Chapter 9: The Government is Giving Away Houses!

"If we can cultivate these plants in large quantities, human technology will take a leap forward!" Professor Deng said excitedly, and the entire laboratory erupted in cheers.

Looking at the screen full of data, Zhou Jue felt a surge of pride. The few plants he'd casually collected were enough to excite these experts; if he could bring back even more valuable specimens in the future, wouldn't he be set for life?

"Xiao Jue, your contribution this time is truly immeasurable." Chen Jianguo walked over. "Chief Zhang needs to see you first thing tomorrow morning."

"What is it?" Zhou Jue blinked.

"It's a secret," Chen Jianguo said with a smile. "You'll find out when the time comes."

Zhou Jue nodded; she was now used to keeping things secret.

The next morning, Zhou Jue was woken up by Chen Jianguo.

"Xiao Jue, get up, the commander is waiting for you."

Zhou Jue got up groggily. She had been reading until 3 a.m. last night and had already memorized the entire "Barefoot Doctor's Manual".

Upon arriving at the conference room, Chief Zhang was already waiting for her. On the table were a red certificate and a small black box.

"Xiao Jue, sit down." Chief Zhang gestured for her to sit down. "I've read yesterday's test report. Your contribution is even greater than I expected."

Zhou Jue scratched his head and chuckled, "It's nothing, just good luck."

"Luck?" Commander Zhang laughed. "That's luck that can change the world."

He picked up the certificate, stood up, and Staff Officer Chen followed suit. "You are hereby awarded the [National Special Contribution Award], Comrade Zhou Jue. Thank you for your contributions to the country."

Zhou Jue accepted the certificate, which read: "Made outstanding contributions to the country's scientific and technological progress," along with her name.

"I'm sorry to trouble you for now. We can't publicize it widely, so we can only present you with the award in this small conference room. Don't worry, the country remembers what you've done."

"And this too." Chief Zhang pushed the black box over.

Zhou Jue opened the box; inside was a bank card and a property ownership certificate.

"You have five million in your account, and a house in the compound. It's a small token of the government's appreciation for you," Chief Zhang said. "In addition, considering your safety, we've also provided you with an armored vehicle."

Zhou Jue's eyes widened. "Daddy the government is giving out houses? And bulletproof cars? Oh my god, oh my grandma, my coat, my padded jacket, my brain is turning into a jujube."

Zhou Jue's inner thoughts (jumping up and down) (frantically tearing at his hair) (sneaking up with a strange smile) (twisting) (spiraling upwards and leaping) (landing and smashing into a crater) (coolly flipping his hair) (getting up) (sneaking a pathetic smile) Hehe... Mom and Dad, I've made something of myself.

Zhou Jue tried to shake off the thoughts in his mind and asked in a serious tone, "Grandpa Zhang, are these really for me?"

Chief Zhang nodded. "Yes, your identity is now at the highest level of secrecy, and you enjoy special protection. Cheng Gan has officially become your personal bodyguard, and Jiu Chou has officially become your personal secretary. These are the official details; there are also people protecting you in secret."

Zhou Jue felt like he was dreaming. Yesterday he was an ordinary person, and today he had become a key protected individual.

"Alright, now it's time to prepare the supplies." Commander Zhang stood up. "Jianguo, take her to the warehouse."

"yes!"

Arriving at a massive warehouse, Zhou Jue was stunned. It was crammed with all sorts of things: military-grade canned goods, compressed biscuits, water purification tablets, first-aid kits, bulletproof vests, night vision goggles…

"Are these all for me?" Zhou Jue asked.

“Yes, pack as much as you can.” After saying that, Chen Jianguo picked up the boundary shovel from the side and handed it to Zhou Jue: “This is the military shovel you handed over before. It has been tested in the laboratory. The material, hardness, and sharpness are not something that can be achieved now. It should be more important to you. Now it is returned to its rightful owner.”

"Try it now and see how big your space really is."

Zhou Jue put away the Boundary-Breaking Shovel and began filling the Starry Secret Box with things.

The weapons were piled up: pistols, rifles, sniper rifles, grenades, explosive charges, daggers…

The food was also packed in large quantities: various canned goods, compressed biscuits, military-grade chocolate, vitamin tablets…

Needless to say, water comes in many forms: bottled water, water purification tablets, simple water purifiers…

The clothing is also very complete: bulletproof vests, camouflage uniforms, combat boots, raincoats, sleeping bags, clothing from various dynasties, and clothes for all four seasons...

Medications were also taken into consideration: cold medicine, fever reducer, anti-inflammatory drugs, medical gauze, alcohol...

There are also various other devices: binoculars, night vision goggles, walkie-talkies, GPS devices, compasses, lighters, flashlights…

There are even vehicles: bicycles, electric bikes, cars, off-road vehicles, bulletproof cars, kayaks...

"Wow, this space is huge!" Zhou Jue had been pretending for two whole hours, and the space still felt very empty. "How big is this?"

"It looks at least as big as a football field," Chen Jianguo estimated. "Great, now you don't have to worry about supplies."

By the time the supplies were loaded, it was already noon.

"Xiao Jue, what do you want to do this afternoon?" Chen Jianguo asked.

“I want to continue learning,” Zhou Jue said. “There are still twenty hours before we cross over, and I want to learn as much as possible.”

"Okay, then go find Jiu Chou, and I'll have him prepare more information for you."

In the afternoon, Sun Jiuchou's office was filled with all kinds of books and materials.

“Xiao Jue, I prepared all of this overnight,” Sun Jiuchou pushed up his glasses. “It includes various language learning materials, negotiation skills, crisis management, wilderness survival…”

Zhou Jue picked up a book titled "Quick Start Guide to Multilingualism" and asked, "Is this useful?"

“Of course it’s useful,” Sun Jiuchou said. “In case we encounter intelligent beings, language is the foundation of communication. Even if we don’t know what language they are speaking, we should at least master methods for quickly learning languages.”

"Understood." Zhou Jue began to flip through the book.

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was evening.

"Xiao Jue, what are your plans for tonight?" Chen Jianguo asked.

"Keep studying." Zhou Jue didn't even look up. "I have twelve hours left. I need to finish reading all this material."

"Then you should get some rest and not stay up too late. Tomorrow's time travel is a big deal."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Late at night, Zhou Jue was still reading in his office. He devoured one book after another: "Wilderness Survival Handbook," "Crisis Negotiation Skills," and "A Quick Start Guide to Language Learning."

At three in the morning, Cheng Gan pushed the door open and came in.

"Xiao Jue, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I can't sleep." Zhou Jue put down his book. "I'm going to time travel tomorrow, and I'm a little nervous."

"What's there to be nervous about?" Cheng Gan sat down next to her. "Your marksmanship is better than mine now, your theoretical knowledge is richer than the professor's, and you have so much equipment. What are you afraid of?"

“I’m just… afraid of encountering danger,” Zhou Jue said. “What if that world is very dangerous?”

“Then you should get some sleep.” Cheng Gan stood up. “You need to be well-rested so you can face everything tomorrow.”

Zhou Jue checked the time. "Okay, I'm going to take a break."

Cheng Gan laughed, "Then I'll come over first thing tomorrow morning."

Zhou Jue lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Tomorrow he would time travel again; what would he encounter?