Feng Xinran smiled bitterly upon hearing this: "Dad, the entire Blue Star is now under the jurisdiction of our Tianyu Base. To put it bluntly, if our base really wanted to annex your garrison, it would be as easy as lifting a finger. But Chen Yu has never had such a thought. What he is considering is how to ensure that everyone can survive and thrive in this disaster."

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhengyang's expression tightened slightly. He knew the current strength of Tianyu Base and that Feng Xinran's words were not an exaggeration.

"Dad, times have changed. You can't cling to those old ideas anymore. Today, Blue Star no longer has the concept of nationhood. Under the leadership of Tianyu Base, Blue Star is moving towards a new and more united future. What you're holding onto is meaningless. Even if we take a step back, Chen Yu is still the 'Commander-in-Chief of the Great Xia Cold Relief and Disaster Relief' appointed by the nation. Shouldn't you unconditionally support everything he does?"

Feng Xinran's words carried a hint of pleading and expectation. She knew that her father was a stubborn man, but at this moment she hoped that he could put aside those outdated ideas for the sake of the big picture, for the future of the garrison area and even the entire Blue Star.

Feng Zhengyang remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting back and forth between Feng Xinran and Chen Yu, as if searching for an acceptable answer.

Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice tinged with helplessness: "Xinran, I understand what you're saying, but the garrison area belongs to the country, and I can't let it become someone else's vassal. That would be tantamount to treason."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yu couldn't help but ask, "Old Feng, let me ask you, what is your mission as soldiers?"

Feng Zhengyang said without hesitation: "As soldiers, our mission is naturally to defend the country and protect the people. No matter what difficulties and challenges we face, we must stick to our posts and fulfill our duties."

"Very good." Chen Yu nodded, a hint of approval in his tone. "Then let me ask you again, what is the essence of defending the country?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhengyang frowned and fell into deep thought.

Chen Yu continued, “The essence of defending a country is to protect the people on this land and ensure their safety, happiness, and freedom. But in the face of frequent natural and man-made disasters, this protection has transcended national borders and become a shared responsibility of all humanity. We cannot be confined to past mindsets; instead, we should view the current situation from a higher perspective.”

Feng Zhengyang's expression shifted slightly. Chen Yu's words struck like a heavy hammer against the walls of his heart. He knew Chen Yu was telling the truth, but he still found it difficult to choose between emotion and responsibility.

“Old Feng,” Chen Yu’s voice was gentle yet firm, “you and I were both once guardians of the nation, but now, our battlefield has changed. Tianyu Base is not just a place of survival, but also a place of hope. It gathers forces from all directions to fight against this unprecedented disaster. And you, as the commander of the garrison, your soldiers are also fighting for the future of humanity. The only difference between us is the form of the battlefield.”

“Yes, Dad, what you’re holding onto now is meaningless. It’s just making the soldiers suffer along with you. Today it’s Uncle Yu’s child struggling to get into school, tomorrow it might be other families in the garrison facing the same problem. Later on, the garrison might even have trouble feeding themselves, let alone anything else. For that vague loyalty and perseverance, are we really going to let everyone in the garrison perish? Right now, all the forces on Blue Star are actively joining Tianyu Base in order to survive this catastrophe. The cooperation our base is proposing is not to annex you, but to hope that we can work together to resist this natural disaster and create a better future for everyone.” Feng Xinran pressed on, reiterating the stakes to Feng Zhengyang.

Feng Zhengyang's expression grew increasingly solemn. He lowered his head in deep thought, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. The atmosphere in the entire room became unusually oppressive, as if the air itself had frozen.

After a long while, Feng Zhengyang finally raised his head, sighed, and said, "I understand what you're saying. But I can't give you an answer right now. Please allow me to go back and discuss it with Lao Yu and the others."

Upon hearing this, a fleeting hint of disappointment flashed in Feng Xinran's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by understanding and respect. She nodded gently and said softly, "Dad, this is the right thing to do. After all, this is a major matter concerning the future of the garrison and requires careful consideration. We respect your decision and understand your difficulties."

Chen Yu also expressed his position at the appropriate time: "Uncle Feng, whatever decision you ultimately make, I hope we can maintain open and honest communication. The doors of Tianyu Base are always open to those who are willing to cooperate and face difficulties together. We look forward to fighting side by side with you and the soldiers of the garrison to protect this land and its people."

Feng Zhengyang nodded, then looked at Chen Yu and Feng Xinran with a complicated expression again before turning and slowly walking towards the door.

"Chen Yu, do you think my dad and the others will agree to join our Tianyu Base?" After Feng Zhengyang left, Feng Xinran couldn't help but ask Chen Yu the question that had been on her mind.

Chen Yu gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her: "Xinran, I understand your concerns. But as I said before, whatever decision Uncle Feng ultimately makes, we should respect his choice."

Feng Xinran nodded and remained silent, but a hint of worry flickered in her eyes.