Chapter 64 After All, Some Good Deeds Were Done

That secretary whose attractiveness was equal to 1.5 nurses certainly hadn’t lied. The acting governor spoke for only ten minutes, making a slew of seemingly pragmatic promises that didn't bear close scrutiny, accepting the cheers of the public, and then retreating with great satisfaction to his office.

From then on, it belonged to him. Looking at the spacious and luxurious office, Acting Governor Jiang Yudong felt that he should inspect it thoroughly and perhaps mark his territory in a corner. Although a formal election would take place in six months, that was merely a trifle not worth mentioning—the governor had already gained the appreciation of the "big boss," who had promised strong party support, ensuring no formidable challenger would emerge to run against him.

Thus, a new era belonging to Mr. Jiang had begun, lasting at least six years. It was more than enough time for him to heavily line his pockets... oh no, I mean, accomplish many practical deeds for the millions of citizens here.

The acting governor was in high spirits, and he would have been even happier if the chief administrative secretary of the Governor's Mansion hadn't informed him that a visitor was waiting outside.

"A grassroots junior officer—no, not even an officer, just a student—why must I see him? Besides, that kid is actually rather annoying."

"Because he is a Lunarian, and whether you admit it or not, his contributions during this incident are undeniable. If he is willing to remain in the military after graduation, in five years at most he will no longer be a mere grassroots junior officer. Aren't there ready-made examples of such cases?" the elderly government secretary gently advised.

Seeing that the acting governor was deep in thought, the old secretary added, "Moreover, you certainly know the connection between the Chairman and the Lunar Military Academy better than I do. Someone like Warrant Officer Yu Lian is already on his list of figures to watch."

Mr. Jiang nodded in admiration, grasped the secretary's hand, and shook it. "I am deeply indebted to your reminder, sir, otherwise I would have ruined myself."

The secretary was slightly bewildered; although he barely understood, the overly archaic phrasing caught him somewhat off-guard.

"...In addition, sir, Major Dorset intends to conduct an investigation during this period regarding the security work of the Governor's Mansion and past access records." The acting governor paused to ponder before adding, "I have already removed some of the documents."

The secretary's pupils dilated slightly before immediately contracting back to normal. He showed no sign of fear, but rather transitioned into joy. "I understand. Governor, you can rest assured and anticipate the meticulous service of your subordinate!"

The acting governor and the chief administrative officer of the Governor's Mansion exchanged a knowing smile. Two middle-aged men whose combined ages approached a century, neither of them greasy (at least on the surface), locked eyes and mutually concluded that the other was precisely the right person for the job.

Consequently, when Yu Lian walked in and witnessed this scene, he subconsciously shuddered.

"Ah, our young hero, please sit down. Wait for me just a moment." The governor pointed to the seat in front of the desk, produced a stack of official letterhead, and, with a very deliberate flourish, picked up a gem-inlaid fountain pen, executing a piece of fine regular script.

"The sense of responsibility, sense of honor, leadership, and spirit of sacrifice of Warrant Officer Yu Lian have been indisputably proven in the recent Toulon Incident. Without a doubt, he is fully capable of representing the spiritual outlook and glorious traditions of the Commonwealth's youth. Thanks to the Central Defense University, the faculty and staff of your esteemed institution have once again cultivated a pillar of talent for our glorious nation. As the government representative of the New Yumen Governor's Mansion, my internship evaluation for him is: A+!"

Yu Lian was slightly surprised. Although this was a world with a skewed technological tree, paperless offices did exist. Even when formal written documents were required, they were usually printed universal boilerplates, with the most meticulous individuals merely adding a manual signature at best.

For example, standard phrases like "The student has performed well, observed all school rules and regulations, and studied diligently"...

Yet this time, the governor had written the entire text by hand. Even though it was brief, it gave Yu Lian a tremendous amount of face. In the professional world, this was an evaluation of exceptionally high pedigree!

"Sir, this... you are truly overpraising me." Yu Lian displayed a precisely calibrated look of being moved.

