109: Open up channels

Early the next morning, a low-key black Audi A8 left Shanghai, smoothly merging into the highway traffic heading towards Jinling.

Inside the car, Xia Yunting, no longer showing any signs of drunkenness from last night's celebration banquet, was alert and briskly browsing documents on a tablet.

Lu Fan sat beside him, feeling both anticipation and a hint of nervousness about everything he was about to face.

Joking aside, he was about to genuinely engage with weapons and equipment—how could he possibly stay calm?

"Brother, relax," Xia Yunting said without looking up, as if seeing through Lu Fan's thoughts, a faint, strategic smile on his lips.

"Commander Zhao is upright and principled, but he's by no means rigid or stuck in the past.

What you've done is of extraordinary significance. He understands and can distinguish priorities."

He put down the tablet, turned to look at Lu Fan, his expression serious: "However, rules are rules.

Military region matters, especially those involving equipment, come with many regulations and restrictions.

When we meet Commander Zhao later, answer what he asks, say what needs to be said.

But only discuss 'what to do'; no need to delve into 'why' or 'where to do it.' Keep it brief—he'll understand."

Lu Fan nodded: "Understood, Elder Xia. I know the boundaries."

About two hours later, the car drove directly into the Jinling Military Region compound, stopping in front of a solemn and imposing office building.

Xia Yunting, clearly familiar with the place, led Lu Fan smoothly into a spacious office.

Behind the desk sat a soldier with general's stars on his shoulders, a resolute face, and an aura of authority even without anger.

"Old Squad Leader!" Xia Yunting's face broke into a sincere smile as he quickly stepped forward, respectful yet familiar.

"Yunting, you're here. Sit," Commander Zhao nodded slightly, his gaze immediately falling on Lu Fan.

The gaze wasn't aggressive, but it had a penetrating quality that seemed to see right through a person in an instant.

"Squad Leader, this is Lu Fan, the one I mentioned to you," Xia Yunting quickly introduced. "Brother Lu, this is Commander Zhao."

Lu Fan straightened his back, neither subservient nor arrogant, and gave a slight bow: "Commander Zhao, hello. I've long heard of your reputation."

"Mr. Lu, please sit," Commander Zhao's voice was low and magnetic, carrying the crisp efficiency characteristic of a soldier.

He didn't engage in excessive small talk, his eyes lingering on Lu Fan for a few seconds as if assessing something.

Then he got straight to the point: "Yunting has given me a detailed report on your situation.

To care for cultural heritage and rescue national treasures amidst chaos—such sentiment and courage are commendable."

He closed the file in his hand and continued: "Protecting these treasures that carry the nation's memory is no less significant than defending our territory.

The special circumstances and potential risks you face, I can understand.

The military region does have a batch of equipment that has just completed its historical mission and been retired from active service.

It's currently undergoing compliant evaluation, storage, or disposal procedures."

He pressed the intercom on his desk: "Staff Officer Wang, come in."

An officer in military uniform, wearing the rank of lieutenant colonel, with a sharp and efficient demeanor, entered promptly, standing at attention and saluting: "Commander!"

"Take CEO Xia and Mr. Lu to Storage Depot No. 3 for an on-site look.

Explain the relevant situation clearly, especially the management regulations and usage requirements."

Commander Zhao issued the order, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Yes, sir!" Staff Officer Wang replied crisply, then turned to Xia Yunting and Lu Fan. "CEO Xia, Mr. Lu, please follow me."

Led by Staff Officer Wang, they boarded a military-region jeep and drove toward a more heavily guarded area deep within the compound.

After passing another armed sentry post and a heavy electric gate, the view suddenly opened up.

An incredibly vast, modern armory with a towering dome appeared before them.

The warehouse was brightly lit, with a faint scent of oil and steel in the air.

The sight before him gave even Lu Fan, who was accustomed to 'big scenes,' a strong visual impact and mental shock.

The warehouse wasn't cluttered; it was divided into different sections, with various types of equipment neatly arrayed like a forest of steel:

Staff Officer Wang pointed at this steel torrent, his voice clear and professional: "Mr. Lu, as you can see,

this is a battalion-level equipment set, including Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Mortars, Individual Combat Weapons, and a full set of Protective Gear.

The condition is over eighty percent new, capable of use and basic combat operations.

Under normal procedures, they would soon be dismantled and recycled..."

As the explanation continued, Lu Fan learned that what was stored here was a battalion's worth of equipment.

After the tour, they returned to Commander Zhao's office.

Commander Zhao, seeing the lingering shock and deep thought in Lu Fan's eyes, asked in a grave tone: "Seen it? Any thoughts?"

Lu Fan collected himself and replied solemnly: "Commander, the condition and quantity of the equipment far exceeded my expectations.

The rules and requirements explained by Staff Officer Wang, we fully understand and are willing to strictly adhere to them."

Commander Zhao nodded slightly: "Good. Remember, power is a double-edged sword.

Giving you this equipment and possible future procurement channels isn't for you to flaunt your might.

Rather, it's hoped that you can use this power to protect what is truly precious in a broader world.

Whether it's the roots of culture or the safety and dignity of people.

Specific agreements and technical details will be handled by Staff Officer Wang in follow-up coordination with you."

Commander Zhao emphasized the words 'possible' and 'channels.'

At this point, those who understood did—as long as no mistakes were made, this channel was opened.

Afterward, Lu Fan followed Staff Officer Wang to handle the coordination.

At three in the afternoon, the two left the military region compound and got into the car.

Lu Fan held the "Letter of Intent for Strategic Reserve Cooperative Use of Partially Retired Equipment" stamped with a bright red seal.

Along with the list of contacts from designated military-industrial trade companies left by Staff Officer Wang, he let out a long sigh of relief.

A relieved and triumphant smile appeared on his face.

Xia Yunting teased: "Brother, this trip to Jinling wasn't in vain, was it? Is this 'wool' enough for you to knit a bulletproof vest?"

Lu Fan rubbed the smooth cover of the document, feeling its weighty significance.

Looking out the car window at the rapidly receding scenery of Jinling, his eyes became sharper and more determined than ever before.

A cold, powerful curve formed at the corner of his mouth: "More than just a bulletproof vest.

CEO Xia, next time, what I bring back might not just be items related to Shanghai.

Those treasures left by our ancestors, lost in the long river of history—I'll bring them all back."

On the journey to 1937, the most solid support was already in hand.

Hearing this, Xia Yunting's face showed a flash of surprise, quickly replaced by deep joy.

"The good things left by our ancestors, you bring them back home boldly. If anything goes wrong, your old brother here will cover for you."

Xia Yunting made a bold promise, then shifted the topic: "Brother, keep an eye out for General Zhao Dengyu's belongings while you're out there."

"Commander Zhao? Zhao Dengyu?"

Lu Fan silently repeated these two names, instantly understanding something in his heart.