It has been a while since I last saw the Zhou brothers. Bai Li felt somewhat guilty towards this partner. Before he could speak, Zhou Yue raised his hand to stop him: "I just came to see how you are doing. It is my brother who wants to see you."
Zhou Linshan walked up from behind him and greeted Bai Li and Lu Zhao.
"It's been a long time since we last met, Major General Lu!" After shaking hands with Lu Zhao, Zhou Linshan smiled and said, "I have never had the chance to thank you. Now I finally meet you."
Lu Zhao's emotions had calmed down. After replying "Nothing", he was a little surprised at Zhou Linshan's changes.
After the differentiation period, Zhou Linshan did show some of the unique features of an omega. His facial lines became rounder, and his height was estimated to be fixed at the current height.
But his body does not seem to be weak due to gender differentiation. The muscles of his arms are firm and lines are obvious, and under the thin clothing, you can feel that the entire body still contains explosive power.
"I haven't missed training," Zhou Linshan said shyly, aware of Lu Zhao's gaze. "After becoming O, my strength and endurance are indeed not as good as before, but I personally feel that this just requires me to work harder."
Lu Zhao nodded in agreement.
If I had to talk about changes, it would probably be that the temperament has become more.
Compared with the person in Lu Zhao's memory, the Zhou Linshan in front of him was calmer and more calm.
He has probably fully accepted his differentiated gender, faced the reality calmly, and thus strengthened his goal.
After all, not everyone will have an experience like his, and be hit hard at the moment when they are about to embark on a bright future. This is a big blow, so the person who can survive it is also unusual.
"I'm really sorry to disturb Mr. Bai Li while he is in the hospital. I originally told Teacher Si about this idea first," Zhou Linshan scratched his head and said embarrassedly, "but he said that it depends on your opinion."
"What's the matter?" Bai Li asked.
"When I was using the simulation warehouse in the research institute, I learned that there were no substitutes for the competition. Teacher Si has been contacting people everywhere these two days," Zhou Linshan paused, "What do you think of me?"
Bai Li was stunned and subconsciously glanced at Zhou Yue.
If it was Zhou Linshan who had not differentiated, Bai Li might consider using him. There is really no one available in the research institute. This kid can squeeze out many alphas and advance to the First Legion. He has the strength. Although he lacks experience, he is much stronger than students like Si Dong. He is a professionally trained talent in the military.
It's just that he has now differentiated into O.
It's not that Bai Li thinks O can't play, but once he loses the game, the situation may be very ugly.
This is a game that Bai Li has tried his best to play to the last hand. In fact, it is possible to win or lose. No matter who plays, it’s okay if they win, but most of them will have psychological pressure if they lose - after all, they will always feel that they have failed the trust.
Compared with other people, in addition to the pressure before the game, if he loses, Zhou Linshan’s gender will make him face a more extreme situation.
——"Because you are an omega, it's not surprising that you lost."
Bai Li could almost imagine the attitude of those who used the tone of "this is normal" as a comfort, with contempt in the comfort and ridicule in the regret.
Not to mention that Zhou Linshan is going to enter the military, and the gossip will make him feel suffocated.
Zhou Yue felt Bai Li's gaze and just nodded.
Bai Li was a little surprised. It seemed that Zhou Yue acquiesced to his brother's choice.
"I know my experience is not good enough, and I have checked the situation of my opponent in the final," Zhou Linshan saw that Bai Li did not speak, so he had to speak again, "But I have driven heavy armor, and I am also familiar with white01. Apart from you, I should be the only one who is familiar with both sides, and I personally think that I have a place worth choosing."
"I am an omega," Zhou Linshan said, "If I can win, it will better reflect the significance of the white01 model."
Lu Zhao glanced at Bai Li.
This idea is also one of the reasons why Bai Li has always insisted on playing the game by himself. As a driver with a serious leg injury, if he can win, the characteristics of white01 will be more prominent.
Bai Li asked: "What did Situ say?"
"Teacher Si said that he is a researcher, and the specific situation is still up to you to decide."
