Chapter 93 involves military secrets.
Chapter 93 involves military secrets.
Propagandist!
Lin Weiwei's eyes lit up.
Yes, the report in the book that distorted the truth was written by Gu Lin from the propaganda department.
If she could become a propagandist, wouldn't she gain control of the narrative?
Gu Lin is the battalion commander's daughter, and has a powerful background.
How could she, a newly arrived family member accompanying a military unit, compete with others?
Moreover, Lin Weiwei doesn't even know when the publicity officer recruitment will begin!
Lin frowned slightly, her fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the bed sheet.
Draw comics...
Suddenly, Su Wanwan's words flashed through her mind.
Yes, before she transmigrated into the book, she drew erotic comics. Although they were different from proper promotional illustrations, she still had the basic skills.
If she could draw some comics that soldiers would like to read and that convey positive energy, maybe she could catch the attention of the leadership...
Comic strips can depict daily life in the military camp, such as training, studying, and camaraderie. They should be vivid, relatable, and make soldiers feel that "this is our life."
The format can start with a wall poster, drawn on the red brick wall in the camp area.
The last time she taught the children to draw, many soldiers gathered around to watch, which shows that everyone liked it.
Once we've gained influence, we'll find a way to contact the publicity department...
Lin Weiwei pondered her plan, intending to discuss it thoroughly with Su Wanwan after she got off work.
The cultural troupe's afternoon rehearsal ended at five o'clock.
Su Wanwan changed out of her practice clothes and put on her own floral shirt and black pants, her hair still wet and clinging to her neck.
She followed the other girls out of the rehearsal hall and immediately spotted Lin Weiwei standing under the shade of a tree at the entrance.
"Weiwei!" Su Wanwan's eyes lit up, and she ran over. "Why are you here? Weren't you having a stomachache?"
"I'm much better. I couldn't stay in bed any longer, so I came out for a walk." Lin smiled and took her arm. "I'll pick you up from get off work."
The two walked side by side toward the family compound.
The evening wind blowing across the Gobi Desert carries the dry scent of sand, but it's much cooler than at midday.
"How was today? Are you tired from rehearsals?" Lin Weiwei asked.
"It's alright." Su Wanwan wiped the sweat from her forehead. "It's just that I have to practice the basics a lot, like leg presses, back bends, and rotations... Captain Zhou is strict; he doesn't allow any slacking off."
"Being stricter is better; it leads to faster progress," Lin Weiwei said, then changed the subject, "Wanwan, I have something to discuss with you."
Hearing the seriousness in her tone, Su Wanwan stopped in her tracks: "What's wrong?"
Lin Weiwei glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then lowered her voice: "A new person has arrived at Bai Si'an's lab. Guess who it is?"
"Who?"
"Li Jianguo".
Su Wanwan was stunned for a moment, then her expression changed: "Li Jianguo? Wang Xiuying's man?"
"Yes." Lin Weiwei nodded, her voice even lower, "And I've carefully recalled the original plot... Something bad is going to happen later."
She recounted in detail the laboratory explosion, the defamation of Bai Si'an, and the distorted report written by Gu Lin.
As Su Wanwan listened, her brows furrowed even more deeply.
Both of them carefully recalled the plot of the original book.
The laboratory explosion can be considered a turning point in Bai Si'an's life, having a profound impact on him.
After Lin Weiwei finished speaking, Su Wanwan remained silent for a while before replying.
"So you want to become a propagandist to gain control of the narrative?" Su Wanwan asked.
"Hmm." Lin Weiwei nodded, "But I can't do it alone. Gu Lin has connections, and I can't compete with her. So I think I'll start by drawing comics, making a splash in the camp, and getting the leaders' attention."
Su Wanwan thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! You're such a good artist, the soldiers will definitely love it. Besides, drawing daily life in the barracks is both lively and positive, so the leaders won't be able to say anything."
"That's what I'm thinking," Lin Weiwei said. "We can start with themes like training, learning, and mutual assistance among comrades, and draw them vividly and humorously. We'll start with a wall poster, on the red brick wall at the entrance of the camp."
