First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 177

Chapter 177: Hope

Lian Sheng moved the box from the corner and dragged out the long table beneath it. However, the table was made of metal and somewhat heavy. She tried pulling it but it didn't budge.

Zhao Zhuoluo leaned half his body against the abandoned table, his eyes fluttering open and shut, clearly exhausted.

Lian Sheng stopped and called out to him, "Don't sleep here, Excellent. Come give me a hand."

Zhao Zhuoluo shook his head and turned around. Gripping the edge of the table, he asked, "Where to?"

Lian Sheng said, "Move this table behind the door. Put the boxes in front of the display to block it."

The storage room was cluttered with miscellaneous items, leaving little space to maneuver. They awkwardly turned around in the cramped area before settling into position.

After placing the table firmly against the door, both of them were panting slightly.

The adrenaline from successfully breaking through had worn off, leaving them utterly exhausted. Their bodies felt like overworked machines.

They rearranged some of the items inside to ensure safety, using debris to cover the screen. After this rough camouflage, they sat on either side of the abandoned door to rest briefly.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger took a moment to encourage them: "Awesome job!"

Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."

To hell with that!

Lian Sheng thought she had spoken, but it seemed the words hadn't left her mouth. It didn't matter. As soon as their heads touched the wall, their eyes closed.

Blood loss, physical exhaustion, and lack of food—it wasn't just fatigue but dizziness that overwhelmed them.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger continued inputting commands and pulling up data. Hearing no movement from the other side, he tentatively called out:

"Lian Sheng?"

No response.

"..." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Excellent little brother?"

Still no response.

"Outstanding employee?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger urgently shouted, "Hey hey hey! Don't fall asleep, you two! You're in enemy territory right now! Don't pull such a reckless move!"

The signal tower was currently occupied by the Gelen United Army, and the entire building was rigged with detectors. Any unexplained heat signatures in the storage room would immediately alert the enemy. Under such circumstances, their origins and intentions would be obvious.

They hadn't completed the access modifications yet, and reinforcements hadn't arrived. If the enemy stormed in now, all their efforts would be wasted at the last moment.

If the situation weren't so dire, Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo would have to hold off the enemy's advance. More importantly, falling asleep here was dangerous—they had to stay awake.

"Shout at them, wake them up!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Damn, how loud is their volume setting?"

A crowd had gathered behind and around Hundred Meter Flying Dagger, and upon hearing this, they all began shouting.

Lian Sheng felt like she had only blinked, but the wall behind her began vibrating.

Lian Sheng snapped, "Stop it!"

Zhao Zhuoluo also muttered weakly, "Don't make noise..."

A chill ran through her body, and she shivered. Blinking groggily, she noticed the unfamiliar surroundings and remembered where she was.

As their consciousness returned, they heard a group of unknown voices from the optical computer shouting their names in unison, eerily reminiscent of a summoning ritual.

"Stop sleeping, you two ancestors! This place is dangerous!" Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Once we get back, I'll have a 500-meter-long bed custom-made for you so you can roll around without falling off, okay? You can be Mary Sue or Tom Sue all you want! Just wake up already!"

Lian Sheng pressed her ear against the wall and listened carefully.

The Gelen United Army must have noticed something. Outside, there were sounds of dismantling, mixed with the noise of machinery.

This storage room was an abandoned corner, and the hallway leading to it was likely blocked. They'd have to enter from another route, which was connected to the emergency passage. The enemy probably couldn't find it immediately and was resorting to breaking through from the outside.

Judging by the noise, they weren't far now.

Lian Sheng wiped her face and pressed a hand to her chest. "My heart is beating really fast."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "Sleep deprivation."

Lian Sheng: "Can't sleep. It'll hurt too much if I do."

Her muscles couldn't relax yet—the mission wasn't over. She had to stay alert.

The two of them circled the room again, searching for usable weapons. After rummaging around, they found nothing suitable. In the end, Lian Sheng grabbed a cardboard box, and Zhao Zhuoluo pulled out a bent metal rod.

They took up positions on either side of the door and exchanged a glance.

Lian Sheng asked, "Boss, be honest. How much longer?"

"I..." Hundred Meter Flying Dagger checked the progress and hesitated. This involved the highest-level classified data of an entire region, and the encryption was extremely complex. Even with dozens of technicians working simultaneously to crack it, it wasn't something that could be solved in seconds. He said, "It's a bit tricky. Try to hold on a little longer."

