Chapter 62
Dr. Keith's "rest" order did have some effect. At least it made Miao Weizhen develop the habit of being semi-forced by Wen Ling to return to the rest cabin after handling official business in the command center until late at night.
That night, Wen Ling finished discussing the progress of consciousness restoration with Anthony and returned to the rest cabin. It was already late at night. A single dim wall lamp lit the cabin. Miao Weizhen leaned against the headboard, a datapad spread across his lap, his brow furrowed slightly, clearly still lost in thought. The warm glow softened his hard, cold features, but it couldn't conceal the weariness between his brows.
Wen Ling didn't say anything. She poured a glass of warm water first, then took out the nutritious soup with half the sugar content specially prepared by Ayuan from a constant temperature cabinet, and placed them on the bedside table.
"Drink this first." He reached out and gently took the data tablet from Miao Weizhen's hand.
Miao Weizhen looked up at him, didn't object, and obediently took the cup, slowly drinking the warm water. His eyes fell on Wen Ling's face, taking in the pale blue under his eyes, and suddenly said, "Han Zhong submitted a new training outline, requesting an increase in the frequency of live-fire exercises."
Wen Ling sat down beside him and naturally reached out to massage his solar plexus: "Do you think it's too radical?"
"It's not radical, but the energy and ammunition consumption will exceed our current reserves by 15%." Miao Weizhen closed his eyes, feeling the perfect pressure from his fingertips, a subtle hint of relief in his voice. "Lao Lin came to me this afternoon and said the core component of the No. 3 energy converter is nearing the end of its lifespan, and there's only one spare left."
"I know about this," Wen Ling's fingertips kept moving. "Susie and Ye Lan are studying whether they can use some energy guidance principle analyzed from the 'Star Shuttle' data to try to repair the old parts or find alternative materials. Dr. Anthony thinks the success rate is not high, but it's worth a try."
In the quiet of the night, they exchanged whispers about the affairs of the base. There were no heated emotions, only calm statements and discussions, as if they had long been accustomed to this model of mutual support and shared burdens.
"Also," Wen Ling recalled something, a hint of a helpless smile in his voice, "Ayuan came to me today and said that a few old miners who followed me from Rust Port secretly built a small furnace in a corner of the ecological recycling area using discarded parts. They wanted to try to refine some rare metals to supplement their expenses. But they triggered a fire alarm and were caught red-handed by Luo Yan's men."
Miao Weizhen snorted: "Handle it according to the rules."
"Luo Yan has already dealt with them, and punished them to clean the dirtiest energy pipelines." Wen Ling smiled, "But A Yuan pleaded for them, saying that their original intention was good, but their method was wrong. I think those old miners are really good at their craft. Maybe we can let them help Lao Lin. It's better than wasting their talents."
"You decide." Miao Weizhen said lightly, which was considered as tacit consent.
The conversation gradually shifted from official business to more personal matters. Wen Ling recounted how she had seen Han Zhong patiently teaching the new recruits bayonet techniques during the day, how Susie and Ye Lan had argued fiercely over a technical detail, only to be silenced by Lao Lin's words, and how Dr. Anthony had sighed and persevered over Xing Lan's consciousness data.
His voice was gentle, carrying a little warmth from describing daily life, dispelling the original coldness and silence in the cabin.
Miao Weizhen mostly just listened, occasionally responding. It wasn't until Wen Ling mentioned that the new algae cultivated by Old Chen seemed to be very effective in purifying metal particles from the air that he suddenly spoke up, "You've been staying up too late lately."
Wen Ling paused in her kneading motion, then burst out laughing: "Why are you circling back to me again? Compared to me, who just stayed up all night, someone who just came out of the medical cabin and stayed in the command center seems to have no right to criticize me."
Miao Weizhen opened his eyes, his dark pupils fixed on him in the dim light: "The nature is different."
"What's the difference?"
"Your safety is related to the stability of the base." Miao Weizhen's tone was filled with his unique, unquestionable logic. "I know my own body well."
Wen Ling felt both angry and distressed when he saw him like this. He stopped massaging and cupped Miao Weizhen's face with both hands, forcing him to look at him. His green eyes were unusually serious under the light. "Miao Weizhen, listen to me. Your body isn't just yours anymore. It's related to..." He paused, his voice lowered but clearer, "...my stability."
The air seemed to be stagnant. The light from the wall lamp flowed between the two people, outlining each other's clear outlines.
