He Guangsheng let out a somewhat stiff laugh. "Comrade, you jest," he said. "Perhaps the canteen has made some error. I will have the matter investigated at once."
He raised his hand and signaled toward the assistant standing near the door.
But the man quickly interjected, "There is no need, Regimental Commander He. I am quite serious." He leaned forward slightly, his tone sincere. "If possible, I would like to purchase more of these apples. In all my years, I have never tasted anything so extraordinary."
At this point, curiosity began to stir among the others. One of the inspection team members frowned slightly, then reached for a slice himself and took a bite and immediately gasped loudly. All eyes turned toward him.
He finished the slice in hurried bites, then finally found his voice. "What kind of apple is this?" he exclaimed. "It is… it is simply divine! Where did you obtain it?"
That was all it took. One by one, hands reached for the apples. Skepticism gave way to curiosity, curiosity to astonishment. Expressions changed across the room, eyes widened and voices rose across the room.
"This… this is incredible," one officer murmured. "I was feeling drowsy just moments ago, yet now my mind is clear."
"My neck pain… it has eased," another said, rotating his shoulders in disbelief. "It was stiff all morning, and now it feels light."
"I do not feel tired anymore," a third added, his tone filled with wonder. "It is as though my entire body has been refreshed."
Another leaned back, exhaling slowly. "There is a warmth in my chest… calm and steady. What kind of fruit produces such an effect?"
Finally, someone voiced the question lingering in every mind. "Could it be…" he said hesitantly, "that this apple is medicinally hyperactive?"
The room, once filled with formal discussion, had completely lost its original rhythm. Now, all conversation revolved around the apples.
One by one, the gazes around the conference table shifted, converging upon He Guangsheng.
The regimental commander himself, however, seemed entirely unaware.
He was still savoring the final bite of the apple in his hand, chewing slowly, almost thoughtfully, as though unwilling to let even the last trace of sweetness escape his senses. The crisp flesh yielded beneath his teeth, releasing a lingering fragrance that seemed to settle deep within his chest, soothing and invigorating all at once.
Only after swallowing did he finally lift his head and notice the silence. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed upon him.
For a brief moment, he was taken aback. "Comrades…?" he said, clearing his throat lightly. "Why are you all looking at me in such a manner? Is something the matter?"
A faint smile appeared on the face of the head of the inspection team, who leaned forward slightly, his tone courteous yet unmistakably expectant. "Regimental Commander He," he began, "if it is not too much trouble… might we inquire whether it is possible to purchase some of these apples?"
Another member nodded at once, adding with quiet enthusiasm, "Indeed. Such fine produce is seldom encountered. It would truly be a pity if we could not obtain some."
Around the table, agreement rippled like a silent current. Though none spoke out of turn, the anticipation in their expressions was unmistakable.
For a moment He Guangsheng was stunned. Then, as though struck by a sudden flash of lightning, something shifted in his mind.
Ever since the arrival of this second inspection team from the capital today, he had felt as though he were walking upon the edge of a blade. This inspection was of great consequence.
The regiment faced numerous difficulties, a severe shortage of housing within the compound, inadequate facilities in the clinic, a pressing need for new equipment. All of these required funding, funding that would only be approved if the inspection team gave a favorable evaluation.
And yet from the very beginning of the meeting, their indifference had been evident.
Earlier, in an attempt to show proper hospitality, he had even presented imported nutritional supplements from Hong Kong. But they had refused them outright, citing ideological concerns. At that moment he had nearly lost hope.
But now seeing the unmistakable interest in their eyes as they spoke of the apples a spark reignited within him.
An opportunity knocking at the door.
His expression changed at once. A broad, warm smile spread across his face, his earlier hesitation vanishing as though it had never existed.
"Comrades," he said graciously, "you are being far too formal. There is no need to speak of purchase. Since you find them to your liking, I shall personally arrange for each of you to take some with you."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and gestured toward his assistant by the door.
The assistant immediately understood and gave a slight nod before slipping out of the room to carry out the instruction.
Outwardly, He Guangsheng remained composed, even generous. But inwardly he was anything but calm. A faint trace of anxiety crept into his thoughts. Would there be enough apples? After distributing them to the inspection team would any remain for him?
Across the table, the three battalion commanders exchanged subtle glances, each harbored the same unspoken concern.
Within the logistics department, Pan Shouyi sat behind his desk, utterly unaware that he had, quite unknowingly, positioned himself at the center of an extraordinary windfall.
