Looking at Zhao Zijie, whose expression remained composed, Officer Qi nodded gently and let out a slightly muffled grunt of acknowledgment.
"Good morning, Officer Qi!"
After hastily clearing away the last few odds and ends, Gao Yang jogged over to Zhao Zijie and greeted Officer Qi. "Officer Qi, what brings you here?"
"What? Am I not welcome?" Perhaps he was in a good mood, for Officer Qi flashed a smile that looked somewhat menacing. "Should I give this mission to another squad, then?"
"A mission?!" Gao Yang froze for a moment, then quickly shut his mouth and stood straight.
"Sir! Cadet Captain Gao Yang is ready to accept any mission assigned to him!"
The corner of Zhao Zijie's mouth twitched, but he said nothing. He simply straightened his posture and looked expectantly at Officer Qi.
"Cadet Captain Zhao Zijie!" Officer Qi called out, his expression turning stern.
"Present!"
Zhao Zijie's resounding answer came without a moment's hesitation.
"Cadet Captain Zhao Zijie, you will accompany Bai Yixuan's squad to Mars and take charge of the Mars City construction mission!" Officer Qi said gravely. "You have one day to prepare. Report to the assembly point at precisely eight tomorrow morning!"
At Officer Qi's words, Zhao Zijie's heartbeat instantly quickened.
A mission at last!
He immediately stood straight and raised his hand in a crisp military salute.
"Yes, sir! I will complete the mission!"
"Officer Qi??? What about me?!" Gao Yang stared blankly at Zhao Zijie and Officer Qi, looking ready to cry. "You're not leaving me alone in the dorm, are you?"
Officer Qi glanced at the miserable-looking Gao Yang and flashed that "menacing" smile again. He reached out and patted Gao Yang's shoulder. "You're going too, but you'll be Zhao Zijie's deputy."
The thought of getting their hands on a