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Chapter 131 Dakang's Obsession, Breaking Through the Defenses of Daily Life, Naval Eagles Take on Additional Burdens (10,000 words, including bonus chapter, please subscribe)
In the modern world, the location of the time portal at Zhurihe has become an extremely busy transportation hub.

This place is already one of the most secret locations in the entire Dragon Kingdom.

convoys of trucks drove in and out like giant beasts.

Every entry and exit means that a massive amount of resources from the other world and the modern world are being rapidly exchanged.

A few hundred meters away from the portal, at the corner of the information processing office, the strong smell of tobacco was instantly reduced by the wind.

Deng Dakang, dressed in a hospital gown with a casual jacket over it, looked at the line of cars outside with a nostalgic expression on his face.

Before the smoke rings had even dissipated, An Kang, who was standing next to him, tugged at his sleeve in a low voice, just like a startled rabbit.

"Professor, people! The people from the office are here!"

Deng Dakang's eyes sharpened, and he quickly stubbed out his cigarette on the edge of the trash can with a swift and decisive motion.

He straightened his collar, as if trying to conceal his status as a patient, and looked into the distance.

Several female soldiers carrying a large amount of data walked towards this side, their steps in unison.

Leading the group was a tall, upright female officer with the rank of captain on her shoulder.

Her sharp eyes locked onto the two of them from more than ten meters away, and she could also smell the lingering smell of smoke in the air.

The female captain frowned almost imperceptibly, but as she approached, she still gave Professor Deng a standard salute.

"Professor Deng, and this young comrade, why aren't you resting in your ward? Why are you here getting chilled?"

Her voice was clear and bright, with the competence unique to soldiers, polite yet with an unquestionable distance.

Deng Dakang immediately put on a warm smile, and that scholarly affability returned to him.

"Haha, I'm practically falling apart from lying here. Captain, I just wanted to ask if I could take a look at the latest research report on otherworldly creatures? Just to give my rusty brain some lubrication."

He spoke casually, but An Kang, standing next to him, was so nervous that his palms were sweating.

The female captain's expression remained unchanged, like a piece of warm, smooth jade, yet incredibly hard.

"Professor Deng, Commander Li has given verbal instructions that the only task for all the wounded, especially core experts like yourself, is to rest and recuperate. For your health, please return."

“Verbal instructions, that means… it’s not a military order, is it?” Deng Dakang smiled and took half a step forward, trying to skirt the issue.

The female captain met his gaze calmly: "This is not a military order."

She paused, her voice not loud, but it made Deng Dakang's smile freeze for a moment.

"But if I report your situation truthfully, saying that you insisted on getting in touch with frontline intelligence despite your injuries, I think it would become a military order in less than ten minutes, and be delivered to you in black and white."

The air seemed to freeze.

Ankang lowered his head even further, wishing he could dig a hole in the ground and bury himself right there.

After a full two seconds of frozen smiles, Deng Dakang's smile suddenly became incredibly radiant.

He slapped his thigh, as if he had suddenly realized something.

"Oh dear! What a forgetful me! Right, right, rest, rest is the most important thing! We appreciate General Manager Li's concern, and we absolutely cannot let the organization down!"

He grabbed An Kang's shoulder with such force that the other man stumbled.

"Let's go! Let's go back to the ward and get some sun. If we don't go back soon, the head nurse will come and drag us away with her needle!"

As he spoke, he waved to the female captain, his smile so sincere that there wasn't a single flaw. He then pulled along the quail-like An Kang, turned around, and walked away faster than anyone else.

The shadow stretched long at the corner, and Deng Dakang's figure almost became one with it.

Only after the female captain's figure completely disappeared from sight did the smile on his face gradually fade, and he returned to his usual calm.

Ankang followed closely behind, barely daring to breathe.

Once they were a distance away, he approached and asked in a low voice, "Professor, are you really going back like this? Didn't you want to see the latest intelligence analysis report on otherworldly creatures? Aren't you curious about the beast-eared girl's information?"

Deng Dakang ignored him and walked forward on his own, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if he were plotting something.

An Kang was puzzled. What was the professor up to?

"Xiaokang." Deng Dakang suddenly stopped.

"I remember the people in the intelligence studio all really like drinking milk tea, right?"

