Wang Dong, now playing the role of a "social man,"
naturally wasn't going to mock Standing Deputy Commander Xiao Quan for being "obsequious after acting haughty, saying one thing and meaning another."
They were all adults.
Who didn't understand the bitterness of society and the hardships of being a wage slave?
Even in the interstellar era,
was human society somehow no longer human society?
More importantly, they were still under Forward Base command.
Before Sky Peng Horizontal had completed its service mission,
what would it mean to fall out with the higher-ups at Forward Base?
Inventing conflict out of thin air?
So,
Wang Dong responded with the same "honesty." He admitted that at first, he had indeed felt a little "overlooked,"
but after Vice Commander Xiao Quan's explanation, he now deeply understood the reasons behind it.
His mind was at ease.
It absolutely wouldn't affect the execution of future missions.
In the end, he even took the initiative to elevate the conversation.
He spoke at length about how, on the extraterritorial battlefield, all members of Kindling Human Civilization ought to unite, stand together against outsiders, and uphold ideals and a spirit of dedication.
The two sides talked happily.
They reached plenty of common ground.
Finally,
when Vice Commander Xiao Quan took his leave, satisfied, and the two shook hands,
he finally added a quiet reminder.
"Please be sure to demonstrate your strengths.
Forward Base will increase the rewards for missions to locate the Mist Butterfly Civilization's base coordinates in the near future."
Wang Dong's eyes lit up.
See? They said "social men handle social matters."
And just like that, the benefits came.
Vice Commander Xiao Quan's words had at least two implications.
First, Forward Base had already noticed Sky Peng Horizontal's reconnaissance capabilities, but they still needed further verification.
Second,