Chapter 94 Extra 1
In the winter of Nebula 2256, Hu Hechu stood on the bridge spanning the river, anxiously and expectantly looking north. Seeing him pacing back and forth like an ant, his team members chuckled, "Team Leader Hu, don't worry, the convoy will be here soon."
Hu Hechu nodded and smiled nervously, "Yes."
This is his sixth year at the Spark Base. He has witnessed its growth from nothing to a small village, developing into one of the top bases in the country. After six years of growth, he has also evolved from a taciturn young man into a capable team leader.
All of this is because of Captain Jiang, who led everyone down a different path at the beginning of the major crisis.
Other bases turned pale when they talked about mutated plants and animals. They built high walls, constructed maze-like basements, and built shelters with steel bars and concrete.
From the very beginning, the Spark Base embraced mutated plants and animals. With the help of the Bloodthirsty Vine, they cultivated vast fields and, through the combined efforts of other mutated plants and animals, found a way to survive. Today, walking through the Spark Base, one can see mutated plants and animals everywhere; they have become an integral part of the Spark Base.
As Spark's territory expanded and its reputation grew, more and more people flocked from all directions to join their base. This year's census shows that Spark's base now has a permanent population of nearly two million.
Other bases followed Xinghuo's model, and Xinghuo has now established friendly relations with more than eighty bases across the country. With the bases connecting with each other, more people have been able to find their surviving relatives and friends.
During this diplomatic relationship with the Northwest Base, Hu Hechu found his family. After learning that Hu Hechu's father and sister were still alive, the Spark Base sent a superhuman to the Northwest to bring them over.
Today was the day Hu Hechu's family was coming to the base, and soon a convoy appeared on the road ahead. The vehicles slowly stopped on the overpass, and after the door of the first car opened, two travel-worn people stepped out shakily.
Upon recognizing the two people's faces, Hu Hechu's eyes instantly reddened. His voice hoarse as he ran towards them, "Dad! Sister!"
Mr. Hu and his daughter were stunned for a moment. After regaining their senses, the old man staggered towards his son, calling out, "Xiao Chu!" His daughter burst into tears, crying, "Brother—brother—!"
The family embraced and wept, a scene that brought tears to the eyes of onlookers. The great crisis had separated this loving family, but thankfully, the survivors were eventually reunited.
After his family had calmed down, Hu Hechu thanked the brothers who had helped him pick them up. He then invited his father and sister into his car, saying, "Dad, sister, I'll take you home!"
Seeing the imposing car behind Hu Hechu, Hu's father exclaimed in astonishment, "This car must be very expensive! I saw it at the previous base; only the highest-level superhumans could drive it."
Hu Hechu helped his father walk forward, saying, "This is just the most ordinary car in our base; ordinary people can buy it." This wasn't just something to comfort his father; Hu Hechu had bought the car last year using his own points.
This is a third-generation civilian vehicle manufactured at the base. Although it is not as good as the reinforced vehicle used for missions, it is sufficient for use within the base.
Mr. Hu nodded repeatedly, "Good, good!" He kept looking his son up and down. His son had grown taller and stronger. Judging from his face and expression, he had received excellent care at the Xinghuo Base.
Just as the family was about to get into the car, a splash suddenly came from under the bridge, and blood-red bloodthirsty vines quickly sprang up the bridge piers and onto the bridge itself. Mr. Hu and his sister turned deathly pale and trembled violently, "Bloodthirsty...bloodthirsty vines!"
The Bloodthirsty Vine was their nightmare. Previously, when the base's ability users went out on missions, they encountered it and none survived. It was rumored that several bases in the Northwest had been breached by the Bloodthirsty Vine, and none of the people inside had escaped.
Mr. Hu had once glimpsed the Bloodthirsty Vine from afar; its dark red tendrils stretched out like a scene from hell. How could their family, so finally reunited, encounter the Bloodthirsty Vine?!
It's over, it's all over! Hu's father hugged Hu Hechu and used his body to shield his son from the Bloodthirsty Vine.
The expected pain did not come. Instead, their son gently comforted them, "Dad, Sister, don't be afraid. This is our little darling from the base. It won't hurt anyone; it's our good friend."
Mr. Hu and his companions had no special abilities and were at the very bottom of the hierarchy in the Northwest Base. They knew nothing about the Spark Base, and when they were sent away by their original base, the father and daughter thought they had done something wrong and were going to be executed.
