Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Zhao Gang, with a background in political work, was very sensitive to international political symbols and instantly grasped the key point, saying:

"The addition of the British Earl..."

This will cause a stir within the Western camp, and at the very least, it will make the United States hesitant to take direct military action.

With an added layer of concerns, more time is needed to coordinate relationships with allies and assess the impact.

This has bought us a valuable window of opportunity!

"That's right!"

Zhou Weiguo slammed his fist into his palm and continued:

"This is the time window!"

That's exactly the time difference we're going to exploit!

Before the US military could react or complete internal coordination, the battle in Lower Laos was swiftly resolved with overwhelming force, creating a fait accompli!

At that point, if the United States were to attempt large-scale direct intervention again, the costs and political resistance would be much greater.

The Soviet Union would certainly be happy to see the Americans humiliated and would secretly provide us with more support.

After explaining the strategic timing, Zhou Weiguo changed the subject, a mischievous smile appearing on his face, and looked at Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang, saying:

"Old Zhao, Old Li, you're here today as observers for an 'exchange and learning' trip."

How can we truly learn from each other if we only observe from behind and don't go to the front lines?

How can that be called "exchange"?

He walked up to the two of them, his tone sincere yet provocative:

"This attack on Xia Liao was a decisive battle."

I'd like to ask you two to temporarily step down as 'observers'.

Old Li, go to the main attacking force and be my frontline advisor. Use your experience in fighting siege battles to give our assault division commanders some advice and exchange tactics!

Old Zhao, why don't you go to the Political Department and the Logistics Command and help us check if there are any oversights in the mobilization of the masses and logistical support? You can also exchange experiences!

This is what we call... combining theory with practice, in-depth exchanges between friendly forces, and common progress!

How was it?

Li Yunlong had been itching to fight for a long time. He loved fighting all his life, especially tough and fierce battles.

Previously, as an observer, he watched others prepare enthusiastically while he couldn't get involved, which frustrated him greatly.

Upon hearing that Zhou Weiguo not only wanted to bring forward such an important battle, but also wanted him to "exchange" with the main attacking force,

He immediately beamed with joy, stood up abruptly, and shouted in a loud voice:

"Ha ha!

Old Zhou, you're absolutely right!

Exchange students, exchange students, can it be called an exchange if there is no in-depth exchange?

The person watching from behind is an "observer"!

I, Lao Li, am here today to have a good exchange with you and learn from your experience in fighting modern warfare!

I'll serve as the advisor for the main attacking force!

We guarantee that the communication will be crystal clear!

He was eager to get to the front lines and "exchange ideas" with the troops.

Zhao Gang looked at the excited Li Yunlong, and then at the confident Zhou Weiguo, knowing that the battle situation was settled and the strategy was clear.

He also smiled and said:

"Since Comrade Weiguo thinks so highly of us, then Lao Li and I will respectfully accept your offer."

This time, let's have a proper 'exchange and learning' session, and also accumulate some combat experience for our own troops in tropical mountain and jungle areas.

He understood that this was both a sign of Zhou Weiguo's trust in them and a way to draw them deeper into the cause and tie them to the chariot. But for now, conquering Xialiao and opening up the situation was in everyone's common interest.

The atmosphere in the command post became enthusiastic and full of fighting spirit due to the arrival of these 20,000 fresh troops, the access to international "momentum," and the clear offensive plan.

Liu Jianguo stayed in England for a few more days, playing the dual roles of "Isabel's partner" and "an important partner of the Cavendish family" with impeccable manners and demeanor.

The count and countes had several seemingly casual conversations, but in fact, they contained a great deal of tacit understanding, and they finalized the framework and preliminary division of labor for the Trade City project with James and Emily.

After confirming that the arrangements in the UK were on track and that Emily was able to take initial control of the situation, Liu Jianguo took his leave, citing his busy work in China.

Earl Arthur personally escorted him to the door, shaking his hand firmly in farewell. His gaze was no longer one of scrutiny, but rather a complex mix of expectation, scrutiny, and the kind of look one would expect between allies.

"Jianguo, don't worry about things in Britain."

Have a safe trip, and I look forward to hearing good news from you. Also... take good care of Isabel.

The last sentence carried the father's concern for his daughter and grandson.

Mrs. Margaret also showed a rare gentle smile and told him to be careful on the road.

Emily's eyes were filled with reluctance and the nervous excitement of taking on a responsibility on her own, while James looked like he was ready to get started and make a big splash.

Liu Jianguo rode in a car arranged by the Cavendish family to the airport, looking back through the car window at the old mansion that was gradually receding into the distance.

He knew that a crucial piece had been firmly placed on the European chessboard.

As the plane landed at the Capital Airport, the familiar air and atmosphere allowed Liu Jianguo to quickly detach himself from the intrigues and prosperity of Europe and switch back to his role as Director of the Department of National Economic Comprehensive Affairs.

Without the slightest delay, the first thing he did upon returning to his office in the Department of National Economic Comprehensive Affairs was to summon his absolutely reliable trusted secretary and whisper his instructions:

"Immediately initiate the process of connecting with the British Cavendish-Oriental Trading Company in the name of the National Economic Comprehensive Division."

Initial contact personnel, communication channels, and encrypted communication methods should be prepared in accordance with the Class A foreign-related business contingency plan.

The person in charge on the other end is Emily Cavendish, and all correspondence must ultimately be reviewed by me.

The secretary understood immediately, made a note of it, and quickly went to make arrangements.

The National Economic Comprehensive Department mentioned by Liu Jianguo is precisely used to cover up various special economic activities related to the "Eight-Party Alliance".

After handling this most urgent matter, Liu Jianguo glanced at his watch, estimated the time, and then called his secretary over again, saying:

"Prepare the car, let's go to Zhongmouhai."

I need to report to my supervisor.

His tone was calm, but the secretary knew that what made Liu Jianguo rush there to report immediately after returning from abroad could not be a trivial matter.

The black sedan drove through Chang'an Avenue and into the heart of the nation's political nerve center.

After a rigorous and efficient inspection and reporting process, Liu Jianguo, led by another leader's personal secretary, walked through the quiet and solemn courtyard toward the office that was familiar to him, yet every time he stepped into it, he felt an immense sense of responsibility.

The office was simply furnished, yet it exuded an invisible sense of authority.

The leader was reviewing documents when he heard footsteps. He looked up, saw Liu Jianguo, and a gentle smile appeared on his serious face. He put down his pen and said:

"Comrade Jianguo is back?"

Sit down and talk.

Why are you in such a hurry? Is there something important going on?

The leader gestured for Liu Jianguo to sit on the sofa, and the secretary quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Liu Jianguo sat down on the sofa opposite the leader, his back straight, his posture respectful yet composed, and said:

"Boss, I went abroad this time to handle some matters."

I also encountered some situations while outside.

I feel it's necessary and my responsibility to report this to the organization and to you.

He got straight to the point, clarifying the nature of the report.

The leader nodded, leaned back slightly, and said in a listening posture:

"Okay, go ahead."

Regardless of whether it is a public or private matter, any situation that may benefit or impact the country should be reported promptly.

This is about being responsible for your work, and also about being responsible for yourself.