Section 2, Disturbing the Higher Ups

The biggest trouble now is that we have two team members who have not yet contacted the rear, and it has been ten hours since the operation was thwarted. " Zhou Guohui continued from Gu Weimin's words, "We are concerned that these two team members may have fallen into the hands of the American military, so we must take precautionary measures. If the Americans...

How many people in other departments are aware of this operation

However, is this useful? Moreover, this does not fall within our scope of authority at all

Apart from our team, only the intelligence department that provided the information remains

Zhou Guohui nodded at Gu Weimin and said, "Wait for me outside."

"If you are told to go, then go. Why are you being so verbose?" Gu Weimin glared at Qi Jianjun, then said to the signal soldier, "Contact the other teams and have them send back a report immediately."

Moreover, what? Gu Weimin took out another cigarette

However, all the other teams are currently on their way to withdraw. If we send back the report now...

Yes, please have General Zhou come in directly in a moment

"Brother Yilin, I truly feel embarrassed to come looking for you at such a late hour." Zhou Guohui also realized that his initial attitude had been somewhat impolite. "If it weren't for a very serious matter, I wouldn't have flown over to see you at this late hour."

Gu Weimin was secretly startled; it was certain that there was a mole within the intelligence department. Otherwise, the information would not have leaked so quickly, and it was a mole that was deeply embedded, as otherwise, one would not have access to the details of this highly classified operation

The secretary promptly exited the office, and Wang Yilin took a seat on the sofa opposite Zhou Guohui

Everyone, please take a seat, no need for formalities! Wang Yilin slightly nodded to the colonel, appearing particularly courteous

Before 3:30, the door was knocked, and immediately the secretary entered the office with a major general from the army and a colonel still dressed in camouflage combat uniform

Qi Jianjun immediately grabbed Gu Weimin. "What are you trying to do? Are you planning to charge back alone?"

After finishing this statement, Gu Weimin rushed out of the sentry post. The sky outside remained dark, yet it was not as dark as the feelings in Gu Weimin's heart

After obtaining intelligence, the "Snow Leopard" team, under the orders of the Special Operations Command of the military district, planned and executed an interception operation, aiming to seize evidence of the connection between the "Blackwater" company and even the U.S. government with the extremist organization. To this end, four pairs of operatives entered Afghanistan three days ago and were secretly deployed along the route used by the "Blackwater" company to transport "cargo." After three days of patient waiting, the target finally appeared, but an unforeseen event occurred in the end.

Wang Yilin nodded slightly, picking up a cigarette from the coffee table. He did not smoke; the cigarette was meant for entertaining guests. When Zhou Guohui lit the cigarette, the secretary also brought in the tea, and the action was indeed quite swift

Another matter is to quickly identify who the traitor is. Gu Weimin's words carried significant weight, "Apart from the team members present here, how many others are aware of this operation?"

"Please have a seat, take your time to speak." Wang Yilin appeared indifferent; after inviting Zhou Guohui to sit down, he glanced at the standing colonel and then said to the secretary by the door, "Make two cups of tea, quickly!"

The Prime Minister's assistant is not an outsider; one should speak plainly and not leave anything unsaid. Zhou Guohui's words serve as a reminder to Ge Weimin that the Prime Minister's assistant has also served in the military, so do not attempt to conceal the facts

Gu Weimin did not rush to speak; he patted the signal soldier on the shoulder, allowing him to leave first, and then he went to close the gate of the sentry post

Gu Weimin was also taken aback; there was no doubt that this operation had failed

"Whatever, Brother Yilin, I did not come here to drink tea!" Zhou Guohui's voice was loud and full of confidence, clearly resembling a seasoned warrior. Although he appeared somewhat older, those who knew him were well aware that this major general was actually not yet thirty-five years old, a rising star in the Republic.

"Do not smoke, what time is it now!" Gu Weimin discarded the cigarette butt, stepped on it forcefully, and rubbed it back and forth a few times. "Contact the other teams and have them report the situation as soon as possible."

Gu Weimin stopped again beside the signal troops and lit his sixth cigarette. Next to the radio were the files of eight special forces soldiers from the four teams participating in this operation, with Ling Tianxiang's file prominently placed on top.

At the very least, I cannot wait for news here at https://m.hetushu.com. "Gu Weimin shook off Qi Jianjun's hand, saying, "We must find out who the traitor is. Whether for future actions or for Tianxiang and Daming, we must identify who the traitor is.

