Of course, whether it’s the senior student stirring up a storm in the Andromeda Galaxy’s “underworld,” or Yu Lian preparing to collude with the dark (meow) forces, these are all very distant plans.
Even the “period” Teacher Yang mentioned isn't clear.
What he needs to face now is this troublesome awarding ceremony.
Yu Lian was genuinely a bit annoyed.
He had already agreed with Feifei to leave early on February 1st, the next day, and return home together.
They had seven days off, which was enough time to rest well.
Yu Lian himself hadn't seen his family for nearly a year, so he was naturally a bit impatient.
But now, with a big shot like Chief of Staff General Schwartz inspecting the academy and reportedly making him an “example,” the students couldn't leave immediately.
Furthermore, Teacher Yang Xiyi felt that his promotion was built upon the bones of comrades who died in battle without receiving fair treatment, so if he received a medal, wouldn't he be staining the ribbon with the blood of his comrades?
From a utilitarian perspective, he certainly gained a great advantage, but he truly disliked this feeling.
Finally, Yu Lian didn't want to hear General Dawn Schwartz's name at all, and he didn't really want to see his face either.
Neither him nor the people around him.
This was due to historical issues, and also due to future historical prospects.
Nevertheless, when Yu Lian received the Navy Silver Crown Sword Medal from Chief of Staff in the Principal’s office, he still had to stand at attention and salute him, then offer a professional smile and shake his hand.
From now on, Yu Lian was the first student of the 830 class to receive the Sword Medal, a significant step ahead of his classmates who would become famous in later generations.
General Dawn Schwartz is 55 years old this year, in the prime of his life as a senior military officer.
He is also a Moon People who graduated from this Central Defense University, and it was natural for him to take the opportunity to visit his alma mater while presenting an award to an outstanding junior.
He was not particularly robust or tall; overall, he was rather refined, with the air of an academic politician who enjoyed sports, completely opposite to General Paris.
Of course, he had always followed logistics and staff routes, so this temperament was not out of place.
After the ceremony, he smiled gently and shook Yu Lian's hand earnestly, then scrutinized him up and down, as if examining a rare treasure.
With a face full of relief, he said sincerely, “What a talented young man! He is clearly a future pillar of the nation.
Old senior, and gentlemen, you have cultivated a truly remarkable talent!”
The “old senior” referred to Lieutenant General Maxell, the Principal, who was over seventy years old but had always had a somewhat low presence.
He smiled throughout, but seemed to be doing nothing more than just smiling.
Vice Principal Robnan smiled awkwardly, his smile very stiff.
Brigadier General Orwell, Director of the Strategic Research Department and Second Vice Principal, smiled brilliantly, but it was a bit too brilliant, making it seem insincere.
Moreover, this fellow was actually a Highlander, so no matter how brightly he smiled, it still felt a bit creepy, making it impossible to feel any joy.
This was not a formal awarding ceremony with many guests, but rather held only in the Principal’s office.
Perhaps because there wasn't a large crowd of people booing the person holding the medal, it felt a bit flat, and the atmosphere immediately became awkward.
Fortunately, General Schwartz must also be a person with extremely high emotional intelligence; he showed no awkwardness at all, and not even a flicker of change in his expression.
He still patted Yu Lian's hand very warmly: “Junior, you are making history!
I look forward to you creating even greater history for the nation and for yourself!
Isn't that right, Captain Weilier?”
A handsome, tall, and upright young officer, like a marble statue, standing behind the General, smiled and said upon hearing this, “Yes, even when I was a student, I had many dealings with Junior Yu Lian, and I formed a deep impression then.
Of course, there’s one thing I actually disagree with…”
He paused, then, under the General’s surprised gaze, continued, “He is not a future pillar, but already a pillar!”
“Precisely so, ah hahaha…” General Schwartz laughed heartily, then subtly shot Captain Weilier a glance.
Others couldn't see it, but as a spiritual energy user, and having long suspected something, how could Yu Lian not see it?