"Huh? Uh, I don't know!"

"Xiao Kang, I have a favor to ask you."

"Yes, Professor, what are your instructions?"

"Go buy twenty-five cups, no, thirty-five cups of milk tea." Deng Dakang held up three fingers, then added five more. "Just ask the clerk what the girls like to drink. Matcha, taro balls, vanilla—those should all be popular with girls."

"Milk tea?" An Kang was taken aback for a moment, then a thought suddenly clicked in his mind, and his eyes instantly lit up like two little light bulbs. "Professor, that's brilliant!"

He slapped his thigh, raising his voice slightly, then realized something was wrong and quickly covered his mouth.

"This is bribery... no, it's a strategy of winning hearts and minds! We researchers also need to cultivate good relationships with those in charge of intelligence gathering, offer them support, and enhance the bond between the military and the people!"

Deng Dakang glanced at him sideways, his eyes filled with disdain: "You talk too much. Do you still want to go to that other world to heal your wounds? The air there has a miraculous effect on your chest injury~"

Upon hearing the words "another world," An Kang's motivation instantly surged.

"Go! I'm going right now!"

He ran a few steps in a flurry, then suddenly stopped as if frozen in place, and ran back with a conflicted expression.

"Um... Professor, this is a top-secret unit, where can we buy milk tea?"

He has spent most of his time in the hospital after his injury, and only went out a couple of days ago, so he doesn't know what's going on in the neighborhood.

In Ankang's view, this place is so dangerous that even a fly would have to be verified before it can enter, let alone a milk tea shop.

Deng Dakang, with an expression that said, "I knew you'd ask," gestured with his chin toward a few inconspicuous office buildings in the distance.

"Follow this road, see that small building with the 'Internal Life Services Center' sign? After passing the outer building, go find the Mixue Ice Cream store; that's the Secret Service's milk tea shop."

An Kang's mouth gaped open in an "O" shape: "The...the Secret Service...is also in charge of making milk tea?"

This crossover is just too outrageous.

"We're living in seclusion in the city! All the food, clothing, and accommodation for our security and confidentiality units are handled by our own people, without outsourcing anything. Got it?" Deng Dakang explained. "Sit tight and let that comrade bring it to you in his little electric scooter. Don't try to be brave. Your ribcage isn't fully healed yet. If you exert yourself, it'll crack again, and you can forget about going to the other world."

Ankang suddenly realized, and his awe of this place deepened even further.

He nodded emphatically: "Understood! I'll go back and change into civilian clothes first. This hospital gown is too conspicuous; I don't want to give away my identity!"

"Go on, I'll wait for you in the ward." Deng Dakang waved his hand with satisfaction.

Ankang returned in less than forty minutes.

A middle-aged man pushing an insulated box followed behind him.

The man wore gold-rimmed glasses, a neatly pressed white shirt, and an apron with the Mixue Ice Cream logo. He had a warm smile and looked like a harmless professor who taught Marxist philosophy at a university.

The man's gaze swept subtly around the ward, and after confirming that it was Professor An Kang, his smile immediately became genuine: "Professor Deng, Comrade An Kang, here's your milk tea."

The man smiled and opened the insulated box, and a sweet yet icy aroma instantly filled the air.

"You've worked hard, you've worked hard." An Kang quickly stepped forward to lend a helping hand.

"Of course. Here's the order form, and my WeChat ID is on it too. Next time you need anything, just place an order via WeChat and I'll give you an insider price. I'll deliver it personally."

After seeing off the enthusiastic Secret Service comrades, An Kang rubbed his hands together, looking excitedly at a box of milk tea.

Deng Dakang had already opened a cup of matcha milk foam and taken a big, satisfying sip.

Then, Deng Dakang counted out nine more cups from the box, arranged them neatly, and pushed them in front of Ankang.

Ankang was taken aback.

Deng Dakang looked up toward the nurses' station, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

"Now you know who to give it to, right?"

"Send a nurse?"

Professor Deng nodded and pointed to the box.

"Send five cups to the nurses' station to thank them for their care. Give three cups to the wounded patients in your ward. And one cup is for yourself."

"Okay!" An Kang quickly sorted them out.

After Ankang finished delivering the milk tea and received gentle thanks from the nurses and affirmation from his comrades, he returned to find Professor Deng already waiting at the door with a large cardboard box containing the milk tea.

