If he were to become a major general in the military, the strict discipline and absolute command would put him in an extremely passive position, making it impossible for him to do many important things. In the future, he would only become a high-end deterrent "weapon" in the military.
But his value goes far beyond acquiring a few submarines, destroying a few warships, and annihilating a few enemies. He can do more and better, and should do more and better.
"Grandpa, there's a more common saying: 'A good man doesn't become a soldier, and good iron isn't used to make nails.' Okay! Although I won't become the kind of cannon fodder or die before my ambitions are fulfilled, please don't put me in such a difficult position!"
Lin Yao only dared to mutter these words to himself and couldn't say them out loud, otherwise he didn't know how he would provoke the old man. He had the utmost respect for this grandfather who had become intimate with his girlfriend Xia Yuwen. The longer he spent with the old man, the more he liked him. He really couldn't do anything disobedient and was caught in a dilemma.
The entire scene was somber and solemn, like a large, simply decorated conference room that exuded a grand and imposing atmosphere. Even Lin Yao, who was not used to it, felt a sense of pressure, although this pressure was nothing to him.
General Xia suddenly realized that his statement was a bit too hasty and arbitrary, and now he was in a difficult position to back down. Based on his understanding of Lin Yao and Min Hong's inner workings, it would have been more appropriate for them to not join the military and live a disciplined and strict life, and to follow orders completely.
Now that the words had been spoken, General Xia couldn't immediately go back on his word, and an embarrassed expression gradually appeared on his face.
After a long silence, a voice rang out, calm and composed, yet possessing a powerful authority:
"Xiao Lin, this temporary military status will not affect your affairs. These are extraordinary times. From the perspective of the international situation, it can be classified as wartime. We will handle this as a special case and will definitely give you full freedom."
The chairman stared intently at Lin Yao, and his words left no room for argument: "The motherland needs you, the army needs you. As long as you don't do anything illegal or disorderly, and don't violate justice, everything is negotiable."
The last sentence's tone shifted, giving Lin Yao the sudden feeling that it was Deng Xiaoping giving a speech. Although he had never met this respected leader, the meaning behind the Chairman's words gave Lin Yao this impression.
Everything is for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of the people; all matters are open to discussion. There is no need to be bound by dogma.
The maritime conflict between Japan and China has already set the stage for direct war. Some countries that have been bullied by the United States have sent "poisonous people" to wreak havoc on the American mainland. Even though they know that the United States' "poisonous people" military has a very good effect on suppressing the epidemic, they still continue to send their own "poisonous people" agents to the United States through various means and channels.
The mission of the new round of "invasion" of the United States by the "poisonous" agents is to destroy any important equipment that can be found. If they are unable to reach their destination due to roadblocks or checkpoints, these agents will immediately adjust their mission and carry out orders according to the second plan.
The second plan, shockingly, involves destroying all densely populated public spaces, including shopping malls, amusement parks, bank branches, gas stations, and even large and medium-sized hotels and restaurants, employing any means necessary to carry out terrorist activities, causing the US government a major headache. A new wave of panic has swept through American society; the mere sight of people of color triggers fear among American citizens, prompting them to quickly leave and stay away from these potential terrorists.
The most egregious example is that some of America's arch-enemies have even hired mercenaries at exorbitant prices and then genetically modified these mercenaries to turn white people into "super-righteous warriors" to carry out terrorist activities in the United States. This situation has made the American public no longer trust any race, and they are afraid to go to crowded public places, thus severely impacting the American economy.
Other countries are the same. Neighboring Japan, another populous country bordering China, and some small, troublesome countries that were previously left alone because China was focused on economic development and maintaining stability are now all eager to make moves.
Small-scale conflicts are frequent in border areas and territorial waters, leading experts, scholars, and analysts to suggest that some institutions enter a wartime state. However, this has not yet been approved. This is the first time the top leader has acknowledged this assessment, uttering the startling term "wartime," which has elicited mixed reactions of joy and worry from the veteran generals, their expressions quite varied.
Having said all that, it would be too pretentious for Lin Yao to refuse again. However, because there were no clear boundaries regarding responsibilities, rights, and obligations, he still dared not agree to accept this position.
If I agree, it's not something I can just back out of. A major general's position in the military isn't something you can just casually decide. You're kidding, this isn't child's play!
General Xia had been staring blankly at the Chairman's face, regretting that he was too old and had already retired. Now, when there was a war, he could only sit at home and wait to hear the battle reports. He couldn't even enter the battle analysis room. He was not even as good as a small staff officer. It was truly regrettable.
"I'm in great health! I'm healthier and more energetic than those 40-year-old kids, so why are there age limits?"
General Xia could only vent his frustrations, which only made him more depressed, and the expression on his face became unbearable to look at.
How could someone who has dedicated his entire life and energy to the military possibly miss out on personally participating in major events that demonstrate the military's prowess?
He wasn't a warmonger, but a man who joins the army should be ready to risk his life and shed blood to fight the enemy!