Lian Sheng glanced at Zhao Zhuoluo. Both their expressions were devoid of emotion—no anger, no tension, no fear.

After coming this far, what was there left to fear?

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger paused, then adopted a serious tone. "Listen, both of you. If you really can't hold on, don't force it. Run. Follow the map up or down. Reinforcements should be arriving soon. Don't throw your lives away for nothing, understand?"

Lian Sheng: "Who are you saying this as?"

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger shamelessly declared, "Your grandson!"

The two: "..."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger was truly the epitome of shamelessness.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "Give me an answer, you two! Understood? Follow orders!"

"I'm still in my rebellious phase," Zhao Zhuoluo said. "And I'm not part of the Expeditionary Force yet."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "Rebel against what? Then stay there and die guarding that signal transmitter, and report back to me in your dreams!"

Lian Sheng said, "There's nothing we can't do."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger roared, "You two are just going through your chuunibyou phase!"

A deafening explosion sounded outside, as if half the wall had been blown apart. Lian Sheng narrowed her eyes and raised her cardboard box.

"Come out now, or we're coming in!" a man shouted. "You're surrounded! Whether it's upstairs or outside, I advise you not to resist, or we'll shoot on sight!"

"I'll count to three. If you don't come out, we'll use force! One! Two! Three—"

The two prepared for the table to be knocked over, planning to strike immediately. Instead, the door was pulled open from the outside.

A face peeked in cautiously.

The three of them stared at each other, stunned. An eerie silence fell.

After all their efforts to block the door, they only now realized it didn't open inward—it opened outward.

For a moment, they were speechless.

This door design was clearly unscientific.

The soldier outside took in their appearances and didn't attack immediately, hesitating instead. "Students?"

Seeing their battered state, he was further shocked.

How had they gotten here? This was far from what they had expected.

Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo pressed themselves against the wall. The soldier kicked the table blocking the door aside.

The two students, who appeared severely injured and incapable of resistance, suddenly lunged at him simultaneously. One from the left, one from the right, they aimed kicks at his weapon.

Their movements were swift, the kicks fueled by their full strength, erupting in an instant.

The soldier's expression changed as he raised his arms to block his chest. But Lian Sheng's foot struck his wrist precisely, sending the weapon flying.

As he reached to catch it, Lian Sheng pivoted and delivered a spinning kick to his chest, sending him stumbling back out the door.

Lian Sheng heard a sound from inside her body—she wasn't sure if it came from her waist or her leg.

Lian Sheng winced. "I'm getting old."

Zhao Zhuoluo immediately went for the weapon, gripping the stock and reaching for the trigger. A fingernail caught and tore off completely.

A scream followed, along with a sharp inhale. "Tsk—ah!"

Zhao Zhuoluo shuddered and turned to glare at her.

Lian Sheng shook her head. "That looked painful. I screamed for you."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."

He hadn't felt the pain at first—adrenaline was flooding his system in such a tense situation. But after her comment... now it stung.

The two returned to the doorway. Zhao Zhuoluo took aim, preparing to fire.

The soldier outside, face dark, shouted, "Fall back! Disperse!" as he scrambled to the side.

Lian Sheng noticed Zhao Zhuoluo's gun was initially aimed at the man's head but instinctively lowered at the last moment.

The shot struck the soldier's hand instead.

Zhao Zhuoluo pressed his lips together and moved to close the door again.

He rolled out, reaching for the door, when bullets whizzed past his ear, forcing him to pull back.

The bullets ricocheted off the door, then the doorframe, then the wall—bouncing wildly before returning to their side and grazing a comrade's neck.

Zhao Zhuoluo was impressed.

"What the hell?!" the soldier outside cursed. "Watch where you're shooting!"

The walls here were made of special materials, and the corridor was narrow—bullets would only rebound and hit their own people if they missed.

The enemy stood at an angle, making trajectories unpredictable.

There were too many of them, and the passage was too tight.

Realizing guns were ineffective, the soldiers outside opted for close combat.

Zhao Zhuoluo gripped the door handle and kicked out.

Even as he did, he knew the move was weak—his legs lacked strength. Sure enough, the soldier caught his foot and flung him to the ground.

A metallic taste filled his mouth as blood spilled from his lips.

