Chapter 39: Emergency Assembly

Chapter 39: Emergency Assembly

Upon reflection, Luo Le realized he hadn't done anything wrong, so why should he feel guilty?

He opened the door again and found that Chen Wuxing was no longer at the entrance.

A sigh of relief escaped his lips.

Luo Le walked down the corridor, turning the corner only to bump into a soldier in uniform heading in the opposite direction.

The soldier approached menacingly and barked, "Which room are you from? Go back! You're not allowed out until mealtime. Don't you know that?"

Looking at him impatiently, Luo Le wondered why such a rule existed. It was quite troublesome.

"What are you standing there for? Haven't you heard me?"

Feeling somewhat humiliated by being scolded in this manner, Luo Le's face darkened. He was about to speak when he suddenly recognized a familiar voice ahead.

"What's all the commotion?"

The soldier stepped aside, allowing Luo Le to see the source of the voice – Chen Wuxing.

With his head lowered, the soldier's expression was obscured. "Deputy Chen, this man was running around recklessly. I was just disciplining him."

Chen Wuxing approached him, only half a meter away, and waved his hand dismissively at the soldier. The man, understanding the cue, left promptly.

He had encountered such soldiers who acted tough behind authority many times before. They could have simply spoken calmly, but instead chose harsh words to emphasize their status.

Suddenly, they were alone in the corridor. Luo Le pressed his lips together and said, "Thank you."

Chen Wuxing's eyes crinkled into a slight smile. "It was his mistake. A gentle word would have sufficed. No need to be so fierce. By the way, where are you headed?"

Luo Le gave a casual response. "I was just wandering around out of boredom."

"Oh... I see. I'm free now too. Would you like some company?"

Luo Le narrowed his eyes, trying to read the intentions of the man before him.

What was Chen Wuxing's motive for being so kind to him out of the blue? Could it be that he knew Luo Le's identity?

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Chen Wuxing felt a little awkward under Luo Le's gaze.

Luo Le shook his head. "It's nothing. Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

Fixing his eyes on Chen Wuxing's, Luo Le asked sincerely, "Do you have someone you like?"

Chen Wuxing looked at him in surprise, then pondered for a moment before replying vaguely, "I suppose."

Luo Le paused, then continued, "Is he also in the military district?"

It was only their second meeting, and Luo Le was already asking such personal questions. Even the outgoing Chen Wuxing found it a bit forward.

"There's a gallery on this warship displaying damaged mechas from past marshals. Would you like to see it?"

Luo Le gazed at the man before him, whose smile was as warm as a spring sun, and nodded slightly.

In truth, he hadn't expected to hear an answer.

Chen Wuxing's smile was like the gentle warmth of spring sunshine, melting away the chill of winter.

Luo Le began to understand why the military district personnel were so devoted to him.

Was it the same for Huo Lanjing?

The following noon, as Luo Le was preparing to eat, Captain Lin stood at the door with a tray in hand.

"Madam, good afternoon."

Luo Le stepped back, allowing him entry.

He glanced at the meal on the table - a single dish and bowl of rice. Though it seemed meager, it was likely that Captain Lin had arranged for a special meal from the kitchen.

After all, Luo Le had only consumed nutrient fluid the previous night.

"Thank you."

Lieutenant Lin replied with a smile, "It was all arranged by the General. I was merely following orders."

Luo Le wasn't an idiot; he knew that for such a small matter, Huo Lanjing wouldn't bother. It was clear that Lieutenant Lin had taken the initiative.

"By the way, about what I mentioned yesterday..."

Lieutenant Lin responded, "No problem, it's already taken care of."

Relieved by the answer, Luo Le let out a sigh.

*

On occasion, when Luo Le went out, he would run into Chen Wuxing, who would invite him to eat together, even if he was often the one being dragged along.

After spending a day and a half together, Luo Le realized that Chen Wuxing was truly a great person - good character, integrity, and exceptional talent.

However, there was a knot in Luo Le's heart that prevented him from developing feelings for Chen Wuxing.

Chen Wuxing had mentioned having someone he liked, likely within the military zone, and Huo Lanjing seemed to have a special connection with Chen Wuxing.

Perhaps the person Chen Wuxing mentioned was Huo Lanjing.

Two days passed in a blink, and the warship anchored at the Ninth Planet.

Following the address given by Captain Lin, Luo Le walked on. He had passed two dormitories but still hadn't reached his destination.

The path grew increasingly secluded until he finally halted before a small, two-story duplex.

After double-checking the information on his smart brain several times, Luo Le was convinced he hadn't taken a wrong turn.

But something still didn't feel right...

Just as he was pondering, the door suddenly opened from inside.

"Luo Le, it's you. I guess I really didn't get the address wrong."

Yang Liqing stepped back, allowing Luo Le to enter.

"This is my first time living in such a luxurious dormitory, damn. Is the Ninth Planet so resource-rich that each resident gets a whole building for themselves?"

The room was spotlessly clean, with not a speck of dust to be found in the kitchen, bathroom, or on the sofa.

This couldn't possibly be a dormitory; Luo Le could tell with just his knee that it had been specially arranged by Captain Lin.

He owed the man a thank you and needed to decline any future services like this, as he felt unworthy of such kindness.

"Why are you sighing? Don't you like it here?"

"Did you plan on going out just now?"

Luo Le didn't respond directly, instead changing the subject.

Recalling the message he had just received, Yang Liqing's face split into a wide grin. "Yeah, we're allowed to go out freely for the week. They said it's so we can buy some personal items. How about it, do you want to go for a stroll?"

