The secretary, whose beauty was equivalent to 1.5 times that of a nurse, did not deceive anyone.
Acting Governor Mr. Jiang Yudong only spoke for ten minutes, made a lot of promises that sounded pragmatic but couldn't be scrutinized, accepted the cheers of the public, and then returned to his office feeling satisfied.
“This is mine now,” Acting Governor Jiang Yudong thought, looking at the spacious and luxurious office.
He felt he should take a serious tour and maybe even relieve himself in a corner.
Although there was an official election in half a year, it was a trivial matter—the Governor had already gained the appreciation of the “Big Boss,” who had promised strong party support, ensuring no formidable opponent would challenge him.
Thus, Mr. Jiang's new era began, which would last at least six years.
Enough time for him to make a huge profit… no, to do many practical things for the millions of citizens here.
The Acting Governor was in high spirits, and he would have been even happier if the Chief Administrative Secretary of the Governor's Office hadn't informed him that there were guests waiting outside.
“A low-ranking military officer, no, not even an officer, just a student—why must I see him? And that kid is actually quite annoying.”
“Because he is a Moon Person, and whether you admit it or not, his contributions in this incident are undeniable,” the elderly government secretary advised.
“If he is willing to stay in the military after graduation, he will no longer be a low-ranking officer in five years at most.
Isn't there already a precedent for this?”
Seeing the Acting Governor lost in thought, the elderly secretary continued, “Furthermore, you must be clearer than I am about Chairman Nishita's connection to the Moon Surface Military Academy.
People like Warrant Officer Yu Lian are already on his watch list.”
Mr. Jiang nodded in admiration, shaking the secretary's hand.
“Thank you for the reminder, sir; otherwise, I would have certainly erred.”
The secretary was a bit bewildered; although he barely understood, the drastic change in tone truly surprised him.
“…Also, sir, during this time, Major Dorset will be investigating the security of the Governor’s Office and past entry records,” the Acting Governor mused, then added, “I have already taken some of the data.”
The secretary's pupils slightly dilated, then immediately contracted back to normal.
He showed no fear, but rather, joy.
“I understand, Governor.
You can certainly expect my meticulous service!”
The Acting Governor and the Chief Administrative Secretary of the Governor's Office exchanged smiles.
Two middle-aged men, whose combined age was nearly a hundred and who (at least on the surface) were not at all greasy, confirmed their understanding, both feeling that the other was the right person.
Therefore, when Yu Lian entered and saw this scene, he instinctively shivered.
“Ah, our young hero, please sit down.
Wait for me a moment,” the Governor said, pointing to the seat in front of the desk.
He took out a stack of official letter paper, then ceremoniously produced a jewel-encrusted fountain pen, and elegantly wrote a beautiful piece of small script.
“Warrant Officer Yu Lian’s sense of responsibility, honor, leadership, and spirit of sacrifice have been unequivocally proven in this Tulon incident.
Undoubtedly, he fully represents the spiritual outlook and glorious traditions of the Commonwealth’s youth.
Thank you, Central Defense University; your faculty and staff have once again cultivated a pillar of talent for our glorious nation.
As a government representative of the New Yumen Governor's Office, my internship evaluation for him is A+!”
Yu Lian was a bit surprised.
Although this was a world with a skewed tech tree, paperless offices did exist.
Even for formal written documents, they were usually printed universal templates; at most, a more meticulous person would add a handwritten signature.
For example, “The student performed well, abided by all school regulations, and studied diligently,” and so on…
But this time, the Governor had handwritten the entire document.
Even if it wasn't many words, it still showed great respect for Yu Lian; in the workplace, this was an extremely valuable credential!
“Your Excellency, this… you are truly too kind,” Yu Lian said, showing appropriate emotion.
“No, this is what you deserve.
You are my savior, and the savior of thousands of Commonwealth citizens!” the Governor said, standing up and shaking Yu Lian’s hand firmly, showing clear reluctance.
“Alas, if possible, I truly wish that talented individuals like you could stay.
With your ability, in five years at most, I would certainly entrust the entire Security Force to you.
However, outstanding young people like you are the most precious asset of the Commonwealth, and I cannot be so selfish.
I only hope that in the future, you will not forget the two suns of New Yumen, and you will not forget our people here!”
Yu Lian carefully put away the envelope containing the precious evaluation letter—which was equivalent to the grades for two mandatory major courses—his emotions still somewhat complex.
He, of course, knew that this guy couldn't have a good impression of him; now, frankly, he was just acting, after all, performance is a politician's essential skill.
But in such matters, it's about actions, not intentions; objectively, the other party had shown him ample respect, and even could be considered to have done him a favor.
“Governor, regarding the matter I reported earlier…” Yu Lian decided to remind the other party.
“Hmm, I am aware of it.
That New Yumen would have such, uh, yes, unknown forces conducting bio-weapon experiments—I will report it to the Garrison and the Central Government as soon as possible!”
“Your Excellency, you can also notify the Guerrilla Association and the Virtual Spirit Temple,” Yu Lian said.
He was actually a bit hesitant, because he knew that even if he said it, it might not yield any results.
The Governor paused slightly, then showed a wry smile, which surprisingly added a touch of sincerity.
“You are still thinking too simply, young man.
How can such matters be casually disclosed to foreign countries? Even international organizations are not allowed!
But rest assured, the soldiers who died at the hands of those bio-weapons will be treated as fallen in battle, and their families will receive pensions.”
“…I understand, I just wanted to mention it,” Yu Lian stood up, straightened his military cap, and saluted.
“Then, I shall take my leave!
Governor, and Mr. Bernard, please take good care of yourselves!”
The Acting Governor felt a warmth in his heart, thinking that this arrogant and presumptuous “Moon Person” actually had a bit of human touch.