Miao Weizhen stared at him intently, at those clear eyes that reflected the light and his own shadow. After a long moment, he raised his hand and placed it on the back of Wen Ling's hand. His palm was slightly cool, but his strength was strong.
"Got it." He responded in a low voice, like a promise.
That night, Miao Weizhen, unusually absent from his datapad, lay down to rest as instructed. Wen Ling turned off the lights and lay down beside him. Before falling into a deep sleep, he felt Miao Weizhen's arm reach out and pull him closer, a gesture full of possessiveness yet tenderness.
In the darkness, the corners of Wen Ling's lips rose silently.
Beyond the base, the starry sea is vast, teeming with danger. But now, in this small resting cabin, between their intertwined breaths, they find a precious moment of peace and warmth in this turbulent world. Tomorrow will still bring challenges, but at least tonight, the starlight remains gentle.
Wen Ling woke up to a rhythmic vibration.
It wasn't an alarm, but a slight tremor from the chest of the person beside me.
Miao Weizhen unconsciously suppressed a cough in his sleep. He immediately woke up and looked at Miao Weizhen in the faint morning light simulated by the artificial moonlight system that came through the porthole.
The latter's brow was furrowed, his breathing was heavier than usual, and a fine layer of cold sweat oozed from his forehead. Wen Ling's heart tightened, and he reached out to touch his forehead. It was warm to the touch, not scalding hot, but clearly the aftereffects of his recent overexertion, coupled with the days of physical exertion, and his immune system was finally sending out a warning.
He quietly rose, adjusting the temperature and humidity inside the cabin before retrieving a mild, soothing inhaler from the medicine box Dr. Case had left behind. When he returned to the bedside, Miao Weizhen was already awake. Her deep, dark eyes stared at him lucidly in the dim light, a touch hazy from just waking, but more of a clear understanding.
"Did I disturb you?" Miao Weizhen's voice was a little hoarse.
Wen Ling didn't answer, but handed over the inhaler: "How do you feel?"
Miao Weizhen took it and used it skillfully. After a while, his breathing seemed to become smoother.
"It's okay." He wanted to sit up as usual, but Wen Ling gently held his shoulders.
"Dr. Case said that when symptoms are mild, rest is the best medicine." Wen Ling's tone was gentle but unyielding. "I'll go to the command center this morning."
Miao Weizhen looked at him. The young man was wearing simple pajamas, his hair a little messy, but his eyes were firm, with the composure of a grown man who was capable of standing on his own. He remembered Wen Ling's words just now, "Your health is related to my stability," and something hard in his heart seemed to melt quietly.
"Yeah." He finally responded and lay back down, which was almost a sign of obedience.
Wen Ling was a little surprised, but then a gentle smile spread across his eyes. He tucked in Miao Weizhen's quilt and said, "You sleep a little longer. I'll be back soon." He paused and added, "I'll keep in touch with you at all times. I'll wait for your confirmation on any important decisions."
Miao Weizhen closed his eyes as a sign of agreement.
Wen Ling quickly washed up and changed into his regular clothes. Before leaving, he set the rest cabin to do not disturb mode, leaving only the emergency channel for communication with himself.
Luo Yan and Han Zhong were already in the command center. Seeing that only Wen Ling was there, Luo Yan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Han Zhong asked directly, "Your Highness, what about the minister?"
"Minister, please take a short break. I'll handle this in the morning." Wen Ling walked to the main seat, his tone calm and natural. "Luo Yan, what's the situation with the outer security?"
Luo Yan immediately reported: "Everything is normal. There is no sign of the federal reconnaissance ship returning. In addition, the miners who triggered the fire last night have been punished according to the rules."
"Thank you for your hard work." Wen Ling nodded and looked at Han Zhong. "Captain Han, I've reviewed the new training outline. Regarding live-fire exercises, the frequency can maintain the plan you proposed, but the single-shot consumption needs to be reduced by 20%. You can discuss the specific optimizations with Lao Lin and Susie to ensure that we don't exceed the energy and ammunition reserve limits."
His instructions were clear and precise, affirming Han Zhong's proposal while also providing practical constraints and considering everything carefully. Han Zhong responded solemnly, "Yes, Your Highness, I understand."
Wen Ling then connected to the Engineering Department. Lao Lin was on the other end of the line, the clatter of various tools whirring in the background. "Your Highness, Susie and Ye Lan have been working on Converter No. 3 all night and are making some progress. But we need Dr. Anthony to provide a more accurate model of the Star Shuttle's energy field fluctuations..."
