Once they saw that he had stopped, the people from the other theater commands quickly gathered around. They had no time for their prepared speeches and could only hastily introduce themselves.
Ji Ting listened to each of them, then said, "Hello, everyone. I'm Ji Ting."
They looked at him as though he were a national treasure, even softening their voices. "Little Ji, I've been sent by my superiors specifically to bring you to the Eastern Theater Command."
The moment he finished, Shen Lin suddenly chuckled.
Political Commissar Lu instantly shot him a dagger-like glare. "Shen Lin, what are you laughing at?"
"I can't speak for the other theater commands, but Little Ji probably won't go to yours."
"Just because you say he won't, he won't? What are your words, an imperial decree?" Political Commissar Lu demanded, glaring at him.
Shen Lin raised an eyebrow, his expression practically saying, You asked for it. "If I remember correctly, Qin Zaiye was from your theater command, wasn't he?"
The corners of Political Commissar Lu's mouth instantly drooped, and a flicker of panic crossed his eyes. "Qin Zaiye was struck from our rolls ages ago. Besides, one look at Little Ji tells you he considers the bigger picture. You think he's petty like you?"
Then he turned to Ji Ting with a beaming smile. "Right, Little Ji?"
Ji Ting glanced at Shen Lin and pressed his lips together. "Sorry, I do hold grudges."
If the bigger picture truly were at stake, he certainly wouldn't let personal feelings interfere. But he could watch the Sixth-Generation Fighter's test flight at any theater command, so naturally, his friendship with Shen Lin made him favor him.
Seeing Political Commissar Lu looking as though he'd been struck by lightning, the Air Force General from the Central Theater Command shoved