This page looks best with JavaScript enabled
Chapter369
"What's its name?" Zhou You inquired of a nearby staffer. The man turned with a grin, replying loudly, "It's called Hope 1. Kinda kitschy, huh?"
Zhou You couldn't voice the term "kitschy". In this era, hope was attached to so many things; it provided the motivation to move forward. Aren't words like "hope", "dawn", and "first light" all symbols of a brighter future?
"Impressive. I hope it fulfills our wishes."
"It surely will."
Zhou You captured the scene on his camera. It's a shame he can't post it online now. It would have been trending instantly. Yet, once they return to base, they can share the news.
Maybe they won't even need to wait that long. If the satellite launches successfully, it might restore some communication hubs. Not all of the previous hubs were destroyed.
Inside the makeshift command center, Shao Qi sat quietly in a corner. The room was silent, everyone waiting for the tester's results. Once the satellite was successfully launched, their detection equipment would receive data — the true sign of success.
The wait was agonizing. Time flew, and past midnight, a new day began. Suddenly, someone jumped up ecstatically, "It worked! We have data! Professor Xu! Deputy Director Ge, come see!"
The crowd gathered around. A slight smile appeared on Shao Qi's face, relieved at the positive outcome, before he left the room.
Zhou You returned by car and saw Shao Qi standing at the entrance, gazing skyward. Many he passed on the way had the same posture. Approaching, he embraced him, "Have we accomplished our mission?"
Shao Qi wrapped one arm around his waist, interlocking fingers with the other hand. Lowering his head, he softly touched Zhou You's forehead, "Absolutely, a great success!"
"You don't seem too thrilled. Why?"
"It's not that...” Shao Qi struggled to convey his mixed feelings. Perhaps the satellite's importance, coupled with all the challenges faced, made the moment bitter-sweet. “I just thought, before the apocalypse, launching such a satellite would've been much smoother, without so much sacrifice."
"Would you have given up?"
"Of course not."
"Then there you go. Regardless of the hurdles and dangers ahead, aren't we both still marching forward? Someday it might be our turn to go, but will you regret anything?"
"Not a thing."
"Neither would I, nor would any of them. To minimize casualties, we need to become as strong as possible. When our nation is mighty, nobody will dare threaten us or covet our resources."
Pinching Zhou You's cheek, Shao Qi said, "Indeed, those betraying national interests should be held accountable."
"So, are you coming back with me to Yang City?"
"Did you guess? I'm planning to visit Shu Guang City. You can return to Yang City. Once I've settled things, I'll come for you." Shao Qi's prolonged absence meant many military tasks awaited. Bringing Zhou You along would only raise their profile and endanger them both.
Patting Shao Qi's chest pocket where their marriage certificate rested, Zhou You teased, "Relax. You're my family. If you don’t fetch me, I’ll find you. Just behave yourself while I'm away, in every sense. Don't give me any reason to be suspicious."
Laughing, Shao Qi teased back, "Mr. Zhou, doubting your allure? Thinking I'd fall for someone else?"
"Love aside, just avoid any flirtations. I'm aware of your numerous suitors."
"Where did you get that information?" Shao Qi was puzzled. He wasn't aware of any rumors.
Zhou You kept his source secret. Numerous forums buzzed with gossip about Marshal Shao, though distinguishing fact from fiction was challenging. Zhou You enjoyed the tales regardless.
Everyone stayed awake throughout the night, only erupting into unanimous cheers when the technicians announced that the data had stabilized and the satellite had entered its orbit. They had succeeded!
"Can we go home today?" Xuan Jue and the others began to get excited. Even though they had only been out for half a month, it felt like a very long time had passed. They used to find days dragging on in the base, but now, despite the thrill, they felt constantly endangered. Against this backdrop, they surprisingly yearned for the warmth and stability of home.
"We should be able to."
"Come on, let's ask the captain." Xuan Jue, the most anxious of them, started to pull his teammates along to find someone. However, before they could take a few steps, they encountered Miao Miao, a female officer whom he had always been slightly afraid of. She was fierce. Actually, all the women in their team were fierce.
"Sister Miao."
"Major Miao."
"Captain Miao." Everyone called her something different, and perhaps due to their good spirits, they weren’t intimidated by her stern expression.
"Where are you headed? We're in the middle of nowhere; don’t wander off," Miao Miao warned.
"We're not wandering. We just want to know when we can return and what preparations are needed," Xuan Jue was chosen as the spokesperson for the group.
Rolling her eyes and crossing her arms, Miao Miao retorted, "Have you not grown up? Missing home after just a few days out here?"