241: Incorporation of Hongdu Military Region

In a spacious and simple conference room within the core area of Hongdu Base, the primary personnel from both sides took their seats. Compared to the previous relaxed atmosphere, there was now a palpable sense of gravity and formality.

Without much small talk, Zhang Lei took the lead. His voice was steady and powerful as he cut straight to the chase: "Gentlemen, before I came to Hongdu, our Commander-in-Chief sent frequent reports of victory from the Lingnan front. Our army has successfully joined forces with the Southern Military Region to wipe out a zombie horde of over eight million gathered in the Phoenix City area!"

His tone shifted, becoming heavy: "However, while the results are brilliant, the cost is also heavy. In the major counties, the number of survivors... not even one in ten remains. Countless compatriots are struggling bitterly in the darkness, waiting for rescue. Time is life! Hongdu City, a provincial capital with a population of thirty million—its recovery and rescue work are urgent. Every moment of delay could mean the loss of more lives!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Qinian's face showed a deep sense of helplessness and impotence. He sighed: "What Comrade Zhang Lei says is absolutely correct. We feel the suffering of the people of Hongdu as if it were our own, and we worry day and night. It's just... sigh, our military region's strength is weak. We lack personnel, equipment, and ammunition. Compared to your army and even the Southern Military Region, we are truly... willing but unable."

"I understand General Lu's difficulties." Zhang Lei nodded understandingly, then his gaze swept over all the high-level officials of Hongdu present. His tone became resolute, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness: "In that case, I will speak plainly. Our army can solve all your problems—providing all the heavy equipment, weapons, and ammunition needed to recover Hongdu, as well as the massive amount of supplies for subsequent combat operations. We can even provide an additional ten thousand ordinary-quality zombie crystal cores to help Hongdu Base awaken new Evolvers on a large scale and in an organized manner, fundamentally improving your grassroots combat power!"

As soon as these words were spoken, a series of suppressed gasps echoed in the conference room. This gesture was too grand! Especially those ten thousand crystal cores; for Hongdu Base, which was desperately short of Evolver power, it was an irresistible temptation.

Governor Wu and Lu Qinian exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. Governor Wu took a deep breath. As the administrative chief, he was more accustomed to getting to the heart of the matter: "Comrade Zhang Lei, Hongdu is immensely grateful for such strong support. Please state your army's conditions plainly. What do we need to pay?" He knew clearly that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Zhang Lei sat up straight, his eyes like torches, as he clearly proposed three core conditions. Each one was like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of the Hongdu high-level officials:

"First, all existing combat units of Hongdu Base must be fully and unconditionally incorporated into the Red Alert Legion's battle sequence, accepting our army's unified reorganization and re-equipment. Our army will dispatch Instructor Teams to conduct systematic and modern military training. At the same time, we will make necessary adjustments to some officer positions according to the needs of the reorganization."

"Second, all survivors under the jurisdiction of Hongdu Base—their household registration, management, material distribution, work assignments, and all other administrative affairs—will be transferred to the unified jurisdiction of the civil affairs system established by our Red Alert Legion from the day of integration. We will establish complete identity archives and assign work positions based on ability."

"Third, all current high-level officials of Hongdu Base, including those with a rank of Level 8 (Deputy Division Level) and above, must undergo a joint background check and competency assessment by our Legion's Political Department and Supervision Department. After the assessment, all positions will be uniformly adjusted and appointed by our department based on the actual situation."

After the three conditions were stated, the conference room fell into a dead silence. The high-level officials of Hongdu Base looked at each other, their faces filled with shock, hesitation, and reluctance, yet no one dared to speak out in rebuttal. These three conditions almost completely handed over the military, political, and personnel powers of Hongdu Base. Hongdu would completely transform from a local power into a subordinate unit of the Red Alert Legion.

Zhang Lei took in everyone's reactions and softened his tone slightly, offering some conciliatory chips: "Of course, we are not unreasonable. After the integration, Governor Wu Changming will still serve as the highest administrative officer of the Hongdu area, responsible for daily civil administration. General Lu Qinian will serve as the highest military commander of the reorganized troops. The designation of Hongdu Base can also be retained." He spoke beautifully, but everyone understood that after adjusting the middle and lower-level officers and the administrative system, the actual power of the chief officers would be greatly weakened, serving more as a symbolic role to stabilize the people's hearts.

"This..." Lu Qinian looked troubled, his brows furrowed. This decision meant he would hand over the independent command he had built for a long time; the power structure of Hongdu and even the entire Xijiang Province would be completely changed. He asked hesitantly: "Comrade Zhang Lei, it's not that I don't trust your army, but... my Hongdu Military Region is organizationally under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Military Region. For such a major structural change, and the National Government's side... do we need to report it first and obtain approval?" This was his last bit of concern and struggle.

Hearing this, Zhang Lei smiled confidently and spoke with composure: "General Lu, please rest assured. Regarding the reporting and coordination work, I will immediately contact Commander-in-Chief Jiang Xin, and he will personally explain the situation to the National Government and the Eastern Military Region. I believe that in this time of national crisis, when it comes to saving the people from fire and water, both the National Government and the Eastern Military Region will understand and support us in taking the most efficient way to integrate our forces, and will certainly not be bound by old rules and regulations."

Hearing Zhang Lei's certain reply, and thinking of the massive equipment aid and ten thousand crystal cores, and then recalling Zhang Lei's god-like strength from before, the last trace of hesitation in Lu Qinian's heart vanished.

Lu Qinian let out a long sigh, as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted. He stood up, faced Zhang Lei, and said loudly: "Very well! We have been exhausted maintaining this base for so long. To be able to find strong support for the people of Hongdu is a fortunate thing! I, Lu Qinian, on behalf of the Hongdu Military Region, agree to accept your army's reorganization! I only hope... that the designation and bloodline of my 'Hongdu' heroic unit can be preserved!"

Governor Wu also stood up immediately and stated his position: "I also have no objection. I only request that your department keeps its promise and treats our Hongdu residents well and settles them properly! Let them see real hope in this apocalyptic world!"

Seeing that the two highest-ranking officials had stated their positions, the other high-level officials of Hongdu also stood up one after another, expressing their compliance with the arrangements.

Zhang Lei watched this scene and knew the overall situation was settled. He also stood up solemnly, faced the crowd, and returned a standard, powerful military salute. "Good! In that case, this matter is settled!" Zhang Lei's voice was sonorous and decisive. "Our army will immediately dispatch transport aircraft groups to prioritize the delivery of the first batch of weapons, equipment, and crystal cores to help your army quickly strengthen its firepower and become familiar with the new equipment. When the Lingnan campaign is completely over and our main force returns, that will be the time for the full-scale start of the Hongdu recovery battle! During this period, I ask Governor Wu and General Lu to coordinate all soldiers and civilians in the base and make all preparations before the big battle!"

"Yes! We guarantee the mission will be completed!" Lu Qinian, Governor Wu, and others responded in unison, their voices carrying a hint of relief as well as anticipation for the future.

A sincere smile appeared on Zhang Lei's face, and he was the first to extend his hand to Lu Qinian: "Everyone, I wish us a happy cooperation! For Hongdu, for Xijiang, for China!"

"Happy cooperation!" The high-ranking officials from the Hongdu side shook hands with Zhang Lei, Chen Hao, and Natasha one after another. The solemn atmosphere in the conference room was finally replaced by an atmosphere full of hope and determination.