With Zhang Weidong accompanying him, Lin Yi strode into the communications room, whose atmosphere was markedly different from usual. When the duty communications operator, Zhang, saw them, he immediately spoke into the microphone, his voice tense:
"Reporting, sir. Major Lin Yi has arrived."
After speaking, he carefully handed Lin Yi another dedicated communications headset with both hands, his eyes full of awe.
Lin Yi took it, put it on, and calmly said, "Hello, this is Lin Yi."
A clear, crisp reply came from the other end. "Hello, Major Lin. Please wait a moment. The chief will speak with you shortly."
The wait was brief. In less than half a minute, an older man's voice came through the radio, steady and warm, with a hint of weariness:
"Hello, Major Lin Yi. This is Li Zhenguo."
Lin Yi responded at once, maintaining a soldier's crisp formality. "Hello, sir. Please give me your instructions."
"Haha, relax, relax. We're just having a casual chat."
Li Zhenguo's laughter came through the headset, sounding quite amiable. "There's no need for instructions. First, on behalf of the Supreme Command, I'd like to offer you my warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks once again!"
"Dawn Operation was a brilliant success. You deserve the greatest credit. You've worked hard! How are you feeling? Is your body holding up?"
"Nie Chang made special mention in his report of how much that final strike cost you. How are you feeling now? Are the recovery facilities at the settlement adequate?"
His opening words were clearly full of concern, as if he were simply making conversation.
He's worried I'll be nervous, so he's trying to make the conversation more relaxed. Old Li is quite considerate.
Lin Yi immediately caught the meaning. In his previous life, when he'd been in a senior position, he'd often