Chapter 46 - 6: The Gap Between Lieutenant and Vice Admiral
Joseph saw his son’s face, red and swollen from the beating. Knowing his son wasn’t inherently bad and had always worshipped heroes, he figured the lesson was probably harder on his son than on himself. With a sigh, he turned his head away.
It turned out that Simai Hotel’s important guest today was the returning delegation transiting at Gallipalan. Vice Admiral Mickey was the special envoy from the Federation Supreme Command to welcome this group. There had been public criticism in the Central Star Domain of Simai Hotel for its extremely lavish spending on the wealthy during the wartime mobilization of the entire nation.
To resolve this issue and boost Simai Hotel’s image, Joseph had painstakingly secured the opportunity to host the returning Federation Hero. Unexpectedly, things went awry. If this news hit the papers the next day, Simai Hotel would be universally condemned. Joseph felt utterly despondent, believing his life’s work was about to go down the drain after tonight.
After hearing Pete’s report and the accounts from Tian Xingjian and Milan about the incident’s origins, Vice Admiral Mickey finally understood the situation. He gave Milan a fierce glare and then looked oddly at the legendary Fatty dating his daughter. Summoning the guards, he ordered, "Due to state secrets, confiscate all reporters’ equipment immediately and strictly prohibit the spread of information. Everyone present must register their identities. If any information leaks, the Military Department will investigate thoroughly, and those responsible will be sent to a military court." As the guards saluted and prepared to leave, Mickey suddenly added, "Wait, tell Mr. Joseph to rearrange the banquet and invite those reporters and guests to have dinner with the Federation Hero."
The guards went to execute the orders while Tian Xingjian felt enlightened. No wonder Vice Admiral Mickey was in such a high position while he was just a lieutenant. It was evident that Mickey’s actions were to protect the Federation Hero. With a few simple words, he managed to stabilize a highly troublesome situation firmly and decisively. Even in the hotel, he exuded the commanding presence of a general directing and determining life and death on the battlefield.
Joseph nearly knelt down upon hearing Vice Admiral Mickey’s resolution—it not only salvaged Simai Hotel but also preserved its reputation.
The reporters, who had infiltrated as guests, could not accept that their front-page scoop was lost just like that. A commotion arose as some tried to protect their photos and dash out of the hotel, but they were caught within two steps. Eventually, facing the guards’ guns, they understood the seriousness of the wartime situation and, reluctantly, had to accept the guards’ non-negotiable apology.
The guests were relatively happy. They had only come to have a meal, but not only did they see the legendary platoon leader, but they also witnessed his fierce fighting skills firsthand. The only regret was that such an extraordinary encounter had to remain a secret, unable to be shared with others.