Sister Hu opened her eyes with a hint of disbelief, only to see a giant fish land with a "plop" beside the car. Dozens of large fish were dragged onto the bridge by the Bloodthirsty Vine, which twisted its vines and gestured a heart shape towards everyone, as if to say, "Welcome, welcome~"
Hu Meimei's face was complicated. "Speak, speak..."
Hu Hechu laughed, "Our little darling won't hurt anyone, and she'll even help people. Don't believe me? Look." He turned to the little darling and introduced her, "Little darling, this is my dad and sister. They'll be living at our base from now on."
The little darling shook the vines, "Welcome, welcome~" Then, the red vines coiled up a large fish and tossed it beside the car, "Eat fish~"
Mr. Hu was relieved. "It really doesn't hurt anyone..." Aren't mutated plants and animals supposed to be violent? How come the Bloodthirsty Vine at the Starfire Base is so docile?
On the way back to the base, Hu Hechu explained, "Because Little Darling is a mutated plant that our team leader Jiang subdued. Look, isn't Little Darling's color different from those Bloodthirsty Vines in the wild?"
The Bloodthirsty Vines in the wild are dull in color, while Little Darling's color becomes increasingly dazzling with each advancement. Now, Captain Jiang is already a Level 5 Ability User, and Little Darling has grown five main vines. If released into the wild, it would become a nightmare for all unruly mutated plants and animals.
Mr. Hu nodded repeatedly, "Your team leader Jiang is really amazing!"
Hu Hechu proudly steered the wheel. "Yes, I'll take you home first, and then I'll take you to see Captain Jiang. If it weren't for Captain Jiang, I might not be here anymore, and my family would never have had the chance to reunite."
Hu Meimei's attention was focused on the view outside the window. Ever since entering the Xinghuo Base area, she had noticed what crops were growing in the fields by the roadside. "Brother, what are they growing in the fields?"
Hu Hechu explained, "Right now, we're mostly planting winter wheat and rapeseed. Don't worry, the plant seeds we grow at our base are all from mutated plants that have been screened and are safe. Our family has also been allocated five mu of land, so you and your dad can farm in your spare time from now on."
Hu Meimei's eyes lit up, "Brother, this base you're in now is really great."
Hu Hechu smiled and said, "Yes, we owe all of this to Captain Jiang and the others."
With the construction of the Spark Base, the original village has developed into a town. In order to better protect the people, the superhumans have dispersed to live separately, and Hu Hechu has settled in Tangqiao Town.
When the Spark Base was first established, Tangqiao Town was a large brigade composed of several villages. Now, Tangqiao Town has a bus station, a shopping mall, and a hospital, with all the necessary supporting facilities.
Hu Hechu's house is located on the east side of Tangqiao Town. It's a two-story villa with a large yard, behind which lies a road and fields. Hu Hechu stopped the car and smiled, "Dad, we're home."
Sister Hu exclaimed, "What a beautiful house!"
Hu Hechu took his father's and sister's belongings out of the trunk. "This will be our home from now on."
Upon entering the house, the father and daughter exclaimed in surprise again. The house not only had running water, electricity, and heating, but it was also very cozy. In the Northwest Base, only those with superpowers could afford to eat well, dress warmly, and live in good housing. Mr. Hu remarked, "Son, it's fortunate you're a superpowered person."
He had heard on his way to the Spark Base that his son was a member of the core team and a high-level superhuman. He hadn't expected the Spark Base to treat superhumans so well.
Hu Hechu was a little confused, "Huh?"
Mr. Hu pointed to the cozy house and said, "If you weren't a superhuman, our family wouldn't be able to meet, let alone live in such a nice house."
Hu Hechu smiled and waved his hand, "Dad, you're wrong about that. Even if I'm not a superhuman, I can still live in a house like this. These houses were designed by the engineers of our base and built by the construction team. Every citizen in the base can apply as long as they have enough points. Our next-door neighbor is just an ordinary person."
Mr. Hu and his sister were incredulous. Hu Hechu smiled and said, "Forget it, you wouldn't believe me even if I told you now. The things are all put away. Shall I take you to see Captain Jiang?"
Just as they were about to leave, Hu Meimei pointed to a beautifully framed painting on the wall and said, "Brother, what is this painting? I've seen it several times along the way." They had seen the same painting at the entrance of every village on their way here.
Hu Hechu said earnestly, "This is not a painting, but the blueprint for our base."
Six years ago, when Team Leader Jiang presented the blueprint, everyone in their team was captivated by its contents. The fan-shaped base featured mountains, rivers, and plains, with towns of all sizes scattered throughout like pearls, and roads connecting each town like threads…
Six years later, Jiang's blueprint is being continuously improved, and the fan is getting bigger and bigger. Hu Hechu pointed to a red dot on the fan, "Look, this is Tangqiao Town, where our home is located."