Teacher Si actually kicked the thorny question over! Bai Li rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"I have always had excellent grades in school, and my grades when I entered the First Corps were also among the top. Before entering the First Corps, I also received recruit training in the affiliated corps and participated in some small-scale actual combat," Zhou Linshan said, "I may not be the best candidate, but I think I am worthy of your consideration."
To be honest, Bai Li did not want to use such a young substitute.
In addition to considerations of practical experience, the unstable mentality of young people is also a problem.
At this point in the recruitment competition, the degree of attention has exceeded Bai Li's expectations. This is not only the attention of the mecha circle, but also because of the scandal of Lin Sheng and others, it has become the focus. After the Tang family's dirty behavior was exposed, the competition between Tang Kaiyuan and Bai Li became a hot topic.
Bai Li's image was just restored when he was seriously injured and hospitalized. This is not only a regret for Bai Li, but also a pain point in the hearts of many supporters who follow the game.
The pressure on the person who replaces Bai Li is greater than Bai Li himself.
"Have you ever thought about the situation you might face if you lose..." Bai Li hesitated for a moment.
This was said very tactfully. Lu Zhao and Zhou Yue understood it and both looked at Zhou Linshan.
The young man was stunned: "Oh, you are talking about the situation where you will be sprayed to death, right?"
The straightforward answer made Bai Li smile: "Not only that, but also..."
"And the fact that I am an O. If I lose, I will be ridiculed for this for a long time." Zhou Linshan understood and scratched his neck, "I've thought about it, it's really a bit scary."
"So this is not a very simple thing," Bai Li said, "the pressure before the game is also very great."
"I do feel scared. I feel nervous before the game," Zhou Linshan was quite frank, and then he said, "But from another perspective, I will be the only omega driver in this or even the last few mecha competitions."
Bai Li and others were stunned.
"Then I am just like white01 who entered the heavy armor jungle, and entered an area that no one has ever set foot on?" Zhou Linshan waved his fist. "Just thinking about this, I don't have time to consider pressure and tension!"
Youth is a symbol of changeability, fragility and urgent need for growth.
It also means being passionate and fearless.
Bai Li suddenly realized that it seemed that this was indeed the way it could be understood.
Thinking about it carefully, he had actually come so far. He had sneaked into a battlefield where only healthy and strong people could participate, and killed a lot of people.
People had long realized that he was still the Major General Bai.
Of course there were regrets that he could not sit in the simulated warehouse of the finals in person, but looking back at the road he had walked, every step left clear footprints, telling him that it was worth it.
He opened up a road to the battlefield that once left no room for people like him, and now someone has to continue on this road. No matter how he walks, the road will never close easily again.
The rest of the people in the room were stunned for a moment. Zhou Linshan realized that his words were a bit childish and said awkwardly: "No! I'm just that..."
Bai Li laughed: "A hot-blooded young man!"
"He just gets carried away easily." Zhou Yue was helpless, "Excuse me."
Lu Zhao patted Zhou Linshan on the shoulder to encourage him. The latter wanted to cover his face and find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
"Also, I don't think I need to worry about the problems that will arise after I lose," Zhou Linshan said, rubbing his nose. "After all, I am a noble. Although it sounds a bit harsh to say this, with this identity, I will have fewer worries..." After a pause, he added, "Of course, I understand that winning or losing should mean more to you."
Bai Li smiled and did not answer his question. He only said, "I'll discuss it with the research institute."
The finals were approaching, and Bai Li did not have much time to think about it. The Zhou brothers nodded in agreement and chatted about a few other things before being sent out by Lu Zhao.
"No matter what the result is, you don't have to feel that you didn't give Zhou a proper explanation," Zhou Yue said before he left. His expression was still as listless as ever, but his voice was very steady. "Anyway, I didn't become a partner of Bai's for the sake of profit."
Bai Li was about to be moved when Zhou Yue continued.
"Of course it would be better if it could be profitable."
Bai Li: "..." Merchant, this is a real merchant.
Lu Zhao closed the door of the ward and heard Bai Li's laughter and scolding from inside.
Because they were going downstairs to find Lao Zheng, Lu Zhao went downstairs with the Zhou brothers.