Then he felt something tighten around his neck. Bad sign. Dizzy, his last shred of consciousness made him toss the gun inside before hooking his foot around the door and slamming it shut.

The soldier pinned him down, stepping on his injured foot.

Another scream—this time, Zhao Zhuoluo was genuinely in pain. Lian Sheng picked up the metal rod he'd discarded earlier and used it as a bar to wedge the door shut.

Outside, someone tugged at the door, found it stuck, and began negotiating.

Lian Sheng wiped her nose, her vision blurring. Outside, Zhao Zhuoluo let out another muffled groan.

"How much longer? Just tell me straight," Lian Sheng said, one hand braced against the wall, muscles trembling. Her voice was calm. "Can we make it on our last burst of energy?"

On the other end of the comms, several people's hearts clenched at the sound.

No weapons, severely injured, against a group of well-trained Gelen soldiers?

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said, "Have you considered surrendering? White flag, shouting slogans—you know how it goes."

Lian Sheng took two deep breaths. "Five minutes?"

After a pause, he replied, "We can manage that."

Lian Sheng: "Understood."

Right now, she really wanted a drink.

"Don't move!" The soldier outside pressed his gun to Zhao Zhuoluo's forehead and shouted inside, "Open the door! Now!"

Zhao Zhuoluo's forehead was drenched in sweat, his breathing ragged. His teeth chattered, rendering him unable to speak.

The soldier studied Zhao Zhuoluo's face, torn between hatred and pity. Even knowing Zhao Zhuoluo was spent, he loosened his grip slightly. "Open the door! Or I'll shoot him right now! Our people are here—you can't hold out much longer. Surrendering is for your own good! Open the door if you want to live!"

"Has the Alliance Army sunk so low they're sending students now? Just as deranged as we imagined." After a pause, he switched tactics. "You're students. We don't want to be too harsh. How did you get here? Coming through the emergency passage takes skill—we never expected students. So young, so promising. Why throw your lives away? Join the Gelen Army. At least we'll treat you fairly."

No response from inside.

Lian Sheng cradled the gun to her chest and placed a hand on the metal rod.

"Where battles cease, weapons turn to sun and moon," Lian Sheng murmured, lifting her head. "General Meng, bless me."

The soldier glanced down at Zhao Zhuoluo. "Your classmate? Ruthless."

He narrowed his eyes. "Kick it down!"

Zhao Zhuoluo knew Lian Sheng was rational enough to prioritize the mission. She would hold out.

Once they got through this, they'd be safe. This would all be over.

He was about to close his eyes when, the next second, the door actually opened.

A blur of light passed over his eyelids.

Zhao Zhuoluo opened his eyes—they were wet.

Then a gunshot rang out. His body jerked violently at the sound before he and the man behind him collapsed together.

No one expected her to fire so decisively, let alone with such speed.

They didn't even see who Lian Sheng had shot. But Zhao Zhuoluo lay motionless on the ground, covered in blood—it was impossible to tell.

Immediately after, the sound of rapid gunfire filled the air.

Bullets ricocheted wildly as the soldiers raised bulletproof shields.

Lian Sheng lifted the gun and fired at the ceiling.

The densely packed enemy forces were hit instantly. Curses erupted.

Fortunately, Lian Sheng hadn't aimed for vital points, and the bullets lost momentum after bouncing, striking body armor without causing fatal damage.

Still, it threw the enemy into disarray.

Lian Sheng stepped out, closing the door behind her. She tossed the empty gun aside and looked toward Zhao Zhuoluo.

She didn't dare imagine what would have happened if her shot had missed—if Zhao Zhuoluo had died because of it.

She knew the most logical choice, the most rational analysis. But she couldn't bring herself to act purely on reason.

She had thought she took every training session seriously, adapting to the blood-soaked environment of the front lines.

But whether in the past or now, she had never grown accustomed to it.

It was precisely because she had faced death so many times that she feared it more. She feared watching more people disappear. She feared seeing vibrant lives vanish without a trace.

She had unparalleled talent in military strategy—and an equally unparalleled hatred for war.

War was the most meaningless thing, yet it had never disappeared from human history. Was violence humanity's innate method for resolving conflict?

No. Fragility was.

Everyone died so easily, yet everyone feared death so deeply. That was why war became humanity's most effective way to settle disputes.