Mr. Hu and his sister leaned closer to take a closer look. "Oh, yes, there are words written on it."
Hu Hechu laughed, "Would I lie to you? Alright, Captain Jiang will be back soon, hurry up and get ready to come see him with me."
Mr. Hu responded, "Coming, coming."
*
It's Saturday, and Jiang Rong's whole family is busy at the activity center. Jiang Rong and Guan Shao, needless to say, are always incredibly busy, even on holidays. Jiang Hao and Jiang Xiaoheng have a special performance today, and they've been rehearsing their lines since early this morning. As for Jiang Yuan, she's engrossed in her winter break homework.
After Jiang Rong and Guan Shao finalized their tasks for the next period, they looked up at the three children. Six years had passed, and the three children had grown into young teenagers. As they grew older, the changes in their appearances became even more obvious.
Jiang Hao looked somewhat like Guan Shao when he was young, but he doesn't resemble him anymore as he grows up, although his temperament is very similar to Guan Shao's. He's already a level two ability user at such a young age; he's still too young now, and his abilities will become even more powerful as he grows older.
Jiang Xiaoheng has gentle features and looks like Jiang Rong. D32 only suppressed his superpowers, not his physical growth. Xiaoheng is good-looking and has a good temper; he is one of the most popular students at Xinghuo School.
There's an old saying that children resemble their parents, and Jiang Yuan actually bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Heng, though her features were even more striking. However, Yuan Yuan was currently looking distressed, squeezing between her two older brothers with her workbook. "Brothers, I can't write anymore..."
The two older brothers put down their manuscripts and peered into Jiang Yuan's notebook. "Let me see..."
Of the three children, Jiang Hao and Jiang Xiaoheng are both top students, and Jiang Rong never has to worry about their studies. However, Yuanyuan is a typical underachiever. The same problem that her two older brothers can solve after being taught once, requires Yuanyuan to practice many times.
Fortunately, Xiao Hao and Xiao Heng are very patient. They never dislike Yuan Yuan and always patiently teach her again and again.
Jiang Rong glanced at the three children and a slight smile played on his lips before turning his gaze back to the documents.
There was a knock at the door, and Guan Shao said slowly, "Please come in."
Lin Meng, heavily pregnant, pushed open the door and entered, smiling as she reminded them, "Are the two little hosts ready? The show is about to begin!"
Jiang Hao quickly stood up. "Sister Mengmeng, we're coming right away!"
Jiang Xiaoheng stood up and patted Yuanyuan's ponytail. "Yuanyuan, I have to go out for a bit. You can put this question aside for now, and I'll teach you when I get back, or you can go find Dad and the others."
Jiang Yuan nodded: "Okay, good luck, brother!" Not long after the children left the office, cheerful music started playing from the loudspeaker.
Seeing Lin Meng's heavy body, Jiang Rong said with concern, "Little Lin, your due date is coming soon, right? You should rest when you need to; your health is important."
Lin Meng smiled and handed the documents in her hand to Jiang Rong, "Staying at home is boring, so why not go out and get some exercise? He's not on a mission today, so I'll go back with him in a bit."
The "he" Lin Meng mentioned was none other than Pan Pan from the superhuman team. Unexpectedly, Pan Pan and Lin Meng hit it off. The two young people met, got to know each other, fell in love, and soon after registering their marriage, they had a child.
The base allocated a new house to the young couple, and the other ability users could see them being all lovey-dovey every day. Inspired by their happiness, many members of the ability user team also found their true love, and Han Yu was getting married in a few days.
After a moment of silence, Guan Shao spoke, "Xiao Rong, don't let Pan Zi go on the next mission." Jiang Rong smiled and said, "I know, it's already been assigned."
Lin Meng smiled and said, "Then I thank Captain Jiang and Captain Guan!"
There was another knock on the door, and Leilei and Hanyu entered one after the other. Both of them were carrying cats; Leilei was carrying a snow-white long-haired cat, and Hanyu was carrying a round, chubby black and white cat.
Although both were holding cats, their attire was completely different. Leilei had grown from an innocent student into a radiant young woman, and in the cold winter month, she practically wanted to show off her slim waist. Ruan Hanyu, on the other hand, was bundled up like a ball. "What are you talking about? So happy?"
