On Earth, tens of millions of kilometers away.
Sitting on the sofa in her living room, Chen Yushan stared intently at the television screen.
The moment she saw the landing module descend steadily from the sky and touch down on the surface of Mars, her heart finally settled, along with the alloy door that fell open.
The news broadcast continued, the presenter's voice coming from the television.
"...According to the latest report from the Manned Mars Landing Office, the second group of personnel has successfully reached the research base on the surface of Mars."
"As planned, they will take a short rest at the Mars base before setting out in twenty-four hours for the ruins beneath the Hell's Gate Mountains, where they will make second contact with the extraterrestrial civilization..."
Han Mengqi, who was also sitting on the sofa, leaning against Chen Yushan's shoulder, breathed a sigh of relief too. She turned to her cousin and said with a beaming smile,
"See? I told you, my mentor would be fine."
"I hoped so too. It's just... I still couldn't help worrying." Chen Yushan smiled a little sheepishly and continued, "Speaking of which, have you finished shooting your movie?"
Chen Yushan had been looking forward to that movie all along.
Although the director had said there would not be much about Lu Zhou's love life in it, the prospect of seeing a character based on herself appear on the big screen still filled her with anticipation.
Especially since her own younger cousin was playing the role.
That made her look forward to it even more.
Scratching the back of her head, Han Mengqi gave a vague answer.
"We've finished shooting. Anyway, filming has wrapped up, and it's been submitted for approval. If things move quickly, it should get a release slot