Wang Weiguo, head of the defense forces, was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with the marks of many sleepless nights etched on his face.
At that moment, he was studying the defense rotation plan for the following day with his staff around a map.
When he received the call, Wang Weiguo had just lit a cigarette.
As he listened to the report through the receiver, the fingers holding his cigarette paused briefly. Then he took a deep drag and slowly exhaled a plume of smoke.
"Understood. I'll be at Landing Pad No. 3 right away. Notify Old Li."
Wang Weiguo hung up. Seeing the staff members looking puzzled, he briefly explained, "We'll discuss the plan later. Comrade Lin Yi from Helu City is on his way. I'm going to meet him."
Meanwhile, Li Changming, chairman of the Settlement Comprehensive Management Committee, was reviewing a proposal to adjust food rations. He was an elderly man with graying hair and glasses.
After his secretary entered and quietly announced the news, he set down the document and rubbed his brow.
"He's coming now? In the middle of the night?"
Li Changming was surprised, but quickly composed himself. "Come on, let's head to Landing Pad No. 3. Also, have Logistics prepare a simple reception room and some hot tea."
There was no cheering or prolonged discussion, but among the informed senior officials, a mix of anticipation, tension, and uncertainty quietly spread.
The name Lin Yi had taken on a different weight in the minds of senior officials at settlements across the country. The Supreme Command Center had announced his appointment as principal of East Blade Military Academy and head of the Source Martial Strategic Defense Force.
An hour later, several temporarily installed floodlights illuminated Landing Pad No. 3.
Wang Weiguo and Li Changming