Hearing this, Lu Hai was truly shocked.
He held the phone, speechless for a long time.
If asking for photos was merely a bit strange, then having Wang Tong "look after" an unregistered daughter-in-law was something else entirely.
This was practically using private connections and pulling strings.
Was this still the Lu Qi he knew?
His elder brother, who valued discipline more than anything, had been incorruptible his entire life, and never relied on such methods?
Lu Hai remembered very clearly.
Years ago, a distant relative of the family wanted him to arrange a good position for their child in the army.
When Lu Qi, who was then a Regimental Commander, found out, he verbally lashed out at that person in front of all the relatives.
He said that the army was a place to protect the country, not a private exchange for favors.
From then on, no relative dared to ask him for such favors again.
But now, he actually took the initiative to speak.
For his son's girlfriend, he was going to use his old comrade's connections.
This change was too great.
"Brother, you… you don't have a fever, do you?"
Lu Hai couldn't help but ask.
"Do you know what you're saying? This isn't like your style."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
When Lu Qi's voice came again, it carried a hint of guilt.
"Second Brother, over the years, I have owed Lu Mingyu too much."
"From his childhood to now, as his father, how many months have I actually spent by his side in total?"
"Either I was at sea, or I was on my way to a mission."
"I never picked him up from school, never attended his parent-teacher conferences, and even when he joined the army, I couldn't go see him off."
"Now that he has finally found a girl he likes, as his father, I must do something for him."
"I know this isn't according to regulations, but as parents, there aren't that many rules to follow."
"Consider it a small compensation from me, as his father."
Listening to his elder brother's heartfelt words, a pang of sadness also rose in Lu Hai's heart.
He understood completely.
This was not a wavering of principles, but a father's deep yet clumsy love.
Years of being apart more often than together had filled his elder brother with a sense of indebtedness towards Lu Mingyu.
Now, he just wanted to make up for some past regrets in his own way.
"I understand, Brother."
Lu Hai's tone softened as well.
"This is easy to handle; Old Wang is in the Jiangdu Public Security system; a word is all it takes."
"Don't you know what kind of person he is?"
"He's loyal and righteous; we don't even need to say anything; knowing it's Lu Mingyu's girlfriend, he'll be extra attentive himself."
"Mm."
Lu Qi responded, seemingly relieved.
But he still cautiously reminded him.
"This matter, before Lu Mingyu and that girl's relationship is officially public, don't let too many people know."
"When you talk to Old Wang, also tell him to be mindful of the extent, don't make it too much of a spectacle and scare the girl."
Lu Hai listened, feeling a little like laughing.
His elder brother was quite thoughtful.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
"Also."
Lu Qi added another sentence.
"Don't tell Lu Mingyu I called you about this."
"That kid is stubborn; if he finds out, he'll definitely throw a fit with me again."
Lu Hai finally couldn't help but complain.
"I know, I know, why are you more long-winded than Mom?"
"Can't I handle such a small matter?"
"Just put your mind at ease."
"I'm hanging up."
After saying that, Lu Hai decisively hung up the phone.
After hanging up, Lu Hai placed his phone on the table with a soft 'thud'.
He leaned back in the wide office chair, looking up at the ceiling, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
His elder brother's words on the phone still echoed in his ears.
It was a clumsy yet profound confession from a father, filled with guilt and an urgent desire to make amends.
Lu Hai couldn't help but sigh.
He knew his elder brother, Lu Qi, too well.
He was a man who had ingrained the country, the army, and discipline into his very bones.
In his world, rules were rules, and principles were principles, allowing no deviation.
For this steadfastness, he had sacrificed so much.
He sacrificed time with his wife and the years of witnessing his son's growth.
Lu Mingyu had grown up almost entirely without a father figure.
When he was little, other children had fathers taking them to the park, but Lu Mingyu didn't.
When he went to school, other children had fathers attending parent-teacher conferences, but Lu Mingyu didn't.
Even for a major life event like joining the army, his father was absent due to mission duties.
Lu Hai could imagine how much guilt his elder brother had accumulated towards his son over the years.
Now, this sense of indebtedness had finally found an outlet.
For the girl his son liked, he was willing to break the principles he had upheld his entire life.
To "pull strings," to use those personal connections he disdained the most.
This was not a downfall, nor was it hypocrisy.
This was simply a father, using the only way he could think of.
Clumsily loving his son and making up for those irreversible times.
Thinking of this, Lu Hai's initial teasing and incomprehension towards his elder brother instantly vanished.
Only deep understanding and a touch of sadness remained.
He picked up the teacup on his desk and took a sip of the already cold tea.
A bitter taste spread through his mouth.
He couldn't wait any longer.
It was rare for his elder brother to ask for something; this matter had to be handled perfectly.
Lu Hai picked up his phone again, scrolled through his contacts to a familiar number, and dialed.
After a few rings, the call was answered.
A strong, resonant male voice came through the receiver.
"Hello, who is this?"
"Old Wang, it's me, Lu Hai."
Lu Hai said in a deep voice.
The other end of the phone was clearly stunned for a moment, then a hearty laugh came through.
"Oh, it's Second Brother Lu! Did the sun rise from the west today?"
"How do you, a busy man, have time to call me?"
"Stop your chattering."
Lu Hai chuckled, his tone also much lighter.
"I need to talk to you about something; I want to ask for your help."
"Hey, with our relationship, what's with the 'asking' and 'not asking'?"
Wang Tong said casually.
"Just tell me directly; as long as it doesn't violate principles, I, your brother, will definitely do it for you."
"It's just a small matter."
Lu Hai carefully chose his words, trying to make the matter sound light and easy.
"My nephew, Lu Mingyu, do you still remember him?"
"Lu Mingyu? Of course, I remember him!"
Wang Tong's voice rose a few pitches.
"Commander Lu's precious boy!"
"He used to be a little tag-along, and now he's a special forces captain in the Cheetah unit; he's really brought honor to your Old Lu family!"
"He's currently dating a girlfriend, an actress named Gu Lina Zha."
Lu Hai cut straight to the chase.
"What?"
Wang Tong's voice was filled with surprise, and even a hint of gossip.
"That Lu Mingyu, he seems so quiet, but he's got quite some skills!"
"He actually found a female celebrity as a girlfriend? Not bad!"
"Does the family know about this?"
Wang Tong asked curiously.
"They know, and my elder brother has also approved."
Lu Hai replied.
"Wow! That's truly rare!"
Wang Tong clicked his tongue in wonder.
"I thought Commander Lu would find him a military family match."