NOVPUB50: 38 chapters Invitation
50: 38 chapters Invitation
The two were discussing plans to head out when they had just changed clothes, and someone knocked on the door.
“Mr.
Song, Miss Gu, sorry for the intrusion.”
The visitors were bundled up tightly, but when Song Zhao opened the door, they pulled down the scarves covering their faces, and to his surprise, it was Chu Guodong from downstairs, who was recovering from his injuries, and Zhao Rui, his teammate who was on shift to take care of him today.
Chu Guodong’s injuries had not fully healed yet.
At this moment, he leaned on a crutch with his left hand, lightly resting on Zhao Rui.
“Mr.
Chu, is there something you need?” Song Zhao asked, puzzled.
“Mr.
Song, won’t you invite me in to sit?”
Although Song Zhao was reluctant to let unfamiliar people enter his home, he stepped aside and opened the door, considering Chu Guodong’s appearance and that he too had suffered injuries for the sake of the people of City C, “Mr.
Chu, Mr.
Zhao, please come in.”
Upon entering, Chu Guodong immediately felt the warmth of the room, unlike the freezing temperature outside.
In the harsh winter of minus 60 degrees Celsius, their home still managed to maintain the most suitable temperature for humans.
He wasn’t wrong; this family of three indeed had some capabilities.
The two were discussing plans to head out, had just changed clothes, and were interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Mr.
Song, Miss Gu, sorry for the intrusion.”
The visitors were bundled up tightly, but when Song Zhao opened the door, they pulled down the scarves covering their faces, and to his surprise, it was Chu Guodong from downstairs, who was recovering from his injuries, and Zhao Rui, his teammate who had taken the shift to care for him today.
Chu Guodong’s injury hadn’t fully healed.
At that moment, he leaned on a crutch with his left hand, resting lightly on Zhao Rui.
“Mr.
Chu, is there something you need?” Song Zhao asked, puzzled.
“Mr.
Song, won’t you invite me in to sit?”
Although Song Zhao didn’t really want unfamiliar people in his home, seeing Chu Guodong’s condition and remembering his injuries were for the sake of the people of City C, he stepped aside and opened the door.
“Mr.
Chu, Mr.
Zhao, please come in.”
Upon entering, Chu Guodong immediately felt the warmth inside the room, starkly different from the outside.
In the harsh winter of minus 60 degrees Celsius, their home still managed to maintain the most suitable temperature for humans.
He knew he wasn’t wrong; this family of three indeed had some serious capabilities.
“With conditions like these, there isn’t much with which to accommodate you two, but please, have some water,” Gu Yanzhi said, placing two cups of hot water in front of them after they had changed into slippers and settled on the sofa.
She then sat down on the adjacent couch.
At this time, hot water was considered the highest form of hospitality.
Many households, in an effort to save on heating supplies, would drink the water as soon as it thawed out without waiting for it to boil.
Chu Guodong and Zhao Rui didn’t hesitate; they held the cups in their hands for warmth but didn’t drink.
From climbing up to the 14th floor without gloves, their fingers had gone somewhat stiff with the cold.
“Mr.
Chu, Mr.
Zhao, is there something you need?” Gu Yanzhi asked directly.
“We came here to ask if you two might consider enlisting in the military.
As you know, the national situation is severe, and we are critically short-handed.
We plan to start recruiting in City C to join in maintaining daily security, rescue operations, and other tasks,” Chu Guodong said straightforwardly, without beating around the bush.
“I am aware of your abilities from these past days, and we really need talent like yours.
I would like to invite you and your brother to join our Squad 532.”
Living in Building 10 for just under 10 days was enough for everyone in Squad 532 to recognize who the real pillars of the building were.
It was rare to have neighbors with such a positive atmosphere like in Building 10.
Since the apocalypse began less than three months ago, they had seen too many instances of neighbors, relatives, even husbands, wives, fathers, and sons turning against each other over trivial resources.
Building 10 was unique in that everyone conducted their own affairs calmly but united over serious matters—a very rare sight.
One could say that on one hand, the residents of Building 10 were morally sound, and on the other, Zhang Shu, the building leader, performed his duties effectively in communication and other aspects.
Most importantly, Chu Guodong noticed that the residents seemed confident and unafraid, a confidence that stemmed from the least interacted-with family of three who lived on the top floor.
Through indirect inquiries made during joint operations with Building 10’s ice-breaking squad, Chu Guodong learned that the family of three had high combat abilities, an essential factor in chaotic times.
This had sparked Chu Guodong’s interest in their talents, hoping to have them join Squad 532.
Of course, the city’s plan to start recruiting wasn’t just talk; higher-up leaders were indeed planning this as external support was limited.
After hearing Chu Guodong’s intentions, Gu Yanzhi and Song Zhao exchanged a look before Song Zhao spoke, “Mr.
Chu, we appreciate the invitation and understand your intentions, which indeed surprised us.”
Song Zhao paused, then continued, “We are grateful for your invitation, but at the moment, Zhizhi and I have no plans to join the military.
We know you have made great sacrifices for the country and hold that in high respect.
However, at this time, Zhizhi and I just wish to live our peaceful life, so please understand.”
“As for Yan Lin, I will let him know, but we will not interfere with his decision.”
“Thank you both,” Chu Guodong responded, not fully giving up hope, “If you ever decide to change your lifestyle, feel free to contact me.
The door of Squad 532 is always open for you.”
Keeping the conversation open ended acted as a safeguard in case their thoughts changed, as talents like theirs were rare and getting a head start was beneficial.
It would be advantageous if they thought of him first when they decided to serve the country or join the military.
“And as for Mr.
Xiao Gu, please pass the message that we welcome his participation as well,” Chu continued, ensuring to cover all bases.
While he hadn’t recruited the two skilled individuals, gaining a teammate with high combat capabilities was still gratifying.
From interactions between the team and Gu Yanlin, it was evident that Gu Yanlin was skilled, at least better than one-third of the members of Squad 532. 𝔫𝖔𝔳𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝔠𝔬𝖒
However, he was indeed inexperienced in life, lacking social experience, and leaned heavily on his sister and brother-in-law.
“Of course,” Gu Yanzhi nodded.
“If you two wouldn’t mind, I would still very much like to become friends,” Chu Guodong said, extending his right hand as he prepared to leave.
Setting aside other factors, these two were indeed worthy of friendship.
“Of course, we would also be happy to have you as a friend,”
Song Zhao and Gu Yanzhi were indeed willing to make another friend, as Song Zhao reached out and gave a firm handshake.
“Now that we’re friends, just call me Dongzi from now on, and don’t keep calling me Mr.
Chu—it’s uncomfortable,” Chu Guodong said, shedding his previously polite demeanor.
He was naturally easygoing.
Even when he first joined the military, he was known as a troublemaker by his commanders.
It was only now, as a leader, that he needed to present himself differently.
“And you can just call me by my name, Zhao Rui,” Zhao Rui added with a smile, seeing that everyone was on the same page.