"No, this is all well-deserved. You are my savior, and the savior of thousands of Commonwealth citizens!" The governor stood up, shook Yu Lian's hand firmly, and unexpectedly displayed a clear reluctance to part with him. "Sigh, if possible, I truly wish talent like yours could stay. Given your ability, within five years at most, I would surely hand the entire security force over to you. However, outstanding young people like you are the most precious wealth of the Commonwealth, and I cannot be so selfish. I only hope that in the future, you will not forget the twin suns of New Yumen, nor forget the people here!"

Yu Lian carefully stowed away the envelope containing the precious evaluation letter—an item equivalent to the credits for two compulsory major courses—though his feelings remained somewhat complex.

Naturally, he knew it was impossible for this fellow to hold any genuinely favorable impression of him; putting it bluntly, it was all an act, as acting was a mandatory skill for politicians. But in such matters, one judged by deeds rather than intentions: objectively speaking, the man had given him more than enough face and could even be considered to have done him a favor.

"Your Excellency, regarding the matter I reported earlier..." Yu Lian decided to give the other party a reminder.

"Ah, I am already aware of it. To think that New Yumen would harbor such—ah, yes, unknown biological weapon experiments—I will certainly report this to the Garrison Command and the Central Government as soon as possible!"

"Sir, actually, you could also notify the Bracer Guild and the Ethereal Sanctuary," Yu Lian said. In truth, he felt somewhat hesitant because he knew that even if mentioned, it might yield no results at all.

The governor was slightly startled, then offered a wry smile that unexpectedly carried a trace of genuine sincerity.

"You still think too simply, young man. How could such matters be casually disclosed to foreigners? Even international organizations are out of the question! However, rest assured, the soldiers who died at the hands of those biological weapons will be processed as combat fatalities, and pensions will be disbursed to their families."

"...Your subordinate understands; I merely brought it up." Yu Lian stood up, adjusted his military cap, and saluted. "Then, your subordinate takes his leave! Governor, and Mr. Bernard, please take good care of yourselves!"

The acting governor felt a warmth in his chest, deciding that this arrogant and obnoxious "Lunarian" actually possessed a touch of humanity. He formally resolved not to make things difficult for Yu Lian in the future; perhaps they could even mutually assist each other in their official careers down the line.

As for Mr. Bernard Woolley, the chief administrative secretary of the Governor's Mansion, he was currently in a state of extreme shock. He had never anticipated that this obscure, veteran bureaucrat would be recognized by the young man, sending his mind racing with wild imaginations.

"Do we have any other arrangements today, Bernard? Bernard?"

"---Ah, oh, sir, I believe that Warrant Officer Yu Lian's suggestion might actually have some feasibility. Since the Bracer Guild is theoretically an international organization anyway, we could invite them to establish a presence in New Yumen under the name of the Governor's Mansion to maintain local civil security. Spun the right way, it could count as a political achievement. Besides, as you know, Chairman Nishita has always leaned somewhat toward the Alliance; since you have already decided to throw your lot in with the Chairman, doing this will also please him. As for a little media and public criticism, it's not worth mentioning!"

"Damn it, what do you mean throwing my lot in! I'm an old townsman of the Chairman, we were always meant to advance and retreat together!" the acting governor barked. Still, judging by his expression, he had taken the advice to heart.

Both men were types capable of swift action and immediately prepared to study how to extend an invitation to the Bracer Guild. But at that moment, the office door was pushed open unceremoniously, and a dark-faced old man wearing sable fur, a smoking pipe tucked into his waistband, and a felt hat appeared in the doorway—appearing as abruptly as a harbinger of doom on a bright day, startling the two political elites into a flurry of panic.

"Y-You cannot enter! Goodness, how did you... Y-Your Excellency, the old gentleman says he is your elder. I..."

That secretary with 1.5 nurses' worth of beauty was already sweating profusely, but could only watch helplessly as the old man lunged forward toward the new governor, grabbing him by the collar.

"Little Dong, explain it clearly to Uncle: what the hell does 'one hundred million' mean?"

"Uncle, my good uncle! I, I..."

"Explain what the hell one hundred million is! Is that tiny bit of money supposed to accomplish anything?"