By noon, word had begun to spread, about some magical apples arrived at their unit.
The phrase traveled swiftly through the compound, passing from barracks to training grounds, from clerks to officers, until curiosity could no longer be contained. Soldiers and staff alike found reasons to pass by the logistics department. Some came in hopes of purchasing a few pieces, while others arrived merely to catch a glimpse of the now-famous fruit.
Pan Shouyi and Assistant Lu spent the entire day turning people away. Not because they were unwilling to sell but because there was nothing left to sell.
Early that morning, the regimental commander's assistant had already taken a considerable portion. Soon after, the battalion commanders had arrived in person, each securing their share without hesitation. What remained was swiftly claimed by their aides who were present in the meeting at that time.
By the time dusk approached all eighty-six apples had been sold.
That very evening, he was summoned and commended by the leadership for his "initiative" in securing such rare provisions. A modest bonus was awarded to him for the month, along with a directive to procure more.
Pan Shouyi accepted the task with solemn enthusiasm, though in truth, he had little idea where Ma Zhiyong will source this apple again.
Meanwhile, the matter eventually reached Gu Zhenhua. At that moment, he was seated in the regimental office, across from He Guangsheng.
On the table between them lay a small plate, upon which rested several remaining apples. He Guangsheng held one in his hand, examining it with a level of attention that bordered on reverence, as though it were some rare military artifact rather than a simple fruit.
Gu Zhenhua watched in silence. A faint trace of amusement flickered in his otherwise composed expression. He needed only a single glance to recognize their origin. And yet he said nothing.
Only after allowing the regimental commander a moment longer did he finally speak, his tone calm but direct.
"Comrade Regimental Commander," he said, "do you understand the purpose of my visit?"
He Guangsheng set the apple down slowly, his expression returning to its usual seriousness. He inclined his head slightly.
"I have a preliminary guess," he replied. "Your concern is about the supply delivery to your operational unit."
Gu Zhenhua did not respond. He merely held the other man's gaze, signaling for him to continue.
He Guangsheng folded his hands on the table, and said in a grave tone "The consignment dispatched to your unit included both food supplies and a concealed allocation of military-grade equipment. According to the report I received, the transport was intercepted and compromised en route."
He paused briefly before adding,
"Based on the method of execution and the pattern observed, I have reason to believe that the incident is attributable to the same armed bandit group currently under investigation."
At those words Gu Zhenhua's expression changed. The air in the room seemed to tighten. A sharp, almost chilling intensity emanated from him as he spoke, his voice low but edged with unmistakable steel. "And yout are telling this to me only now?"
He Guangsheng raised a hand slightly, his tone steady.
"Zhenhua, compose yourself. Let me finish what I have to say."
A brief silence followed.
Gu Zhenhua did not interrupt again.
He Guangsheng continued, "The report reached this office only last week. Upon analysis, I noted a high degree of similarity between this incident and previous operations conducted by the target group.
He leaned forward slightly.
"Due to the classified nature of your mission, no written or telegraphic communication was deemed secure. Any premature transmission risked exposing operational details."
Gu Zhenhua exhaled slowly. The tension in his posture eased, though only slightly.
"I have conducted extensive reconnaissance across Taonan County and its surrounding areas for last two weeks," he said, his tone measured now, but still grave. "No trace of their activity. No identifiable movement patterns. Not even a minor lead was found." He paused, his brows knitting together. "And now it becomes clear why, because our presence has already been detected. We have been operating under observation from the outset."
He Guangsheng shook his head. "Not necessarily," he said. "Prior to your deployment, information was deliberately disseminated indicating that your unit was assigned to routine field exercises and mountain training."
He allowed a faint, pragmatic smile.
"To an organized force of that scale, a small detachment would not constitute an immediate threat. At most, they would adopt heightened caution, not full withdrawal."
Gu Zhenhua's gaze grew increasingly cold as he mentally pieced together the fragments of information before him. "Even a measure of caution would have been sufficient for them to conceal themselves more effectively. According to prior my intelligence, three individuals identified as close aides to the bandit leader had been sighted within Taonan County. Their movements were tracked for a short period, and then without warning they vanished entirely." His eyes darkened. "And now it is clear why."
A quiet heaviness settled in the room.
He Guangsheng exhaled slowly, his expression reflecting both concern and restraint. "Zhenhua, the situation has indeed grown more complex than initially anticipated. But precisely because of this complexity, the mission was entrusted to you. You possess the discipline and judgment required for such an assignment. I have no doubt you will see it through."
