"Hahaha..." General Hu was laughing heartily as well.
"Zhao, you've really done us a great service this time!" he said with a smile, pointing at Director Zhao across from him.
"Heh! I wouldn't dare take the credit. I just chatted with our Sixteen Scholars about everyday things. They're getting on in years and enjoy talking with the younger generation. Besides, respecting the elderly and caring for the young is our tradition, isn't it?" Director Zhao was positively glowing too.
"Good! We must keep that fine tradition alive. Haha!"
"But I'm worried. Since they leaked the news ahead of time, could that gentleman be displeased?" Director Zhao asked with some concern.
"I might worry if it were someone else, but Elder Yu is far too shrewd for that. If he dared share the news with you, that means that gentleman at least tacitly approved! Besides, do you really think we can hide these little maneuvers of ours from him?" A hint of amusement flashed in General Hu's eyes.
"Yes! You're right. It seems the higher-ups were correct in their assessment. Mr. Captain does have a certain fondness for our country. Following instructions, I've been shamelessly asking Elder Yu and the others for all sorts of favors lately. To my surprise, they've helped whenever they could.
"The scientists under me have asked them quite a few questions. As long as it doesn't involve sensitive military technology, they'll offer a few pointers. We owe much of our recent progress to those veterans!"
Director Zhao nodded. He always felt that these scientists were bridges of communication the Ghost Captain had deliberately left for Zhonghua.
"Yes, that's good news. Now we just have to see when the Space Elevator opens to the public! We've spent so long preparing in advance that I'm confident we can