The military zone was always strict with discipline. If they wanted to leave, they would have to file a report, wait a week for approval, and there was still a chance it would be denied.

"Sure, let's take a look."

When Luo Le was young and didn't want to return home, he would wander around shopping malls, eventually turning it into a weekly habit.

It had been quite some time since they last visited.

For their convenience, the military zone had even arranged a large hovercar, allowing them to hop in after just a kilometer's walk.

An hour later, they arrived at the largest mall on the Ninth Planet.

Neither of them needed any household items, so they headed straight for the third floor's clothing and accessory stores.

Luo Le glanced around but found only a few familiar shops.

"How's your taste?"

Luo Le snapped back to reality, seeing Yang Liqing's sparkling eyes staring at him.

"It's decent."

"Great. You pick something for me then. I can't afford to be laughed at by my sister again when I go home this time."

Yang Liqing clenched his fist in a gesture of encouragement, full of enthusiasm.

Luo Le looked up at Yang Liqing, who was half a head taller than him, and asked, "What kind of style do you want? Something cool or more scholarly?"

Yang Liqing's eyebrows nearly met in the middle as he pondered for a moment before hesitantly replying, "Scholarly?"

Luo Le observed his sharp features and sighed. "I think you'd suit a cooler style better."

"Alright then, it's up to you. I'm fine with anything."

— "Brother Le!"

How familiar that voice was.

Luo Le turned around to see Wind City rushing over and stopping beside him.

"Wind City, what brings you here?"

Wind City was about to answer when he caught sight of Yang Liqing out of the corner of his eye. He took a step back and said, "Coach Yang, you're here too."

Yang Liqing's face was stern as he nodded gravely in response.

Luo Le looked at the suddenly changed expression and found it amusing. It turned out that Yang Liqing had been pretending all along.

"Brother Le, didn't you... resign from the military? How come you're here?"

Wind City was utterly perplexed.

Luo Le briefly explained the situation.

Wind City: "So, Brother Le, are you planning to buy anything later? I can accompany you and get something for Coach Yang as well."

As he spoke, he flexed his biceps.

Luo Le: ...

Yang Liqing didn't want Wind City to come along; he would put on a stern face, and it would be exhausting.

Luo Le: "It might not be convenient. Let's forget it."

"Oh, it's no big deal. I can wait outside. I won't go in."

Observing Wind City's sincere expression, the two of them couldn't bear to refuse and allowed him to go his own way.

After strolling for just a short while, they suddenly received an urgent call for assembly.

They had no choice but to cut their outing short and head back.

By the time they reached the square, it was already packed with people, each standing in their designated groups.

With a reluctant face, Wind City gazed at Luo Le, his voice tinged with regret, "Brother Le, I... I have to go. I'll come find you later, so wait for me, okay?"

Even amidst the cacophony of voices, his voice stood out distinctively.

On the platform, Huo Lanjing couldn't help but glance over—

An Alpha, younger than Luo Le, towered half a head above him; Luo Le only reached up to the other's nose.

He was waving goodbye to Luo Le with a visibly aggrieved expression, each step taken with reluctance, as if parting from a beloved partner.

Huo Lanjing irritably twirled an unadorned ring on his index finger.

Lieutenant Lin felt a sudden chill down his spine. He turned to see their Supreme Commander with a grim face, his dark eyes unreadable.

Their Supreme Commander must be pondering the situation with the insectoids – a truly troublesome matter that even gave him a headache just thinking about it.

Lately, the Supreme Commander had been contemplating countermeasures.

"Supreme Commander, the time has come. We can begin."

Huo Lanjing nodded slightly and, with a swift step, took his seat.

After he sat down, Chen Wuxing and several other colonels and brigadier generals followed suit.

A colonel started the meeting, briefly outlining the red-topped document before continuing with instructions.

"At present, with the insectoids and lizards in alliance, we cannot underestimate their power. The Supreme Commander captured some insectoid researchers from Planet Nine. Although we've publicly announced their execution, we have, in fact, kept one lizard. However, he's being quite stubborn. Judging by his demeanor, he likely knows a great deal. The insectoids won't abandon him easily, so we must remain on high alert at all times. The insectoids are not ants to be trampled upon. That concludes my part. Now, I yield the floor to our Supreme Commander."

Huo Lanjing leaned toward the microphone, his gaze sweeping across the room with a sharp look.

"Silence."

Luo Le glanced at the silent crowd who had held their breaths ever since Huo Lanjing was announced to speak next.

There was no need for silence.

"The insectoids might attack at any moment. From today onwards, remain vigilant at all times. Report any suspicious individuals or incidents."

When the colonel mentioned leaving one behind, Luo Le's mind immediately flashed back to the odd lizard that hadn't participated in the battle.

Huo Lanjing said this and then left promptly, leaving the remaining few to wrap up the proceedings.

Luo Le felt that something was amiss, both in today's events and the recent emergency relocation.

However, he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

Nothing significant occurred in the military zone afterward; it remained calm and peaceful.

In the following days, Luo Le went about his routine, joining Yu Bing for research sessions.

"You're doing great! I thought it would take you some time to adjust, but you've jumped right in. I've truly found a treasure here."

Now it's time to explore the correlation between the chip's performance and mental power.

Commercial chips on the market are expensive and of varied quality, with their performance often shrouded in uncertainty. Meanwhile, it's out of the question to procure military-grade chips for research purposes.

Given the constraints on his budget, he has no choice but to fabricate them himself.