That glance between Chief of Staff and his adjutant truly conveyed a myriad of unspoken words!
Yu Lian immediately got goosebumps, wanting to shake off the other party and then squash both of them into meat-balls to feed to amoebas.
Fortunately, General Schwartz finally let go of his hand and turned to everyone, saying, “Let us congratulate our young hero, the pillar of the Present.”
“Yes! Yes! Ah hahaha…” Brigadier General Robnan also laughed and clapped along.
This time, it was much more natural than before.
It seemed he had finally completed his mental preparation.
The only one who felt more awkward was probably Yu Lian himself.
Principal Maxell, who seemed a bit senile, continued to smile, his smile devoid of any genuine warmth.
Yu Lian summoned the patience he had once shown in his three hundred rounds of battle with the Aether Dragon, finally completing this awarding process that nearly killed him with embarrassment, then excused himself and left the Principal’s office.
General Schwartz stated he wanted to look around and reminisce about his youth.
He said he was a “pragmatic” person and didn't need any grand welcoming ceremony or to disturb the students' self-study and coursework; he just wanted to walk around casually, and for lunch, four dishes and one soup would suffice.
Chief of Staff was truly not being polite; he was indeed a person who disliked showing off.
One should know that even Yu Lian’s awarding ceremony was held in the Principal’s office, with only a handful of onlookers like Vice Principal Robnan.
In all fairness, this person was indeed capable, absolutely a master in organizational matters.
And it was said that he was also a master of office politics, though his methods against political opponents were somewhat ruthless.
He neither embezzled military funds, nor did he engage in corruption or sell official positions; apart from some slightly scandalous rumors, there were no major flaws in his personal conduct.
It was quite reasonable for such a person to rise to power, wasn't it?
However, Yu Lian felt that such a person, who should be excellent at managing military affairs, government, personnel, and logistics, should definitely not be in the position of Chief of Staff.
However, General Schwartz had a very good relationship with the extremist “Iron-Blooded Progressive Party.”
This third largest party in Congress had developed well in recent years and was beginning to harbor ambitions of forming a cabinet.
It was said that Schwartz was their candidate for Defense Committee Chairman.
A Chairman who knew nothing of military affairs was easily criticized by political opponents and the media, and the current Keith Nishita had suffered many losses in this regard.
Given this, why not make the resume more impressive?
To put it bluntly, for General Schwartz and the political forces behind him, the Chief of Staff position was merely a transitional one.
Yu Lian was contemplating these thoughts while preparing to go downstairs when he heard Captain Weilier’s voice from behind: “Junior, please stop!”
He rolled his eyes in front, took a deep breath, turned around, and said expressionlessly, “Don’t you need to accompany Chief of Staff?”
Yu Lian didn't even bother to give him a smile, but the latter still maintained a graceful smile and said amiably, “Chief of Staff wants to reminisce about his youth, so why should I continue to disturb him?
Therefore, I also have some time to myself.”
Weilier smiled amiably, his voice soft, his face full of sincerity and friendliness, but Yu Lian didn’t believe a single word.
Although he couldn’t see if any gloom or malice flashed in the other’s eyes, he was certain that it was so in the other’s heart.
“I know that in the Past, you, I, and the Brotherhood had some unpleasantness.
However, those are all in the Past, so let them dissipate with the wind.
You see, even the Brotherhood has been disbanded by Wien now, so there’s no need to dwell on the Past.”
Yes, this second adjutant to General Schwartz, named Heaton Weilier, was precisely the former President of the “Blueblood Brotherhood,” a senior two classes ahead of Yu Lian, and also the top graduate of his year.
Having graduated less than two years ago, he had already become Chief of Staff’s adjutant, a perfect start to a career!
However, it was merely a perfect “start”...
Thinking of this, Yu Lian said in an emotionless voice, “Wien disbanded the Brotherhood and even offered up the Blue Building.