If sacrifice was inevitable, then with blood staining her blade, she would stand at the forefront.

The Gelen soldier said, "Ready to surrender?"

"Since you're all so impressive, how about a fight?" Lian Sheng's voice was hoarse. "As long as I'm standing here alive, you're not getting past."

The Gelen soldier snapped, "Who the hell has time for games?"

They truly wanted to spare this brave student. They were veterans who had seen too much. Respect transcended allegiances and borders. She was too young.

But mercy had its limits. If she refused to yield, they wouldn't indulge her further.

This time, every gun was trained on her, ready to execute her on the spot.

Lian Sheng tilted her head. With strength from who-knew-where, she suddenly lunged like a beast into the enemy ranks on the left.

In such close quarters, they couldn't risk firing freely. They adjusted their positions, locking onto their target.

In the blink of an eye, Lian Sheng was upon them. She grabbed the nearest soldier, twisted his neck, and slammed him to the ground before rolling toward the doorway, using him as a shield.

The men outside got a clear look at her expression. Her previously treated wounds had reopened, blood streaming down her neck. Her face was twisted, teeth clenched.

The soldier was stunned.

He had seen people like this before, with that same look. But he couldn't understand why an ordinary student would have such conviction and willpower.

Lian Sheng glimpsed the muzzle above her and closed her eyes.

She recited her final wishes silently.

Though her time had been short. Though there were regrets. She had been happy.

But next time, don't send her somewhere so difficult. Exams were too hard.

The sound of a gun firing rang in her ears.

It was unusually clear, and time seemed to slow.

Yet, after steeling herself for death, the expected pain never came. Instead, something brushed past her hand, followed by a series of thuds as men collapsed.

Lian Sheng opened her eyes. The hallway outside had partially collapsed inward, debris raining down. At the same time, transparent projectiles streaked toward them chaotically.

Lian Sheng lifted her head slightly.

A red mech stood outside, its insignia not belonging to the Alliance Army.

Half the hallway was cleared in moments.

More soldiers arrived from behind. Then another mech appeared outside. Both extended their arms, revealing rows of white launchers that fired instantly.

Reinforcements? The indiscriminate attack didn't seem like it.

Lian Sheng's vision blurred. She released the man beneath her and crawled over to Zhao Zhuoluo, shielding his head.

She had wanted to drag the soldier over as cover, but he was too heavy.

Just then, Zhao Zhuoluo was hit by a projectile.

Lian Sheng leaned over to inspect it—it looked like a needle filled with liquid. She checked Zhao Zhuoluo's pulse. Still alive.

The signal tower shook violently as footsteps pounded through the halls, the noise pulling her fading consciousness back repeatedly.

Lian Sheng's mind drifted, unsure of what was happening.

Soon, a firm voice echoed through the area. The city's signals had been restored, and every device capable of receiving broadcasts played the same message:

"The Gelen United Army has taken civilians in bomb shelters hostage... They stole rare materials from the 36th District and are preparing to evacuate... The main city has been destroyed. To protect public assets, the Alliance Army has suffered... The Alliance Military Command apologizes to everyone. We need your help now—please stand with us..."

Lian Sheng saw someone descend from the mech—surprisingly, a boy who looked even younger than her.

The boy crouched beside her, checking their injuries.

Lian Sheng grabbed his hand weakly. "Tell Hundred Meter Flying Dagger... Zhou Shiren..."

The boy nodded solemnly.

Lian Sheng: "I want to... wake up on a 500-meter bed... Don't disappoint me."

The boy frowned, trying to parse her words. "What?"

Lian Sheng gave an encouraging nod before passing out peacefully.

Lian Sheng didn't wake up on a 500-meter bed, but she did wake up on a ship of unspecified length.

Her eyes opened to darkness, faint light seeping through—something was covering them.

Her limbs were immobile, only her fingers twitching slightly.

"You're awake."

Lian Sheng nodded.

Someone helped her drink some water, and Lian Sheng was overwhelmed with happiness.

What was it all for? For this single sip of water!

After the first cup, someone else said, "Here." And she was given another.

By the third cup, Lian Sheng raised a hand to refuse. The person seemed relieved.

"You're finally awake. Good thing you're okay."

Lian Sheng recognized the voice—Lu Mingyuan.

