The meeting ended.
Lü Yongchang released the Electromagnetic Adhesion Device on his seat and stood silently in place, watching the Academy of Sciences personnel leave.
As Head Councillor, Hong Qiming did the same.
Once everyone had left, Hong Qiming suddenly spoke.
"Yongchang."
"You don't need to take those councillors' words to heart."
"Councillor Wan was born on Proxima b and never lived through those hard times. It's only natural for him to think that way."
"You..."
Seeing the concern in Hong Qiming's eyes, Lü Yongchang chuckled.
"Don't worry."
"I'm not that petty."
"Besides, a well-rounded Parliament needs people like them, too."
At those words, the worry quickly faded from Hong Qiming's face.
He breathed a slight sigh of relief. "I'm glad you understand that."
"If you hadn't produced that information, I honestly don't know how this meeting would have turned out."
"Now that the older generation is gone, most of the newly appointed members of Parliament have never been tempered by war. They still harbor illusions about this universe..."
Lü Yongchang's expression grew serious as he said quietly, "Don't worry."
"Even if the vote had gone the other way, I would still have kept those Latorians under control."
"Don't forget, the Academy of Sciences has absolute authority in this area."
Hong Qiming froze for a moment, then clapped his hands and burst out laughing.
"Good point! Good point!"
"Looks like I was worrying too much!"
The Earth's command center.
On the holographic projection ahead, the bright red countdown had entered its final five minutes.
As he watched the numbers tick down, Lü Yongchang's eyes remained utterly calm.
"Zero, are you certain you can shut down the Life Support System on every enemy warship?"
To ensure the safe execution of the Extinction Plan, Lü Yongchang asked once more.
"The system