The third zone was for ordinary residents responsible for maintaining the base's primary functions, including daily necessities.

The fourth zone was the military district. While it had the smallest population, it occupied the most extensive area and was the force nobody dared cross. The central military group was more than just protectors of the Dawn City citizens.

The Secretary-General instinctively stood up, sneaking a glance at Yang Yanlei. Seeing no objection, he began, "Now that everyone's present, the eleventh annual Central Representatives' Conference of Dawn begins..."

Shao Qi initially didn't plan to attend today. However, with the multitude of tasks recently and interactions with various departments, he decided to make an appearance, intending to settle matters with those he needed to.

The meeting was tedious, or so it seemed to Shao Qi. Political disputes seemed never-ending, with an overwhelming number of motions to decide upon during the annual conference. This year, the meeting would span three days, and everyone's accommodation and meals would be in Zone One.

Shao Qi pulled out his new satellite phone to distract himself. It was a recent acquisition, and he hoped it would function seamlessly. Surprisingly, the Information Department managed to restore the signal in just ten days. However, only this particular model could be used for cross-base communication.

Shao Qi had already sent someone to deliver a phone to Zhou You. Currently, only Dawn City possesses this model, and quantities are limited. Everyone covets one, especially the military, which received a mere 10,000 units, making it even scarcer for others.

He sent a message to Qin Li Feng on the road, inquiring about his location. By his calculations, Qin should be nearing Yang City soon.

Director He, noticing Shao Qi's minor distractions, coughed subtly and whispered, "Shao Qi, how about lunch together?"

Packing away his phone with a smile, Shao Qi teased, "Is Director He treating?"

"Oh, you tight-fisted young man! Do you really lack the money for a single meal?"

With a proud tone, Shao Qi responded, "I'm a married man now; my wife manages our finances. I'm flat broke."

"What? I thought that was just a rumor! Turns out it's true. Where is she? Bring her over for lunch so I can meet her." He Yuan and Shao Qi had known each other for years and shared a deep bond. The relationship between the research institute and the military had always been complementary.

"She's still in Yang City. I'll introduce her when the opportunity arises."

"Show me a picture in the meantime," He Yuan pressed. They chatted for a while, and even though Yang Yan Lei was delivering a speech, he noticed their distracted demeanor. It didn't sit well with him.

He wasn't fond of Shao Qi. The latter was uncontrollable and not easily swayed. Moreover, he didn't think highly of Gu Zhao either. Gu was young, and with his influential family background, he might overshadow Shao Qi, endangering Yang Yan Lei's position.

The morning passed without much substance. Come lunchtime, there was a cafeteria on the second floor of the conference hall—a prime opportunity for networking. As Shao Qi left, many, known and unknown, invited him for lunch.

In front of common folks, Shao Qi was amiable and jovial. However, in this setting, he carried himself with greater dignity than most, coldly ignoring almost everyone except close family friends.

Yang Jin Ye approached, trying to contain his excitement, "Shao, where are you heading for lunch? There's an excellent Sichuan restaurant nearby known for its spicy dishes. You'll love it."

Shao Qi gave a curt nod, "No need. I have plans with Director He."

Director He caught up, chuckling, "Marshal Shao, slow down! Spare an old man with short legs."

As Shao Qi and He Yuan left, those who witnessed Shao Qi's cold refusals dared not approach. A path was naturally cleared for them.

Outside, He Yuan laughed heartily, "You always manage to command such respect! Why did you attend today? Was it pressure from the Gu family?"

"No real reason. Just felt like it."

They headed to the restaurant Yang Jin Ye had recommended. It was crowded, and both Shao Qi and He Yuan, though unfamiliar faces, were unmistakably important figures—one in a military uniform and the other with bodyguards. The staff attended to them promptly, though the waiting queue was already long.

"I apologize, esteemed guests, but we're currently fully seated. There might be a wait."

Director He frowned, seeking a quiet place to converse about serious matters, not necessarily to dine.

"Should we try elsewhere?" he suggested.

Shao Qi remained still, but soon someone from the restaurant's second-floor private room hurried down, "Boss, everything's prepared upstairs. The dishes have been ordered. Please follow me to the private room."

Shao Qi acknowledged with a nod, turning to He Yuan, "I'd like to sample this place. My spouse is fond of Sichuan cuisine."

"Look, is that Director He?" Someone recognized He Yuan. He rarely made public appearances, but it wasn't surprising that those living in Zone One knew him.

"Who's that young man beside him? He's quite handsome. Which family does he belong to?"

"Perhaps he's a researcher from the institute? I haven't seen him before. I'll take a photo and ask my mom later."

"Oh right, I almost forgot your mom works at the institute. Does your family have an allocation for that satellite phone?"

"Only my grandfather meets the criteria to get one. He promised to give it to me. I'll show it to you when the time comes."

"Your grandfather is really good to you. But no need, my brother has one. I tried it last night. The features are similar to a regular phone, but with an additional satellite navigation system. It's perfect for ensuring you don't get lost with its state-of-the-art navigation..."

"What's the point of all this bragging? It's not even your phone," someone jeered from the side.

"What do you mean 'not mine'? What belongs to my brother is mine. I'll ask him to give it to me tomorrow!"