The elderly man is named Zhao Guosheng, the deputy chief responsible for the daily military operations.
In other words, he is the one actually in charge of military affairs.
Luo Ziling also knows that Zhao Guosheng is a prized student of Ling Jinhua.
He was promoted by Ling Jinhua, who placed him in this important position.
Ling Jinhua's influence is still considerable, and his prestige remains high, in no small part due to Zhao Guosheng.
However, Luo Ziling has never dealt with Zhao Guosheng, nor has he encountered him at Ling Jinhua's place.
Reportedly, Zhao Guosheng visits Ling Jinhua from time to time, especially when Ling Jinhua is unwell, during which he visits frequently.
But Luo Ziling has never met him.
Unexpectedly, today he ran into Zhao Guosheng while visiting Li Haiyang.
Luo Ziling had to pretend he didn't know him; he stopped, politely greeted him, then with a puzzled look asked, "Old General, do you know me?"
"A young hero praised repeatedly by your great grandfather and grandfather; who wouldn't know you?" Zhao Guosheng said, picking up his military hat and getting ready to alight, "It's rare to run into you here, I must have a good chat with you."
Luo Ziling naturally went over to open the car door for Zhao Guosheng and helped him out.
The officer with two bars and three stars on his shoulder got out from the passenger seat and, seeing Luo Ziling open the door and help Zhao Guosheng, could only stand there awkwardly.
Zhao Guosheng is quite tall and, despite his age, stands straight.
After Zhao Guosheng alighted, Luo Ziling released his hold on his arm and smiled, explaining the reason for his visit to the compound.
"Ah, it's a tough task for you, coming here to treat Li Haiyang; he needs to treat you to a meal today," Zhao Guosheng glanced at his watch and said with a smile, "Lunch is at twelve, there's still twenty minutes, accompany me for a walk, I have a few words to say."
"It's an honor for someone of the younger generation!" Luo Ziling naturally did not refuse.
The driver drove off, and the colonel secretary, understanding the situation, stood at a distance instead of following.
"Since your father came to Yanjing, he has performed quite well, impressing everyone!" Zhao Guosheng started talking about Luo Xusheng, "When he was serving in Tibet, he was already renowned. However, at that time we thought he could only train a good soldier but might not manage affairs well or stand alone. Unexpectedly, we were all wrong; his performance surpasses most. Even Li Haiyang believes the Dragon Rise under him is more effective than it was in his time."
"It's with your support he achieved such results." Luo Ziling modestly commented for Luo Xusheng with a smile, "Actually, I don't know much about my father's work. After he returned to Yanjing, we've hardly interacted and I'm not really aware of what he's doing."
"Your support of their work is quite significant; you've helped Dragon Rise and the military plenty, I must thank you." Zhao Guosheng laughed and shifted the topic, "It's no small matter for one so young to gain the respect and substantial use from several elders."
"I'm just good at playing little tricks!" Luo Ziling felt a little embarrassed.
"If you join the military, you might achieve more than your father. If I'm correct, your father joined the military at twenty-four, didn't he?"
Hearing Zhao Guosheng mention this, Luo Ziling was instantly alert: "General Zhao wouldn't be suggesting I enlist too, would he?"
"That's exactly it!" Zhao Guosheng laughed heartily, "But none of your elders, be it your grandfather, your mother, or your grandfather, would let you join the army. Having your dad in the military is enough, right?"
Without waiting for Luo Ziling to respond, Zhao Guosheng continued, "Just continue supporting the military as much as possible. Your great grandfather said if the military can promptly procure the medicine you developed, it would greatly assist us. Some of them can save lives in crucial moments."
Luo Ziling was unclear about Zhao Guosheng's intentions with this conversation, so he could only respond with a polite smile.
Zhao Guosheng didn't keep Luo Ziling too long, chatting casually for a while before letting him go find Li Haiyang.
As Luo Ziling prepared to bid him farewell, Zhao Guosheng casually asked, "Lately I've often felt heavy in the waist, went to the hospital and took some medicine with no effect, what do you think could be the cause?"
"How about I come over one day and check for you, General Zhao? I'll need to examine specifically before concluding."
"Great!" Zhao Guosheng accepted without hesitation, "Once we're both free, let's schedule a time. I really want to see how amazing the Divine Doctor who cured your great grandfather and enabled Li Haiyang to stand is."
"I hope I don't disappoint General Zhao then!"
At this moment, Li Haiyang approached them.
Upon arrival, Li Haiyang raised a hand to salute and loudly greeted Zhao Guosheng.
"I heard you're treating the young Luo to lunch?" Zhao Guosheng returned the salute with a laugh, asking Li Haiyang, "Having him here to treat you, you cannot be stingy!"
"With the chief's orders, how dare I disobey; I will surely treat him well." Li Haiyang said, patting his leg and hand with a smile, "Being able to use my limbs again is all thanks to him. If a few meals could express my gratitude, I'd save some money!"
"Haha!" Zhao Guosheng laughed, then waved to Luo Ziling, "You chat then, I have other matters, I'm off!"
Watching Zhao Guosheng leave, Li Haiyang asked Luo Ziling curiously, "How did you end up talking to him?"
Luo Ziling recounted the recent event.
"Hehe, you boy, you're the darling of the military compound on your first visit," Li Haiyang pointed towards the building ahead, "Do you know how many eyes are watching you all? Once inside the officers' dining, you'll find all those pretty female officers gazing at you with electrifying eyes."
Unexpectedly hearing this playful comment from Li Haiyang, Luo Ziling couldn't help but laugh, "Veteran, you expect me to come here and romance the army flowers?"
"Once you show your face, plenty of pretty female officers will be after you!" Li Haiyang patted Luo Ziling's shoulder and lowered his voice, "Zhao Guosheng treated you well; first meeting and walks with you; no one else gets such treatment."
Luo Ziling understood the implications in Li Haiyang's words, he smiled and said, "It seems today's visit has brought many unexpected gains!"
"Your unexpected gains today will undoubtedly be substantial. In the future, when you return you might find the sentries won't even stop you."
"I must adhere to discipline!" Luo Ziling shook his head, "Whatever the rules are, I shall follow them!"
"Humble and composed, Luo Liansheng's grandson is indeed remarkable!" Li Haiyang said heavily patting Luo Ziling's shoulder again, laughing heartily.