"We're on our way to the Sixth Army's base. They have better medical facilities there. Post-war reconstruction will be handled by others." Lu Mingyuan anticipated her questions and explained upfront. "The mining operations have stopped. The 36th District's administrators are facing public trials."

Lu Mingyuan added, "Oh, the students are mostly fine. Just... traumatized. Some might give up on joining the military... I don't know."

Lian Sheng wasn't concerned about that. She asked urgently, "What's wrong with my eyes?"

Her voice came out hoarse.

Ji Ban, beside her, said, "Nothing."

Lian Sheng: "Then why are they covered?"

"Your whole head is wrapped. Doctor Lin did it." Ji Ban said. "Doctor Lin said if he didn't cover your face, he wouldn't be able to resist the urge to dissect your skull and rebuild it."

Lian Sheng: "..."

Lian Sheng: "..."

Lian Sheng: "..."

Lian Sheng snapped, "Is this how he treats a hero of the Alliance? I'm practically an ancestor now. Doesn't he know respect for elders?"

Doctor Lin's voice suddenly cut in. "Then this ancestor can go six feet under."

Lian Sheng immediately shut up.

How rude. No one had told her Doctor Lin was here.

Doctor Lin crossed his legs and sneered. "You seem proud. A 500-meter bed? Why not the sky as your blanket and the earth as your mattress? Even more impressive."

Lian Sheng tried to shift blame. "Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said it."

Doctor Lin: "He claims he knows nothing about it."

Lian Sheng: "He really did. Excellent can vouch for me."

Doctor Lin: "Excellent is still unconscious."

"He'll wake up eventually. I believe in him." Lian Sheng asked, "Can you unwrap my eyes? Let me see this beautiful world. And the dashingly handsome doctor."

Doctor Lin coldly said, "Get lost."

Then came the sound of a chair scraping back and the door opening.

Everyone in the room collectively exhaled in relief.

As soon as the door opened, Lian Sheng tensed instinctively. Guarding doors had left her with trauma.

Ji Ban eagerly began unwrapping the Alliance hero's bandages.

Lian Sheng sat up with his help and looked around.

They were in the medical bay of the spacecraft, partitioned by white curtains. Two figures were visible to her left: one with his head wrapped in bandages (presumably named Zhao Zhuoluo), and another lying facedown on a bed, looking utterly defeated (Fang Jianchen).

Cheng Ze and Ye Buqing sat beside Zhao Zhuoluo, watching her.

Lian Sheng peeked through the curtain on her right and saw an unfamiliar soldier resting.

She withdrew her hand and whispered, "Did they go back to the Second District? Why didn't you go with them?"

Fang Jianchen said, "Go back to mourn? You're not dead yet—of course we're sticking with our comrades!"

Lian Sheng: "But don't you have the selection matches to attend?"

The others: "..."

Their expressions were indescribable. After the fall of the 36th District, this woman was still thinking about a school mech competition.

Lian Sheng said, "Be realistic. Even the most heroic generals have to think about making a living after retirement, let alone us—we're not even soldiers yet. Getting enlisted is the priority. By the way, is there a reward for this?"

Why did she have to spell out such harsh truths?

The others lowered their heads, unwilling to engage.

Lian Sheng looked at her hands.

Cheng Ze sighed. "I'm sorry. You were in so much danger, and I couldn't do anything."

Ji Ban: "Doctor Lin said Moshi was a huge help. That's good. But I didn't get to pilot it."

"Enough." Fang Jianchen lay on the bed, despondent. "You all did nothing but at least came back safely. I did nothing and still got carried back. How am I supposed to live with the shame of wasting Alliance medical resources?"

Lian Sheng nodded. "Good self-awareness."

Fang Jianchen mumbled, "Still have some shame left."

Lian Sheng said, "You should be happy just to be alive, friend. On the battlefield, don't regret not being able to help others. Just focus on surviving. The people waiting for you back home will thank the heavens just to see you return."

Ye Buqing remarked, "Since you can say that to us, I hope you'll be a little more afraid of death too."

There was nothing wrong with fearing death. Living was everything.

Lian Sheng suddenly remembered. "What about the people who rescued us?"

"They went back. They were reinforcements." Lu Mingyuan said. "The 16th District... not the Alliance's 16th District, but Kafa's people. They've returned."

Cheng Ze added, "They came ahead of schedule because the army contacted them, saying you couldn't hold on much longer. A few mechs rushed over at full speed."