Perhaps aside from a few military scoundrels who spend their days scheming for personal gain, loafing around in the army, or even those whose actions, like a single bad apple spoiling the whole bunch, all soldiers are eager to dedicate their lives to their country.
War, then, is precisely the realm that embodies this ideal. This has nothing to do with the desire for peace and tranquility, but rather stems from an instinctive impulse and urgent desire deep within the soul.
Suddenly, a meaningful gaze swept over him, instantly snapping General Xia out of his regret.
The chairman gave a signal! I still have value!
General Xia was overjoyed, understanding the meaning in the Chairman's eyes. He laughed heartily and slapped Lin Yao's shoulder forcefully. "Good son-in-law, how can you refuse such a good thing? Haven't you always said that Grandpa looks very handsome in his military uniform? Now you have the chance. I'll have the logistics department specially order several sets of the most suitable uniforms for you. When you put them on, no girl will be able to resist you!"
General Xia's words left everyone somewhat dumbfounded. When did it become necessary to use attracting girls as an excuse to promote one's rank as a major general? What was even more absurd was that this old man was actually using this reason to seduce his granddaughter's husband. Did he think his granddaughter was adopted?
Lin Yao was taken aback, his expression somewhat awkward, but he also knew that this was an opportunity—an opportunity to negotiate under the pressure of so many soldiers. He immediately forced a smile.
“Grandpa, but I can’t be on duty or participate in training at fixed times, and I don’t even have time to report to a certain place.”
"That's alright. Didn't the chairman say he'll give you plenty of freedom? Of course, you don't need to go anywhere to report for work. You'll only need to go there occasionally to meet a few people and cooperate with some related work. It'll be very easy."
General Xia glanced quickly and discreetly at the Chairman, seeing his approving expression and even a slight nod. Feeling reassured, he spoke with even greater certainty and a hint of pride, "Look how well Grandpa is doing. Our army has the best welfare benefits, and we'll have excellent retirement security in the future."
"If you accept this identity, then our Wenwen will be the general's wife. It's an honor to talk about it. That's what it means to keep the good stuff in the family!"
Everyone broke out in a cold sweat, wondering who had given this old man the title of "Angry Lion General" in the past? This wasn't an angry lion at all; he was practically a human trafficker! No matter what he said, he couldn't get away from talking about women. Did he become a soldier just for women? How were they supposed to face him like this?
"I cannot interfere with matters concerning the operation and production of Minhong Pharmaceutical. When emergency disaster relief and military... well, when there is a conflict, I will prioritize disaster relief without being held accountable."
Lin Yao turned to look at General Xia. But his senses had already taken in the expressions of everyone in the conference room, and he could even clearly see everyone's breathing and heartbeat, observing their reactions to the conditions he had proposed.
“This…” General Xia deliberately delayed for a moment, and after receiving a hint from the Chairman behind Lin Yao, he immediately nodded in agreement, “Of course, you’ve never been trained before. Your expertise is in treating and saving lives. As a general, saving lives should be your priority. Our army has many military doctors, and your in-laws used to be military doctors. From now on, your whole family will be military doctors.”
Although the reactions of the people varied slightly, they were generally not opposed to his conditions. After obtaining this information, Lin Yao put forward a new condition: "You cannot order me to save people. In the army, my identity is not that of a military doctor. I am only responsible for dealing with certain special enemies and weapons. This matter needs to be made clear first."
General Xia was in a dilemma. He glared at Lin Yao and thought to himself, "This little bastard really dares to say such things. Doesn't he take the army seriously at all?"
Although he had long known that his grandson-in-law was as stubborn as a rock, the fact that his beloved army was being given such conditions still made him instinctively somewhat disgusted. The generals in the conference room also unconsciously increased their breathing, clearly dissatisfied with the conditions. Although they hadn't thought of it before, and of course, they might in the future, Lin Yao's direct statement still made them lose face.
The Chairman sighed discreetly, then slowly nodded at General Xia. This nod set the tone, and the generals immediately lost their temper. Obedience is the nature of the army; even if they have opinions, they must act and think according to this principle—that is what makes a qualified soldier.
"You little bastard! I promise you!"
General Xia lowered his voice, almost growling as he spoke these words, his gaze turning somewhat fierce, which made Lin Yao feel quite apologetic.
Although they were negotiating with General Xia, everyone knew this represented the collective stance, and Lin Yao wasn't worried that the military would renege on their agreement. However, having his grandfather act as the negotiator, bearing the brunt of the discomfort and loss of face for the elderly man, was somewhat unfilial. But Lin Yao had no choice but to propose these conditions, because they were crucial.
In China, interpersonal relationships are incredibly complex. If this path isn't blocked, all principles and rules will cease to exist. This is a truth that has been accumulated over thousands of years.
The atmosphere in the meeting room became somewhat somber again. General Xia remained silent. His grandson-in-law, who had originally been very respectable, had made him feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. At this moment, he didn't even want to look at Lin Yao. He picked up the water glass on the table, which belonged to some general, and gulped down several mouthfuls of water before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Alright, that's settled then. The military will arrange for someone to contact Kobayashi, and the relevant work should be completed as soon as possible."