"However, those experts have been captured. I doubt there's anyone left in the Jiangnan base capable of conducting such experiments. Besides, you're still too young. Even if you were to proceed, it would only be after you come of age. But when the time comes, would you leave me?"

The little snake lifted its head, its eyes meeting Sun Lu's gaze. Most would have been terrified, but to him, the snake was incredibly endearing. He had watched it hatch and raised it himself. It trusted only him. Why would he fear it?

"We can't stay here any longer. We need to find a way to get you out of the base. If we're discovered, it'll be the end," Sun Lu had already planned to contact the leader of the livestock farm. Once the snow melts, the farm will need reconstruction. A facility of its size wouldn't just shut down. As for safety, as long as he stays inside, there shouldn't be any issues.

In just a few months, Bixi will have grown up. By then, whether we release him into the forest or hide him in the farm, there should be no problems. And he's not concerned about his colleagues finding out. No one would dare catch an adult snake on their farm; at most, they would drive it away.

"I've heard that those scientists won't be executed but will be detained. There might be opportunities for them in the future."

Ren Zhiyuan's body remains in the hospital morgue. Shao Qi visited the hospital, spent some time talking to Cheng Ziang. Cheng's injuries are minor, and he will be discharged soon. Then he can take over the subsequent tasks.

"The lab hasn't been destroyed yet. We need to retrieve all the data and materials, and they must be stored secretly. Also, it's essential to know the identities of their test subjects. Those who need to be compensated should be, and each deceased should be posthumously awarded third-class honors. If we can't find their identities, keep the visual records."

Cheng Ziang looked somewhat dejected. The fight today was frustrating. Those monsters were once human, transformed because of some people's selfish desires. In the end, the ones hurt were their own kind.

"Rest assured, Shao Gong. The military district will take full responsibility for what follows. I wonder who the new commander will be. We need someone competent."

Shao Qi glanced at him. Cheng Ziang was ambitious, which was good, as long as ambition didn't cloud his judgment.

He spoke calmly, "Your experience is limited. Under normal circumstances, you're not fit for the top position. However, considering your significant contributions, I can make an exception. But I need a written commitment from you. In three years, I expect a completely transformed Jiangnan Base, not the stagnant city it once was."

From Cheng's actions, his intentions were clear. Transforming a city isn't easy. But three years is enough. Suppressing his excitement, Cheng replied, "Sir, rest assured. In three years, I'll present a report you'll be pleased with!"

Chapter 108: When in Rome?

The snow has finally stopped. The weather forecast predicts no significant drops in temperature for the next two weeks. The cold is due to the melting snow, and the municipal department has posted a notice to resume production.

This time, Mayor Chen Jingzhou has met his match. But with Ren Zhiyuan gone, many facts remain unverified. He pushed all blame away and ended up being charged with neglect of duty. Once communications are restored, the central inspection team will set out. Whether Chen can retain his mayorship will be seen.

Zhouyou had just finished an obstacle run with Guo Xiangjin. The military district had the most comprehensive equipment. The day Zhouyou saw the live broadcast background, he knew Guo was from the military too. So, occasionally, he'd join Guo for training, often lasting half a day.

Guo wasn't surprised to see him. He knew this expert was regularly in his live stream, boosting the number of viewers. Once Zhouyou was comfortable being on camera, Guo would occasionally capture him in the video. This thrilled the students, who commented on how worth it the ten points were to see Zhouyou.

Many said, "Even Zhouyou attends Professor Guo's classes. They must be top-notch!" Hence, many began training with Guo. Every time he appeared on the training field, the crowd grew.

Shao Qi observed the men, almost surrounding Zhouyou, and smirked. Now they're enthusiastic. They used to be so listless during training, he wondered who they were trying to impress now.

Zhao Jinghao was promoted. With Cheng Ziang still recovering, most responsibilities fell on Zhao, keeping him extremely busy. Thankfully, with Miao Miu and the others' help, no one dared defy him.

The team Ren Zhiyuan dispatched only returned the next day, claiming they were out for inspection and weren't involved with the lab incident, thus preserving their positions.

"Lieutenant Colonel Miao, why do I feel that Shao Gong's gaze seems a bit terrifying today? Did someone upset him?" Zhao Jinghao now revered and feared Shao Qi, showing immense respect to Miao Miu and the others, a stark contrast to his former arrogance.

Miao Miu glanced towards the training ground and replied knowingly, "He's not angry. He's just a tad jealous."

"What?"

"Never mind. When you have time, make sure to get the team in order. Daily training shouldn't be missed. Look at them, now they even have time for live streams. The discipline in this military district seems a bit lax."

Zhao Jinghao's scalp tightened. This was a monumental task. The recorded troop numbers didn't match the actual count. Many were drawing military salaries without working. Rectifying this wouldn't be a task finished overnight.

"Great news!" Zhuo Hao rushed over with his mobile phone, exclaiming, "Boss, communications have been restored. We've reached the research institute!"

Shao Qi looked back, raising an eyebrow, "Did the message get through?"

"Yes, the report has been submitted. The inspection team there said they would come over with the institute's staff."

"Good. Remind them once more: I want to see Geng Qinglu among those who come." Shao Qi hadn't forgotten the unresolved matter with Geng Qinglu. He intended for Geng to confront Lin Shuqing in person. With their similar personalities, it would be interesting to see who prevailed.