Gu Zhenhua did not respond immediately. Instead, he drew a slow breath, allowing the tension in his chest to settle. When he spoke again, his tone had shifted, "My immediate concern, is not the mission." A brief pause followed. "It is food."
He lifted his eyes. "I cannot allow my unit to continue operating under such strain. Sustained deprivation will compromise both morale and combat readiness." He then asked directly, "Is there any possibility of arranging an alternative supply shipment?"
He Guangsheng shook his head, his expression grave. "Let us speak plainly, Comrade Gu. Food shortages are not limited to your detachment. They are affecting the entire unit. Even within the regiment, the canteen struggles to maintain consistent provisions. And even if we were to secure additional supplies, transporting them to Taonan County would introduce significant risk. The previous convoy was already compromised. A second attempt may meet the same fate."
His expression tightened further as he continued, "The interception of the last classified supply convoy demonstrates not only operational capability, but also their concerning level of intelligence penetration. This suggests the existence of informants, either embedded within civilian populations or operating through auxiliary support networks."
Gu Zhenhua's eyes sharpened at once. "Has an internal investigation been conducted?" he asked.
He Guangsheng nodded. "It has," he said. "A thorough review was carried out within the unit. No irregularities were identified. At present, there is no evidence to suggest internal compromise."
He paused briefly before adding, "Which leads to a more troubling conclusion, the intelligence leak originates externally. There is likely someone monitoring our movements."
A silence followed.
Then He Guangsheng spoke again, his tone measured but firm. "If my assessment is correct, even your return to Baicheng may have been observed."
Gu Zhenhua fell silent. His brows drew together as he considered the implications, his thoughts moving rapidly beneath an otherwise composed exterior. After a long moment, he finally spoke. "In that case, what is your recommendation?"
He Guangsheng met his gaze without hesitation. "You are a capable officer, Zhenhua, there is no need for me to dictate your course of action. Given the current circumstances, centralized supply routes are no longer reliable. Any attempt to transport provisions from Baicheng to Taonan carries unacceptable risk. Therefore, the only viable solution is to secure resources locally."
Gu Zhenhua had, in truth, already anticipated such an outcome. Thus, when the conclusion was finally spoken aloud, he was not surprised.
For a brief moment, neither man spoke.
The office fell into a contemplative silence. Gu Zhenhua's gaze drifted absently across the table. Then it stopped at the apples.
Suddenly an image flashed in his mind. Yet just as quickly, doubt followed. Can she truly help me with this? he wondered. But than put the matter aside.
Instead, he re-examined the situation in its entirety. And found loopholes and gaps.
At last, he spoke. "If their informants are among the civilians," he said slowly, his tone measured, "then should we not consider deploying our own within the same sphere?"
He Guangsheng turned toward him at once, his attention sharpening. "Explain," he said.
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched Gu Zhenhua's lips. "I have a candidate in mind," he replied. "I intend to bring into this operation."
He Guangsheng's brows drew together. "Who?"
Gu Zhenhua did not hesitate. "Li Guoqiang."
He Guangsheng frowned slightly, searching his memory, but found no immediate recognition. It was hardly surprising. Within a regiment of such scale it was neither practical nor necessary for him to recall every squad leader by name.
Seeing his reaction, Gu Zhenhua continued, his tone now more precise, almost strategic. "He is currently serving as a squad leader within this unit. Originally from a commune near Taonan County. His familiarity with the environment makes him uniquely suited for covert engagement." He paused briefly before adding,"My intention is not to deploy him as an active-duty soldier, but rather as personnel on temporary leave."
Gu Zhenhua continued, "In civilian status, he will be able to integrate seamlessly into the local population. This will allow him to operate without drawing suspicion, gather intelligence, something uniformed personnel cannot achieve under current conditions."
The room fell quiet once more as He Guangsheng considered the proposal carefully. There was logic in it.
After a moment, he gave a slow nod. "The plan is sound. I will have his service record and background reviewed immediately. If no concerns arise, he will be reassigned under your operational command." He paused, then asked, "When do you intend to depart?"
Gu Zhenhua opened his mouth to respond tomorrow, But the word did not come. For a brief instant, an image crossed his mind of the three Li siblings.
His expression stilled. "I do not know," he said at last and without offering further explanation, he rose to his feet.
He Guangsheng watched him in silence, a trace of confusion flickering across his face.