"Our primary adversaries in every country and base are mutant creatures, not fellow humans. Diplomacy inevitably leads to friction. We always hope for humanity to stand atop all species. But now, we are clearly at a disadvantage. I advise everyone to review the data presented at the recent conference. You'll realize that there's no turning back for humanity. If we continue to recede, our lives will be confined within high walls."

"Does Marshal Shao have any message for the people?"

"I've said all I needed to during the conference. To combat the worsening environment, humanity must strengthen itself. Only by surpassing the combat abilities of these mutants can we roam freely. I believe no one wishes to live confined in a base their entire lives, right?"

"Is strengthening the only way forward? Most of us ordinary folks find it hard to train in combat. What do we do?"

"Talent does exist, but it only accounts for a small fraction of success. The majority lies in consistent hard work. Ask any martial artist around you; few would credit their success solely to innate talent. While few have extraordinary talents, becoming an intermediate warrior isn't too difficult. Here's some news: starting this year, military standards will be raised. Other than technical and logistics roles, all soldiers must pass exams to remain. Those lacking skills will only be sent to their doom."

"Alright, alright," Shao Zhen quickly interrupted, preventing the interview from turning into a lecture.

"Next question, has Marshal Shao considered a wedding? What kind of ceremony do you envision?"

The momentarily subdued comment section burst into life again, with viewers suggesting ideas for Shao Qi, lightening the mood.

"Well, that's up to my spouse. Whatever kind of wedding he desires, we will have."

"So, Marshal Shao, would you mind sharing the story of your proposal? Some advice for the singles tuning in perhaps?"

Recalling the proposal, Shao Qi felt a bit awkward. It wasn't a perfect, fairy-tale proposal and felt somewhat clichéd to him, "Ahem, well, it depends on individual preferences and situations. I'd rather not go into details."

A lightbulb seemed to go off in Shao Zhen's head as she mischievously asked, "Could it be... Did she propose to you first?" After all, they're both men, who's to say it wasn't Shao Qi who was proposed to? Anyway, she had a good impression of her soon-to-be sister-in-law, whom she had never met.

"Whoever proposed, what matters is our mutual feelings," Shao Qi waved his hand, urging her to move on, "One last question, we're running out of time."

"Alright... but I need Marshal Shao's solemn oath to answer truthfully."

"Ask."

Clearing her throat, she boldly ventured, "So, between Marshal Shao and his respected spouse, who... takes the lead in the relationship?"

Time seemed to freeze for a moment. The danger in Shao Qi's eyes grew palpable. The live chat comments disappeared momentarily, then filled with admiration for the audacious host.

"The host has to be the Marshal's sister, right? Anyone else would've been annihilated for asking that!"

"Who would've thought? I presumed she was just an ordinary reporter."

"Obviously, the Marshal is the dominant one. Why even ask?"

The answer might seem obvious, but Shao Qi hesitated, wanting to save face for Zhou You. What if Zhou You took offense?

He abruptly ended the livestream without answering the question. Unbeknownst to him, his silence was misconstrued as an admission.

"No way, Marshal Shao is actually... is..."

"My God, just who is this Mr. Zhou You? He's actually the dominant one with our chief military commander?"

"Ahh! I believe in love again!"

"This is... utterly inconceivable."

"I refuse to believe it. How could someone as alpha as the Marshal possibly be the passive one?"

After an uproar, the topic trended nationwide. Overnight, wherever there was internet access, the buzz was about how their revered Marshal Shao was perceived as the submissive partner.

"I... I never imagined it'd turn out this way." Shao Zhen felt like she was suffocating. The look on her brother's face was terrifying, yet she believed she did nothing wrong. How was she to know he would remain silent?

"How about you issue another statement?" Shao Zhen proposed.

Discussing such a topic was like announcing one's guilt—the more one explained, the more it seemed like a cover-up. Besides, how could Shao Qi make a statement about something so trivial? That would be inviting ridicule.

"Speaking of which, between you and my sister-in-law, are you the one who... uh... you know...?"

"Get out!" Shao Qi pointed to the door. Shao Zhen, lugging her equipment, tiptoed out. As she closed the door, she asked, "Should I help clarify things for you?"

"Leave!"

Chapter 195: Swarm

Zhou You and his team had just set up camp. They encountered a persistent group of mutated monkeys, famished from a winter without food. The monkeys were intelligent and agile, attacking them on sight. Despite killing a few, the rest persisted. Zhou You had Xuan Yue take them on, one by one. They finally managed to fend them all off.

After a light meal, everyone hurried to rest. Zhou You, who was on the first watch, began to meditate. Then, he checked his phone. Every major news outlet had the same shocking headline: The Unbelievable Truth about Marshal Shao...

Zhou You murmured, "Shao Qi's identity has been exposed for days now. Why is this old news still circulating? Can't they find something fresh?" He missed the newer updates about his husband.