He formally decided that he would no longer make things difficult for Yu Lian in the future, and perhaps they could even help each other in officialdom.
As for Mr. Bernard Woolley, the Chief Administrative Secretary of the Governor's Office, he was extremely shocked at this moment.
He had not expected the other party to recognize him, an old official with little renown, and for a moment, his imagination ran wild.
“Do we have any other arrangements today, Bernard? Bernard?”
“…Uh, oh, Your Excellency, I think Warrant Officer Yu Lian’s suggestion might still have some feasibility.
After all, the Guerrilla Association is theoretically an international organization, and we can invite them to establish a presence in New Yumen in the name of the Governor's Office to maintain public safety here; it would also count as a political achievement.
Moreover, as you know, Nishita Chairman has always been more inclined towards alliances; since you have already decided to align with the Chairman, doing so will also please him.
As for minor media and public criticism, it’s not worth mentioning!”
“Damn it, what alignment! I am the Chairman’s fellow townsman; we should naturally advance and retreat together!” the Acting Governor cursed.
However, judging by his expression, he seemed to have taken it to heart.
Both were quite proactive types and were about to start researching how to invite the Guerrilla Association.
But at this moment, the office door was pushed open directly, revealing a dark-faced old man wearing a mink fur vest, with a pipe tucked into his waist, and a felt hat, appearing as if a harbinger of doom had burst forth in broad daylight, scaring these two political elites into a chaotic flurry.
“You, you can’t go in, oh dear, how could you… Your, Your Excellency, the old gentleman says he is your elder.
I…”
The secretary who looked like 1.5 nurses was already drenched in sweat from anxiety, but could only watch as the old man darted in front of the new Governor and grabbed his collar.
“Xiao Dongzi, tell your uncle, what do you mean by one hundred million?”
“Uncle, Uncle! I, I…”
“Tell me, what the hell is one hundred million? Is that even enough money for anything?”
“Uncle, Uncle, please sit, please sit.
I, Bernard, where are you going?”
“Your Excellency, I’m going, I’m going to arrange refreshments; you and your family can talk more…” Mr. Bernard Woolley, pulling 1.5, fled in a hurry.
“Let me tell you, how many fellow villagers suffered terribly this time? Can’t you count?! What’s 100 million good for, you bumpkin!
Hurry up, give your uncle a clear answer, or I won’t leave!”
At this moment, Yu Lian had already walked out of the Governor's Office.
He had earlier brushed past an uncle dressed in a way that made him feel quite familiar.
He remembered him as a highly respected plantation owner among the fleeing populace, and the only one among those wealthy individuals who had some backbone and human warmth; his name was something like Wang Yougui… Hmm, that name also felt very familiar!
The old man had also greeted him warmly and invited him to his home for dumplings.
However, the old man clearly had important business, and Yu Lian himself didn't want to stay long at the Governor's Office, so after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he bid farewell and left.
The crowd that had gathered in the square in front of the Governor's Office had not yet completely dispersed, bustling and noisy, as if a celebration was underway.
A week ago, they were still trapped in the city, living in constant fear.
A week later, they had already forgotten everything.
Yu Lian's extraordinary vision allowed him to see beyond the square.
An inconspicuous small car was parked by the roadside, and a Fat Man was slumped against the car window, staring at the Governor's Office, his eyes vacant and his face full of sorrow, like a simp who had watched his goddess run off with a pretty boy.
He could not turn back, only kneel and send her off.
How sad (happy)!
That should be Governor Yamadera.
Oh, he's the former Governor now, impeached and forced to resign, and now ordered by the Central Government to return to Earth for investigation.
He had been Governor for three years, if I recall correctly.
So, he had served his goddess like a queen for three years, but she still ran off with a pretty boy.
It felt even sadder (happier)!
However, compared to the happiness of most people, Governor Yamadera's sadness was truly insignificant.
And compared to the ineffable “happiness” of most people, a cowboy waiting by his car at the Governor's Office had a much more tangible happiness.
“You are… Mr. Kelvin?”
“Ah, sir, you still remember me?” the cowboy quickly bowed and saluted, smiling somewhat obsequiously, but with genuine gratitude and admiration.
“How could I not remember?
Sergeant Youyou told me you could fight better than two-thirds of the Security Force.”
“He, hehe, he’s too modest,” Cowboy Kelvin chuckled.
He thought for a moment, then asked as if making a decision, “Um, sir, in ten days, yes, on December 15th.
Are you free?”
Seeing Yu Lian look puzzled, Mr. Kelvin replied with a happy smile, “I, I’m getting married on the 15th.
Haha, well, I wanted to invite you to my wedding.
I’ve invited everyone from the 12th Garrison Station, and you’re the only one left.”
“Oh, congratulations then.
However, I’m taking a ship back tomorrow.”
“Is that so…” Mr. Kelvin was a bit disappointed.
“Yes, it’s a pity.
Next time we have a chance to meet, please make sure to make up for my wedding feast.
So, I wish you a long and happy life together, and happiness for your whole family in advance.”
Mr. Kelvin was a little overwhelmed, and just as he was about to say something, he heard a car horn, and saw an open-top hovercar pull up behind him.
The woman in the driver's seat took off her sunglasses and shouted, “Let’s go, Yuli, let’s go eat charcoal-grilled marmot!”
“Let’s go, Senior Sister,” Yu Lian said, nodding goodbye to the cowboy, and climbed into the car.
The vehicle quickly drove out of the square.
Yu Lian rested his head on his hand, thinking about something, and suddenly burst out laughing.
“You seem really happy,” the Senior Sister driving said.
“Yes, very happy!”
After all, I did some good deeds! Yu Lian thought.
The stars in his sea of consciousness shone brighter and brighter, having unconsciously filled half of the first Star Ring.