Chapter 1242 Zhang Cao, who is like a ghost

The convoy drove smoothly through the deserted streets late at night.

The lead vehicle was an armored Mengshi, followed by a modified minibus with good bulletproof and soundproof performance, and escort vehicles followed behind. The light and shadow of the streetlights flowed quickly across the car windows.

Inside the minibus, the atmosphere was completely different from the tranquility outside, carrying a hint of oppression and subtlety.

Zhou Guihong and Lu Chong sat side by side in comfortable airline seats. After a brief silence, Zhou Guihong finally couldn't help but turn her head, lower her voice, and with an expression that was half-joking and half-seriously inquiring, spoke to Lu Chong:

"Chong, you mentioned in the telegram that there was an important matter that 'needs to be presented to the Chairman in person for a decision'...you weren't referring to that girl from earlier, were you?"

He paused, a subtle hint of warning in his voice: "Let me tell you, although the commander is young, he has always been extremely upright, especially in this regard..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear—you wouldn't be thinking of sending a woman to the commander, would you?

"Damn it! Zhou Guihong! What the hell do you think I am?!" Upon hearing this, Lu Chong's eyes widened, his voice suddenly rising, his face filled with indignation at "How dare you insult me ​​like this!"

"I, Lu Chong, may be rough, but I have principles! I have integrity! Would I do something so despicable?!"

He was so angry that he slammed his fist on the armrest of the chair, spitting almost onto Zhou Guihong's face: "My gratitude and loyalty to the commander are meant to be repaid by leading the troops to fight well and defending the land! To resort to these underhanded tricks? I can't afford to lose face like that! And I would never tarnish the commander's reputation!"

Seeing Lu Chong's strong reaction, Zhou Guihong felt somewhat relieved, but her doubts were not completely dispelled.

He knew Lu Chong too well. When Lu Chong was the squad leader, he was known for being reckless and audacious. He often didn't care about conventional methods in order to achieve his goals.

The word "moral integrity" was like a ghost to him; he had only heard of it, but had never actually seen it.

Perhaps he was too excited about concurrently serving as the army group commander and wanted to express his gratitude in this "simple and direct" way?

Thinking of his superior's almost woman-averse and meticulously disciplined manner, bordering on "divine," Zhou Guihong felt it necessary to lay things out upfront. He sighed, his tone softening, but becoming even more earnest:

"Chong, we're old comrades, don't take my words to heart. It's best if you don't have those kinds of thoughts, but if... even the slightest bit of such a thought comes to mind, take my advice and stop immediately!"

"We both know the leader's character; he especially despises this kind of underhanded scheming. If you really try to pull this stunt, forget about getting credit; you'll just get a severe reprimand, and it might even jeopardize your future..."

After hearing this, Lu Chong's chest heaved violently a few times, seemingly quite angry at Zhou Guihong's attitude of "disbelief and warning," but a hint of warmth flashed deep in his eyes.

He knew that Zhou Guihong was genuinely thinking of him.

At their level, all interactions revolve around self-interest, and friends like that will only become increasingly rare...

But the thought that such a good friend had misunderstood him made Lu Chong swallow back the explanation he was about to give.

"I'm too lazy to talk to you now, you'll find out later!"

After saying that, Lu Chong turned his head to look out the window, looking like he didn't want to talk to him anymore.

Seeing Lu Chong's aggrieved expression, Zhou Guihong couldn't help but force a bitter smile, wondering if she had really overthought things.

......

Half an hour later, at Xishan Guesthouse in Xishui District.

The Xishan Guesthouse now serves as the highest-level official guesthouse in the Central Plains Theater Command, primarily used to receive senior generals, committee members, and extremely important foreign guests who come to report on their duties, attend meetings, or handle important business.

Under the cover of night, the convoy silently drove into the heavily guarded hotel area, passed through tree-lined avenues, and stopped in front of a relatively independent and more private annex building on the side of the main building.

This annex is only three stories high, with a simple yet elegant modern exterior, but the interior is extremely sophisticated, combining comfort and security. Those who can stay here are truly "VIPs."

Xiong Yuting was assigned to the most spacious executive suite on the east side of the third floor, which also had the best view.

Given its special nature, at this moment, outside the heavy solid wood door of the suite stood a woman whose demeanor was completely different from that of the soldiers around her.

Her name was Song Yu, and she was in her early forties. She had a dignified appearance and a very well-maintained figure. She was wearing a well-tailored, high-quality dark gray suit, and her hair was neatly styled into an elegant bun at the back of her head.

She wore a professional, just-right smile, her eyes were gentle and calm, and her posture was upright but not stiff, exuding a composure and professionalism that could only be acquired through long-term rigorous training and was ingrained in her very being.

Song Yu's resume is quite unique. She graduated from the Lausanne Hotel Management School in Switzerland, majoring in butler service and high-end property management. She then worked for several top private estates and hotels around the world, and has more than 20 years of experience in high-end services.

When the apocalypse broke out, she happened to be back in China on personal business and was trapped in Ye Province. After the establishment of the Central Plains War Zone, it began to systematically search for and recruit professionals in various fields. Song Yu's qualifications were quickly recognized by the talent system. After a strict background check and ability assessment, she was specially hired as the "Special Reception Supervisor" of Xishan Guesthouse, specifically responsible for taking care of important guests staying in executive suites and above.

When Song Yu received the mission notification, she took it very seriously. An executive suite, and an emergency check-in late at night, usually meant that a very important person with a very special identity and a highly confidential itinerary had arrived.

Based on past experience in receiving such guests, they should at least enjoy the treatment of a deputy theater commander or be at the level of a deputy commander from another theater command of the committee.

She immediately began preparations according to the highest level of reception plan: checking every detail of the room to ensure that the temperature and humidity were suitable, all facilities were working properly, fresh tea, snacks and fruits were prepared to suit different tastes, and even the opening angle of the curtains was adjusted to ensure that the morning light would not disturb the guests' rest.

However, when she saw the girl being "escorted" to the suite door, Song Yu's well-trained and flawless professional smile instantly froze.

Her pupils, under the soft light of the corridor, couldn't help but dilate slightly.

The first thing that catches the eye is the girl's clothes, which are completely out of place with her surroundings and can be described as shabby.

A dusty, ill-fitting coat, disheveled hair, a face covered in dust... this was nothing like the image of any "important person" she had imagined...