The base of the Cosmic Police on this planet was located in a secluded valley, ideal for hiding identities and launching surprise attacks against enemies. However, this time’s ambush was different from previous ones, resulting in casualties that exceeded expectations.
Now, with Jufeng's reminder, a layer of mystery was cast over the Terrorist group.
The first thing Gong Qingsheng did upon returning to the base was to compile a report on the ambush incident and the unusual actions taken by the Terrorist group to destroy evidence. His position had its limitations; many decisions required approval from higher-ups.
Meanwhile, Liu Gulang, after returning to the base, immediately borrowed a mech without taking time to rest and flew back to Magellanic Star to handle the matters entrusted by Jufeng. This involved the Azure Dragon Monk and potentially all of the Terrorists, so he had to proceed with caution.
When he arrived at the base, it was still dawn. After resting for a morning, it wasn't until close to lunchtime that Jufeng and Vera emerged from their room and headed to the dining center.
From a distance, they could see the dining center bustling with activity, crowded with people. With over a thousand soldiers stationed here, the makeshift dining center was clearly struggling to accommodate them.
However, military customs rarely allowed for special treatment. Fortunately, both Jufeng and Vera were not overly rigid in their personalities, so they adapted to local customs.
As soon as the man and woman entered the dining center, they drew everyone's attention; the rate of heads turning was astonishing. Those waiting in line for food turned around to look, while soldiers already seated at tables momentarily forgot about chewing their food as they gawked.
The arrival of two Crimson Rank mech Masters had already spread throughout the base through survivors' accounts from the battlefield. The fact that they appeared to be a couple only fueled speculation and gossip. As they made their entrance, the soldiers’ appetites seemed to diminish, replaced by whispers that filled the air.
“Hey, that girl is really beautiful!”
“Shh! Keep your voice down! Do you want to die? She's a Crimson Rank; stepping on you would be easier than squashing an ant.”
“Besides, didn’t you see? They’re already together; I heard they even share a room.”
“Sigh... I’ve given up hope.”
"Bah, do you still have any hope? They are a perfect match, both talented and beautiful, while you stand next to them..."
The crowd collectively gasped, "Oh—!!!"
Due to his training in martial arts, Jufeng had sharper hearing than most. He believed Vera could hear it too. If someone couldn't even reach a modest level in martial arts, there was no way they could control a mech to the extraordinary level of Crimson Rank.
With a playful smile, he stared at Vera beside him but said nothing.
Vera was unfazed; she simply let him look without showing any discomfort.
Seeing that his previous tactic had no effect, Jufeng quickly shifted his approach and murmured in an unguarded tone, "Vera, are you too tired today? You were grinding your teeth while sleeping earlier and kept mumbling as if trying to burrow into my arms. Is it because of the Terrorist that you’re feeling haunted?"
His harmless face was filled with concern. The soldiers around them glanced over but quickly turned away, repeatedly muttering in their minds, "Don't listen to inappropriate talk; it's too cruel and inhumane..."
Even with Vera's calm demeanor, there were limits. As a woman of virtue, even if she navigated the Underworld with ease, there were still things she preferred to avoid. However, Jufeng's careless words struck a nerve.
Moreover, when it came to matters of a shared room, it would have been better if Jufeng hadn’t mentioned it at all. Just bringing it up made Vera even angrier. When Gong Qingsheng asked Jufeng about the room arrangements, he had secretly agreed to something on his own. By the time Vera found out, it was already too late. She didn’t want to deal with the military and had no choice but to compromise; yet no one knew how the two had divided the rooms that morning.
Finally reacting, Vera turned her head to look at Jufeng. The slight annoyance hidden within her calmness was something only he could perceive. Then unexpectedly, she delivered a swift kick toward him. Jufeng couldn’t help but be astonished.
Despite his surprise, he suddenly turned around but didn’t dodge. He allowed Vera’s delicate foot to land on his backside and quickly feigned an expression of pain mixed with delight.
Seeing that she had fallen for his trick again, Vera could only maintain her composure and meditate alone to suppress her anger. Meanwhile, the soldiers watching this pair of star-crossed lovers felt anxious; it was broad daylight and they were openly displaying affection—how could anyone live with such a spectacle?
