Chapter 252: Managing Thousands of Affairs
Meanwhile, in a room just beyond a wall, Chen Xinian, the leader of West Hill Base, was enjoying his luxurious accommodations. Despite being underground, his living conditions were top-notch, rivaling the comfort of Zhang Yi’s home. Chen Xinian was lying on a sofa, dressed in a white cotton pajama set, with two beautiful girls by his side. These girls, Shen Moling and Meng Zixuan were survivors of Tianqing Academy, both from noble families. They had maintained their youthful looks through years of expensive self-care.
Chen Xinian enjoyed the company of these young women, as it made him feel youthful again. After spending time with them, he began discussing his thoughts and ambitions, particularly the current challenges faced by West Hill Base. Adopting a concerned expression, he spoke of the severe issues plaguing the base.
"There are still many serious problems at West Hill Base," Chen Xinian lamented. "Our energy supplies won’t last long, and food is becoming scarce. As the leader, I’m under constant pressure, worried that any misstep might cause the people to lose faith in me."
He took a slow sip of a glass of Rémy Martin, worth tens of thousands, and continued to speak. Deeply moved by his words, Shen Moling and Meng Zixuan gazed at him with admiration.
"Leader, it must be so difficult for you! Managing the entire West Hill Base on your own is an enormous burden," they exclaimed.
Chen Xinian, enjoying their adoration, replied modestly, "Someone has to take responsibility. If I don’t do it, no one else will. For the survival and development of West Hill Base, I must shoulder this burden, no matter how exhausting it is."
As he looked down at the two young, beautiful women, their eyes filled with admiration, Chen Xinian felt deeply satisfied. However, feeling tired from his activities, he decided to call it a night.
He picked up his phone and used the smart system to open the door, summoning Ge Rou inside. Several hours had passed since Liu Ziyang’s distress signal had been sent. When Ge Rou entered, she asked the two girls to get dressed, which they promptly did, knowing they were not needed for the time being.
Chen Xinian thought momentarily before deciding, "Let them stay for now." This meant he might need their company again in the future. Ge Rou understood and instructed the attendants to take the girls to the Second Life Pod, where they were assigned rooms to stay in temporarily. The girls were overjoyed, knowing they wouldn’t have to return to the grueling task of generating power by pedaling.
After they left, Chen Xinian casually asked, "Someone came to see me earlier. Who was it?"
Ge Rou replied, "It was Captain Ling Feng of the special forces."
"Oh? What did he want so late at night?" Chen Xinian asked with mild interest.
Ge Rou smiled slightly. "Two special forces members encountered trouble while on a mission and sent a distress signal to the base. Ling Feng came to request permission to send a rescue team, but I stopped him."
Chen Xinian nodded indifferently. "Two special forces members? No matter their importance, they’re not worth disturbing my rest."
He mused aloud, "I named the ACE Special Forces because they are supposed to be my most powerful trump card. If two ace members are out on a mission and need to call for help, could it be that they encountered an opponent they couldn’t escape from?"
Sensing his doubt, Ge Rou cautiously suggested, "Should we send someone to investigate, if only to give Ling Feng an answer?"
Chen Xinian laughed at the idea. "Give Ling Feng an answer? I’m the leader of West Hill Base. Even before all this, Ling Feng was just a soldier under my command. Soldiers are supposed to follow orders, not demand explanations from their superiors."
Realizing her mistake, Ge Rou quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, Leader. I misspoke."
Chen Xinian dismissed it with a wave. "Send a few people to check it out, but don’t send any high-ranking officers. We can’t waste valuable resources on a situation we don’t fully understand."
Ge Rou nodded, "Understood, Leader!"
She immediately went to the special forces area to relay Chen Xinian’s decision. Meanwhile, in the Second Life Pod, where the core members of the ACE Special Forces were gathered, the atmosphere was tense. Captain Ling Feng had called all the team leaders to discuss the situation with Xie Huanhuan and Liu Ziyang. Although Ling Feng would not act without orders from above, he was prepared to move as soon as he received the command.
In the dimly lit meeting room, the seven people present, including Ling Feng, waited silently, their expressions heavy with worry. Among them was Liang Yue, who had recently joined the group. She sat quietly in a corner, holding a newly acquired Tang sword, ready to act as soon as Chen Xinian’s orders arrived.
Everyone in the room was deeply concerned, especially Ling Feng, closest to Liu Ziyang. He appeared calm, but those who knew him well could sense his anxiety. They waited, lost in their thoughts until the sound of high heels clicking on the floor echoed down the hallway—a sound everyone recognized. The group immediately turned their attention to the door, knowing that Ge Rou was approaching.