I Have Nothing to Talk to You About

Azure's leadership spoke not a single word more. Once the swearing-in ceremony went through the rest of its set schedule, they declared it concluded—finishing far sooner than anyone had anticipated. Perhaps the Azure authorities wanted to leave a little more time for the expeditionary soldiers to say their goodbyes—to their families and friends, to the Blue Star, and, for a time, to humanity itself. They were about to depart, and this journey was truly far, so far that they would leave the Blue Star entirely behind. Because saying "leave this world" was generally considered an ominous phrase, everyone made a conscious effort to avoid those words today. The deep-seated Huaxian sentiment regarding "good fortune" had begun taking root across the world ever since a young Huaxian researcher had solemnly vowed that Probe 066 would find Pegmont, and Space Exploration Vessel 066 indeed succeeded in tracking Pegmont down. At four minutes to three in the afternoon, the dead iron saber planted into the paving of Constitution Square took flight with a soft whistle... The veterans' rigid postures eased at last. The surrounding onlookers who had come to see them off burst into applause, calling out and chatting freely. In everyone's collective subconscious, it seemed this was the true signal that the ceremony had ended. *** The dispersal following the oath ceremony was almost completely unregulated. The soldiers were free to go wherever they pleased. There was still plenty of time; they could even visit a hotel or restaurant, or accompany their wives and children for a walk through the shops. Never before in the history of the Azure Coalition had there been an assembly dismissed with virtually no restrictions. Because... "It doesn't matter. They all know the assembly point anyway, and we've set up guideposts on every street here. Besides, don't forget that every last one of them is a veteran with a lifetime of military experience." Beside the high platform in the bustling square, Speaker Kemore patiently explained the reasoning to a familiar official reporter. In truth, during the core leadership's internal discussion before the ceremony began, Speaker Kemore had offered another, far more candid reason for how the dismissal was arranged: "If anyone regrets their decision at the final hour and decides not to go, decides to walk away... let us give them a chance to leave quietly this way. "This was never their obligation to begin with. Over the course of their lives, they have already done enough for this world." To that end, Azure had specially prepared an alternate roster, just in case their final expeditionary force fell short of numbers. *** Nearby, Han Qingyu and his companions walked behind Speaker Kemore, preparing to take their leave. Their appearance instantly drew the eyes of the official reporter who had been speaking with the speaker below the platform. Every reporter gathered near the platform turned at once and swarmed forward, hoisting their equipment. Reporters from Azure's official outlets and civilian media alike jostled together, competing at the top of their lungs to shout their questions. Azure had scheduled no formal interview session after the ceremony. If they wanted to coax anything out of Major Qing and the Stream Blades core team, this was their only chance. "Major Qing, have your injuries fully healed?" "Have you grown even stronger than before?" "Second Lieutenant Wen, we've heard Major Qing originally refused to let you join this expedition. Is that true?" "If so, why did your name end up on the final roster?" "Are you sufficiently prepared for the danger of complete source energy sensory failure once you reach the Martian battlefield?" "How do you view your appointment as vice supreme commander of the expedition? Will the Martian battlefield be directed primarily by you or General Yergana?" "Are you confident you'll make it back? Right?" "First Lieutenant Wu Xu, First Lieutenant Wu Xu... Never mind." What kind of questions were these? A faint smile remained on Wen Jifei's face as he paused and waved a hand, but he declined to answer a single one. As for Han Qingyu and Wu Xu, neither even glanced toward the press corps, continuing forward without pause. Among them, only Liaison Officer Yang Tieyu went largely unquestioned. Naturally, even if someone had asked, she had no intention of replying. She knew Qingzi had always found such things tiresome, especially when dealing with the civilian press, who were notorious for careless rumors, wild claims, and reckless speculation. *Still, why is Ashleia glaring at me like that? It's like she's looking at an enemy.* Rusty Sister naturally remembered Ashleia. In the past, they could even have been considered friends; it was just that Ashleia didn't recognize her now. At that moment, Ashleia stood near the rear of the press corps. She made no move to come forward with questions, merely glaring at her from afar with red-rimmed eyes and gritted teeth. Beside her, Ivan hefted a video camera, smiling brightly while diligently carrying out his work. Noticing Rusty Sister looking his way, he offered an especially radiant and friendly grin, tilted the camera aside, and gave Azure's Liaison Officer Yang a respectful nod. *Huh? Why is Ivan inexplicably so cheerful again?* *Did he recognize me?! No way.* *...Whatever. Tangtang said they're joining the expedition too, so we can talk about it later.