Chapter 503: Persuasion II

At Su Feixue's signal, Lu Cheng lifted his wine glass.

"Senior brothers, if I offended any of you just now, I'll punish myself with a drink."

Ignoring everyone's objections, Lu Cheng tipped his neck back and drained the two‑tael cup clean.

Since Lu Cheng acted like this, even if he says something wrong again, no one would mind.

Colonel Fan spoke, "Alright, Lu Cheng, say whatever you want today; speak freely, there are no outsiders here."

Lu Cheng glanced and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother Fan. What I want to say is that the economy must be built, technology must develop, and the army likewise needs to modernize.

Just as we are now developing atomic bombs and artificial satellites, the purpose is to strengthen the nation and deter other countries."

"Therefore, only if our equipment becomes stronger and more high‑tech in the future can our soldiers bleed less and suffer fewer casualties."

The words he said received unanimous approval from everyone.

Wu Jingxuan said in a deep voice, "What you said has indeed been carefully analyzed, and the Military Commission has also mentioned this direction."

Lu Cheng felt reassured inside, "So, Senior Brother Wu, the trend is clear; I think Wu Zhekun is capable, and now it depends on how we can bring his abilities to the fullest."

"Bring them out?" Wu Jingxuan paused, "Isn't he already exercising his abilities on the border?"

Lu Cheng shook his head, "No, no, his abilities haven't been fully utilized. With his talent, he should do greater things for the country, such as contributing to building a modern army. That is the path he should take and devote his life to."

After hearing Lu Cheng's words, everyone fell silent again.

But this time, it was clearly not displeasure; rather, they gained a new understanding of Lu Cheng.

Seeing Lu Cheng talk for so long, they realized he had been laying the groundwork all along, aiming to lead into what came next.

In the end, it was for Wu Zhekun's future, and everyone understood Liang Lihua's intention: she didn't want her son to go to dangerous places again.

But Wu Jingxuan is a man devoted to the country; the more his own son, the more he feels he must push him forward.

Instead, Lu Cheng skillfully used his words to pull Wu Jingxuan's thoughts back.

Understanding Lu Cheng's point, everyone felt a bit relieved; they were glad they hadn't blamed him earlier, or they'd have regretted it later.

Colonel Fan began to shift the tide, aligning himself with Lu Cheng.

"Lao Wu, I think Lu Cheng's words are excellent. Whether soldier numbers are reduced in the future or not, turning the army into a modern force is absolutely necessary.

And Xiao Kun's future development, you really should think about it; you can't let him keep fighting at the front. Of course, I'm not saying that's wrong, but as Lu Cheng said, Xiao Kun should make a greater contribution to the country."

Using Lu Cheng's earlier remarks, Colonel Fan launched the offensive, and the others followed, trying to persuade the stubborn Senior Brother Wu.

Wu Jingxuan's previous mindset was that, with war breaking out, his own son wasn't going, so what right did he have to command other people's sons?

But at this moment, his resolve began to waver.

Because Lu Cheng's words made sense; his son could indeed do something more meaningful and significant.

For example, the modern army construction Lu Cheng mentioned—if he truly contributes and makes the nation strong, that would actually let more soldiers shed less blood.

He just hesitated a bit…

"Building a modern army—that topic is too vague; the specifics…"

Commander Gao, standing nearby, wasn't afraid to interrupt and said directly, "The specifics are easy: let Xiao Kun follow me to our military academy for a few years of training; once he graduates, young people will naturally find their purpose."

Listening to Commander Gao's words, Wu Jingxuan pondered for a while, then, looking weary, gave a slight nod.

"If Xiao Kun can truly do something more meaningful, I have no reason not to support it."

Seeing her husband agree, Liang Lihua couldn't dare to speak for a moment.

How could such a stubborn husband suddenly change his mind?

She had previously brought both daughters over, yet even that failed to sway her husband's thinking.

Was it the persuasion of these junior brothers? Of course that played a part, but the greater reason was Lu Cheng's words, which had a decisive effect.

Liang Lihua was overjoyed; she realized Lu Cheng was the right person to turn to.

This time her son wouldn't have to go back to the border and could study at the military academy; the arrangement fit her wishes perfectly.

She cast a grateful glance at Lu Cheng, and Lu Cheng responded with a smile.

After the meal, the few of them sat on the living‑room sofa, smoking and discussing work.

Seeing Lu Cheng had nothing to add, Liang Lihua called him away.

"Come, Lu Cheng, go upstairs with sister‑in‑law."

Lu Cheng followed.

As they climbed the stairs, Liang Lihua asked concernedly, "How are you? Not drunk, right? When we get upstairs I'll pour you a glass of water."

"Thanks, sister‑in‑law, I'm fine."

"Your tolerance is impressive, but you still shouldn't overdrink out there; too much harms the body…"

On the upper floor, Liang Lihua stopped and said, "Lu Cheng, I really can't thank you enough this time; I don't know how to express my gratitude."

Lu Cheng smiled, "Sister‑in‑law, please don't say that, or next time I won't dare come to your house for a meal."

Liang Lihua laughed along, "Alright, then sister‑in‑law won't be polite, and you don't have to be polite either; you can come anytime you wish."

Afterward, Liang Lihua entered her son's bedroom; Wu Zhekun, due to health reasons, hadn't gone down for dinner and was lying on the bed, a bowl brought up by Chen Mom.

When she entered, Wu Zhekun had already finished his meal, with the dishes still set aside.

The moment she stepped in, Liang Lihua couldn't wait to tell her son about this.

"Xiao Kun, I have good news: your father has agreed not to send you back to the border. From now on you'll go with Uncle Gao to the military academy for further study."

She expected her son would be delighted, but after she finished, Wu Zhekun's face showed little emotion; he just lay there flipping through the newspaper.

That made Liang Lihua a bit impatient.

"Hey, I'm talking to you, didn't you hear?"

Wu Zhekun turned his head and said, "I heard you."

Liang Lihua couldn't help scolding, "You heard me, kid; at least give some reaction."

Wu Zhekun quickly responded, "I disagree."

Liang Lihua was stunned, and her complexion also fell.

"You don't agree? What nonsense are you making! Just now those several uncles, especially Lu Cheng, exerted so much effort to persuade your father…"

Liang Lihua grew more angry as she said: "Hey, everything was agreed upon, but now you refuse, what do you want to do?"

You want to die on the battlefield, letting mother, with white hair, send a black‑haired person, right? If you really intend to do that, then I'll jump off the building now; I must die before you.

Seeing mother start to speak angrily, Wu Zhekun dared not speak.

At this moment, Lu Cheng, standing beside the coat rack, was staring at Wu Zhekun's officer's coat, examining it.

"Sister‑in‑law, he probably has conditions, but is afraid you won't agree, so he's deliberately being tough here."