Amidst the playful banter, their meal finally arrived. The two found an empty table to sit down and began to replenish their energy. After a morning of recovery, their strength had significantly improved, and they were truly famished now.
Halfway through their meal, someone suddenly sat down next to Jufeng and Vera. They looked up and were surprised to see Gong Changsheng.
After Liu Gulang's introduction, Jufeng learned that Gong Changsheng held a very high official position, which left him puzzled. He asked, "Is the Steward also here for a meal?"
Gong Changsheng set his plate down and, while drizzling sauce over his steak, smiled and said, "You heroes who have fought bravely can eat; why shouldn't I be able to?"
Jufeng smiled and nodded at this remark. Regardless of whether it was just political nicety, the fact that it came from an official already put him above many others.
Gong Changsheng took a mouthful of rice and chatted with Jufeng, "Lieutenant Ju, you..."
"Just call me Jufeng," the steward corrected himself.
Gong Changsheng nodded and continued, "Brother Jufeng, do you have any plans to develop within the Ironclad Troops? After all, peace has reigned on Earth for a long time, and heroes like you rarely have opportunities to showcase your talents."
He knew this question was abrupt, but he genuinely admired talent and wanted to recruit Jufeng. It was quite possible that he could bring in two Crimson Rank individuals at once, which would be a significant boost to the Ironclad Troops' strength.
Jufeng chuckled and replied, "I might disappoint you, Steward. I actually have my own company. I came here for this adventure just to understand how my company is faring amidst the chaos of war. My employees are working hard for me; I need to consider their well-being. As for developing within the military, that's not in my plans for now."
Hearing this, Gong Changsheng felt a bit disappointed. Such talent, along with keen observation and analytical skills, was truly the makings of an excellent Mecha Soldier.
However, he wouldn’t press the matter further; his disappointment was fleeting. He then said, "Since Brother Jufeng is so candid, I won't insist. Just remember my sincere invitation if you ever consider this path."
Jufeng nodded in agreement. "Of course. Besides, I'll be staying on the front lines for a while. If you need any assistance, Steward, I will certainly do my best."
This was somewhat comforting for Gong Changsheng; he felt satisfied with the conversation. Suddenly recalling something else, he added, "I noticed that your mecha isn't a specialized one yet. So I took the liberty of arranging for two Huankezhao specialists to come and tailor one for you. I hope that’s not too presumptuous."
"Exclusive Mecha?" Jufeng looked at Vera, still trying to grasp the meaning of the term. Noticing Vera's subtle nod, he replied, "Then I’ll trouble you, Steward."
Gong Changsheng waved off the formality, and the three of them began to chat casually about everyday matters and social experiences until their meal came to an end.
With a pile of military affairs awaiting him, Gong Changsheng excused himself and left first. It was still midday; despite being in the valley, the air and light were quite sufficient. Therefore, the two did not rush back to their room but instead took a leisurely stroll around the base.
The room felt too cramped for Vera; she was not accustomed to sharing a space with a man for the first time in her life, and it made her uneasy.
"What exactly is this exclusive mecha?"
Walking side by side on the grass covered with strange plants, Jufeng recalled their conversation at the table and asked.
Vera looked at Jufeng as if he were foolish, making him start to doubt his own intelligence.
"I’ve mostly learned about mechas through practical combat; I don’t really understand the theoretical knowledge or the complex systems surrounding them. So could you explain it to me?"
Seeing that Jufeng was sincere, Vera replied in her cool voice, "Every expert at Crimson Rank has the opportunity to create an exclusive mecha. Because Crimson Rank can operate mechas smoothly in automatic mode, each person's mecha has different characteristics that can maximize its lethality. Moreover, every Crimson-Class Mecha has its own name and is unique."
Jufeng finally understood; there was indeed this added benefit.
"So you have an exclusive mecha then!"
"That's right."
"What’s its name?"
“Blue Cat?”
“...How can Blue Cat be white?”
“...Ghost Blue Cat!”
“Tch, so mysterious...”
Jufeng was still pondering when he noticed Vera suddenly stop in her tracks. Following Vera's gaze, he saw Hua Cheng blocking their path not far ahead.
(To be continued)
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