Chapter 3229 New Peak

Malokov did not show any unusual condition when he walked into the office, and even the dull pain in his shoulder was not revealed. He just walked steadily to the desk and stood at attention.

"Oh, Comrade Malokov, you are back. Tell me how the task was completed?"

Khrushchev, who did not seem to be surprised by Malokov's arrival, was still reviewing documents. Dealing with the Zhukov incident and a series of tedious tasks in the near future was almost too busy.

Facing Khrushchev, who did not raise his head, worked hard and asked questions at the same time, Malokov, who was used to this way of reporting, slowly spoke.

"Malachenko rejected the proposal. Even after I explained all the conditions to him, showed him the promotion order, and told the Supreme Command that he would be promoted to the commander of the East German group, he still did not change his decision."

"Hmm"

Hearing this, Khrushchev slowly stopped what he was doing, put down his pen and closed the document, raised his head and spoke to Malokov seriously.

"That is to say, the situation is consistent with what you expected before, is that what you mean?"

"Yes, I think I can be sure of this, Comrade Leader."

Malokov handed over the detailed incident report he wrote on the table, took a step back and kept a certain distance from the desk and continued to speak.

"Comrade Malashenko is fundamentally different from Zhukov. He is a pure soldier, just as I expected and told you before."

"Even in the face of a huge reward for a simple signature, Comrade Malashenko still withstood the test and adhered to the bottom line. If the same thing were to happen to someone else, I think at least 70%, no, more than 80% of people would not refuse, especially when there are people persuading them."

Khrushchev, who got the result he wanted, looked quite satisfied. While flipping through the detailed report written by Malokov himself, he listened to Malokov's report, and soon put down the thing in his hand and spoke.

"So Malashenko refused Zhukov's invitation to join the gang, not out of disgust and aversion to the individual, not a personal dispute. It's because Malashenko always remembers who he is, what he does, and why he is for. I can see this result from your report."

Faced with Khrushchev's "summary of the impression after watching the movie", Malokov, who knew what he wrote, nodded in response.

"Yes, based on practical observation and my understanding of him over the past 16 years, I am very sure that he is indeed innocent in the Zhukov faction, Comrade Leader. This is due to firm belief, not any other factors."

"Hmm"

Hearing this, Khrushchev crossed his hands and nodded slightly behind his desk to show his approval. His eyes clearly had the answer.

"It seems that our investigation and test of Comrade Malashenko can be ended, but on the other hand, he did refuse the invitation, which is both reassuring and not entirely a good thing."

"What do you think? Malokov, I want to hear your opinion on how to arrange Malashenko?"

""

Standing in this office where Zhukov had stood countless times, facing the same people as Zhukov had faced before, saying words similar to Zhukov's previous situation.

Malokov, who knew exactly what he was facing and how to deal with it, did not hesitate too much. After thinking for a moment, he immediately spoke.

"My suggestion is to promote Comrade Malashenko and continue to implement it according to the original plan. Regardless of whether he accepts it in front of me or not, a promotion with conditions attached is completely different from a promotion under normal procedures."

"Even if Comrade Malashenko refuses the invitation, his strong deterrent power to the enemy is still there, and his important role in the development of military construction cannot be ignored."

"Since there is no threat, maintaining the promotion is the best choice in this case. Even from the perspective of "making the best use of things", it can maximize value and utility, and it is safe and harmless."

"Hmm--"

Khrushchev, with his eyes narrowed and his back leaning back in his chair, nodded thoughtfully.

However, the first thing he did after making a decision was not to give an order, but to smile and speak for the first time since Malokov entered the door for so long, as if he was amused by something.

"Your way of describing things is always very interesting, but also very useful, Comrade Malokov."

"I agree with your opinion, and it should be so."

"Then let's do as you suggest, Malokov. By the way, is Comrade Malashenko's family still in Moscow?"

Malokov, who was still calm and unperturbed after receiving recognition and affirmation, nodded and answered immediately.

"Yes, Comrade Leader. Comrade Malashenko's wife and two children are in Moscow and have never left."

"Then take good care of Comrade Malashenko's family, and you will be responsible for it yourself. Comrade Malashenko will definitely cause greater hatred and resentment from the enemy in the future. In order to let him do it freely, he must be guaranteed to have no worries, don't you think?"

""

Mallokov, who rarely did not answer directly, pondered for a moment, even if it was less than two seconds, and then replied after understanding what this meant.

"That's right, Comrade Leader, then I will go to execute the order first."

Khrushchev, who started to review the documents again, nodded in response.

"Well, go ahead."

"Also keep an eye on Zhukov and report any new developments to me in a timely manner. He is not someone who is willing to give up easily."

"Understood."

The trip to East Germany came to an end. Malokov's daily life and work returned to normal again, and the promotion order for Malashenko was soon officially issued and implemented.

Even though this was under the premise that Malashenko himself could not figure it out and was even surprised, the fact happened regardless of the subjective will of the parties involved.

"Congratulations, Comrade Malashenko."

"The Supreme Command has previously sought my opinion, and I suggest that you take over the position of East German Cluster Commander. I can leave with peace of mind by handing this responsibility to you. Now there is no one more suitable than you in our East German Cluster."

"Remember to lead our army's most powerful field cluster well. I believe you have the ability to do it."

Malashenko, who was called to the cluster headquarters, was surprised by such a "pie in the sky". For Malashenko, who was prepared to be taken away for investigation, it was simply a great tease of fate and an unprecedented joke.

"I, I don't understand, Comrade Marshal. I clearly refused once, but why-"