He hurriedly followed to help, but was stopped by Deng Dakang with a look.

"Your ribs haven't fully healed yet, don't cause any trouble! Here are a few cups of milk tea for you, just to get acquainted with me." Deng Dakang lowered his voice, "By the way, when you bring me the milk tea, put it down and leave immediately. Don't look around, and don't ask a single question, otherwise it's easy to violate the confidentiality agreement, understand?"

An Kang grinned silently and nodded emphatically: "Understood, Professor Deng! I'm just a food delivery guy!"

He paused, a hint of anticipation in his voice: "Then... I'll leave everything to you when we get back to the front lines! I'll call you for meals."

"Yes, I'll arrange for you to have animal ears in the future! We'll see if we can train a new human then."

Ankang blushed instantly!

However, seeing the professor's teasing expression, he refrained from making a defense.

He simply liked animal-eared girls; compared to that, he preferred to establish merit.

Following Professor Deng will provide more opportunities.

Ankang understood perfectly well what was going on.

Professor Deng is a scientist who has made great contributions; he is a treasure who can earn the personal attention of the leader.

An Kang himself was a low-level combatant who only graduated from high school.

He believed that he was able to associate with Deng Dakang purely because he was shameless, his name was also a good thing, and he was also considered to be from the same hometown as Deng.

If he hadn't climbed up to Deng Dakang, his current activity range would probably only be around the ward.

If you want to go out for some fresh air, the nurses have already "gently" exhausted all your energy by pinning you down on the bed.

Patients who have stayed in the hospital understand.

One or two days is enough for rest, but if you stay for a week, you'll feel the smell of disinfectant even in your bones.

It could absolutely drive someone crazy!

A moment later, at the entrance of the intelligence processing office.

When Deng Dakang and An Kang knocked on the door again and entered the office, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

The female captain in charge was giving instructions to her colleagues when she looked up and saw the two "uninvited guests" in hospital gowns. Her eyes instantly turned sharp.

She frowned even more when she saw the colorful cups of milk tea that An Kang was carrying and the large cardboard box with the dessert shop's logo on Deng Dakang's arms.

What's this? A sugar-coated bullet has reached a classified unit?

If Professor Deng hadn't been of a high rank and had access to classified documents, he would have been invited out for questioning.

"Professor Deng." The female captain stood up and saluted Professor Deng, but her voice was devoid of any emotion, as if it had been chilled to the bone.

Deng Dakang, however, seemed oblivious to the other party's wariness, and stepped forward with a warm smile on his face.

"Captain, and all the soldiers, thank you for your hard work!" he said in a strong voice, putting the box he was carrying on the table. "Seeing everyone working day and night, Xiao An and I didn't have much to help, so we made some iced milk tea to refresh everyone and cool you down!"

With great tact, An Kang placed the cups in his hand at the front, then gave the captain and the staff inside a salute that was not quite perfect due to his injury before turning around and leaving, decisive and without any hesitation.

Throughout the entire process, he didn't glance into the office even once.

The female captain stared at the large box of steaming milk tea on the table, momentarily speechless.

You can't hit someone who's smiling, especially when the other person is Professor Deng Dakang, a scientist who was just recognized by his workplace.

Refuse? How do I refuse?

They say we have rules and can't drink milk tea?

If this got out, it would make their intelligence department seem heartless, even turning away the condolences for meritorious scientists.

"Professor, you're too kind... we can't..."

"Hey, don't be so polite!" Deng Dakang grinned, interrupting her, his smile as wide as a Buddha. "This is the people's support for their soldiers! It's the deep bond between the military and the people! You're shedding blood and sweat here, and we, the ones enjoying the fruits of your labor, what's wrong with treating you to a cup of milk tea? It's only right!"

Once he slapped that label on her, the female captain was completely helpless.

She looked at Deng Dakang's rosy face, then at the iced milk tea in the box, and her tense lips involuntarily relaxed a little.

In the office, several young female soldiers with short hair peeked out from the young man, their eyes already gleaming.

High-intensity data analysis work requires this kind of high-sugar happy water to replenish energy.

"Well... thank you, Professor." The female captain finally gave in, her tone softening considerably.