Lin Meng laughed, "Team Leader Jiang and Team Leader Guan gave Pan Pan a day off. By the way, Sister Hanyu, how's that makeup artist?"
Ruan Hanyu nodded in satisfaction, "Super good, your recommendations are always reliable. By the way, when you and Panzi got married, did you buy or rent your wedding dress?"
Han Yu's boyfriend is her senior from university. Before the major crisis, the two had feelings for each other. They thought they would never cross paths again in this life, but unexpectedly, they met again at the Starfire Base. This time, neither of them wanted to be separated.
The two girls were whispering and discussing wedding arrangements when Leilei casually handed the long-haired cat to Jiang Yuan, saying, "Here, your cat." Then she plopped down on the sofa, sighing...
Jiang Rong asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Leilei? Are you in a bad mood? Did you have another argument with Sister Chunlan?"
Leilei was extremely frustrated. "My mom is going through menopause. She nags me more than ten times this morning. My ears are practically calloused. Captain Jiang, Captain Guan, you guys need to give me a task right away. I don't want my mom to catch me. I'm about to throw up."
Jiang Rong and Guan Shao exchanged a glance and smiled slightly. "We don't have any missions going out recently, so let's wait a little longer."
Leilei, utterly dejected, hugged Jiang Yuan, who was doing her homework. "Hey... Little Yuanyuan, I'm tired of hearing this. Why don't you play with me for a while?"
Yuanyuan said seriously, "Okay, but you have to wait until I finish my homework. My brother said that a slow bird has to start early, so I need to work even harder. Sister, play with Mimi for a while first, and I'll play with you after I finish my homework."
Leilei was speechless, "Do you all have to be so fussy?"
Jiang Rong got up and tidied up the documents on the table. "You guys chat first, Guan Shao and I will go to the vehicle factory to take a look."
The vehicle factory at Xinghuo Base went into operation two years ago, and Jiang Jinhu and his team were in charge of it. Jiang Jinhu just sent word that the fourth-generation civilian vehicle rolled off the production line today and invited Jiang Rong and the others to come and see it.
This is great news, Jiang Rong has to go and check it out.
Just as the two finished packing their things, Yuanyuan asked, "Dad, the essay topic is 'My Ideal.' Dad, what should my ideal be?"
Jiang Rong paused, his eldest son asking him a good question, "What does Yuanyuan want to be when she grows up?"
After thinking for a while, Jiang Yuan said seriously, "I want to be like my father, leading everyone to have enough to eat."
Jiang Rong was very satisfied. "That's it. Yuanyuan just needs to write down her thoughts."
Jiang Yuan chuckled twice, "Okay!" After saying that, she wrote a line on her notebook: My ideal is to be like my dad in the future, leading everyone to have enough to eat.
Leilei, who witnessed all of this: ...
As soon as they stepped out of the office, a cold wind hit them. Guan Shao unfolded his coat and draped it over Jiang Rong's shoulders. "It's chilly, be careful not to catch a cold. Put your clothes on properly."
Jiang Rong raised her neck and let Guan Shao button her clothes. "Isn't it said that the higher the level of superpower, the less likely you are to get sick?" They are all level 5 superpower users, how could they catch a cold?
Guan Shao skillfully straightened Jiang Rong's collar, and looking at his partner's increasingly handsome face, his heart itched. Taking advantage of the few people around, he quickly took Jiang Rong's hand and kissed the back of it, "Just in case."
Their car was parked in the activity center's parking lot, and just as they were about to drive off, another car pulled in. Guan Shao looked up and saw, "It's Xiao Hu. He must have picked up his family."
Mr. Hu and his sister saw the legendary Captain Jiang and Captain Guan for the first time. As soon as they met, Mr. Hu quickly stepped forward and shook Jiang Rong and Guan Shao's hands, saying, "Thank you, thank you!"
As he spoke, Mr. Hu slid down and knelt on the ground. The two quickly went to help the old man up. "Uncle Hu, what are you doing? Xiao Hu, please talk to your uncle."
Hu Hechu suddenly knelt down, and his younger sister followed suit. The tall, silent man's eyes reddened, and he kowtowed heavily in the direction of Jiang Rong and Guan Shao: "Captain Jiang, Captain Guan. If it weren't for you, I would have died long ago, and there would be no reunion today. You are the benefactors of our whole family. We can never repay your kindness. Please accept this token of our gratitude!"
Without Jiang Rong and Guan Shao, there would be no Xinghuo Base today, nor would there be the miracle and reunion in the wasteland.
Author's Note:
It's here! The extra chapter is here!
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