"Well?"
Lü Yongchang chuckled and said to Hope and Hansent, "Pretty simple, isn't it?"
Hope: ???
Hansent: ???
Seeing their strange expressions, Lü Yongchang shrugged. "Just kidding. Wasn't that funny?"
Hope: "...Ha, haha, hahaha. Pretty funny."
Lü Yongchang: "..."
Feeling the unbearable awkwardness, Lü Yongchang waved a hand in exasperation. "All right, back to business. That's roughly how the mission will proceed. Give it some serious thought."
A long silence followed.
From Professor Lü's words, Hope and Hansent both gained a profound understanding of the dangers of this mineral prospecting mission.
An unfamiliar planet, a lethal atmosphere, and a vast, unfathomably deep ocean of liquid ammonia...
"The mission is extremely difficult and dangerous, so participation is voluntary," Lü Yongchang added softly.
"Don't feel too pressured. If no one volunteers, the prospecting ship can operate unmanned."
As he spoke, Lü Yongchang prepared to close the Holographic Image beside him. "Tell me your answer once you've thought it through."
"Professor!" Hope's somewhat faint voice rang out. "If I participate, can I join the Academy of Sciences?"
Lü Yongchang's hand stopped abruptly. He turned to look at Hope in surprise. "Join the Academy of Sciences?"
After receiving confirmation, Lü Yongchang smiled and nodded.
"Of course."
"The Academy of Sciences welcomes talent of every kind."
"I'll do it!" Hope's previously faint voice became utterly resolute.
"Are you sure?" Lü Yongchang raised an eyebrow and asked again. "This could very well be a one-way trip."
Hope fell silent for a moment, then broke into a hearty smile.
"I trust you!"
Lü Yongchang was visibly moved. Then he replied solemnly, "Rest assured."
"I'll do everything in my power to keep you both safe."
Hope said nothing, turning instead to his longtime teammate.
"Maybe you should head back?"
"I remember your dream. Get married, have children, and