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Chapter367
Lin Shuqing looked up, clearing his throat, "Captain Shao... I'm aware that Jiang Shun had tried contacting foreign forces. Whether they succeeded, I can't say. Back then, Ren Zhiyuan did send people in the northwest direction." He had pieced together Shao Qi's true identity, but seemingly chose to hold his tongue.
Shao Qi pondered while sipping his tea. This route seemed secure; otherwise, foreign agents couldn't have infiltrated, and Jiang Shun might be planning to leave with one of the teams. At least one group had long-term connections domestically.
Astounding, maintaining international contacts without communication. No wonder they tried capturing satellites. Had things gone smoothly, they'd be collaborating from within and outside by now.
Chapter 186: Aren't They a Perfect Match?
"Earlier, I checked the spoils of your raid. That robot isn't something new. We developed similar combat robots, equal in armament, but mass production was denied at a high-level meeting. The models are still stored in our warehouses," remarked Geng Qinglu. Lin Shuqing added, "Mass-producing them isn't wise. If intelligent robots replace human warriors, it'll narrow our evolutionary path. Relying on technology isn't as good as relying on one's innate strength."
"Both are essential. Our research into intelligent technology hasn't ceased. The latest satellites deployed have intelligent computers. They'll store data, offer automated warnings, and according to the researchers, even forecast major natural disasters 3-5 days in advance, minimizing losses."
Recognizing the satellite's significance, Shao Qi finished his tea and stood up, "Proceed with your tasks. You're outside my jurisdiction. Be cautious; this matter may not be over."
As Geng Qinglu and Lin Shuqing watched him leave, Zhou You returned, accompanied by his group, a vehicle loaded with game. Despite his short absence, it was clear his prowess was unparalleled.
Approaching Zhou You, Shao Qi smoothly took the coat hanging on Zhou's arm and brushed off some debris from his hair. "There's hot water ready for you. Go take a shower."
"Alright. Tonight, we feast on roasted whole lamb. Have one prepared for us; I'll roast it personally."
A smile crept onto Shao Qi's face, "Of course. Go on, I'll wait for you."
As Geng Qinglu noticed Shao Qi's lingering gaze on Zhou You, he mused, "I knew there was something between them. So it's progressed this far."
Lin Shuqing, favoring Zhou You, snorted, "He's not dumb, always staying close to those in power."
"Don't be so sour. They're perfect for each other, aren't they?"
"Such fine genetic material, yet because of their same gender, they can't produce an exceptional next generation. Isn't that a waste of potential?"
"I recall a meeting where a delegate suggested repealing the same-sex marriage law. He was the first to object, arguing that if humanity's future depended on breeding like livestock, then extinction wasn't far off. If it reached that point, there'd be no need for restrictions; everyone would simply await their end."
"Well, haven't the bases done their fair share of dirty deeds for population and birth rate? Look at the female prisoners; in the end, haven't they all been reduced to mere breeding machines?"
"The world isn't simply black and white. There's a limit to what each person can do. But even on the day the Earth faces its end, I hope love remains. It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Survival first; without life, what good is love? Youngster, you've had it easy so far. Once you've tasted the hardships of the world, you'll understand."
Geng Qinglu was unconvinced, but he wouldn't try to change someone else's perspective. Everyone is an individual, and right or wrong isn't always the main concern.
After taking a shower, Zhou You stepped out to find the campfire already lit, and the game neatly prepared. As he appeared, everyone greeted him warmly, not only his teammates from Yang City but also the people from Qin Xun and Xue Yangchen's sides.
"Brother Zhou, over here!" Xuan Zhi waved at him from a distance. Everyone now calls him 'Brother Zhou,' not 'Young Captain,' even those older than him.
Everyone eagerly waited for his arrival. An entire sheep, a large mutated antelope, was skewered on an iron rack, which would probably take an hour or two to fully roast.
Zhou You sectioned the sheep into thirds, instructing others to prepare two more stoves. Then, he began preparing the sauce.
"I'll baste it..."
"I'll brush on the oil..."
"I'll turn it over..." Everyone pitched in enthusiastically. After Zhou You finished the sauce, he had some free time. Just then, Qin Xun and Xue Yangchen came over to talk to Shao Qi, and Shao Qi invited him into the tent.
"Marshal!" Once inside, both men saluted Shao Qi.
"Mm, sit. Share the latest updates."
Zhou You sat to one side, checking the items in his backpack. Xue Yangchen had also brought ample supplies this time. They would restock a bit, and after the successful satellite launch tonight, they would head back to Yang City tomorrow.
Qin Xun and Xue Yangchen, seeing that Shao Qi didn't avoid Zhou You, naturally figured out their relationship. Had they not witnessed the stir Zhou You created during his promotion, they might have underestimated this seemingly ordinary man, thinking he had charmed the Marshal with his looks. But now, they dared not belittle him.
"The Life Base has a small population with various races cohabiting, causing some chaos. The military mostly manages city defense and maintains order, usually small matters. But in the past two years, rumors have spread of a passage to foreign lands in the west. Many foreigners previously stranded here have formed teams and left. We sent teams to investigate, but none returned. Eventually, we stopped probing." Qin Xun reported the number of foreigners who had left the Life Base in recent years to Shao Qi. Actually, it wasn't many, since many didn't have the courage to leave the base.