In the conversation just now, Lu Zhao keenly discovered that Bai Li actually did not consider him as a substitute from the beginning, that is to say, when he proposed to stay on the main star, Bai Li did not refute on the spot, but he did not stop Situ from looking for other substitutes.
Bai Li allowed him to be confused and gave him enough time to escape and be willful, but did not allow him to continue to be depressed.
People can be defeated by setbacks and dominated by emotions, but they cannot always be unable to stand up.
"I've been working hard towards the Third Corps recently," Zhou Linshan said, "I heard from the people in the Corps that the First Corps and the Second Corps are sending people to those places on the marginal satellite stars recently. I thought Major General Lu would go too!"
"I am going, but I have to wait for the second batch." Lu Zhao answered as he walked down the stairs.
Zhou Yue said, "Did you get delayed because Bai Li was hospitalized?"
"No, it was me," Lu Zhao paused, trying to find a suitable description, "I was high."
Zhou Linshan didn't quite understand, but Zhou Yue understood, and smiled and said "Oh," "It's getting colder now."
"Well," Lu Zhao sent the two out of the hospital building and said lightly, "After all, the time for being willful is over."
The car stopped nearby, Zhou Yue went to drive, and Zhou Linshan stood at the door waiting for his brother.
"It's good to see you before you leave," Zhou Linshan was still a little nervous facing Lu Zhao, but still smiled, "Just go on your mission with peace of mind, I believe that when you come back, Mr. Bai Li will have recovered."
Lu Zhao said "well."
"Actually, many students in the military academy also want to be substitutes. Many people outside are paying attention to this game now, but they all have to be reviewed," Zhou Linshan said, "I have connections, so I found Boss Bai directly."
"You really want to play in the game," Lu Zhao looked at him, "the pressure is huge."
"Well, I can't say that I really want to play in the game, I just want to do something." Zhou Linshan put one hand on his waist and touched his chin with the other hand in thought, "After all, I really want to take the path opened by Mr. Bai Li. He must be very tired walking in front, and we who follow behind can't just take advantage and not do any work."
Lu Zhao found it a little funny to hear "just take advantage and not do any work", and he was also happy for Bai Li.
"I respect people like Mr. Bai Li, and I also respect Major General Lu." Zhou Linshan said in a low voice with embarrassment, "You are all people at the forefront, and you should do something for such people."
Zhou Yue drove the car over, and Zhou Linshan said goodbye to Lu Zhao and got in the car and left.
The afternoon sun was very strong, and Lu Zhao folded his arms and looked at the clear sky for a while. There were no dark clouds, the sky seemed very high and broad, and there was no more moisture and mold in the air. The rainy season was really over.
He remembered what Bai Li said.
The world will not get better, but people will.
People at the forefront are for the people behind to be more stable. When people behind see the people in front, they know that they have to become better.
"I'm so insignificant," he thought, "I'm almost not even an ant."
After taking the nutritional solution for today and going upstairs, Bai Li had already driven the wheelchair out of the ward and was walking in the corridor facing the window to get some fresh air.
He brought him back and quickly patted the wheelchair: "Hurry up, go downstairs and take a look. Do you believe that this thing can go downstairs? Try it quickly."
His face was full of excitement, and he had completely lost the temperament of Boss Bai just now. Lu Zhao wanted to laugh, but he still didn't refuse Bai Li's invitation to go downstairs.
"I'll contact Jiang Hao," Lu Zhao walked down the stairs in small steps. He had to wait for Bai Li to get to the next floor. The wheelchair didn't go down the stairs very fast, but it was steady. Bai Li's excitement turned into impatience. "He said the second batch will leave in three days. He didn't say the exact time, but I can watch the game."
"Okay," Bai Li didn't refuse this time. "Whether we win or lose, at least I feel at ease."
Lu Zhao said after a while, "I want to give the command to Han Miao this time."
Bai Li was a little surprised. He was surprised that Lu Zhao told him this, and he was also surprised at Lu Zhao's choice: "Why?"
"People with unstable emotions are not suitable for conducting," Lu Zhao said lightly, "Let him do it."
Bai Li said "Oh" and went down two steps before he figured out what was going on.