* With that thought, Rusty Sister offered Ashleia a distant wave, then turned to hurry after Han Qingyu and Wu Xu. "Major General He Tangtang!" "Great Kidney Striker!" "Spike-Eating Demon!" "God Who Hunts Yanxiu!" The press corps suddenly erupted into wild shouts. They had no intention of giving up on Major Qing and Second Lieutenant Wen Jifei, and several reporters were already trailing after them. But for the moment, a portion of the crowd shifted their hopes toward He Tangtang, whom they considered their only realistic chance. Sure enough, Major General He Tangtang stopped in his tracks, wearing a gentle, amiable expression that made him look thoroughly approachable. The reporters were ecstatic. "Major General He Tangtang, why are you wearing a hat... err, a helmet? Is that knight-style helmet forged from dead iron?" In his excitement, a quick-tongued reporter blurted out the first thought that came to mind—a question that, in his haste, was blatantly insignificant. The reporters beside him felt a flash of annoyance, but they had no choice except to wait patiently for He Tangtang to answer before getting their own turns. What none of them noticed was that Major General He Tangtang's expression collapsed in an instant. "What's wrong with me wearing a helmet, huh?! Do you have any idea how many soldiers die from head trauma according to battlefield statistics?!" "Am I not allowed to wear one?!" "Is it any of your damn business?!" Major General He Tangtang fired off three retort questions in rapid succession. But... but Azure had explicitly clarified that helmets couldn't stop the damage dealt by a Great Spike's source energy attacks. They had explained that against that kind of kinetic impact to the head, a helmet barely made a difference. Some reporters were still pondering this. Others had already realized Major General He Tangtang's mood had soured. Having vented his sudden burst of temper in those three retorts, he spun on his heel and stalked away. *Damn it, you just had to touch a sore spot,* Major General He Tangtang grumbled inwardly as he walked. He was stronger now, true, but his hair... Ahead, Han Qingyu, Wu Xu, Wen Jifei, and Rusty Sister were already on the verge of stepping out of the square. Over a hundred reporters were still chasing them with questions. Deep down, they all seemed to share the subconscious assumption that as long as the targets remained inside the square, questioning them didn't count as harassment. "Excuse me..." "Excuse me..." Another basket of questions sank without a ripple, only for another basket to be hurled right after. "Excuse me, Second Lieutenant Wen... Um, Second Lieutenant Wen, could you share your thoughts on this Mars expedition?" It was a vague, sweeping question, as mundane as could be. The reporter had shouted with all her might, yet she had even paused midway to gather her thoughts; Second Lieutenant Wen likely hadn't even heard it clearly. Then, an unexpected sight unfolded—Second Lieutenant Wen stopped. Ahead, Han Qingyu and the other two paused with a hint of bewilderment, turning back to look at him. Second Lieutenant Wen Jifei turned around to face the gathered press. "Second Lieutenant Wen..." Having finally caught a break, the reporters surged forward in another frenzied wave of questions. "Wait... wait a second." Wen Jifei had to use a calming gesture, paired with a solemn expression and a firm gaze, to bring them to quiet down. Then, the corners of his mouth and eyes slowly softened into a smile... Tilting his head slightly, he searched through the sea of reporters until he finally caught sight of a certain figure. "Hello," Second Lieutenant Wen called out across the distance, raising a hand in greeting. Along the line of his gaze, foreign reporters who realized he wasn't looking at them hesitated before stepping aside, opening up a path... until the figure of a young female reporter with East Asian features was fully revealed. "Um, hello." Meeting his eyes, the young Huaxian reporter seemed to fluster in momentary panic before replying formally. "Were you the one asking a question just now? Sorry, I didn't see you at first... What I mean is, I didn't quite hear you clearly. Could you repeat the question?" As Wen Jifei spoke, another group of reporters who had come rushing from afar arrived on the scene. The moment they arrived, they were shushed and told not to push, so they obediently stood in place and watched. As for Major Qing and his companions a short distance away, after regrouping with He Tangtang, they didn't come over. But standing there, watching and conversing in low voices, they all seemed thoroughly amused by the spectacle. "Um... all right." The female reporter seemed to strain her memory before recalling what she had just asked. A bit nervously, she said, "I miss you..." "Is that so?" Wen Jifei asked with a chuckle. Seeing his reaction, the reporter hastily straightened her posture, her eyes and expression turning professional and earnest. "I would like to ask Second Lieutenant Wen Jifei to share his thoughts regarding this Mars expedition." *What a... completely underwhelming question! With such a rare opportunity, asking something so broad makes it far too easy to dodge!* the surrounding reporters lamented inwardly. Even so, they raised their recording devices, ready to capture every word. Because Second Lieutenant Wen looked poised to give a genuinely serious answer. "Regarding this Mars expedition..." He truly did answer seriously, pausing for a beat as if pondering it with great care before continuing, "Regarding this expedition, I don't really have anything to talk about." The reporters fell silent. *Was Second Lieutenant Wen annoyed and deliberately messing with her?* The Huaxian reporter was rendered speechless. She looked as though a sudden headache had struck her, raising a hand to rub her brow with an expression of mingled exasperation and helplessness. "Sorry, but right now, other than being in love, there is really nothing I want to talk to you about." As he spoke, Second Lieutenant Wen Jifei extended his right hand toward her. "How about going out with me? "We have about four hours left to walk the streets, go on a date, and have a meal. "I can have the amusement park opened, and have a theater set up a private screening for us, complete with popcorn and cola." Having said his piece, Second Lieutenant Wen stood waiting, looking just like an adolescent boy who had just finished confessing his feelings. Her partner, Lin Ya, quietly reached over and took the microphone and recording equipment from Yao Yue's hands, nudging her with a hip to snap her out of her daze. At last, Yao Yue smiled. "All right," She said, breaking into a brisk run to take his hand. She let that hand lead her, letting him pull her into a run away from the square and leaving behind a press corps frozen in absolute disbelief.