Return to the Team

Recently, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China National Space Administration, and the Office of the China Manned Space Program jointly released the "Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for National Space Science." This plan clearly deploys projects such as the search for extraterrestrial life, bringing new development opportunities to China's space science, astronomy, biology, and other academic fields.

Attracted by the female host's voice, Liu Jun withdrew his attention. Official information was being broadcast on the radio. Outsiders might not have understood anything, but as someone involved, he immediately realized that the country was getting a head start.

"Academician Ding, can you tell us what extraterrestrial life is? Why are we searching for it? How are we searching for it?"

"Certainly, host. Extraterrestrial life is..."

"This planet isn't even managed properly, and now they're worried about aliens?" the driver grumbled, slowly stopping at the traffic light. He changed the station while waiting for the green light.

"The Ministry of Emergency Management has issued a notice requiring provincial and municipal governments to establish emergency plans for responding to sudden incidents."

At this moment, the driver switched the radio to an official broadcast station. In a news flash, a female host said a very short sentence:

"China's industrial layout will undergo a large-scale transfer from east to west, and from coastal to inland areas. The higher authorities have pointed out that the eastern industrial transfer is urgent and must move to the central and western regions!"

"The state plans to sell US debt for the Xth time this year."

"Accelerate the construction of the pilot reserve force."

"Care for retired personnel."

"The Xth population distribution survey."

"What's going on lately? The police are patrolling the streets every day, and fire trucks are running all over the roads." As a taxi driver, he drove around the city every day and was most aware of subtle anomalies. "Is there going to be a war?"

"Maybe," Liu Jun replied.

Upon hearing the word "war," the driver's eyes lit up. "Then can we slaughter those Japanese first?"

Who says people from East University don't hold grudges! A certain professor once said: When dealing with the little Japanese, the people's only regret is that the attack wasn't heavy enough and not enough people died.

"It's probably just routine training."

Under the driver's regretful gaze, the taxi stopped by the roadside.

"Alright, we're here."

"WeChat."

After scanning the QR code, a "ding" sound indicated the fare had been paid. Liu Jun closed the car door and walked towards the residential compound. As soon as he reached the entrance, he noticed that the old access control system had been upgraded to facial recognition. With the help of the elderly doorman, he swiped his card to enter the compound and headed home.

"Identification failed."

Standing at his doorstep, he took out his key, about to open the door, when he realized the keyhole was gone. Good heavens. This old couple was quite fashionable, using a smart lock!

Ding dong!

"Coming! Coming!"

The door opened from the inside, revealing both his parents at home. His dad took Liu Jun's backpack. "You're back. Dinner is ready."

"Son, come, let Mom see you. Hmm." Her mother thoroughly inspected Liu Jun, and only after confirming no parts were missing did she truly relax.

"Mm, I'm back."

Taking off his jacket, he saw his favorite dishes laid out on the table. His mother served him a bowl and then began to ask about his well-being.

"Okay, okay, let's eat. We can talk after dinner."

"Eat up."

"Mm!"

Liu Jun took a bite of rice. His mother's cooking was still the best.

"Let me tell you, your Dad, Comrade Liu, got his driver's license and bought a BYD electric car. It cost 100,000 yuan, and it's really great. He drives me out to buy groceries every day."

"This year, when I have time, I plan to take your Mom on a road trip." Although his father spoke calmly, Liu Jun could still hear the excitement in his voice.

"I'll pay for the car."

There were very few places to spend money in the military, and his monthly allowances and travel expenses were substantial. He had saved some money, and 100,000 yuan was manageable.

"No need. Keep your money for yourself. You decide how to use it; we won't interfere."

Old Liu signaled that he didn't need his son's money. He wasn't worried about his son spending it recklessly either, as the military kept a close eye on him.

Soon, the family of three finished their meal. Liu Jun helped clear the dishes but was shooed away by his mother, who told him to rest.

Liu Jun went to the balcony and saw his father's calligraphy supplies and the poem written on the Xuan paper: "The four seas churn with clouds and water's rage, the five continents shake with wind and thunder's fury."

"How is it? Not bad, right?"

Looking at his somewhat smug father, Liu Jun took out a box from his pocket and handed it to him.

"What is this?"

Upon opening the box, he found a golden medal engraved with "August 1st." Carefully taking out the medal, Old Liu examined it and immediately beamed with joy.

"Oh! A First-Class Merit Medal! Our Liu family has brought honor to our ancestors!"

He then opened the glass cabinet beside it, which contained large and small Chairman Mao badges. He placed the medal beneath the Chairman Mao badges and nodded with satisfaction. Although he didn't say it out loud, he was inwardly delighted. This was a significant event, worthy of a separate family tree entry.

"When do you have to go back?"

"I'm not sure, half a month at most." Liu Jun wasn't sure how long he could stay home. If the aliens in the Western Pacific didn't calm down, he might have to return immediately.

"Don't worry about your Mom and me while you're in the military. We're both in good health. Take care of yourself."

The holiday days passed quickly, and Chinese New Year was fast approaching, with Liu Jun's break also coming to an end.

Nothing unexpected happened during this holiday, nor were there any emergency recalls. He spent his days accompanying his parents or doing whatever he pleased. Fortunately, his mother didn't pressure him into blind dates; to be honest, Liu Jun wasn't very good at dealing with women.

These past few days, East University had been subtly informing the public through various channels that something big was about to happen, but assured everyone that it was all under the country's control and there was no need to worry too much. The only thing related to Liu Jun was the large-scale pilot selection process. Various channels were promoting it, and some of the qualification requirements had been slightly lowered to allow more people to pass, thereby strengthening the Air Force's reserve forces. Training a pilot isn't something that can be done in a short time.

On the small mountain in his hometown.

Liu Jun stepped over a gully and leaped onto a large rock. Standing on the mountaintop he often climbed as a child, the sun slowly rose from the east. The morning sun shone on Liu Jun's calm face. He gazed at the small city below, where he had lived his entire life, for a long time before turning to head back down the mountain.

Back home, Liu Jun began packing his bags. Just as when he arrived, he was leaving with only a small backpack.

His father, Old Liu, who was flipping through a mobile app on the sofa, saw his son carrying his bag and stood up, saying, "Let's go, I'll take you."

"Okay."

At that moment, his mother came out of the kitchen holding a small packet of Liu Jun's favorite spicy shredded beef: "Son, eat on time when you get back, and take care of yourself. I packed this for you, don't worry, it's not overweight!"

"Mhm." Liu Jun took the beef, looking at his mother with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. He reminded her, "Take care of yourself."