Several days later, the authorities issued a statement announcing that the responsible party, Yu, had been subject to administrative penalties, would cover all medical expenses of the injured parties, and compensate for their emotional distress. This case, though not complex, has drawn attention due to its uniqueness, sensitivity, and rarity.
Zhong Shao, Yu Cheng, and Lu Cheng, who are concerned about the incident, have remained vigilant about its developments.
Observant internet users noticed that Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng had both edited their latest Weibo posts the day before the police announcement, switching from images to text only. One questioned, "Does the second gender really have the right to decide and judge a person's life?" Another said, "Who should bear the responsibility when unisex toilets deviate from their original intent and lead to consequences, the minority groups or the victims themselves?"
Meanwhile, Zhong Shao introduced the structure of the "WAT" organization, its development history, key projects and achievements over the years, and the future five-year development plan to Yu Cheng.
As Yu Cheng delved deeper into "WAT," he became increasingly curious about how Zhong Shao had established and propelled the organization's development in such a practical manner.
Seated together, Yu Cheng read through the materials Zhong Shao had sent on a tablet and jokingly asked, "You're showing me all these internal materials, aren't you worried I might leak them?"
Zhong Shao, gazing casually at Yu Cheng, replied, "It's not highly classified information to begin with, leaks are leaks." While Yu Cheng sensed a hidden meaning in the response, he couldn't help but ask the burning question in his mind - How did you establish and drive the development of "WAT" in such a practical way? Zhong Shao's unexpectedly simple answer was just four words - "Empathy and Action."
As the filming progressed, the on-screen chemistry between them became more tacit. However, the director, Lu Cheng, always seemed to be observing his two leads behind the camera, occasionally touching his own head —— their matching sexual orientations and seamless on-screen rapport, the two men stayed together even off-camera, yet no hint of ambiguity or flirtation ever arose between them. Reviewing the well-worn script in their hands, which had been flipped through and rebounded multiple times, their conversations revolved solely around the script, occasional social news, and nothing else.
It remains unknown whether they exchanged any whispers behind his back.
As August approached, even with the air conditioning set to the lowest, the heat in the studio still managed to make one sweat profusely. The production team saved the script's various climactic moments for the final filming sessions, requiring the actors to remain patient.
This marked the last scene of the day, once again an adapted one.
Two Darwinian officials, operating undercover as Alphas, were actively advancing the cause of gender equality for the first and second sexes, initiating an irrevocable "war" for equal rights. Despite the relentless nature of this battle, they remained steadfast in their pursuit.
Against the backdrop of a moonless sky in the interstellar realm, the two discussed their respective "homes." While Yu Yue's lineage was deeply rooted on Earth, unlike Ji Chen's nomadic existence across various planets, both lived within their own branches of a sprawling family network.
Yu Yue called out to Ji Chen, inquiring, "Have you ever considered returning home? Your place of birth."
Each planet's surface was dotted with workstations of varying heights, serving as the operational hubs for researchers, officials, and combat units. Yu Yue and Ji Chen were no exceptions to this routine.
Instead of directly responding to Yu Yue's query, Ji Chen countered with his own question, "How about you?"
Surprised by Ji Chen's turnabout, Yu Yue smiled wryly before candidly admitting, "Of course I have. Ji Chen, on Earth, our ancestors had a saying: 'Born, raised, and laid to rest here, engraved here, and our spirits remain here; in death, we find eternity.' This sentiment emphasises the significance of one's ties to their birthplace, suggesting that even in death, one can achieve a form of immortality by becoming part of the cosmic dust." Yu Yue reclined, contemplating the vast expanse before him, "A decade ago, when I signed the confidentiality agreement, I knew I could never return to the family that raised me. However, if one day I become a speck of dust in the universe, perhaps I, too, will achieve a form of eternal life."
Embedded within that confidentiality agreement was a stipulation: for the sake of interstellar peace and order, all enlisted alternate executive officers were prohibited from returning home until death.
Returning home until death.
As an immigration officer, there are only two ways to die: one is to fall into dust due to conflicts and wars between the stars; the other is to return home in a coffin due to illness or natural death. Compared to the latter, most people, when taking this step, bind themselves to the entire interstellar line and even the boundless universe. They are all insignificant in the vast expanse, and even if they disappear in an instant like fireworks, they are eternal and immortal.
Yu Yue's frankness stirred up sincerity in Ji Chen's heart. "I have thought about it," his eyes gazed at the bright interstellar line, seeming elusive yet fixated on a certain point. "From childhood to now, my biggest wish has always been to have a 'stable' home. It doesn't have to be large or beautifully decorated."
No more drifting, no more wandering, having a piece of land that belongs only to oneself can move forward in peace.
"Have you ever regretted this choice?" Yu Yue asked.
Ji Chen shook his head, "No."
Regardless of right or wrong, Ji Chen never regretted any of the choices and decisions he made. The only thing that puzzled him was the training camp. He did not consider the training camp as a form of home, as he was well aware that one day, the people here would part ways. Yet, the training camp undeniably gave him a sense of belonging that he couldn't quite comprehend.
Yu Yue rested his hand on Ji Chen's shoulder, his finger tracing along the Milky Way, "Since you have no regrets, then, where your heart is at peace is where your home lies."
Lu Cheng held the director's special megaphone and shouted, "Cut."
At the same time, the original author and screenwriter, Song Chunuan, announced the latest update: Welcome, my little sweetie.