Major General Lu, who was really not good at speaking softly, implicitly admitted that he was not in a clear mind and indeed failed in his duty, and promised Bai Li in his own way that he would not do it again.
Major General Lu felt that he had disappointed Master Bai.
"Very good!" Master Bai expressed his opinion and waved his hand. Lu Zhao leaned down, and before he could react, Bai Li rubbed his head hard, "Very good, very good, little Lu Zhao has grown up."
Lu Zhao's hair was rubbed so much that he couldn't help laughing.
When the wheelchair quickly climbed down a flight of stairs and stopped on a platform, Lu Zhao said, "Thank you."
Bai Li looked up at him.
"Pull me back to the right path," Lu Zhao said, "but let me act coquettishly."
After so many years in his life, he finally acted coquettishly.
He was so willful that he even forgot his duties and missions, and rolled around without caring about anything.
"After all, I have to be responsible," Bai Li said, "I pulled the Imperial Eagle to the ground, and I have to let it fly myself, right?"
There are not many options left for Bai's Research Institute.
Bai Li and others' old friends and comrades are basically in the first-line army, and the few who are in the affiliated army have not driven a mecha for many years, and have no experience with white01.
After a brief and tense discussion, Situ gathered together several substitutes who were brought together from all over the place, and simulated a small test using the data of some battles that Bai Li had experienced in the competition.
After various inspections, Zhou Linshan successfully obtained the qualification of substitute on the grounds that he still had a lot of energy left after winning and the degree of damage was relatively low.
After the personnel were arranged, Bai Li did not participate in the chaotic reporting of the list and other follow-up work. He was asked by everyone to sleep in the ward, and took the opportunity to learn about the news from the outside world.
In just two or three days, the empire was in turmoil.
First, the police department finally announced the results of the investigation. Lin Sheng's cover-up of the failed rescue mission due to command error was exposed. The royal family had to come forward to explain. The second heir held a press conference and promised to compensate the civilians and soldiers who died in the mission, and decided to remove Lin Sheng from the royal family.
Without the protection of the royal family, Lin Sheng was dug up more scandals overnight. It was also revealed that he and the first heir had entered the Fuli Club many times and had improper relationships with several 18th-tier celebrities or models.
The citizens of the empire suddenly remembered that there were scandals about celebrities and models entering and leaving the club some time ago. The timeline was consistent with the time in the revelations, and they were almost angry to the point of laughing.
On the day the news broke, the first heir was called into the study by the old emperor and did not show up for several days. All diplomatic affairs were taken over by the second heir.
This revelation has evidence, and the evidence involves another noble family, the Tang family.
Tang Xiao fell ill and rolled down the stairs in the middle of the night. When the police and medical staff arrived at the scene, they not only found Tang Xiao, a patient, but also found Mrs. Tang who was covered in scars. She was the one who gave the evidence to the police.
Photos of Bai Ying's bruised face and nose were circulated on the Star Network. Anyone with eyes could see that these were marks left by violence. Who could beat a noble lady like this? The answer is self-evident.
Bai Li glanced at the photo and immediately crossed it out. Even though he had already realized that he could not pull Shirosakura out of the quagmire, and would not blame himself or take the responsibility, he still felt suffocated.
Fortunately, the news was not particularly difficult for him to breathe.
As if to confirm everyone's guess, the police station received another recording not long after. The content of the recording was not made public, and it only confirmed everything that Shirosakura had experienced.
After so many years since the Omega Protection Act was promulgated, such atrocities still occurred in the empire. After a brief shock, the citizens of the empire were filled with huge anger.
Then an insider broke the news that in the recording received by the police station, Tang Xiao openly expressed his interest in Bai's property.
The insider did not say too much, only revealing that Tang Xiao felt that Bai Li was the only one in the Bai family. After Bai Li died or was unable to handle affairs, everything in the Bai family should be transferred to Bai Ying, and in Bai Ying's hands, it was equivalent to Tang Kaiyuan's hands.
Although some people were puzzled by "Bai Li was the only one in the Bai family", in everyone's mind, Bai Li and Lu Zhao would have children to inherit the family business sooner or later, and Tang Xiao's idea was really greedy and ridiculous.