Do you, the former President, have no opinion on this?”
“What opinion could I have? He’s the young master of the Wien family, the esteemed King of the Moon!
Besides, after so many years, it’s inevitable for the Brotherhood to harbor filth, so a little rectification is good.
And I actually think the Blue Building is too old; finding a new place is also good.
New place, new atmosphere, you know.”
He shrugged, pondered for a moment, and an unconscious hint of condescending arrogance appeared in his smile: “The Brotherhood has disbanded, but it has actually gained new life, hasn’t it?
Junior Yu Lian, rather, someone like you should join us.
The new organization Wien has formed should invite you to join.
At that time, please do not refuse.
I think the new organization should not be confined to the campus!”
Yu Lian pretended not to hear and continued, “You were indeed the former President!
Let’s not talk about my matters for now.
Regarding Turan’s matter, what role did you play in it?
What role did you play in the many obstacles I encountered during my investigation?
What was your relationship with those few who acted at the time?”
“Junior Yu Lian, Student Pulan’s matter was a tragedy, and I had already graduated that year…”
“I heard he directly destroyed your flagship during a simulated battle.”
“Didn’t I say? It’s all in the Past.”
“It seems you’re admitting it!” Yu Lian’s lips curled, a hint of mockery seemingly in his smile.
I didn't say that! Captain Weilier was a little annoyed, his smile vanished, and his face immediately showed clear gloom.
What a vulgar, lowly wretch! I’ve already offered a truce, and that still doesn’t warm you up?
He sneered, just about to say something, when he saw Yu Lian’s lips suddenly curl into a grotesque arc.
Immediately following, a chilling aura and the scent of blood condensed into a palpable malice, pressing down like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami.
Weilier was startled, feeling his hairs stand on end and his limbs go limp; for a moment, he couldn't even manage to flee.
He recalled a time when he was young, on vacation with his family on an ocean planet, watching the famous spiritual tide up close.
He saw thousands of meters of flood crests rising from the sea, blotting out the sky.
Even though he knew he was inside a sturdy vessel, watching that immense tide, he still found it difficult to stand, feeling so tiny, as if he could be swallowed at any moment and crushed to pieces.
Now, Yu Lian’s gaze and smile indeed reminded him of that scene.
Captain Weilier was like a puppet whose spirit had been destroyed, motionless for a long time.
By the time he reacted, the other party had already walked far away, and only then did he realize that not only was he already sitting on the ground, but his back was covered in cold sweat, and he felt something unpleasant in his crotch.
He quickly scrambled to his feet, checked that no one was around, and then stumbled towards the restroom.
For someone as meticulous as him, he always carried a spare uniform in his briefcase to deal with unexpected situations.
“Hmph… anyway, since Wien became President, he hasn’t found any evidence of me, so what can you do?
And, and, hmph, you’re just a hawker’s son, so what if you’re a spiritual energy user?
I’m already General Schwartz’s trusted confidant!
Once in the military, I’ll be in a superior position, and I’ll have plenty of ways to deal with you!”
As he thought of this, his fear and shame finally diminished a little.
He arrived at the public restroom somewhat dazed, checked the male sign on the door, and then pushed it open.
However, as soon as he entered, he saw a dazzling, youthful, and graceful scene.
Captain Weilier froze, staring at the main components of the graceful scene for nearly a minute, until someone important among them let out a terrified scream.
“Ah!”
Then followed a flurry of chaos.
It was said that Captain Weilier spent a long time trying to prove that he wasn't a peeping tom but had simply entered the wrong room.
However, the surveillance footage clearly showed that he had indeed looked up and confirmed the sign on the door just before.
Of course, considering this fellow was also a former star alumnus, and for General Schwartz's sake, the school ultimately did not pursue the matter.
But from then on, Captain Weilier's reputation at Central Defense University was completely ruined.
...Of course, it wasn't good to begin with.
He just didn't know it himself, being the President of the Brotherhood.