"Gu Weimin, it would be better if you spoke to the Prime Minister's assistant yourself!" Zhou Guohui glanced at the colonel officer behind him while handing over a cigarette.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Yilin rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock hanging on the door. It was already 3 AM. Major General Zhou Guohui had flown directly from the Southwest Military Region without any stops along the way. If there were no urgent matters, Zhou Guohui would not have flown thousands of kilometers in the middle of the night to see him

Old customer

At the 414th outpost in the western region, Colonel Gu Weimin lit his fifth cigarette within an hour and immediately checked his watch for the tenth time. The smoke filling the room was thick enough to suffocate, causing several soldiers guarding the outpost to retreat outside. It was truly puzzling how this colonel could smoke so much; did he not fear choking to death on his own smoke?

Moreover, the group also reported that during the incident, they heard the U.S. military shouting in Chinese.

Do you have any news? Gu Weimin stopped next to the signal soldier

Gu Weimin adjusted his military uniform. He had long heard that the Prime Minister had a highly capable assistant, often referred to as the "shadow Prime Minister," and had even heard that this person was very likely to be the future Prime Minister of the Republic. However, he had never met this "shadow Prime Minister" and never expected that Wang Yilin would be so young. If it weren't for the signs of fatigue on his face, Wang Yilin would appear to be no more than around thirty-five years old. Among the millions of government officials in the Republic, thirty-five is merely an ordinary age for a civil servant. Yet, to become the Chief Assistant to the Prime Minister at such a young age, a person who can influence the Prime Minister's decisions, is certainly no ordinary individual.

"You have worked hard along the way, would you like something to drink?" Wang Yilin approached.

There are two things that must be done. Gu Weimin paced back and forth in the room, "First, we must ascertain the situation of No. 01 and No. 02 as soon as possible"

This is secondary; among the two missing team members, one is Ling Tianxiang

Wang Yilin slightly pressed his hand. "I understand your intentions clearly, and I will inform the American ambassador tomorrow."

Gu Weimin was taken aback, and the cigarette butt in his hand fell to the ground

Suddenly, the phone on the table rang, startling Wang Yilin. He put down the document in his hand and rubbed his slightly throbbing temples vigorously. The phone continued to ring incessantly, and he sighed before picking up the receiver, his expression changing immediately.

"Colonel Gu, may I have a moment to speak with General Zhou privately?" Wang Yilin stood up and gestured for him to proceed, "The secretary will attend to you; General Zhou will come to call for you shortly"

I will arrange it as soon as possible. Qi Jianjun knew that Gu Weimin would not abandon any subordinate. Years ago, he was carried off the battlefield by Gu Weimin, and he was carried for more than 50 kilometers before returning to the rear.

The other three teams have safely retreated and are expected to arrive within approximately two hours. Additionally, the nearest team reported that, before losing contact, the U.S. military helicopter arrived five minutes earlier than scheduled, but the cargo was not received, and...

Gu Weimin quickly thought it over; these three individuals should pose no issues. Gan Ning, a lieutenant colonel in the army, joined the "Snow Leopard" at the same time as Gu Weimin. The two have collaborated for several years, and if it were not for his wife about to give birth, Gan Ning would also participate in this operation. Guo Zhigang is the political commissar of the brigade, and with his substantial background, he is even less likely to be a traitor. Major Li Yu was injured in the last operation and is currently recuperating in the military hospital, so he too cannot be a traitor. Guo Zhigang is the political commissar of the brigade, and with his substantial background, he is even less likely to be a traitor. Major Li Yu was injured in the last operation and is currently recuperating in the military hospital, so he too cannot be a traitor

If ... ... " Qi Jianjun hesitated for a moment, " What if they fall into the hands of the American military? "

An hour has passed since the scheduled retreat communication time. In the twenty-four missions that Ling Tianxiang has executed, he has never been late, nor has he ever lost contact with the rear. Something must have happened! Gu Weimin felt a twinge of regret; he should not have sent Ling Tianxiang to carry out the most dangerous mission. But is it useful to regret now?

"We cannot just do nothing. I will go back to find General Zhou now," Gu Weimin said, clenching his slightly trembling hands. "No matter what, we must clarify what exactly has happened. Once you have any news on your side, please inform me immediately. I will keep in constant contact with you."

