194: Chapter 194 October

"Oh... what a pity there's no National Day to celebrate this time."

While eating lunch, Li Ming placed his phone horizontally beside him and watched the news.

"At 9:00 AM today, Lady Fujian, the flagship of the Horizons Edge fleet, visited the federal capital Edenia for the first time. Federal Foreign Minister Mkao held a friendly dialogue with Lady Fujian, and Mkao announced that the two countries would officially establish diplomatic relations..."

"Ah, it's started," Li Ming said in a flat tone.

"This is such an important matter, you know? A nation from beyond the continent," Cliff said while slurping his noodles.

"But it has nothing to do with me." Li Ming shook his head. "When they need us, the higher-ups will say so themselves."

"True." Cliff shook his head. "By the way, Li Ming, why do you usually eat so fast?"

"Force of habit. Back in middle school, the teachers were strict, and lunch breaks were short."

"That's too bad. Why are you still like this now?"

"Don't want to change," Li Ming replied. "Just like how I usually prefer wandering around alone or sitting in a corner; it's just a habit."

"But I've rarely seen you alone these past two days." Cliff stroked his chin. "Is Laffey that clingy towards you?"

"Yeah." Li Ming gave a soft hum. "She likes it this way, and so do I."

"Wow, it's rare to see you be so blunt about admitting something like this."

"Next exam..."

"Wait, wait, wait! My bad, man..."

Li Ming shook his head. "You know, the traditional naval combat taught at the academy isn't very practical in the era of Ship Girls."

"I know, that's why I haven't really been studying it."

"...You should still learn at least a little."

"Then why shouldn't I just spend all day being lovey-dovey with Linde?"

"...I think you have a point."

Li Ming shoveled down the last two bites of fried rice and stood up. "I'm going to take care of some things."

"Alright."

"October..." Li Ming calculated the time; the days were passing quickly.

This afternoon was the Rights Society's practical activity; he had to go to the Factory District with Glack.

It was just as well; there were some things he could verify in person, it's just...

Li Ming really couldn't imagine what these hot-blooded (doubtful) young cadets from the Rights Society would do once they got there.

Come to think of it, he hadn't seen much of Finn lately. Maybe because he had been busy?

Probably.

Arriving at the Rights Society, Li Ming put on his cadet military uniform, pulled his cap low, and followed the group with his satchel over his shoulder.

"Li, you still like staying in the shadows where you won't be noticed."

"Glack... I told you I don't like standing in the middle of a crowd." Li Ming shook his head. "Besides, we're heading into Labor Union territory this time. As a Xia person, it wouldn't be good to be too conspicuous, would it?"

"Relax, Li." Glack patted his back. "Ordinary workers and regular members of the Labor Union don't actually harbor much hostility toward you. It's the Xia People Community I'm worried about; I don't know how you're going to explain things to those community elders who truly hold a general animosity toward us."

"There's no need to explain. I'm not from Longchuan Workshop or Baihui Street, and I have no obligation to answer to them."

"They'll treat you as a traitor, especially those people from the Restoration Society..."

"It's not that simple, Glack. And I can protect myself," Li Ming replied. "Don't worry about me... You'd better keep an eye on the others; some of them are... well, a bit overexcited."

The group boarded the city light rail, swaying as they headed toward the Factory District.

Listening to the chatter in the noisy carriage, Li Ming looked out the window. He had sent A6 out ahead of time today to meet up in the Factory District and prevent any accidents.

He hoped she wouldn't run into trouble, after all, she... well...

The sky suddenly darkened. Li Ming looked out the window to see a massive airship flying overhead.

"It's huge..."

"One day, I want to board an airship like that too..."

"Keep dreaming!"

"It's good to have dreams... Where was I? Oh right, this new process of mine only needs a slight adjustment to the manufacturing steps, and then it can..."

This was a conversation between two boys; it was clear they were very excited.

...

"Hey, look at that guy in the corner." On the other side of the carriage, a female cadet with short brown hair glanced at Li Ming and then looked at her companion.

"Him? He's the new one..." A female cadet with an orange low ponytail brushed her bangs. "That Remnant?"

"Yeah, that's him." The brown-haired girl watched him. "It's rare for a Remnant to join us. They've all been brainwashed by those old scholars of theirs; it seems this one wasn't brainwashed quite as thoroughly."

"Hah, maybe he was sent by the Xia community to scout us out and sell our information to the Remnant community for a good price..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, now that you mention it, that might actually be possible. Think about it—why would he suddenly want to join us? He acts like he knows us well, yet he wears a sour face all day and doesn't interact with anyone. He's clearly a spy..."

"So what do we do? Call him out directly? We don't seem to have any evidence..."

"Then we'll just wait for him to slip up, heehee..."

"Good point. When the time comes, we'll push him to do some tasks. With his lack of initiative, he's bound to show a weakness..."

"But wouldn't that be a bit mean? After all, we are classmates..."

"Oh please, people are complicated. Who knows if some Ship Girl might actually like his type?"

...

Li Ming didn't really care how others judged him. He was currently leaning against the window, swaying with the carriage.

Fortunately, it was a light rail; otherwise, he would have been motion sick by now.

"Commander, Miss Intrepid has received the escort order and is currently operating near the Factory District. You should see her signal to you once you get off the train."

Li Ming nodded. Since they were in a public place, it wasn't convenient for him to speak.

"Oh, right, Li..."

Glack, beside him, suddenly spoke. "I apologize for the offense everyone caused you during the last debate session."

"It's fine. I don't care what they think of me," Li Ming replied.

During that exchange meeting, everyone was discussing their views on the platform and the action plan, but somehow the conversation shifted to the issue of his identity.

Fortunately, the door was well-insulated; otherwise, Aussie and Alert outside might have overheard.

Sighing, "Glack, I have to tell you, some things are unavoidable. You and the other managers can suppress their actions, but you can't stop their thoughts."

Glack was momentarily stunned, and could only nod and then shake his head.

...

...