram.

'What could it be? Is it related to the situation in Chongqing? Or something else?' Countless thoughts flashed through Gu Chengyuan's mind.

"Notify the railway department and Xishui Hub to prepare for receiving the train and to operate according to the highest level of security standards."

"Once Commander Lu arrives, arrange for him to rest directly at the staff guesthouse. There's no need to disturb him late at night. The reporting time... is set for 9:00 AM tomorrow in my office," Gu Chengyuan instructed calmly and clearly.

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Guihong solemnly responded, keeping the instructions firmly in mind.

Gu Chengyuan nodded and waved.

Zhou Guihong understood, bowed slightly again, and just as she had come, turned around silently and quickly disappeared into the twilight and the shadows of the pine forest.

The lakeside walk did not stop there; Gu Chengyuan continued along the path, his steps still steady.

But Pu Guangqiang, who was standing beside him, could keenly sense that the leisurely aura that the leader had just enjoyed while bathing in the sunset seemed to have faded a little, replaced by a deeper kind of contemplation, as calm on the surface as the Yuehu Lake, but with undercurrents surging within.

As dusk completely swallowed the last rays of the sunset, the streetlights on both sides of Yuehu Lake lit up one after another, casting winding ribbons of light on the lake's surface.

The night breeze grew cooler, carrying the faint sound of bugles from the distant military camp.

Gu Chengyuan stopped and gazed at the deep, bottomless lake and the flickering lights reflected in it, as if he were staring at some unknown mystery that was about to unfold.

What will Lu Chong bring tomorrow?

P.S.: Thanks to the amazing user "研都淡了" for the certification, thank you for your support!