"Does the Military Department not have enough young and outstanding officers already?" Shen Xinhui asked, somewhat skeptically.
"Having enough doesn’t mean they are usable."
"Commander Shen, you just need to answer me, can you complete this task?"
Upon hearing Wen Nian’s words, Shen Xinhui dared not question further, his expression became grave, "To cultivate this batch of young officers, how much time has Mr. President given us?"
"At best one year, at worst two."
Shen Xinhui’s brows seemed to furrow even tighter. He glanced sideways at Lu Ziqing, whose face was expressionless, clearly not planning to say anything.
Wen Nian repeated the question.
As Shen Xinhui hesitated, Lu Ziqing spoke up, "We can do it!"
Wen Nian stood and walked over to Lu Ziqing,
"Good, you pick the people, tell me what resources you need. You, Lu Ziqing, will be fully responsible for this task."
Lu Ziqing responded and stood to the side. Shen Xinhui’s hesitation and indecision suddenly seemed awkward. He hurriedly said,
"Mr. President, rest assured, I will also inspect this matter from time to time."
Wen Nian, with his back to him and his gaze on Lu Ziqing,
"The methods and approaches of training are up to you; I only want results. For all matters concerning these cadet officers, you only need to report to me. No one else has the right to interfere."
Shen Xinhui’s heart "thudded."
He had not expected the President to give Lu Ziqing such authority.
For the district commander, having a commander exercise rights beyond his own wasn’t a good sign, even if only in one instance.
"Commander Lu, if there’s nothing else, you may go attend to your duties."
"Understood, Mr. President."
Shen Xinhui, now alone with Wen Nian, suddenly felt somewhat uneasy,
"Mr. President, on your visit to Xilin, besides this matter, is there another purpose?"
"Commander Shen, if I appointed you to Anlin, would you be willing?"
Shen Xinhui’s eyes widened in surprise and delight, yet he dared not presumptuously respond. He swallowed and said, "I naturally submit to Mr. President’s arrangements."
"Hey, don’t speak so prettily. Just tell me if you are willing or not."
"Then I shall consider Commander Shen as a member of the new Cabinet."
Shen Xinhui curled his lips into a smile, "Thank you, Mr. President, for your trust!"
"Alright, I have other engagements and won’t disturb you further."
Wen Nian finished speaking and walked forward, followed by Qu Yu,
"Commander Shen, is there something else?"
"My daughter Shen Lingxi, do you happen to remember her?"
"Commander Shen’s daughter... have I met her?"
Wen Nian slightly turned, looking toward Shen Xinhui with a faint expression.
With just that look, Shen Xinhui understood, he quickly said, "There’s nothing else, Mr. President. Please, go ahead."
The vast military district was lined with soldiers standing guard, row upon row.
Wen Nian exited the conference room, heading down the stairs along the path he came. The President’s Guard converged, some standing in front of Wen Nian, some guarding behind.
At the corridor entrance, Shen Lingxi, in her neat training uniform, stood in a poised military posture. Seeing Wen Nian descend the stairs, her beautiful face broke into a smile, a shy blush coloring her cheeks as she boldly gazed at Wen Nian with her big eyes.
Shen Xinhui, accompanying Wen Nian, saw his daughter waiting there and his brow furrowed in concern. He made a face at Shen Lingxi, signaling her to leave.
But Shen Lingxi only had eyes for Wen Nian and didn’t catch her father’s hint.
A member of the President’s security said to Shen Lingxi.
"Mr. President, military academy freshman Shen Lingxi reporting!"