Therefore, the citizens of the empire believed that Tang Kaiyuan's attack on Bai Li was Tang Xiao's signal. The father and son were rotten to the core, and wanted Bai Li to be completely disabled and unable to support the Bai family.
How could people be so vicious!
When Bai Li saw this message, he realized that Lu Zhao had submitted the recording in the little white ball to the police station. In addition to Tang Xiao and Bai Ying, the conversation between the two actually revealed that Lu Zhao was infertile.
But Lu Zhao still chose to hand it over.
Bai Li was heartbroken. Lu Zhao would basically ask Bai Li first when dealing with these things, but he didn't this time. He knew that Bai Li would probably not agree.
They didn't mention this matter again. Lu Zhao didn't care, but Bai Li knew that this person had always wanted to do something for him, so let him do it.
Bai Li just had to be the one who was taken care of this time.
A series of explosive news came out, and the busiest people, apart from the media reporters who were following the reports, were probably the police. They investigated day and night, but for the time being, they didn't ask Bai Li about it.
All the noise didn't come to Bai Li, and people consciously avoided him.
In this chaotic situation, the finals of the qualifying rounds finally started.
On the morning of the game, Lao Zheng specially found a spacious suspension car, fixed Bai Li's legs firmly, prepared a lot of emergency medicines, and arranged for medical personnel to take care of him. Only then did he allow Bai Li to sit in a wheelchair and leave the military hospital to go to the main stadium.
Bai Li's wheelchair was tugged by himself, and the speed of going down stairs and climbing hills was much faster. He jumped onto the suspension car in a "whoosh".
"How about my car!" Bai Li patted the wheelchair to show off to Lu Zhao, "Luxury car!"
Lu Zhao wanted to laugh, but couldn't.
The man who could walk down the main stage calmly a few days ago now has to sit in a wheelchair to move.
"Yeah, luxury car." Lu Zhao's Adam's apple moved up and down, and he agreed with Bai Li.
The suspension car turned onto the viaduct. The driver was one of the medical personnel found by Lao Zheng. The co-pilot was a young nurse who was helping. They were all in casual clothes to avoid attracting attention.
Bai Li and Lu Zhao sat in the back. The back seats were folded up to accommodate Bai Li's wheelchair, leaving only one seat for Lu Zhao.
As the car got closer and closer to the main stadium, Bai Li spoke less and less, and finally fell silent.
Lu Zhao reached out and held Bai Li's hand.
"It's okay," Bai Li smiled, "I'm just a little nervous." Even more nervous than when he was on the court.
"I know," Lu Zhao looked at him, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb, "You're not afraid of losing."
"I didn't know I was so strong," Bai Li couldn't help laughing, "Why are you so determined? What if I cry my eyes out?"
"Losing is a pity." Lu Zhao whispered, "You said that regrets are the most abundant thing in life."
Regrets are the least abundant thing in life. What is lacking is the calmness to face regrets and the courage to start over.
"Crying is not fear." Lu Zhao said, "You will continue to walk after crying."
Bai Li's heart was first tightly wrapped with a layer of warm water, and then a little floating.
Yes, you think so highly of him.
He remembered the words of Mr. Bai in his dream.
- "I hope you can still move forward after going through everything."
- "You did a good job."
Bai Li was still nervous, but he was no longer afraid to face regrets.
Before the car arrived at the main stadium, the huge virtual projections of the white01 model and the opponent's MU90 heavy mecha could be seen from a distance above the main stadium, flying through the virtual gunfire and smoke accompanied by stardust.
Bai Li looked at white01. In the past, when he looked at it, he would think that he would sit in its cockpit soon.
But today, Bai Li looked at this aircraft that carried his ideals, but he watched it as a spectator.
What a pity.
But I still want to watch it.
The suspension car stopped not far from the main entrance of the main stadium. Bai Li did not choose to watch the game as a staff member due to physical reasons and emotional problems. He also knew that his condition would make Situ and others more nervous and uncomfortable if he stayed in the backstage, so today he came to the main stadium to watch the game as a spectator and could only go through the main entrance.
