Chapter 27

Chapter 27

After the day's team training, the cadets returned their mechs to the Storage Buttons and brought them back to the Mecha Department for inventory.

All training mechs were accounted for and handed over. The administrator began inspecting each mech for wear and tear, one by one. Each mech's data appeared sequentially on the detector's screen, and after archiving and backing up the records, all values were uniformly reset to default settings.

The administrator worked skillfully until suddenly the instrument briefly lagged. Looking up, he saw a long string of calibration data densely displayed before him, as if it would never end, eventually listing a full 800-plus entries.

The administrator rubbed his eyes in disbelief: "...?"

Did this cadet write an entire novel in the co-pilot's cabin?

"How's the inventory going?" A voice came from the doorway. Zhou Lubin walked in and immediately noticed the data on the screen, pausing in surprise. "What's this?"

"A cadet's calibration records," the administrator replied, handing over a thick stack of freshly printed reports. "It's from this cadet named Lu Ming. No idea what he did to the mech, but miraculously, it's still functional."

"Lu Ming? Him again?!" Zhou Lubin felt a headache coming on at the name. While not strictly an academic traditionalist, he was unusually frustrated by someone who dozed off in class yet managed this.

He took the data report and flipped through it, growing even more speechless. "What kind of messy modifications are these? How could the mech even function like this?"

"Well... it actually could," the administrator hesitated, unsure how to explain, and simply pulled up the mech's performance logs. "This is his partner. According to today's training feedback, the piloting performance was reportedly quite good. Earlier, an instructor from the Infantry Department specifically came to confirm that we hadn’t rigged the mech settings for their cadet, seeming very surprised by this cadet's performance. I didn’t pay much attention when answering then, but now it seems he was asking about this particular mech."

Zhou Lubin: "It could still operate?"

He compared the two reports side by side, and after a long while, could only sigh in bewilderment: "...Did all the odd new recruits this year come together or something?!"

The administrator asked: "Should we save this configuration?"

"Save it. Of course, save anything that works." Zhou Lubin glanced at the data report again, tsk'd softly. "Hard to manage or not, this Lu Ming kid might actually be a talent."

Worth keeping an eye on and nurturing properly.

*

Bai Luming dozed under the tree all day and returned to the dorm after dark.

Just as he changed into his slippers and stood up, he saw a hand reach over his shoulder to press the wall switch.

As the door behind them closed, the dim dormitory lit up with the turned-on light. A shadow fell from the person standing behind him, as if enveloping him.

"..." Bai Luming turned his head to look. Their close proximity made him feel as though he were falling straight into the depths of He Yilan's dark eyes, like being swallowed by the night outside.

His gaze lingered on He Yilan's face for a long moment before he said with amusement: "I know you want to talk, but isn't this a bit too eager?"

"Quite eager, indeed," He Yilan replied. "After all, your old customer told me some very interesting things, and I’ve always liked digging deep into things that catch my interest."

Things that pique his interest—did that include him?

Bai Luming raised an eyebrow slightly, pressed a hand against He Yilan's shoulder, and subtly pushed him away.

He Yilan obligingly stepped back two steps, making room.

Bai Luming walked to the bed and sat down, crossing his long legs in front of him, his hands resting casually on either side of the bed—an extremely relaxed posture.

Having dozed all day, he still carried a lazy air. His slightly disheveled clothes showed no military neatness, and he lazily yawned: "Alright, how interesting is it? Let's hear it."

This man was too clever, so the best way to communicate with him was to keep things simple between them.

He never made losing deals in business; having already thrown an old customer under the bus to do him a favor, it wouldn’t be Mr. He's style not to cash in on the opportunity to gain something back.

In front of He Yilan, someone like Pei Suqi might as well be naked.

If he had to guess, probably every detail down to his ancestors had been dug up.

And from He Yilan's current demeanor, the information he’d obtained likely concerned him as well.

He Yilan, however, was in no hurry now. He changed into his slippers leisurely before walking slowly into the room from the doorway.

Standing by the bed, he looked down at Bai Luming and spoke calmly: "Remember a while back when that young master tried to take over your family's repair shop?"

Bai Luming hummed: "Hmm?"