"Many people saw you teaching the children to draw on that wall last time," Su Wanwan nodded. "It's in a good location, with people coming and going, so it's bound to attract attention."
The two walked and discussed, their conversation becoming increasingly detailed.
"The content can be divided into series," Su Wanwan suggested. "For example, the 'Training Fun' series, which depicts the embarrassing and funny things that happen to the soldiers during training; the 'Technical Learning' series, which depicts everyone's serious dedication to studying technology; and the 'Close Ties Between the Military and the People' series, which depicts life in our family compound."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Lin Weiwei exclaimed excitedly. "We can also draw some comic strips and tell short stories. For example, soldiers helping villagers repair houses, or family members making insoles for the front lines... short and concise, one story per issue."
"But we must be mindful of its political implications," Su Wanwan cautioned. "It can't just be entertaining; it also needs to be educational. Ideally, it should align with current political propaganda priorities."
"I understand," Lin Weiwei nodded. "It's about making learning fun."
As they talked, they arrived near the family compound.
The setting sun dyed the Gobi Desert a golden red, and the distant sand dunes looked as if they were edged with gold.
"But be careful of Wang Xiuying," Su Wanwan suddenly said. "That kind of person gets uncomfortable when she sees us doing well. If you become famous for your wall painting, she'll definitely cause trouble."
"I know," Lin Weiwei snorted. "Let her act all she wants, I'll paint my paintings. As long as the soldiers like what I paint and the leaders approve, no matter how much she jumps around, it's useless."
Despite saying that, Lin Weiwei knew in her heart that this matter would not be easy.
Gu Lin is the battalion commander's daughter and has connections in the propaganda department.
As an outsider, it's difficult for her to squeeze into the family through her art.
But no matter how difficult it is, we have to try.
She couldn't stand by and watch Bai Si'an be slandered and haunted for the rest of his life.
"Wanwan," Lin Weiwei suddenly asked, "Do you think... if I could really become a publicist, could I change the plot?"
Su Wanwan remained silent for a while.
"I don't know," she said softly, "but we have to try. We came into this world to live our own lives, didn't we? If we know Bai Si'an is going to be harmed and do nothing, how are we any different from those who resigned themselves to their fate in the original book?"
Lin Weiwei gripped her hand tightly.
"Yes. We have to give it a try."
The two walked into the courtyard.
The sound of stir-frying came from next door; it was Auntie Pang cooking, and the aroma wafted over.
"Go back to your room and rest first, I'll go cook," Su Wanwan said.
"I'll help you." Lin Weiwei followed.
In the kitchen, Bai Rongbei was already busy.
Bai Rongbei was supposed to pick up Su Wanwan after get off work.
But he ran into Lin Weiwei on the way. Someone had picked up Su Wanwan, so he went back to cook first.
Bai Rongbei was wearing a small floral apron and was standing in front of the stove cooking, the pan sizzling loudly.
Seeing the two enter, he nodded: "You're back?"
"Okay." Su Wanwan walked over. "I'll do it, you take a rest."
"No need, it'll be ready soon." Bai Rongbei said, scooping the stir-fried shredded potatoes into a plate. "Wash your hands and get ready to eat."
The four people ate quietly at the dinner table.
Bai Rongbei placed the sliced meat into Su Wanwan's bowl, while Bai Si'an served Lin Weiwei a bowl of hot soup.
"I'll drink it to warm my stomach," he said.
Lin Weiwei took the soup and sipped it. The hot soup made her feel better.
She looked up at Bai Si'an.
He was eating with his head down, his glasses reflecting the light of the kerosene lamp, highlighting the clear lines of his profile.
"Bai Si'an," Lin Weiwei suddenly called out.
"Um?"
"What do you usually research in your lab?"
Bai Si'an looked up and adjusted his glasses: "It's mainly about the maintenance and modification of mechanical equipment. The Gobi Desert has a harsh environment, and the equipment wears out quickly, so it needs frequent adjustments."
Lin Weiwei frowned.
If it's just maintenance of mechanical equipment, it shouldn't cause an explosion.
Could it be that there's something else going on in the lab?
However, this is a military secret, and I have no way of knowing it.
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