red moscow

Chapter 3157 An Old Friend Visits
The news that Lunev was about to arrive in Odessa was undoubtedly exciting news for Sokov. He eagerly awaited Asya's return so he could share this exciting news with her. Sokov's heart was filled with the anticipation and joy of a child about to see a long-lost friend.

However, when Asya entered the study and Sokov excitedly told her the news, Asya's reaction was completely unexpected. Unlike Sokov, she didn't show any joy; instead, she frowned and asked with a hint of worry, "Misha, have you thought carefully about why Lunev would choose to come to Odessa at this time?"

Sokov's smile gradually froze, and he felt a wave of confusion and unease. He looked at Asya, and after a long while, he cautiously asked, "Asia, why do you ask that? Do you think there's something wrong with it?"

Asya didn't answer Sokov's question immediately. She turned and walked to the study door, gently opened it, and peered into the corridor to make sure no one was eavesdropping before quietly closing the door. She returned to Sokov's side and whispered, "Misha, don't forget Lunev's status and position. He's a very important figure in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Do you really think he would come to Odessa for no reason? I've thought about it carefully; there must be an important, unknown mission behind his visit."

Seeing Sokov's bewildered expression, Asya continued to explain, "Think about it. The situation in Odessa has been turbulent lately, with various political and economic upheavals. Lunev's arrival at this time is likely to handle some sensitive and urgent matters. Perhaps he is investigating something, or coordinating some internal affairs. In any case, his arrival is by no means accidental."

As Sokov listened to Asya's analysis, his initial joy was gradually replaced by a heavy feeling. He began to realize that Lunev's arrival was not a whim, but possibly carried an important mission. He took a deep breath and said to Asya, "You're right. I was overjoyed to hear that an old friend was coming. It seems we need to be careful when dealing with Lunev after he arrives in Odessa, lest we bring unnecessary trouble upon ourselves."

Asya nodded, knowing that Sokov understood her concerns, and said softly, "Yes, that's good. If Lunev comes to visit, we'll certainly welcome him, but we must be careful when catching up with him. Only say what needs to be said, and don't say what shouldn't be said."

Sokov patted Asya's arm gently and said softly, "Don't worry, Asya. In the current situation, I know what to say and what not to say."

……

Two days later, Sokov was reading in his study when the phone rang. He quickly grabbed the receiver and said, "This is Sokov. Who is this?"

"Hello, Deputy Commander, this is the guard at the gate of my compound." An unfamiliar voice came through the receiver: "Deputy Commander, there is a general at the gate who wishes to visit you. May I ask if he may be allowed to come in?"

Sokov casually asked, "Is this Deputy Commander Lukin?"

“No,” the guard replied crisply, “it’s a general I’ve never seen before!”

After saying this, the guard paused for a moment, perhaps feeling that he had not expressed himself accurately enough, and added, "I can assure you that this general is definitely not from our military compound."

Hearing the guard say that, Sokov frowned slightly and continued, "Then ask him who he is?"

“Yes, Deputy Commander.” The guard replied decisively, “I’ll go and find out his identity right away.”

"Okay!" Sokov had just finished speaking when he heard the guard put the microphone on the table and the sound of footsteps receding into the distance.

A moment later, faint conversation came through the receiver. Sokov held the receiver close to his ear, trying hard to hear what was being said. Unfortunately, the distance was too great, and he couldn't make out the conversation at all.

Sokov began to wonder to himself, "Who is the general the guard mentioned? If he's not from the military compound, then it can't be Lukin. So who could it be? Could it be Lunev?"

Just as he was lost in thought, footsteps entered the guard room, the microphone on the table was picked up, and a familiar voice came into Sokov's ears: "Misha, is that you?"

Sokov was taken aback at first, then recognized the voice as that of a friend he knew well, and he was overjoyed: "Yasha, it's you, Yasha!"

A hearty laugh came through the receiver: "That's right, Misha, it's me, I'm Yakov."

"When did you arrive in Odessa?" "Just got off the plane and came here."

"Yasha, where are my guards?"

"Right beside me."

"Give him the microphone, I have something to say to him."

"Comrade Deputy Commander!" The voice on the other end of the receiver came from a guard: "What are your instructions?"

“Listen to me!” Sokov said in a serious tone, “This general beside you is my best friend. Have someone bring him in immediately.”

“Yes, Deputy Commander!” the guard replied. “I’ll find someone to take him in right away… Wait a moment, Lieutenant Gulia is just coming back from outside. I’ll have her take this general in.”

"Alright. Let her bring this general in to see me."

After hanging up the phone, Sokov stood up from his chair and sat in the wheelchair placed next to him. Just as he was about to call someone to push him out the door, he suddenly realized that although his injuries had not fully healed, he no longer needed to use a wheelchair.

With that thought in mind, he got up from his wheelchair, straightened his clothes, and stepped out of the study, preparing to go to the villa's entrance to greet Yakov.

Sokov hadn't been standing outside the villa long when he saw Gulia leading Yakov briskly towards them. He took a few quick steps forward, waved to Yakov, and excitedly called out, "Yasha! Yasha!"

Hearing Sokov's call, Yakov quickened his pace, taking three steps at a time to reach Sokov and giving him a warm hug.

"Yasa!" Sokov said with a smile, "Welcome to Odessa!"

Yakov patted Sokov on the back and said with some emotion, "Misha, do you know? I've come to see you five or six times since you were injured, but you've remained unconscious. I was so worried about you, afraid that once you left the hospital, I would never see you again."

Sokov sensed the concern in Yakov's tone and couldn't help but feel touched: "Yasha, thank you for your concern. This isn't the first time I've been injured. I've always survived before, but this time is an exception."

The two had been separated for a long time and had a lot to say. At first, Gulia stood by and listened to them reminisce. But seeing that they had been talking for more than ten minutes and still showed no sign of stopping, she kindly reminded them, "Generals! It's a bit hot outside. Why don't you go inside and talk about it?"

Gulia's reminder made Sokov realize he had gotten carried away and that it was no use letting his guest stand at the door. He quickly called to Yakov, "Yasha, come to my study. Let's talk."

As the two turned to walk into the villa, Gulia leaned over and asked with concern, "Comrade General, would you like me to help you push your wheelchair over?"

“No, no.” Sokov waved his hand and refused Gulia’s offer: “My injuries have almost healed, and I don’t need a wheelchair anymore.”

“Alright then, Comrade General!” Seeing that Sokov was unwilling to sit in a wheelchair, Gulia did not insist, but tentatively asked, “Comrade General, what would your guest like to drink, tea or coffee?”

“Coffee,” Sokov replied briefly. “He likes black coffee, the unsweetened kind.”