He walked down the red carpet, left his signature, unveiled the statue of the White Ghost, and stood at the lectern to give an immature speech to the fervent young crowd below...
Yang Ming really had a taste of a hero’s return.
Originally, Lieutenant Colonel Atro and the local officials had planned a grand parade around the city, but Yang Ming, concerned about causing an accident, firmly refused.
Hanton hadn’t even had the chance to go home when he was whisked away to the best local hotel, where a table filled with delicacies awaited him.
The colonel from the Military Intelligence Bureau kept him company, local dignitaries and stationing military officers attended, the hottest star on the planet performed, and a group of over ten beautiful girls put on a lively dance.
The White Ghost’s display of grandeur was maxed out.
After the third round of drinks and the fifth course of dishes, the officials and military officers took Lieutenant Colonel Atro’s cue to take their leave.
Having had some Neuro Corrosive Agent, Yang Ming’s mind was still very clear.
If Atro was making amends for past events, Yang Ming had already forgiven the man. After all, if someone else had been in his shoes, they would likely have made the same choice as Atro.
Atro was getting emotional, holding Yang Ming’s hands, he started to vent with long sighs:
"Hanton, buddy, I let you down, how could I have been so foolish, I..."
"Let’s not dwell on the past," Yang Ming said soothingly, "Every choice made in the past has shaped who I am today, Lieutenant Colonel Atro. We’re friends now, aren’t we?"
Catherine, bored, rolled her eyes, flipped her hair, and continued to dig into the delicious food before her.
"Hanton, buddy, to express my regret and to make up for my past mistakes, I’ve pulled countless strings to prepare a few little surprises for you, to help you get some payback," Atro said.
Hasn’t this trip been surprise enough?
Yang Ming was somewhat amused yet bemused: "Don’t make such a fuss, I just wanted a quiet homecoming."
"What fuss? Assistant! Bring in gifts number one and two!"
Atro shouted, and immediately two plainclothes men rushed in from outside.
The little surprises were still quite normal; the Military Intelligence Bureau sent Yang Ming an Empire luxury brand hovercar and the most valuable local villa for Hanton’s parents to live in.
Hanton’s parents were also well-off merchants, so Yang Ming didn’t feel there was anything inappropriate.
Atro rolled up his sleeves and called out with a strong voice: "Bring in gift number three!"
The guest room door opened, two military police cleared the way, and a somewhat haggard young woman appeared before Yang Ming.
Yang Ming paused for a moment.
Uh, Hanton’s mistress number two, the navigator who had served aboard the Kigrov test ship and sold him out directly in front of the Human Council.
"She betrayed you, Hanton, buddy," Atro whispered, "The Military Intelligence Bureau cannot tolerate betrayal the most. Whatever punishment you wish to bestow upon her, I’ll support you."
Catherine happily continued to eat, casually glancing at the woman, thinking this was Yang Ming’s private matter and not meddling.
"No, no, don’t kill me, Hanton!"
Mistress number two broke down in tears:
"For the sake of our once shared feelings, don’t kill me, Hanton! We have such pleasant memories, it was only under pressure that I pointed you out as the third officer on the ship! You know, I’m just a coward... We had so many joyful nights together, we know each other’s bodies so well..."
Catherine was clearly choked up, bowing her head and coughing nonstop.