"I'll coordinate with Dr. Anthony." Wen Ling responded while taking notes. "Thank you for your hard work, Lao Lin. Also tell Susie and Ye Lan to get enough rest."
"Hey, those two girls are full of energy!" Lao Lin's voice was filled with laughter.
After dealing with several urgent matters, Wen Ling took the time to send a message to Ayuan, asking her to prepare some light and easily digestible breakfast and send it to the rest cabin.
When he paused for a moment and picked up the slightly cold coffee, he found an unread message on the private communication channel from Miao Weizhen, sent ten minutes ago.
Just one word:
【Um. 】
Attached below is a picture of the breakfast that Ayuan sent, most of which has been eaten.
Wen Ling looked at the solitary "hmm" and the picture, and couldn't help but smile. This was probably the longest sentence Minister Miao had ever said to express, "I'm fine, resting, and eating. Don't worry."
He replied:
[Received, all is well.]
Putting down the communicator, Wen Ling gazed at the vast star map on the main screen. The base was like a tiny speck of dust, floating in the boundless universe, yet within it lay the lives, ideals, and futures of countless people. He had once believed that protection required pure light and strength, but now he understood more deeply that protection meant more than just responsibility, compromise, and the careful maintenance of a precious balance and warmth amidst the harsh reality.
Just like now, he was sitting here, not only because of his ability, but also because the person who briefly put down his burden in the rest cabin gave him unreserved trust.
This feeling of supporting and backing each other was more solid and warmer than he had imagined.
The morning passed uneventfully. Around noon, Wen Ling returned to the rest cabin. Miao Weizhen was already up, dressed in loose, dark casual clothes. He was sitting at his desk, checking the data pad, looking much better than he had been that morning. He looked up when he heard the door open.
"I'm back."
"Yeah." Wen Ling walked over and naturally reached out to touch his forehead. After confirming that the temperature was normal, she was completely relieved. "Feeling better?"
"No problem." Miao Weizhen put down the data tablet and looked at Wen Ling. "How was your morning?"
"Everything went well." Wen Ling sat down opposite him and briefly reported the situation, including the details of his communication with Han Zhong, Lao Lin and others.
Miao Weizhen listened quietly, and finally, he commented calmly: "Well handled."
To get a "not bad" from him was already a high compliment. Wen Ling smiled but said nothing.
The lunch A-Yuan brought was still light, but thoughtfully presented. The two of them ate quietly, occasionally exchanging a few words, and the atmosphere was peaceful, like a calm after a storm.
After the meal, Miao Weizhen looked at the pale blue color that had reappeared under Wen Ling's eyes and said, "Go and rest."
Wen Ling didn't refute this time. He was indeed a little tired. He walked to the bed and sat down, looking at Miao Weizhen: "What about you?"
"I'm here." Miao Weizhen pointed to the seat in front of the table, meaning that he would not go to the command center again, but would stay in the rest cabin to deal with some less mentally demanding matters.
Wen Ling lay down, looking sideways at Miao Weizhen, who was sitting not far away. The sunlight filtered through the porthole, casting a faint shadow on his well-defined profile. His expression remained focused, but it lacked some of his usual sharpness, and instead had a touch of homely tranquility.
Perhaps it was the tranquility that infected him, or perhaps it was the fatigue from the past few days that came over him, but Wen Ling soon fell into a deep sleep.
He slept deeply. When he awoke, he found a thin blanket covering him. Miao Weizhen was still sitting at the table, and the data on the datapad seemed to have been changed. Noticing his movement, Miao Weizhen turned his head.
"woke up?"
"Yeah." Wen Ling sat up, feeling much more refreshed. "How long have I slept?"
"Two hours and thirty-seven minutes." Miao Weizhen reported the time accurately.
Wen Ling laughed, but his heart felt warm. He got out of bed, walked over to Miao Weizhen, and gently placed his hands on his shoulders. "It seems that we all need to do a better job of enforcing the 'rest' directive, Minister."
Miao Weizhen raised his hand, covered one of his hands, and applied a little force.
No further words were needed. On the eve of the impending storm, this moment of mutual cuddling and rest was the best way for them to replenish each other's energy. Outside the window, the artificial sky was gradually turning into dusk, while inside the cabin, peace remained.
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