"That's more like it!" Deng Dakang nodded in satisfaction, but showed no sign of leaving. Instead, he leaned against the edge of the table beside him. "Um, Captain..."

He rubbed his hands together and revealed a sly smile.

The female captain's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself: They're here!

Ankang went out the door, but didn't go far. Instead, he hid behind a fire hydrant around the corner, listening intently.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Five minutes passed.

The scene that I had envisioned—Professor Deng being righteously and sternly "invited" out—did not happen.

There wasn't even a sound of argument.

Ankang peeked out with half his head out and took a quick look.

At the office door, Professor Deng was chatting with the female captain, his face beaming with smiles. Although the female captain was still standing ramrod straight, her expression was no longer as cold as before.

Become!

An Kang cheered inwardly, his admiration for Professor Deng flowing like a mighty river.

This isn't a scientist, he's a god of human relationships!
He straightened his hospital gown with satisfaction, whistled, and walked briskly back to his ward.

Once Professor Deng has the intelligence, I can quickly return to the front lines.

It'll rust too easily if it stays here.

He really wants to fight a beast-eared girl!!!
Professor Deng said that an elf was discovered somewhere, and that the elf possessed mind-controlling magic, the extent of which was unknown.

If your troops can capture some Pokémon, you'll definitely receive more commendations!
It's likely that one day, they'll bring glory to their ancestors, and even the ancestral graves will emit auspicious smoke.
-

East China Sea, China's aircraft carrier battle group.

The engines of the J-15T modified Flying Shark roared deafeningly, and the fuselage trembled slightly from the intense friction with the air.

Liu Haochen's gaze was fixed on the few short markings on the deck, and everything in his field of vision was rushing past at high speed.

"Oh!"

With a loud bang, the tail hook under the fuselage precisely caught the second arresting cable.

The terrifying overload pressed Liu Haochen firmly into his seat, and the whole world seemed to freeze at that moment.

The fighter jet had traveled less than a hundred meters on the deck when it was abruptly brought to a stop by a brute force.

This near-perfect "violent aesthetics" is the daily routine of aircraft carrier-based pilots.

It was Liu Haochen's textbook-perfect, steady landing and flawless combat style in simulated battles that allowed him to stand out from a group of top talents and become an ace pilot.

Guided by the deck service personnel, the fighter jet slowly taxied into its designated parking position and folded its steel wings.

Liu Haochen unfastened his restraints, put on his helmet, and nimbly jumped out of the cockpit.

"Lieutenant Commander Liu! The captain has ordered you to go to the command room immediately upon your return!" A serviceman shouted at him through the loud noise, his earpiece covering his mouth.

"Roger that!"

Liu Haochen returned the salute, turned around and patted the cold skin of his beloved car: "I'm off, baby! Enjoy the massage service from the ground crew!"

After saying that, he walked towards the island superstructure without looking back.

To outsiders, the interior of an aircraft carrier is like a steel maze, with narrow passages and the air filled with the unique smell of engine oil, sweat, and steel.

Liu Haochen knew the way well and went up the metal gangway of the personnel passage.

Pushing open the heavy hatch of the command center, the solemn meeting scene I had imagined did not appear.

"Bang! Bang!"

Two muffled thuds followed, and a barrage of colorful ribbons and sequins sprayed all over him.

Liu Haochen subconsciously took a half step back, adopting a fighting stance, before he could see everything clearly in front of him.

Everyone in the command center, including the usually stern captain, looked at him with smiles. "Happy birthday, Major Liu!"

"Birthday?" Liu Haochen was stunned for a moment before realizing that it was his birthday.

A surge of warmth welled up inside him, and he abruptly stood up straight, giving a solemn military salute: "Thank you! Thank you everyone!"

"Alright, no need to thank me!" A navigator smiled and pushed over a small food cart with a mini cake specially made by the cooks on it, with a single candle sticking out of it. "Quick, make a few wishes!"

Soldiers who go to sea for combat usually have birthday celebrations, which provide valuable memories to their otherwise monotonous military career.

On a warship, this small cake and the blessings of comrades are more precious than any medal.

Liu Haochen looked at the flickering flames, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

His simple wish of "national prosperity and peace, and a glorious retirement" flashed through his mind.

In addition to this, he also wished that his comrades would return safely from every future mission.