After a busy day at the Prime Minister's Office, Wang and Librarian Yilin only rested for half an hour after dinner before diving back into the mountain of documents. As the Chief Assistant to the Prime Minister, although Wang Yilin is not considered a high-ranking official, he is one of the busiest civil servants. His daily work involves not only handling tasks assigned by the Prime Minister but also preparing the documents that the Prime Minister needs to address the following day before dawn. These documents must first be reviewed by him to determine which require immediate attention, which can be addressed later, which can be postponed slightly, and which do not need to be presented to the Prime Minister. These responsibilities are the primary duties of his role as Chief Assistant, leading some to refer to him as the shadow Prime Minister, one of the few influential figures in the Republic without an official title.

Two years ago, when Gu Weimin first met Ling Tianxiang, it was when Ling Tianxiang came to report to the "Snow Leopard" unit. He immediately concluded that this young man would become the most formidable "Snow Leopard". Over the past two years, Ling Tianxiang's performance has not disappointed Gu Weimin; he transformed from an ordinary special forces soldier to the best sniper in the entire brigade. The path that Gu Weimin took five years to complete, Ling Tianxiang accomplished in just two years. It was not until six months ago that Gu Weimin began to partially understand Ling Tianxiang's true identity and background, which further impressed Gu Weimin. If it were not for the necessity of dispatching the most outstanding sniper for the mission, coupled with Ling Tianxiang's active request to participate in the operation, Gu Weimin would never have sent him out.

Continue the call. Gu Weimin's face was ashen, unsure if it was due to the smoke.

Old Gu, this is not right, there must be something wrong

Then... Gu Weimin's hand froze in mid-air, "No decision will be made for the time being. However, all teams should be prepared for action. Once there is news, I will make a decision as soon as possible"

The information was provided by the National Military Intelligence Agency. About half a month ago, the agency intercepted a highly significant piece of intelligence indicating that the United States is likely in contact with a certain extremist organization that has been responsible for various attack incidents in the northwest of the Republic. The liaison work is being handled by the largest private defense contractor in the United States, "Blackwater". Although this company is nominally a private defense contractor, primarily obtaining contracts from the U.S. government for logistics and personnel protection in the Afghanistan region, in reality, it serves as a mercenary organization covertly supporting U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Most of its main members are retired military personnel from the U.S. Armed Forces, predominantly former special forces. Although this company is nominally a private defense contractor, primarily obtaining contracts from the U.S. government for logistics and personnel protection in the Afghanistan region, in reality, it serves as a mercenary organization covertly supporting U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Most of its main members are retired military personnel from the U.S. Armed Forces, predominantly former special forces.

Qi Jianjun nodded, "01" is the code name for Wei Daming, and "02" is the code name for Ling Tianxiang

Gu Weimin nodded slightly, still organizing his thoughts, unsure of how to begin. At that moment, Wang Yilin proactively handed over a lit lighter, helping him light a cigarette. This small gesture from Wang Yilin further surprised Gu Weimin, as he believed that those who wielded real power in the Republic should be domineering and would not need to be so courteous. In the gaze of both, Gu Weimin slowly recounted what had transpired.

"Old Gu, please sit down and have a drink of water." Major Qi Jianjun, who was sitting beside him, picked up his teacup

Gu Weimin noticed that Wang Yilin's eyebrows twitched slightly, and then he quickly returned to calmness. Gu Weimin immediately concluded that the background of Ling Tianxiang he had inquired about earlier must be true

Upon seeing this, Gu Weimin understood that he could not stay any longer and immediately stood up to take his leave. However, he was repeatedly questioning in his mind what kind of relationship Ling Tianxiang had with these two individuals

The signalman looked at Qi Jianjun with a hint of confusion, and the major officer silently nodded.

After Gu Weimin finished speaking, Wang Yilin's expression also darkened. He did not look at Gu Weimin, nor did he glance at Zhou Guohui, but instead lowered his head in contemplation

Gu Weimin was taken aback and regained his composure. "Jianjun, you stay here. When the other teams return, do not let them contact the outside world just yet. Additionally, manage the rest of the team well. I will return as soon as possible"

The signal soldier removed his headphones and shook his head

Regardless of whether they are dead, alive, or captured by the U.S. military, it is imperative to ascertain their status as soon as possible; the dead must be seen, and the living must be encountered

There is a traitor! Gu Weimin's face darkened completely; he was no longer anxious but became as calm as iron.

In the team, there are also Deputy Team Leader Gan, Political Commissar Guo, and Team Leader Li, who did not participate in the operation due to injury

"Shouting in Chinese?" Qi Jianjun rushed over in a single stride, looking at Gu Weimin with a hint of disbelief.

What should we do now

Colonel, we have made contact

Old customer ... ...

***