He Yilan said: "The Pei family has been operating on Planet 6616 for many years, ranking as one of the notable families in the upper city. But despite their wide-ranging surface businesses, they mainly rely on a small portion of software deals with the Green Army to maintain appearances. Until recently, when a procurement officer from the Green Army visited, Old Master Pei suddenly got the whimsical idea of monopolizing the repair industry."

Bai Luming smiled faintly: "That does sound whimsical."

He Yilan glanced at Bai Luming's unfazed, casual expression: "Young Master Pei was assigned this task by his father and began acquiring repair shops. They had already successfully taken over all the repair shops on the planet, but Old Master Pei felt it wasn’t enough and started targeting the lower district. Your family's repair shop happened to be the last one on their acquisition list."

Bai Luming understood: "No wonder that young master Pei was so fixated on that run-down repair shop—just following daddy's orders! Guess my luck wasn’t too bad managing to save the shop after all. I should remember to burn some incense for my old man; must be his spirit looking out for me from above."

"Young Master Pei said he didn’t dare tell his family about missing one repair shop and asked me to relay to you, the owner, to be cautious and lay low." He Yilan looked at Bai Luming, a hint of curiosity appearing in his eyes. "What do you think the Pei family head would do if he found out?"

Bai Luming: "I don’t know."

He Yilan: "Then another question: why would the Pei family, after years in the software business on this planet, suddenly take an interest in repairs? And why right after the Green Army's visit?"

Bai Luming answered bluntly: "I really don’t know. You’d have to ask the Green Army."

He Yilan stared fixedly at Bai Luming, as if gauging the truth in his answer.

Under that gaze, Bai Luming laughed without a care: "Staring won't get you answers. My family’s just regular lower-city people. Whatever secrets the repair shop might have—we’re not involved. You’ve been to Old Lu's repair shop; it’s tiny, you can see everything at a glance, and the attic—well, you’ve slept there for days, so you should—"

"I know what they’re looking for."

He Yilan’s sudden statement brought a brief silence.

"Uh-huh, good that you know. No need to tell me. Curiosity killed the cat, and I’d rather be a carefree stray cat," Bai Luming finally said after a moment, grabbing clothes from the bedside to head for a shower.

But as he was about to get up, He Yilan subtly stepped forward, making him sit back down on the bed.

Bai Luming raised an eyebrow: "...Don’t you know what they say about blocking the way?"

Unfazed by the teasing, He Yilan didn’t move aside. Instead, he leaned in closer: "You know very well there’s no avoiding it now. Pei Suqi’s cutting corners will be discovered sooner or later. How many people do you think will come after your repair shop—the one that slipped through the net?"

Their proximity grew increasingly close.

Bai Luming had to lean back slightly, sensing the atmosphere growing tense.

His gaze flicked sideways, and suddenly, without warning, he pressed He Yilan's shoulder and swiftly pinned him down on the bed.

Bai Luming’s bent knee pressed firmly against He Yilan’s side, instantly reversing their positions.

With a faint smile, he lifted his eyelids, mimicking He Yilan’s earlier posture, and spoke near his ear: "Whether I avoid it or not is my business. If it doesn’t go your way, are you planning to force me? Sir, do you really think you can take me on?"

"..."

He Yilan glanced down, his eyes landing on Bai Luming’s disheveled, open collar, and further down, their nearly touching bodies.

In response to Bai Luming’s words, he asked earnestly: "Who does it look like is using force here right now?"

Bai Luming glanced at his own restraining hold on He Yilan, his expression pausing for a moment before he chuckled lightly: "Always the villain playing victim."

"Evil?" He Yilan met Bai Luming's gaze, amused, and gave a light laugh, "I just want to propose a deal with you—Lu Ming..."

He drew out the last syllable slightly, tilting his head up. At such close proximity, his breath grazed Bai Luming's ear: "Have you heard of the 'Eternal Day' technology?"

The pressure Bai Luming applied to He Yilan's shoulder slackened for a moment: "Eternal Day?"

He Yilan held his gaze and smiled faintly: "I knew you'd be interested."

Bai Luming had actually heard something related to "Eternal Day."

