A wise person foresees danger, especially when venturing into outer space, where countless unpredictable outcomes lie.
No one expected that Guo Xuyang would almost not return from this trip.
When Guo Xuyang, Ye Zi, and Yu Er arrived at headquarters, Jiang Qixin was already waiting.
"Welcome back, everyone.
Based on the results of our last mission, our headquarters will assemble more outstanding forces and form more interstellar scavenger teams to search for more treasures and explore more mysteries in the vast universe.
I will now announce the decisions for this adjustment."
Jiang Qixin said as he opened the folder in his hand.
"Xin Dali will serve as the captain, responsible for the safety and security of the operations.
Guo Xuyang will serve as the overall commander, responsible for directing the spaceship and planning routes, and undertaking the specific treasure hunting work.
In necessary situations, Xin Dali will obey Guo Xuyang's command."
This news hit like a bombshell, causing a stir among the twenty members of the interstellar scavenger team.
Jiang Qixin cleared his throat and continued, "Xu Dahai will serve as the security team leader, with team members Ye Zi, Zhang Shichao, and Chen Xiaoming;
Zhang Li will serve as the captain, with Chen Shijie, Wu Guangxin, and Liu Xinyu as his deputies;
Guo Xiaoyu and Tong Xin will assist Guo Xuyang in searching for treasures."
As soon as Jiang Qixin finished announcing, the scene erupted.
"Director Jiang, what is going on? Why aren't we participating?"
"Boss, what did we do wrong?"
"Our assessment scores were already above the line! Boss, why aren't we allowed to go?"
Guo Xuyang hadn't expected such a drastic reduction in personnel. They were placing too much trust in him.
It was a flattering way of saying he was being given more responsibility, or a less flattering way of saying the capable were expected to do more.
Guo Xuyang knew from his last experience how dangerous it was outside, and that it was not something ordinary people could endure.
Jiang Qixin raised his hand to quiet them and said, "As I just mentioned,
we will be forming more interstellar scavenger teams to explore the vast universe.
The outside world is spectacular, but it is also extremely dangerous.
Your spirit of striving is commendable.
This reduction from twenty people to twelve was made after careful consideration.
The eight people who are not participating this time will serve as instructors for two other newly formed teams.
After all, you have been out there, participated, and experienced it, and you have more knowledge about outer space.
You are all very outstanding, and we are keeping you here to train more new recruits.
Xin Dali and Guo Xuyang, both of you bear heavy responsibilities, and this mission is even more arduous. I hope you will continue to strive and return safely with abundant rewards.
I will host a celebration banquet for you then."
"Director Jiang, we can't just make empty promises without delivering.
Last time you said you'd host a celebration banquet, but then everyone was given a holiday. This time our brothers are being separated, so you need to arrange a pre-celebration meal first," Guo Xuyang said.
"It's not possible today. You must depart for the base immediately.
The weather hasn't been very good lately, and you only have three days before launch. Head to the launch base today, and be ready to depart at any time depending on the weather conditions."
Jiang Qixin said, glancing at Guo Xuyang.
"I promise the celebration banquet will be held next time, and it will be grand. I look forward to your successful return.
Without further ado, you will follow the vehicle directly to the base."
Guo Xuyang and Xin Dali walked out of headquarters side by side.
"Captain Xin, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you."
"Yangzi, I feel at ease with you. If it weren't for your sheepdog last time, we might not have made it back."
"I hope we can return with full rewards this time."
"Of course. Why is Ye Zi joining our security team?"
"It's due to the leadership's overall consideration. But she has been progressing quite quickly."
Guo Xuyang said, turning to glance at Ye Zi.
Xu Dahai seemed to be talking to Ye Zi about something, looking very excited.
He actually dared to poach his teammate right in front of him. He couldn't stand it.
"Old Xu, what are you guys talking about? So excited?"
"I want to ask Ye Zi to introduce me to a girlfriend. You have three wives and four concubines, and I don't even have one girlfriend."
"Get lost. With your qualifications, what kind of girlfriend can't you find? Don't get too close to Ye Zi, I'll get jealous."
"This is rare, someone actually getting jealous," Ye Zi pouted and said.
"Old Xu is a genuine diamond bachelor. I'm afraid he'll steal you away.
Hey, Old Xu, what about Tong Xin?" Guo Xuyang tilted his head back.
"Forget it. You'd better spare me. That tomboy, I can't handle her," Xu Dahai said with a slight grin.
"Tomboy? What do you mean?"
"Don't you know your own team member?"
"No. Tell me," Guo Xuyang said, putting his arm around Xu Dahai's shoulder.
"She's... that kind of person," Xu Dahai whispered, giving a subtle thumb gesture.
This time, it was Guo Xuyang's turn to be surprised, but he didn't dare to say it out loud.
A girl who seemed like a high school student could be a lesbian? This challenged his perception.
According to Xu Dahai, she was even the more dominant one.
Her current image was vastly different from the one he had heard about.
"What are you guys talking about? Shouldering each other, and I'm not allowed to listen?" Ye Zi's voice rang out from the side.
"I was helping Old Xu find a girlfriend. Men talking, women shouldn't eavesdrop."
"Ridiculous. From today onwards, don't talk to me. Your auntie is in a bad mood."
"Alright. I've offended another one." Guo Xuyang said, quickening his pace and hurrying into the carriage.
The twelve people filed in, and as soon as the driver saw that everyone was present, he closed the doors and sped away.
The time allocated by the superiors was tight this time, and Guo Xuyang didn't know what they were going to do.
Guo Xuyang and the other eleven arrived at a military airport, boarded a plane, and took off.
Before midnight, the twelve of them had arrived at a spacecraft launch base in a certain western region.
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. I'll take you for something to eat shortly.
If the weather permits, the spacecraft is scheduled to launch at three in the morning."
A middle-aged man in casual clothes approached them and said.
"Please follow me."
Guo Xuyang and the others followed the middle-aged man to a place resembling a restaurant. A private room was prepared with various food items.
"Excuse me, comrade, I was wondering if our supplies have been changed?"
"As per the commander's arrangements, we have changed the supplies. However, the longest shelf life is only fifteen days.
Some conventional food items have been kept as reserves."
"Thank you very much."
Guo Xuyang said as he walked in. He tried a few dishes, which were all delicious and beautifully presented.
There were also desserts, exquisitely made. After eating his fill, he had two more pieces of dessert, feeling a bit stuffed.
"Captain Xin, have you eaten enough? Shall we go?"
Xin Dali and the others were stunned. Guo Xuyang looked like he hadn't eaten in days, having practically cleared the table.
"Let's go. Brother, how many days have you not eaten?"
"I have a good constitution and digest quickly, so I ate a bit more. Please don't mind."
"Is that just a bit more? Even a pig can't eat as much as you," Ye Zi said.
"Can you guys stop insulting pigs?" Xu Dahai chimed in.
"Get lost. I've noticed that when you two are together, you're up to no good. I'll have to separate you upon our return."
"On what grounds? Ye Zi is a great help, so why should she be separated?"
"Because I'm uncomfortable seeing you two together. Is that reason enough?"
"You have the final say because you talk too much. Even if we're separated, we'll still be on the same spaceship. It doesn't matter," Xu Dahai said, extending his hand.
His expression was incredibly provocative.