Lu Mingyuan: "A lone journey of a thousand miles. So cool."

Fang Jianchen: "I think Lian Sheng was cooler."

Lian Sheng raised a brow, surprised, but agreed. "I think so too."

"Your last words were about a 500-meter bed." Fang Jianchen said. "He delivered them."

Lian Sheng felt she had a new life goal—a bed so large she couldn't roll off. Not bad.

After waking up and chatting for a while, Lian Sheng grew tired and lay back down.

The second time she woke, Zhao Zhuoluo was also awake.

She glanced over and saw his excess bandages had been removed, but his forehead was slick with sweat.

Lian Sheng asked, "What's wrong? Pain?"

Zhao Zhuoluo nodded.

"I'll tell you a secret." Lian Sheng leaned closer and whispered, "Me too."

He felt like crying.

Retribution always came—it was just a matter of when.

Once the anesthesia wore off, their injuries retaliated tenfold. Both had wounds front and back—every position was agony.

By the afternoon of the next day, they finally arrived.

Someone came to wheel them out, loading them onto medical transports bound for the hospital.

The Sixth Army's territory was also Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's base.

Lian Sheng didn't get to tour the district, confined to the hospital. Zhao Zhuoluo shared her plight.

Zhao Zhuoluo's injuries were more severe but concentrated on his limbs and back. Lian Sheng's were more widespread—every muscle, the ligaments along her waist, and a head injury. A wound perilously close to her neck artery.

No one knew how she'd managed it, but her repeated brushes with death were impressive. The doctors were amazed.

Visitors came daily—soldiers on leave, Lu Mingyuan and the others, nurses, and doctors.

They peeled apples for Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo, fed them, read them news, told jokes. The treatment was excellent.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger was busy. The 36th District rescue fell to the Sixth and Third Armies. The district had displaced civilians—their homes were gone. The Alliance central district had citizens demanding answers. Reports were needed on reconstruction, mining regulations, leadership appointments, oversight. Funding, manpower, talent recruitment—chaos.

Since they'd started the fight, they had to see it through.

Rebuilding a city was complex, especially from scratch.

But Lian Sheng believed starting from zero wasn't scary. As long as they moved in the right direction, they were making progress. The 36th District's corruption had been cleansed—a good thing.

Nothing was worse than war. They had survived the darkest hour.

She hoped the people could find hope in this new beginning. Unity. Progress.

Because hope was light.

A few days later, Hundred Meter Flying Dagger finally found time to visit.

With a bouquet representing the Sixth Army's gratitude, he knocked on her hospital room door.

Sitting by her bed, he said, "I've requested leave for you from school. Have you let Colonel Lin know you're safe?"

Lian Sheng: "Yes." It had been ages.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger picked up an apple and began peeling it. "This operation was executed brilliantly. You two were instrumental. The military is full of praise, saying you have bright futures. The media's attention is all on the two heroes now—good, good."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger continued, "But you're not officially enlisted, so there's no tangible reward yet. Your identities can't be disclosed. Awards and honors will be anonymous. Hope you understand."

Lian Sheng nodded. "Understood."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "With the 36th District situation... well, the military's broke, you know. No budget for bonuses, and I assume you don't need money. Hope you understand."

Lian Sheng kept nodding. "I understand everything."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger was pleased. He patted her head. "Lian Sheng, you're so obedient. Boss loves you. Here's the deal—I've secured two options for you. First, enlist in the Expeditionary Force. Your heroic deeds will be... discreetly rewarded post-enlistment. You get it. Not a bad deal. Second, return to school. You're in Command, after all. Research institutes, politics—safer positions. The Sixth Army can pull strings."

He paused. "Your mom prefers the second option. She's worried. Up to you."

"I get all that, but first," Lian Sheng raised a hand, cutting him off. "What about mine and Excellent's 500-meter bed..."

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger looked scandalized. "What nonsense are you reading? Who needs a bed that big? I'll take you to a trampoline park—close enough."

Go to hell.

After wrapping up with Lian Sheng, Hundred Meter Flying Dagger left to visit Zhao Zhuoluo next door.

This batch of students was exceptional. Take him, for example—he could forgo glory, but not bonuses. After nearly dying, if the military didn't bleed a little, they'd never learn his worth.

Next time, they'd treat him like royalty.

Who wasn't a princess at heart?

I heard your school started!

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