Chapter 438: The Chief of Staff

"I object!"

"What are you objecting to?"

"Even if Lu Yang is outstanding, at best he's only a Lieutenant Platoon Leader; you immediately made him a Squadron Leader, which is hard to convince the troops, and this is a leap of several grades—there's no such promotion!"

Zhao Haishen grew impatient; this time it was the Battalion Commander who was pleased.

"I haven't finished speaking; why are you so agitated?"

"What, are you afraid he'll someday climb into your position and push you out?"

"That could never happen!"

Zhao Haishen snorted coldly: "I'm simply considering it from everyone's standpoint; the leverage is set too high. Moreover, if the 4th Squadron performs well and we actually do this, it will inevitably spark public outrage and earn us the reputation of grinding the mill and killing the donkey."

Hou Yi raised his hand to stop him: "Enough. Let me finish. Lao Si was injured on a mission before; his old ailment flared up, keeping him up with pain at night. He later came to me specifically, saying his physical condition would only allow him to serve another two years before he has to step back to the second line."

"What I meant just now is that we can cultivate him as the successor to the 4th Squadron Leader."

"As for the specific post, we could assign him something like Lao Mao's—a Squadron Platoon Leader or a staff officer."

Zhao Haishen immediately understood: "First draw a big cake, and deal with the details later?"

Hou Yi nodded: "He can join without any selection process, and be promoted exceptionally to a cadre as soon as he steps in. Such treatment is unparalleled; use these terms to negotiate with him, and fill in the specifics yourself."

"If you still can't secure him, tell him that as long as he's willing to stay, his rank can be instantly promoted from Lieutenant to Captain."

Zhao Haishen clicked his tongue: "Focused cultivation, exceptional rank promotion, and a cadre position—all at once. This package is far better than the one we offered Bai Yuan back then."

Hou Yi hummed: "Back then Bai Yuan was already nearing thirty, while Lu Yang was only twenty with such talent and impressive battle record. That's youthful capital; his future holds limitless possibilities."

"Take care of this immediately; don't waste a single second."

"Understood."

Zhao Haishen returned to his office and sent for Lao Mao.

"Report."

Lao Mao pushed the door open, saluted, and shouted "Report!"

Zhao Haishen kept his head down writing, neither looking up nor responding, as if he hadn't heard.

Lao Mao called out again: "Report!"

Zhao Haishen still gave no reaction.

Lao Mao sighed helplessly, raised his voice, and shouted "Report!"

Only then did Zhao Haishen feign a pause, lift his head, rub his temples, and say a single word: "Sit."

Lao Mao didn't dare sit; he stood rigidly there, motionless.

Zhao Haishen's tone was stern, leaving no room for doubt: "I told you to sit."

"Yes."

Lao Mao sat upright, his butt only touching a quarter of the stool.

Zhao Haishen looked at him with disappointment: "Why not you? Why is the greatest merit credited to that unrelated Lu Yang instead of you?"

Lao Mao said with a grim face: "Chief of Staff, I was in charge of piloting the ship; under those circumstances, if I left the cockpit I couldn't maneuver the vessel against the enemy or ensure the safety of more people…"

"You don't need to tell me that; I don't want to hear it. I just think it's a pity you didn't seize such a good opportunity."

"Huh?"

"Lao Si's old ailment flared up; his condition is poor, and he's planning to step back to the second line in the next year or two. You were the one I recruited; I originally had high hopes for you, thinking you were the best successor, but now you've disappointed me."

Zhao Haishen took a cigarette from the pack, tapped it twice on the desk, and just as he brought it to his lips, Lao Mao approached with a lighter.

Zhao Haishen lit the cigarette, exhaled meaningfully, and stared at the upright Lao Mao across from him.

"You, do you have anything to say?"

"Chief of Staff, I have let you down; if there's another chance, I will definitely…"

"Don't talk about a next time; talk about this time."

Zhao Haishen looked at him: "Actually, I still have confidence in you; otherwise I wouldn't have recommended you for the grassroots selection alongside Bai Yuan. I believe the future 4th Squadron Leader position is destined for you, but the current Battalion Commander doesn't see it that way."

Lao Mao asked tentatively, "Battalion Commander, what do you mean?"

"He's furious, extremely furious; the four fires have all burned up, and he gave me a harsh scolding."

"......"

"But his anger isn't because of you; it's because why, in this mission, the greatest merit went to someone else instead of our Jiaolong?"