Back when the four legions were established to fight the insectoids, top-tier mechanics emerged one after another to advance humanity's combat capabilities. Almost all designers of the current mainstream mechs came from that era.

Among these mechanical masters, there was one codenamed "Day and Night," who first proposed the concept of psychic mechs, directly causing a historic leap in mech technology.

Rumors said he created a technology called "Eternal Day," enough to usher mechanical history into a new era. But for some unknown reason, Day and Night not only failed to publicize his achievement but also disappeared entirely from everyone's sight, taking this technology with him.

Thus, the technology known as "Eternal Day" became a legend of uncertain authenticity.

First, the Pei family suddenly began acquiring repair shops on a large scale. Then, Zhong Sheng Machinery's leader personally came to this barren star. Even Shen Yanfeng arranged for White Flame Legion agents to infiltrate Fortress 6616. Could it all be for this?

But if it really is that "Eternal Day" technology, then everything makes sense.

Their gazes remained locked for a long time, and the surroundings fell into prolonged silence.

Finally, He Yilan let out a soft laugh and glanced at their rather awkward position: "How much longer do you plan to stay on top of me?"

Bai Luming: "..."

"I thought you were actually quite enjoying it," Bai Luming said, letting go of He Yilan and slowly getting up. "Go on, what deal do you want to discuss? But let me be clear upfront—the outcome may not be what you hope for. If you’re disappointed, I take no responsibility."

"All you need to do is agree to let me visit the repair shop once we’re out. Whether it goes as I hope or not is my own business."

He Yilan stood up and leisurely straightened his clothes, which had been thoroughly rumpled by Bai Luming. "In return, I can promise you that as long as I’m here, no one will ever be able to take your shop away."

Bai Luming chuckled: "Is it possible that, even without you, I wouldn’t let anyone take my shop away?"

"I believe you can do it," He Yilan nodded. "But even if you can keep this family business, can you be sure your usual peaceful life won’t become very... lively? You probably don’t want too much attention either, do you... Lu Ming?"

Bai Luming fell silent for a few seconds, then had to admit that, given He Yilan’s status, he indeed made a perfect shield for borrowing influence.

He agreed to the deal: "Then it’s settled. After we get out, I’ll allow you a one-day tour of the repair shop. After that, you’ll handle all the troubles for me, and—settle the tenfold payment on the bill, in full."

He Yilan nodded: "It’s a deal."

At this point, Bai Luming grew somewhat curious: "You don’t seem worried at all that I might secretly take the technology you’re after and run."

"Not worried," He Yilan replied. "‘Eternal Day’ will advance humanity's future. Aside from those with ulterior motives, it makes no difference to me who ends up unveiling it."

Bai Luming glanced at He Yilan but didn’t ask who exactly "those with ulterior motives" referred to. He didn’t believe a single word of these half-sincere talks.

They were both smart people. They knew some things couldn’t be hidden from each other, so there was no need to try. They also knew some matters didn’t need to be spelled out—seeing through without speaking was just fine.

After all, once everything here was over, they would go back to their separate lives. One would remain the high-and-mighty Mr. He, the other would comfortably go back to being an ordinary civilian. They wouldn’t interfere with each other, neither inquiring about the past nor disturbing each other’s peace.

Bai Luming casually picked up the towel tossed aside: "Now that we’re done talking, I’m going to take a shower."

The sound of rushing water soon filled the bathroom.

Bai Luming shook his damp hair lightly, droplets tracing down his jawline. The steam clung to the curves of his perfectly built frame.

He didn’t know where the core technical files of "Eternal Day" were hidden, but it was clear that during their time in Fortress 6616, He Yilan hadn't found anything new. If even he hadn’t noticed anything, could it be that what they were looking for was really connected to the repair shop? Was their Old Lu actually hiding something big?

Well, they would find out once they got out.

After all, in his deal with He Yilan, he had only agreed to let him visit the repair shop. Beyond that, he hadn’t promised anything else.

If it really was a technology left behind deliberately by Old Lu, then it would need to be dealt with carefully.

Speaking of which, it was almost time. The initial training phase for all recruits was nearing its end, and the first round of reserve selection was about to begin.

All in all, they had just about a month left before leaving the fortress. Thinking about it, it gave him a little thrill.