The sun was setting, and after a busy day, people finally had time to sit down and rest. Old Wei looked around at the children playing happily, a gentle smile on his face.
This was an ordinary evening at the outpost base. Just like usual, Old Wei strolled around. With a population of over a hundred permanent residents, this place was not as organized as the main base in the northwest, nor as serene as the base in the east, which focused on quiet contemplation. They were ordinary yet full of positivity, believing in goodness and humanity. There was no hatred among them, and they naturally returned to helping and cooperating with each other, treating one another with equality and respect.
Old Wei rarely needed to manage things now. It wasn't because his oversight wasn't required, but rather because the operations of this outpost had become stable. It was now like a village where everyone cooperated. They elected a few trustworthy individuals to lead various tasks. In the evening, they would gather together to summarize the day's work.
Sometimes, with changes in the tasks at hand, the leaders would change too. Capable individuals were nominated to lead certain tasks and act as group leaders for specific events. Of course, people were also eager to volunteer, as they didn't fully understand each other's strengths. Some self-nominations succeeded, and some didn't, but that was okay. They could try again next time or even be recommended again if someone more suitable for a role had left another group.
A few times, scientific workers from the main base visited and stayed for a few days. If it was noticed that a newcomer had expertise in a certain area, they would be temporarily appointed to oversee related tasks. In simple terms, this place was inhabited by the capable. Of course, in daily life, disputes would arise, and naturally, there were individuals who mediated; those who were the most virtuous were the most respected.
Old Wei, along with a few others, spent the day cleaning, tidying up caves, organizing supplies, arranging what needed to be washed, aired out, or repaired. After a full day's work, dealing with thousands of rooms left him with an aching back and legs, but this work was fulfilling, and he enjoyed it.
Old Wei's son was reportedly doing well at the main base, even having a girlfriend. This brought Old Wei comfort. The boy had struggled with personal issues before, but in this new world, those problems seemed to have resolved themselves. Old Wei couldn't decide if he should feel relieved or concerned.
With his hands behind his back, Old Wei squinted his eyes and watched the sunset. Children played around him, and mothers held candies in their hands. Yes, there were candies now, thanks to the inheritance of science and technology. These foods emerged from nothingness, not requiring years of accumulation like in history. As long as the raw materials were available, people could quickly produce them. Rumor had it that there was even fruit wine at the base's banquet.
Old Wei walked up to a high point on the hillside, hands still behind his back, gazing at the sky. Beside him stood a girl in a white dress, her back turned to him. She remained still, as if looking into the distance or lost in thought.
With a long sigh, Old Wei confirmed that the girl would be fine for the moment and walked away. For the past few months, this girl had been sitting like this every day, waiting for her lost loved ones. After observing her from a distance for a while and ensuring her safety, he shook his head and moved on.
The captain of the patrol cavalry arrived at the outpost with his team. Lately, things had calmed down, and the roads had become safer, making the patrol duties much easier. The captain, along with his team and Old Wei's group, chatted and laughed, sharing stories and enjoying dinner. They talked about their experiences on the road, the progress of the base's construction, and a sense of tranquility filled the entire base.
The captain planned to stay here for a couple of extra days, helping the residents of the base erect a framework for an irrigation project in the east. The village lacked young people and large tools, making the construction a bit challenging. However, once the framework was in place, the rest could be tackled gradually. The ultimate goal was to create a small reservoir, which would greatly assist future livelihoods.
Several elderly individuals, along with the captain, formed a circle. Children and soldiers played around, full of cheerful laughter. These carefree youngsters were always the happiest, unaffected by worries.
At this moment, it seemed that the most eye-catching person in the sky had appeared. Someone pointed towards the distance and shouted, "Xiao Guang is back!"
Everyone who had been chatting under the setting sun immediately stood up. The captain, who spent most of his time away from the base, had only met Xiao Guang briefly. Nonetheless, he greatly admired the young man's actions. Privately, many soldiers regarded Xiao Guang as one of their own. Whenever they met, they would salute him with the standard military gesture.
"Today's my lucky day; I should have a chat with this lad," the captain thought to himself. Finally encountering him, he thought about asking Xiao Guang for a ride, but hesitated to bring it up.
The children also joyfully ran over. Xiao Guang always brought back strange and delicious fruits, most of which they devoured after setting aside some for research specimens. Someone resurrected Xiao Guang's nickname, and a group of youngsters excitedly chattered around him.
"Uncle Fool, give me one!" "Uncle Fool, give me one!" "Uncle Fool, I want one too!" "Fool!" "Fool!"
Some of the mischievous ones even sneaked up to Doudou's side, touching Doudou with their little paws. Others tried to climb onto Doudou, frightening the adults unintentionally. Behave, Doudou merely needed to flap its wings once, and these little ones would be sent scattering.
All eyes turned to the sky.
Soon, Doudou swooshed through the air, heading towards the mountaintop. However, instead of continuing its usual flight path, it hovered in the air for two rounds and landed not at the specially constructed resting spot but on a raised stone not far away. It stared blankly at the crowd.
Old Wei was the first to react.
"Why did it stop there? That's not Xiao Guang's style."
"Captain, look, the person lying on top there doesn't seem to be Xiao Guang," Old Wei's expression showed concern.
Though the captain wasn't very familiar with Xiao Guang, his eyesight was much better than Old Wei's. He could tell that the rider atop the beetle shell wasn't Xiao Guang, but a girl.
"Let's go take a look."
Without a word, everyone moved forward.
The rider on the beetle seemed motionless, gazing blankly at the crowd before her. The atmosphere began to condense, thick with anticipation.
The rider, in an almost trance-like state, approached with graceful steps. The gentle breeze lifted her disheveled hair, and her bewildered expression still bore traces of tears. It was as if the sorrow of an era had penetrated through her beautiful eyes, stunning the approaching onlookers into slowing their pace.
The captain even had a sensation of familiarity.
"Sue, is that you?"
The girl stared at this resolute and familiar face. The tattered old military uniform triggered memories long suppressed. Tears that she thought had dried up surged once more. She fell to her knees with a thud, letting out a loud cry, "Uncle Ma!"
The captain immediately reached out and embraced Sue. "It's really you, it's really you."
"Uncle..." Sue buried her face in the soldier's chest and sobbed uncontrollably.
"Good girl, don't cry. Uncle is here, don't cry," the battle-hardened veteran, holding the forlorn golden beetle, tightened his embrace around the weeping girl. "Don't cry, don't cry. Uncle is here. Don't be afraid. With Uncle here, you're safe."