Zhao Haishen: "It's not just a matter of honor. If this spreads, others will think Jiaolong is incompetent, that you as a leader lack ability!"

Elevating it to the level of collective honor, Lao Mao became anxious: "Then what do we do?"

Zhao Haishen flicked ash slowly and said, "I've already thought of a solution; as long as we can keep Lu Yang, everything will fall into place."

"He may have taken the biggest honor, but ultimately he was trained by you, so it's also your accomplishment."

"That way, when you run for 4th Squadron Leader in the future, you'll have a few extra points of advantage."

Lao Mao: "But I've already talked to him many times; it's useless, isn't it?"

Zhao Haishen waved his hand: "That's because you haven't used the right method; there's no corner in this world that can't be dug through. Now, listen to me, follow what I say, and cooperate with me."

"Bai Yuan I can't rely on; after that guy becomes a Squadron Leader, he'll be idle and unambitious all day. The future Jiaolong banner still has to be carried by you; you're the one I trust most in the unit."

Receiving praise and recognition, Lao Mao puffed his chest high, his heart racing with excitement.

Having a superior who supports and cultivates him all the way, what excuse does he have not to strive and improve?

"Chief of Staff, rest assured, I will not slack off; I'll actively cooperate and complete the mission!"

"The 4th Squadron is an underwater frogman unit; underwater obstacle breaching and near‑shore infiltration are your strengths. Serve as Squadron Leader for two or three years, then when I step down, I'll fully support you becoming Chief of Staff; don't disappoint me."

"Yes!"

Lao Mao stood up excitedly and saluted forcefully.

The Chief of Staff is not only his patron but also his benefactor.

He even already imagined the scene where, someday in the future, he makes Bai Yuan squat there and kicks the person off the hillside with his foot; just thinking about it is exhilarating.

Zhao Haishen asked, "Where is Lu Yang now?"

Lao Mao: "Earlier he was in the dormitory; when I first arrived I saw him being taken away by the White Squadron, apparently heading toward the 'Shipyard'."

Zhao Haishen pounded the table: "Without permission, without report, they take outsiders into the core area—utterly disorganized and undisciplined! When you become a squad leader, don't ever copy him!"

"Understood."

"Alright, you go tend to your business; those kids still need psychological counseling. I'll check the Shipyard and find you later."

"Yes."

Leaving the office, Lao Mao's heart burst with joy; the happiness could not be hidden.

He felt his military career was about to reach its peak, and the days ahead were damn promising.

At the same time, Lu Yang followed Bai Yuan to a long‑abandoned pier.

The pier was overgrown with weeds, and beside it lay the wreck of a dismantled giant ship, like a fallen sky‑supporting titan.

The hull was riddled with rust; the boiler, frame, stairs, cabins and other sections were clearly visible.

Lu Yang looked up at the wreck of a vessel of at least one‑hundred‑thousand‑ton displacement and felt himself being infinitely diminished.

"Follow me."

He walked forward behind Bai Yuan.

Ahead was a stretch of iron net with a military restricted‑area warning sign.

At the gate stood several armed guards with live ammunition, who, upon seeing Bai Yuan, saluted in unison.

But Lu Yang could sense that they were all scrutinizing him, as if they thought he shouldn't be here.

Passing through a container area, he followed the rusted gangplank into the wreck's interior, and Lu Yang looked around like a curious baby the whole way.

"What is this place?"

"Sit first; if you want water, pour it yourself—there's a paper cup."

"Oh."

Lu Yang was taken to a ship‑restaurant area, probably three decks down, near the bow on both sides.

A water dispenser was nearby; he was a bit thirsty, so he filled the paper cup with water.

While drinking, he scanned the surroundings, and the bullet holes on the wall suddenly caught his eye.

Driven by curiosity, Lu Yang carried the cup up, just as he raised his hand to touch a hole, a sudden gunshot startled him, making him shiver.

The paper cup was pierced by a bullet, spilling all the water; Lu Yang, shocked, turned back and saw at the restaurant entrance a well‑equipped three‑person combat squad that had appeared out of nowhere.

The three had thick paint on their faces and wore cutting‑edge individual combat gear.

Their rifles were all the latest domestic 191 assault rifles, fitted with numerous precision components.

One's muzzle was still smoking, clearly the one who had just fired at him.

Lu Yang, full of question marks, looked at Bai Yuan standing beside him: "What does that mean, showing off wealth?"

Bai Yuan smiled: "Do you know what VBSS is?"