The spaceship's flight is primarily controlled by the computer, which is responsible for automatic operation. Under normal circumstances, commercial or battleship captains are relatively idle throughout the ship. The overweight captain received a cup of coffee from his secretary, took a satisfying sip, and displayed an endless expression of contentment on his face. He greatly appreciated his secretary's ability to always deliver a cup of coffee accurately, regardless of the time or location, ensuring it was never served cold.
As for the young lady, she finally found a sense of security, but her temperament seemed to have grown. The captain noticed the bloodstains on her face and sighed. Holding the coffee in his hand, he felt a heavy burden lifted off his heart. After enduring so many days of suffering, where could she find satisfaction? Unfortunately, Area 38 was a sterile zone, and the air lacked any distinct aroma. The captain sniffed and muttered quietly, "The Ministry of Defense is too stingy. Even if they disband the soldiers, why don't they provide better accommodations?"
The secretary, observing the young people, spoke in a moderate tone, gently reminding the captain, "The status of that young man has been confirmed. He recently retired from the armed services in the Eastwood Grand District and had no opportunity to associate with any anti-government factions. Furthermore, he has a clean criminal record, according to his file. Perhaps this whole incident is a misunderstanding."
Savoring his coffee, the captain glanced towards a nearby cabin door, wondering about the young man inside. He smiled wryly and said, "I am certain that this is a misunderstanding. Although the young lady is young, she is not easily deceived. If that boy were really naive and foolish, do you think he would still be alive at this point?"
"Why then confine him to the room? Why assign military academy officers to guard him?" The secretary pushed up his glasses and expressed his concern. Previously, he discreetly inquired about the young man when he escorted the young lady back to her room. He had seen some admirable qualities in the young man during these past few days. "Are they really considering charging him with child abduction and sending him to the police station?"
"When did you start wearing those gold-edged glasses?" The captain stared at him and smiled. "Don't worry, I don't have the luxury of such free time."
Tapping his finger gently against the bulkhead, the captain squinted his eyes and spoke carefully, emphasizing each word, "I find this young man somewhat peculiar. Do you remember the components we saw all over Area 42? Those are not skills a retired soldier can master."
The secretary unconsciously defended Xu Le, saying, "Couldn't that have been a failure? Besides, everyone has their secrets."
"I don't want to know his secrets, but I... greatly appreciate him," the overweight captain raised his coffee cup and chuckled. "Personal character is often just an adjective children mechanically use, but I suddenly realized that this boy truly embodies those four characters. Let me ask you, if you were in his position and unexpectedly encountered a young lady who requested help, what would you do?"
The secretary pushed up his glasses and pondered seriously for a while before responding, "I would try to contact the spaceship staff."
"But he doesn't have that option. He trusts the young lady's words. That can be considered a virtue because of his goodness. However, on the other hand, it also means he doesn't trust others, particularly adults," the captain's tone grew more serious. "Except for himself. That's why he's willing to face unknown dangers and accompany the young lady for so many days, knowing that she will protect him."
"Actually, what are you trying to say?" The secretary realized he was having trouble keeping up with the captain's thoughts.
"I highly value this young person, and let me tell you something. An hour ago, after Commander Sir became aware of this young man, he took an interest in him, seeing him as someone of importance." The captain smiled. "Having capability, character, and initiative—there aren't many young people who possess all three."
"Are you suggesting... that the military is considering recruiting him?"
"I can't say for sure, but it seems that the young lady has taken a liking to this young man," the captain replied, shrugging his bulky frame. "I'm puzzled. Is the Ministry of Defense blind to talent? They sent a soldier with such potential to Eastwood Grand District for training! And after two years of training, they send him back home! Damn it, no wonder the quality of recruits on the front lines keeps declining. If that war from over ten years ago were to happen again, how many more lives do you think would be lost?"
"I'm not sure," the secretary honestly expressed his doubts. "His status has been confirmed, and he poses no harm. We'll need to observe him in the future and establish contact. But why are we keeping him confined?"
...
...
"What are you looking at? Don't think just because you're young, I won't dare to hit you!" Military academy officer Wang Meng stared at Xu Le, filled with anger for some reason. It could be because Xu Le had previously elbowed him, causing him to feel embarrassed in front of his classmates. Or perhaps it was because they had their guns pointed at this young man, hoping to instill some fear and balance their own psychology. But now, he felt nothing but anger.
Xu Le raised his head and stared back at the soldier in front of him, feeling a throbbing pain in his temple. The soldiers had been rough with him, restraining his movements and hitting his joints with force. If it weren't for his unexpectedly enhanced combat skills, he might have been lying down by now. The pain and the sense of humiliation reminded him of his pitiful condition a month ago when he was arrested by soldiers in Hexi Province. Especially when he heard the contemptuous words from the soldiers just now, a fire started to burn within him.
