The Sun had only just set, but night had already fallen on Mars.
Outside Mars City, however, the lights blazed.
Rows of powerful streetlights lit the barren land as brightly as day.
Lü Yongchang looked up.
At the edge of his vision, there was still nothing but profound darkness.
At the sight of the streetlights against the crimson dust, Lü Yongchang involuntarily held his breath.
"What do you think?" The Head Councillor's aged voice came over the radio. "I wasn't lying, was I?"
"This place has long been a favorite spot to unwind. I suspect you're the only one who didn't know about it, Chief Scientist."
Lü Yongchang turned to survey his surroundings and slowly let out a weary breath.
Perhaps he had spent too long inside Mars City. Suddenly faced with this vast, open landscape, he felt his whole body relax.
The weight that had been pressing on his heart also eased considerably.
He felt his sluggish mind slowly begin to stir.
That was enough.
Was it time to head back?
He turned to look at the old man encased in his spacesuit, his lips parting slightly.
Before he could speak, the Head Councillor reached out and firmly grasped his arm. "Come with me."
"This barren landscape isn't the only thing I want to show you."
With that, the old man pulled Lü Yongchang toward a nearby hill.
It was a small impact crater.
As they walked up the sloping ground, a hint of confusion appeared in Lü Yongchang's eyes.
"Head Councillor?" Lü Yongchang ventured quietly.
"..."
There was no reply.
Only faint breathing and static came over the radio.
Clearly, the Head Councillor had no intention of explaining anything to him just yet.
Following behind the old man, Lü Yongchang gave a wry smile, unsure what the Head