"The event team specially reserved tickets and vacated a few seats for wheelchairs," Bai Li explained to the two medical staff, "You will sit nearby for a while, it's okay, I feel pretty good..."
His words were interrupted when the car door opened.
Lu Zhao followed behind him, holding onto the wheelchair to prevent any accidents when getting off the car. He looked at him when he couldn't hear him continue talking. Seeing Bai Li staring ahead, he looked up.
The main stadium was full of people.
The reporters turned off their flashlights and stood at the steps outside the main entrance. When they saw Bai Li getting off the car, they nodded and greeted him. No one spoke.
In addition to the reporters, there were also many supporters holding pictures of white01 printed from the official website, young and old, A, B, and O.
"Mr. Bai Li!" someone shouted first.
Then other supporters and fans followed suit, shouting, "Bai Li", "Boss Bai", and "Major General Bai".
They came to see this man and to pay silent respect to him.
Come and say hello to a man who has struggled in the mire for so long and made such a mecha.
You must be tired after being at the forefront for so long, we know it now.
Lu Zhao heard Bai Li curse in a low voice, and he clenched his hand holding the wheelchair to vent some emotions.
The medical staff followed Bai Li and Lu Zhao to the main entrance of the main stadium with equipment and medicines dutifully.
There were also people waiting on the steps of the main entrance.
Most of them were acquaintances, and some were unfamiliar. Jiang Hao brought a few old comrades with bloodshot eyes. Si Dong stood with the students of the military academy. After not seeing each other for a while, the children seemed to have grown stronger, but their eyes were swollen like walnuts. When they saw Bai Li coming, they called out "Brother Li" in a hoarse voice. Fortunately, he didn't cry, and Bai Li breathed a sigh of relief.
Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, the students around Si Dong also called out "Brother Li". Bai Li cleared his throat awkwardly: "Watch the game?"
"Watch Major General Bai." A child whispered, "Handsome."
Lu Zhao saw that the tip of Bai Li's ear was quietly red under his hair.
There were also some unfamiliar officers and soldiers. Judging from their attire, they should be from the affiliated corps. When they saw Bai Li coming, these soldiers in the military saluted and nodded to greet him, even those with higher ranks than Bai Li when he was in the military.
Song Tai also came, followed by several people Bai Li had never seen before.
"Come and watch the game," Song Tai shook hands with Bai Li, "These are the relatives of the guys who died that year."
Most of the strangers, young and old, couldn't speak. Only the hand holding Bai Li's could feel a little trembling.
"This is too big a battle," Bai Li suppressed the emotions in his heart and smiled at Song Tai, "This is just a game. If you lose, there will be next time."
"But today is very important," Song Tai shook his head, "There will never be another today in your life."
Bai Li pursed his lips and was speechless for a moment.
Jiang Hao came over and asked about Bai Li's health, patted him on the shoulder, and without saying much, accompanied him into the main arena.
Most of the lights in the audience seats in the main arena had been turned off. There were signs on the ground to guide the way. Lu Zhao pushed Bai Li, who had forgotten how to operate the wheelchair, into their designated position.
It was quite spacious. Two medical staff went to organize the equipment and medicine, leaving Bai Li and Lu Zhao alone.
"Bai Li," Lu Zhao leaned over to look at Bai Li in the dim light, "Speak, Li Li."
With the temporary signs, Lu Zhao could feel the huge emotional ups and downs of Bai Li's silence.
His heart was also surging.
Bai Li felt like there was a ball of cotton in his throat. He spoke after a long while: "I don't have to live such a tiring life anymore."
He returned to the spotlight, received applause and praise, and was recognized and loved.
But the first sentence Bai Li could say was "The darkness is finally over."
Lu Zhao felt a sourness in his throat at this moment. He put his face against Bai Li's face and hugged Bai Li.
"Yes, the rainy season is over," Lu Zhao kissed his earlobe, "You worked hard, and they know it."
The cheers from the main stadium and the commentator's opening remarks drowned out the sounds here.
The virtual projection of the white01 model swooped down, stopped very close to Bai Li, and raised his thumb.
Bai Li finally came to this stadium. He was not on the main stage and would not play in the game.
But today he is white01.
Soon, this game will start.