"May my flying shark tear apart all enemies who dare to invade this sea and sky!"

After making a few wishes~
call!
He blew out the candle in one breath.

Then it's time to cut the cake!
After the cake was finished, the captain gestured for the other person to go to his captain's cabin.

"Comrade Liu Haochen, your tactical cooperation with the Falcon team this time was perfect, and the organization has already commended you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Haochen grinned and then returned the greeting: "It's all thanks to the research staff and all the logistics personnel in the rear. If it weren't for everyone's concerted efforts, we wouldn't have achieved this result."

Who would have thought that the incredibly elite F-35B fighter pilot, after being locked onto by radar for a period of time and subjected to strong electromagnetic interference from an early warning aircraft, would lose control and crash into the sea due to his poor mental fortitude?

They got a huge credit for nothing.

Unfortunately, this achievement could not be reported to the public in order to maintain a facade of friendly relations.

I reckon the other side will find some excuse this time to make up a story about the fighter jet crashing into the sea by accident.

Yes, that's standard procedure in peacetime!

The smoke of battle is not to be shown to the public; if it were, there would be more complex actions to come.

If the other party suddenly starts reporting on this matter extensively, then you should be very careful.

The captain poured Liu Haochen a glass of water before smiling and asking, "How did you feel about the new fighter jet during this combat exercise against the enemy?"

"It's better than ever before. Thanks to the enhanced engine, the J-15T's combat power has been fully unleashed," Liu Haochen said, describing his experience piloting the fighter jet.

This aircraft carrier, which was transferred from Er Mao, is not the most powerful aircraft carrier.

But it was the cradle of HNA's journey to the deep blue sea.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier uses a ski-jump takeoff system and is a steel behemoth designed by the Russians during a special period.

Due to the special tactical needs of the Russians, this warship is only suitable for serving as a stealthy protector when paired with Soviet-made aircraft in the new era; it is not suitable for long-range strikes or long-range navigation missions.

After the new era of aircraft carrier conversion, although the subsequent J-15T fighter jets are very powerful, they can never participate in combat missions with a full load of fuel due to the ski-jump takeoff mode.

The fighter jet engine's performance was enhanced by 25%, giving the aircraft even greater power and allowing Liu Haochen to experience the feeling of full combat capability at sea for the first time.

During subsequent pursuits and aerial reconnaissance, they relied on the powerful aircraft's engine and aerodynamic characteristics to repeatedly lock onto enemy F-15s using their nose radar.

Well, if the command center issues an order to launch missiles, they can completely annihilate the enemy's small F-15s that are approaching the air defense identification zone, turning the J-15 into a true enemy-killing 15.

Listening to the report, the captain nodded in satisfaction: "Major Liu Haochen, you are the pride of our naval aviation force. You performed very well this time and did not let us down!"

Liu Haochen straightened up, grinned, and saluted.

"Comrade Liu Haochen, I've received a new assignment. Would you be interested in taking on more responsibility?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Haochen's eyes lit up: "Always obey the command of the troops!"

He thought he might be on some special mission.

"It's good that you have the ambition. I've already submitted your name, and it shouldn't be long before you're on the list for secret missions."

"A secret mission roster? Could it be that they're recruiting them?" Liu Haochen's heart started pounding uncontrollably!

The captain patted Liu Haochen on the shoulder: "Don't embarrass our naval aviation team."

Liu Haochen saluted, left with anticipation, and then began to enjoy another birthday on the ship.
-

In the modern world, the Secretariat of the Logistics and Coordination Headquarters Office of Zhurihe.

In the office, Assistant Xiao Wang, also known as Wang Kaixuan, picked up the half-cold strong coffee on the table and took a big gulp.

The bitter liquid slid down my throat, barely dispelling some of my fatigue.

He rubbed his throbbing temples, his gaze returning to the list about to be submitted on the screen.

List of personnel in the Nth batch of the "Pioneers" program.

Behind each of these N batches of pioneers' lists lies the expectation of a family and the absolute trust of the nation.

These personnel, who are about to go to another world to carry out missions, are one in a million, truly the nation's elite.

After confirming that everything was correct, Wang Kaixuan clicked "send".

This email will go directly to the mailbox of my immediate supervisor, Li Weiguo, and there is no room for error.

