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Chapter368
Apart from limited resources, the Life Base was relatively safe. However, the monotony of their surroundings had made humanity numb.
"Our Dawn City has always been the same, power struggles never ceased. The Gu family's influence is expanding. Rumor has it that Gu Zhuo plans to marry Han Xi, the heroine from the Southwest Base. The people approve, claiming they're a match made in heaven."
Shao Qi scoffed, "By 'people', you mean those from Dawn City, right? The residents of the Southwest Base wouldn’t want to lose their guardian angel."
Han Xi is the senior disciple of the Emei Sect, highly skilled in martial arts and revered by the Southwest Base. Gu Zhuo is a rising star; many wish to see this powerful union.
Xue Yangchen nodded, then shook his head, "Initially, the Emei Sect disapproved. We don't usually interact with Dawn City, but later, the Gu family promised that post-marriage, both can live separately. This softened the stance."
Shao Qi mused, "A blatant alliance indeed. If I were Emei, I'd be tempted too. The Gu family is influential, and the Southwest Base's harsh environment needs strong allies."
Internally, Shao Qi pondered the implications of this alliance on his Central Army. Knowing the Gu family's ambitions, they wouldn't remain complacent.
"Boss, should we..." Xue Yangchen whispered, earning a surprised look from Zhou You. The seemingly simple-minded giant had a sinister idea.
Xue Yangchen suggested sabotaging the alliance. If they can't unite in marriage, maybe they can be turned into enemies.
Shao Qi shot him a glance, "Let it be. If it's meant to be, bless them. The Gu family and Emei Sect are very different. It's uncertain who will influence whom more."
Xue Yangchen and another discussed matters within the military. Although Shao Qi had been away for nearly a year, few outsiders knew he had left the military region. However, as time went on, it was becoming harder to keep this secret, especially now that many factions were aware.
"Let's eat. I can smell the grilled meat already," Zhou You said, packing his things. He pulled Shao Qi with him, while Qin Xun and Xue Yangchen shamelessly stayed behind hoping for a free meal. The atmosphere lightened considerably.
However, the relaxed mood didn't last long. A sudden explosion rocked the city, flames reaching for the sky. Everyone immediately grabbed their weapons and rushed in.
"What happened?" Thousands swarmed in, making the already modest launch base seem crowded. The source of the blaze was where researchers were adjusting their equipment. Rumor had it that an accidental explosion occurred in a storage area for gunpowder.
"How could this happen? Guards are stationed here, and there was no open flame. How did the gunpowder explode?"
Shao Qi summoned Qin Xun and Xue Yangchen, instructing them to inspect everything thoroughly and not to miss any detail. Then, he sought out Deputy Dean Ge and asked directly, "Can we still launch the satellite on schedule?"
"Well... the explosion destroyed a crucial piece of equipment. Though it's not essential, without it, it's challenging to ensure that the satellite enters its orbit correctly."
Shao Qi raised an eyebrow, stating bluntly, "It's a one-time deal anyway. If it succeeds, it succeeds. If it fails, it fails. Even if we monitor a failure, can we correct it?"
"True. Let's proceed as planned."
Outside the base, a group used the cover of night to retreat from the area. They came with a mission, but wouldn't dare take on something beyond their capacity. The defenses here exceeded their expectations, and they had missed their best opportunity.
The base was now as fortified as a drum. At this point, only a full army could breach it. Zhou You headed to the temporary warehouse storing the satellite. As large trucks transported the equipment, he hopped onto one, joining its convoy.
The crew on the truck seemed puzzled by his presence, but with no objections from the soldiers and supervisors outside, they said nothing. They were left wondering, how did this civilian end up here?
"Young man, what's your profession?" asked the middle-aged man in the co-driver's seat.
"What do you think I do?" Zhou You replied with a smile.
"Ah, I see! You must be a researcher. I've met a few who look as distinguished as you. All prodigies. Our nation truly relies on talents like you."
"Haha, thanks for the compliment," Zhou You responded, neither confirming nor denying.
"I participated in the base's construction in my younger days. Never thought I'd be back to help. If this satellite launch succeeds, our nation will be the world's leader, right?"
Zhou You confidently replied, "Even without it, we're still number one."
"Exactly! Our ancestors left us such treasures. My son became a warrior and aims to join the army. Our nation has a history spanning thousands of years. No other country can compare, right?"
"That's truly impressive."
"It's alright. We can't compare to the elite soldiers out there. All of them are so skilled. But researchers like you are also incredible. Working together, we can improve our lives."
"You're right. Life will undoubtedly get better!" Zhou You declared with conviction.
Chapter 187: Confidence Stemming from Strength
Although the main screen in the command center was dark, technicians connected an auxiliary monitor. While they couldn't follow the satellite into space, they could track movements within the atmosphere.
"Ignition!" At the command, the rocket soared, its thundering roar echoing far and wide. Plumes of smoke billowed beneath the launch tower, and the intense shockwave was felt by everyone present. Some were near, others far, but all had the same stance: gazing upward as the rocket carrying the satellite ascended. Their emotions ran high, a mixture of excitement and anxiety. After eleven years, this wasn't the nation's first satellite launch, but it was the one everyone had been most eagerly awaiting.