"Uncle, please sit down, sit down. I... Bernard, where are you going?"

"Sir, I am going, I am going to arrange meals so you can chat more with your family..." Mr. Bernard Woolley grabbed the 1.5-nurse secretary and fled the scene in panic.

"Let me tell you, do you even know how many of our elders and townsmen suffered such a blood-soaked disaster? Can't you count? What is one hundred million going to achieve, you hillbilly?! Hurry up and give Uncle a definitive answer, or I'm not leaving!"

By this time, Yu Lian had already walked out of the Governor's Mansion. Earlier, he had brushed past a middle-aged man dressed in a style that felt remarkably comforting and familiar. He remembered him as one of the influential plantation owners among the fleeing refugees, and the only one of those wealthy folks possessing a shred of spine and humanity. His name should be Wang Yougui, or something similar... well, that name felt quite cordial too!

The old gentleman had also greeted him very warmly and invited him over for dumplings. However, the man clearly had important business to attend to, and Yu Lian had no desire to linger in the Governor's Mansion, so after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he had taken his leave.

In the square before the Governor's Mansion, the crowd that had gathered earlier had not completely dispersed, bustling and noisy as if celebrating some festive event. A week ago, they had been trapped in the city, terrified day and night. A week later, they had already forgotten everything.

Yu Lian's transcendent vision allowed him to see beyond the square. An inconspicuous car was parked by the roadside, a chubby man slumped over the car window, staring blankly at the Governor's Mansion with dead eyes and a face full of sorrow—much like a simp watching his goddess run off with a pretty boy. Powerless to turn the tide, he could only kneel and watch her leave.

How truly sad (happy)!

That must be Governor Yamadera. Oh, now he was the former governor, impeached and forced to resign, and currently ordered by the central government to return to Earth for investigation. He recalled that this gentleman had served as governor for three years. That meant he had spent three years acting as a devoted servant treating the goddess like royalty, only for her to run off with a pretty boy anyway.

That made it feel even sadder (happier)!

However, compared to the joy of the majority, Governor Yamadera's sorrow was hardly worth mentioning. And compared to the unspeakable "joy" of the masses, the happiness of the cowboy young man waiting by his car at the entrance of the Governor's Mansion was far more palpable.

"Are you... Mr. Kelvin?"

"Ah, Officer, you still remember me?" The young cowboy hurriedly bowed and saluted, smiling somewhat ingratiatingly, yet harboring sincere gratitude and admiration.

"How could I not remember? Sergeant Yoyo told me you can fight better than two-thirds of the security force."

"He, heh heh, he's too kind." Cowboy Kelvin beamed with delight. After a moment of thought, as if having made a resolute decision, he asked, "Um, Officer, ten days from now—right, December 15th. Do you have time?"

Seeing the puzzled look on Yu Lian's face, the young cowboy replied with a face full of blissful smiles: "I... I'm getting married on the 15th. Heh heh, well, I originally wanted to invite you to my wedding too. I've invited everyone from Station 12, and you're the only one missing."

"Oh, well that is truly a congratulations are in order. However, I'll be boarding a ship to head back tomorrow."

"I-Is that so..." Mr. Kelvin looked somewhat disappointed.

"Yes, what a pity. Next time we have a chance to meet, you must make it up to me with your wedding wine. For now, let me wish you a lifelong union and a happy family in advance."

Mr. Kelvin was pleasantly surprised and just about to say something when he heard a car horn honk, revealing an open-top hovercar parked right behind him.

The woman in the driver's seat took off her sunglasses and shouted loudly, "Let's go, Yuli, time to eat charcoal-roasted marmot!"

"Let's go, Senior Sister." Yu Lian nodded farewell to the cowboy and leaped into the car.

The vehicle quickly sped out of the square. Resting his head on his hand and pondering something, Yu Lian suddenly burst into laughter.

"You really are in a good mood," said the senior sister driving.

"Yeah, very happy!"

After all, he had still done some good deeds! Yu Lian thought.

The stars within his sea of consciousness were shining brighter than ever, having unknowingly filled half of the first stellar ring.