After finishing, Wang Kaixuan yawned.

Wang Kaixuan is already thirty-three years old this year. In front of a big shot like Li Weiguo, he will always be a small soldier.

He has a clean background and a powerful position; after gaining experience in subordinate administrative units, he can return to the central government.

This exploration of another world led him down a new path in life.

However, the competition for this position is fierce. Those who can sit in this position do not rely on their background, but on their meticulousness and thoroughness, which are ingrained in their bones, as well as their insight to keep the leader calm at critical moments.

In the past month or so, he felt that the number of new gray hairs he had grown was more than his actual age, and he was only able to tough it out because he was young and had a good foundation.

After finishing his business, Wang Kaixuan habitually opened the internal intelligence briefing platform to give his tense nerves a break.

A summary analysis of an international news story immediately caught his attention.

"Follow-up to the F-35B crash: Overseas mainstream media generally accept the 'pilot error' explanation."

Upon seeing this line of text, Wang Kaixuan's tightly clenched lips finally couldn't help but curl upwards slightly.

The pilot and the eagle suffered a loss this time and had to find a way to save face, taking the blame for the "operational error" on their own pilot. It was quite a spectacle.

He could even imagine the scene of impotent rage, frustration, and helplessness in the other party's internal meeting.

"External intelligence indicates that the enemy is following its usual practice of cooling down public opinion, intending to quell the situation." Wang Kaixuan quickly typed a few lines, recording the matter as a summary.

These are all reference materials that Li Weiguo needs to review. Even if the leader doesn't ask, they must be prepared properly.

After finishing my work, the printer ejected the warm documents for backup.

Wang Kaixuan stood up, stretched his stiff back, and prepared to visit other departments to collect the latest information.

When he reached the door of the interdimensional intelligence gathering center office, he stopped in his tracks.

Professor Deng Dakang, who should have been resting, was sitting leisurely in a chair, engrossed in reading a document.

Wang Kaixuan paused for a moment, then went inside.

"Professor Deng, didn't President Li specifically tell you to take a few days off?"

Deng Dakang was engrossed in reading the documents when he was startled by the sound, and he almost dropped the report in his hand.

He looked up and saw it was Wang Kaixuan. A hint of embarrassment at being caught flashed across his face, but he quickly laughed it off.

"It's Secretary Wang. I'm just a busybody, I can't stand being idle." Deng Dakang adjusted his glasses awkwardly and pointed to the documents in his hand. "I don't do research, I just casually look at the new information they've compiled so I have a general idea."

Wang Kaixuan took two steps closer, his tone tinged with concern: "President Li said that you are our precious darling, and your health is very valuable. You must not overwork yourself."

"If I rest any longer, these old bones of mine will rust," Deng Dakang waved his hand dismissively. "Looking at the new discoveries at the front makes my mind work even faster!"

Wang Kaixuan's gaze inadvertently swept over the cover of the report in Deng Dakang's hand, and a few bold black characters caught his eye.

Preliminary Research Analysis Report on the Life Cycle and Metabolism of the "Elf Race".

Elf? Lifespan?
Wang Kaixuan's lip muscles twitched almost imperceptibly. He was truly helpless with this national treasure-level professor who was a workaholic to the extreme.

He wore a professional smile, but his tone carried an undeniable insistence.

"Professor Deng, I know you care about scientific research, but health is the foundation of everything. The medical team and the nurses' station have repeatedly advised you to rest."

"Xiao Wang, I am an expert in the field of viruses and bacteria, and I am also quite proficient in general medicine. I know my own body very well. Many doctors are my apprentices!"

Professor Deng Dakang waved his hand, giving me a look that said, "Don't try to fool me with those platitudes."

Seeing that Wang Kaixuan's young but stern face showed no sign of softening, and guessing that the next sentence would be "This is an order," Deng Dakang immediately changed the subject, even finding a way out for himself by letting out a heavy sigh.

"Secretary Wang, to tell you the truth, I actually came here to look at documents... to relax."

Relax?

Wang Kaixuan almost lost his composure.

You, a top-notch biological scientist, a workaholic, who has accomplished a research task of extraordinary merit, have come to the highest-level classified interdimensional intelligence center to relax.
Do you even believe this reason yourself?

