Qin Zhao and Chi Xia split up, and Chi Xia's round trip took only an hour.

After she returned, she went back to work as usual, without any unusual behavior.

Han Junche was in the same boat, only he was busier than before. He had to finish his work before leaving and arrange the next steps to ensure that the empire could continue to develop in an orderly manner after he was gone.

In the evening, Qin Zhao sent Chi Xia a text message containing only two letters: OK.

Chi Xia and Han Junche both kept their actions a secret from each other, their expressions remaining normal.

The only difference is in their sex life; one is more energetic, and the other is more cooperative. Afterwards, they fall asleep in each other's arms.

The next day, Yang Hong reported to Han Junche that he had made contact with the aliens, who had agreed to Han Junche's plan and extended the time from one week to one month.

After reaching an agreement with the aliens, the departure arrangements proceeded smoothly.

At 3 p.m., Zheng Guodong led the rescue team and the vanguard team back. Han Junche, Mr. Mei, Qin Zhao, Yang Hong, Chi Xia and the heads of various departments stood at the airport to welcome the heroes home.

Therefore, Chen Yu led relevant personnel from the publicity department and the television station to the airport to report on the event.

That evening, the news of the heroes' triumphant return and the burial of Mr. Ning and twenty-seven other heroes in Country M was broadcast on television as a rolling news report.

The following day, at 9:30 a.m., the time of Mr. Ning's sacrifice, the entire empire held a three-minute silence ceremony.

Immediately, the entire empire was filled with indignation, and petitions demanding that the aliens pay for their blood debts erupted in various places.

These petitions flooded the secretariat with calls and letters, keeping Secretary-General Qi Heng extremely busy and overwhelmed.

Han Junche went to the naval department in charge to inspect the departing ships and preparations. Mr. Mei told him, "Everything is ready. The meteorological department has also checked the situation via satellite. This voyage will take about fifteen days. Next Thursday, the 18th, is the departure date. We have ten days to prepare."

Han Junche nodded: "Has the departure team been decided?"

“It’s settled,” Mr. Mei said. “Qin Zhao requested to come along this time, and I have agreed.”

Seeing that Han Junche was about to object, Mr. Mei explained, "Old Ning's death was a huge blow to Qin Zhao. He had been insisting on going before, but we didn't agree. This time there's no danger. If we still don't agree to him sending you, I'm afraid he won't be able to get over this."

Han Junche sighed: "Alright, but we have to keep an eye on him to prevent him from doing anything impulsive."

Mr. Mei nodded: "Don't worry."

Back home that day, Han Junche casually said to Chi Xia, "Because of Mr. Ning and the rescue team, we've been on edge for the past few months. Although it's been a turbulent time, things have finally settled down. Let's get together with Jerry and Li Han these next few days to change our mood."

Chi Xia understood that he thought she was leaving and wanted to see everyone one last time before he left.

She pretended not to understand his feelings and nodded, saying, "You're right. The deceased are gone, and the living still have to live well. Besides, we'll face all sorts of crises in the future. Getting together can help change our mood."

She called Jerry, Chun-Li, and the others in turn, and everyone who received the call, except for Qin Zhao, expressed surprise.

They thought Han Junche and Chi Xia must be incredibly busy these past few days, and they hadn't even dared to call, afraid of disturbing them. But to their surprise, Han Junche and Chi Xia took the initiative to ask to get together.