Zhou Jin approached Xu Le and reached out to remove Wang Meng's gun barrel slowly. He looked at the young man by the bedside with an icy tone. "I heard you're a soldier from the Eastwood Garrison Command. Don't you understand the rules? From the military hierarchy's perspective, we should be your superiors, so speak respectfully!"
Xu Le paid no attention to this handsome young officer and squinted as he contemplated. If he had passed the second round of the Ministry of Defense's machine repair officer exam, he might have chosen to study at one of the three major military academies or the Westwood Military Academy. Perhaps then he would have become a colleague of these proud young individuals standing before him.
Seeing Xu Le ignoring him, Zhou Jin narrowed his eyes and said, "You're being held by us. Don't you have any objections?"
Xu Le broke his silence and said, "I want to reiterate that I'm not a criminal. I have no intention of escaping, nor do I need to be threatened with a gun to cooperate."
"Do you think this is shameful?" Zhou Qin smiled, but beneath his voice was a hint of anger. "You kidnapped the young lady. Do you know how many days you've brought shame upon us? We're the ones who should feel ashamed, not you."
Lowering his head, Zhou Qin gently slapped Xu Le's face, the sound echoing in the room. The words he spoke reflected the aspirations of the Westwood Military Academy officers present.
Xu Le lowered his head and said, "I don't find it shameful at all. A group of men like you only knows how to flaunt the guns in your hands. Perhaps you've forgotten how to use those guns."
His words had a venomous edge to them, especially when they came from the mouth of someone as sincere and simple as Xu Le. They seemed particularly provocative. The complexions of the Westwood Military Academy officers in the room immediately changed, and their holstered guns were silently returned. They were aware that this young man wasn't a criminal who had kidnapped the young lady; instead, he had taken their guns in a moment of mockery. Since they intended to teach him a lesson privately, it was only natural to put away their guns.
Zhou Jin stared into Xu Le's eyes and said, "You dared to look just now. I'll teach you what real hand-to-hand combat in the army looks like. Remember, when it hurts, don't cry for your mother!"
Without warning, a sudden blow interrupted Zhou Jin's attack!
Xu Le remained silent, especially when facing Westwood soldiers. He had a strong desire to strike back at these Westwood brats. He didn't fear them, not even when they had guns. Stepping forward, he executed a set of movements he had practiced diligently for four years, evading the incoming punches effortlessly. With a swift motion, he dislocated the soldier's wrist joint, simultaneously striking the officer's temple with his right elbow.
A dull thud resounded as one of the most outstanding officers from the Westwood Military Academy fell heavily to the ground, unable to stand again. Xu Le's movements didn't stop there. He swiftly kneed the officer's waist, executing the move flawlessly. At this moment, robust Wang Meng reacted the quickest. He let out a furious roar and lunged at Xu Le, his body maintaining a tight hold, devoid of any weaknesses, fully demonstrating the qualities of an outstanding military academy officer.
Xu Le, however, had no fear. He stepped on his tiptoes, skillfully executing the movements he had practiced for four years, easily evading the incoming punches. He backhandedly extracted the wrist cartilage of his opponent, applying force to immobilize it, while his right elbow swiftly struck the officer's temple!
Wang Meng's tall and sturdy body collapsed to the ground, emitting a loud thud.
These seemingly simple three consecutive strikes were executed with astonishing speed, but they also consumed a great deal of energy. Xu Le took a few deep breaths, both hands extended with fingers spread, maintaining a distance of 30 centimeters, protecting his front. He remained on the defensive, his gaze fixed on the Westwood soldiers still standing in the room, cautiously watching their hands. In a slightly hoarse voice, he said, "My mother passed away many years ago. I'm curious... without guns, who would be the one crying for their mother?"
Observing the bloodstain on the floor and hearing the groans, Xu Le's long-suppressed emotions finally dissipated bit by bit. Colonel Lake, responsible for killing his boss, wasn't he a Westwood soldier? He couldn't seek revenge for his boss, but he could certainly beat these Westwood youngsters mercilessly!
Yes, Xu Le was a simple and sincere young man, sometimes forgetting the night many years ago when he personally killed a faction chieftain with a makeshift hydraulic pipe.
But simplicity didn't mean lacking courage and integrity. Sincerity didn't mean accepting humiliation. He wasn't a stubborn and naive person. When faced with people or situations he despised, he had flexible ways of dealing with them. Underneath his simple and honest exterior, he concealed the competitiveness and strength of a determined young man.