He inwardly grumbled, but his face remained calm and composed: "I will report your situation to General Manager Li truthfully."

The weight of the phrase "report the truth" made Deng Dakang anxious.

"No, Xiao Wang, there's no need to trouble President Li with this." Seeing this, Deng Dakang seemed to have been hit where it hurt, and grabbed Wang Kaixuan's arm.

He didn't use any force, but the way he gripped tightly made Wang Kaixuan's heart skip a beat.

“Secretary Wang, actually I’m in a very bad mood because this afternoon, my wife called.” Deng Dakang’s voice suddenly became much hoarse. “My teacher, Academician Zeng of the School of Engineering Medicine… is having some health problems.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Kaixuan froze instantly.

The intelligence agents around them, who had been listening intently and pretending to organize documents, also slowed down their movements.

Academician Zeng from the School of Life Sciences!?

He was a truly towering figure, a pillar of strength who supported half of the nation's bioengineering in the early days of the People's Republic.

Deng Dakang clenched his teeth tightly, and his eyes reddened at a visible speed.

“My spouse says he…is in very bad shape. Without a medical miracle, he…might not make it through the winter.”

In the office, only a silent stillness remained.

Although birth, aging, illness and death are the natural course of life, some people who know Academician Zeng know that the respectable old man was already over ninety years old, and even if he passed away, it would be a peaceful death.

But this is death!
The female captain, who was not far away, was also feeling bad. She finally understood why Professor Deng was so persistent.

No wonder this stubborn national treasure is willing to risk being punished to stay here.

"I...I overheard them mention it before, saying that the elves of that world have very long lifespans...and possess great value for life science research!"

Deng Dakang's voice trembled slightly, and turbid tears slid down the wrinkles on his face.

"I know that biological research is slow, and it's too difficult to achieve breakthroughs overnight. It's also absurd that I've spent my whole life in science, yet I'm hoping to immediately uncover the secrets of mythical creatures!"

"Ha... but I... I just can't control myself. I keep thinking about coming over to check, just in case... just in case I find something?"

At this moment, he was neither a virus expert nor a national treasure, but simply a disciple who was extremely anxious and even somewhat desperate for a cure.

Wang Kaixuan's most tender spot was deeply touched.

He gently took Deng Dakang's arm and said in an unprecedentedly gentle tone, "Professor Deng, Professor Zeng dedicated his life to the country and the people, and he is a role model for all of us. Your gesture shows true respect for teachers and is a sign of filial piety."

In a single sentence, Deng Dakang's slightly irregular behavior was characterized as respectable filial piety.

Now, no one can probably find any reason to criticize.

Even if General Li hadn't issued a mandatory rest order, he would still have to find a way to make things convenient for the old man in this situation.

"Yes...time waits for no one..."

Deng Dakang seemed to have found an outlet for his emotions, choking back tears, "Every day, every minute, every second, there are veterans who have given their all for this country leaving us... These people should not be forgotten like this, much less be tormented by illness..."

These words evoked a sense of sorrow in everyone present.

Some were moved by the passing of their elders, while others felt a pang of sadness at the death of idols from certain disciplines.

Everyone was in a bad mood.

Deng Dakang sniffed, then released Wang Kaixuan's arm, saying apologetically, "Sorry, I lost my composure."

Wang Kaixuan shook his head, his gaze falling once again on the cover of the report—"Preliminary Research Analysis Report on the Life Cycle and Metabolism of the 'Elf Race'".

Previously, this was just a cold piece of intelligence.

Now, these words seem to carry an immense weight.

Perhaps, Deng Dakang really can solve the biological miracle of the other world?
Wang Kaixuan let out a long sigh, suppressing the heavy thoughts in his heart.

He looked at Deng Dakang, his gaze no longer carrying the previous businesslike air, but instead showing a hint of understanding and respect as a fellow traveler.

"Professor Deng, I will report your kind gesture to General Manager Li in its entirety."

Wang Kaixuan paused, then changed the subject, lowering his voice even further, but speaking clearly: "I'll change my perspective."

"Hmm?" A hint of confusion flashed in Deng Dakang's cloudy eyes.

"Filial piety towards Elder Zeng is a personal matter. But applying the characteristics of otherworldly creatures to our country's medical system to delay the aging of the nation's pillars, if it has the potential to slow down the aging of the elderly across the country, would be an absolutely major discovery that benefits the country and its people."

Wang Kaixuan's eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.

“Our motherland has countless treasures like Elder Zeng. Their minds and lives are our most valuable strategic resource, and your concerns are very important.”

These words were like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the shadow of "selfishness" in Deng Dakang's heart.

Deng Dakang was completely stunned.

Yes! He only thinks of his own teacher, but looking across the country, how many senior experts and academicians who have devoted themselves to their work are struggling on the edge of illness?
My own ideas are hardly a foolish act of grasping at straws in desperation; they are clearly a new direction for scientific research that benefits the country and its people!

"Yes! Yes, yes!" Deng Dakang excitedly grabbed Wang Kaixuan's arm. This time, his aged hand was full of strength. "Little Wang! You're very good, extremely good!"

Wang Kaixuan was almost knocked off balance by him, but he steadied himself with a wry smile: "Professor Deng, please don't get agitated."

"How could I not be excited?" Deng Dakang's face regained its radiance, sweeping away his previous dejection. "Actually, I am also very worried about the future of public welfare medical care."

"The hole in welfare healthcare is getting bigger and bigger. Although the medical reform in Sanming has alleviated this symptom, without the emergence of groundbreaking medical system tools, the excessive medical expenses will definitely be a sword hanging over the heads of all of us!"

"If we can really find a solution from that world, that would be an absolutely huge deal."

The professor became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see the bright prospects of the research project being approved.

Seeing that he had calmed down, Wang Kaixuan said solemnly, "Please rest assured, I know what to say to President Li. It's only a matter of time before you return to the front line."

"Good, good, good!" Deng Dakang said "good" three times in a row, finally feeling relieved. He looked at Wang Kaixuan as if he were looking at his most prized disciple.

His eyes darted around, and he suddenly remembered something. He leaned closer and said mysteriously, "Secretary Wang, there's something else... That An Kang next to me, the young comrade who was injured in the previous expedition, remember him?"

Wang Kaixuan nodded: "I remember him very well. He broke his ribs more than 30 days ago and is recuperating."

“This kid is physically strong, just a bit unlucky. He’s full of patriotic fervor and keeps saying he wants to go back to the front lines!” Deng Dakang said with a “I’m in a dilemma” expression, “Do you think we could arrange something for him too?”

Wang Kaixuan's expression instantly turned somewhat strange: "Old Deng, you're not joking, are you? With a broken rib, wouldn't you be a burden to the other soldiers if you went back to the front line?"

"Oh, you're mistaken!" Deng Dakang waved his hand. "How could he be a burden? Of course, he'll be sent to another world as a clinical observer!"

"Clinical observer?"

“Exactly!” Deng Dakang said confidently. “Think about it, we’ll definitely be testing medicines from another world in the future, right? How do you assess the treatment effect on a perfectly healthy person? Isn’t he perfect? ​​A ready-made wounded soldier, alive! We can bring him over there, treat him with their herbs, and record the data throughout the process, observing the healing speed! What do you call that? That’s making the best use of people, sacrificing for science!”

Wang Kaixuan's eyes twitched as he listened.

Goodness, you've got a clever plan!
If Ankang heard this, he would probably throw a tantrum.

Sending wounded soldiers to the unknown world to be guinea pigs, and making it sound so refined and unconventional—no wonder he's a ruthless person who's dedicated his life to scientific research.

Looking at Deng Dakang's frank and open demeanor, as if saying "I'm doing this all for science," Wang Kaixuan hesitated for a long time before finally nodding.

"...Your suggestion, well... requires Comrade An Kang's approval and consideration."

He picked up the report about elves from the table and tapped the cover gently.

"I will report your situation and Comrade Ankang's situation to the higher authorities."

"Then I'll have to trouble Secretary Wang!" Deng Dakang smiled contentedly.

Wang Kaixuan didn't say anything more, but his gaze fell on the report again, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

One did it to save his teacher.

One person was willing to become a "medical guinea pig" just to go to the front lines...

This is the nation's greatest cornerstone!
Thinking about his past dirty thoughts of trying to gain seniority, he suddenly felt ashamed.

"Perhaps I'm better suited for front-line troops!"

(End of this chapter)