237: Chapter 237 Shadow

(I've noticed that most of the book reviews on my end have been censored, and I don't know what was said. Although my writing might not be great and I accept your evaluations, please do not subject me to pure emotional venting; I am not a trash can for readers' emotions.)

(Show some consideration, please. I'm just doing this for love. I don't make money, and there's no need for me to live by your whims, right?)

"...Can we talk?"

"About what?"

Elsa put down the logistics report and rubbed her aching temples. "Talk about how you pick up girls? Or how to please Kate and Maria?"

"It's not wrong to understand it that way, though most of the time I'm the passive one." Li Ming spread his hands. "But I must say, it's never been me who refuses to back down."

"Tch... if you have something to say, say it quickly."

"Business first." Li Ming pulled out a chair and sat down. "I want you to bring some people to help me repair as many signal base stations as possible; I might have a use for them."

"What for?" Elsa was puzzled.

"They'll be useful... unless you have some large-scale means of communication, preferably something smart."

"A C4ISR system," Elsa replied. "Do you know the concept?"

"A little... is your command system still operational?"

"The command vehicle is still here. If you want to restore the communication system, you only need to repair a few key systems nearby," Elsa said. "Once the command vehicle is powered on, we can connect to the EU's satellite system. But once the command system goes online, the Federation will discover us quickly. We currently have no means of electronic countermeasure."

"I understand." Li Ming nodded.

"What do you want to restore the communication system for?" Elsa narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't do anything reckless."

"Would you believe me if I said I haven't looked at my phone in a long time and I'm having withdrawals?"

Elsa lifted a stool sitting nearby.

"Stop, stop, stop, I'm joking." Li Ming quickly begged for mercy. "I captured some small drones. If there are signal stations, I can find a way to set up a reconnaissance network. As for the power issue, I can solve that."

"Fine... I'll report to command. There should still be base station repair components in the camp." Elsa sighed. "As for what you want to do... just go ahead and do it. I can't stop you anyway."

"Hey now, that sounds a bit distant. I've cooked so many meals for you; you can't just turn your back on me now, can you?"

"You..." Elsa paused for a while. "Say whatever you want."

"You never planned on leaving this place alive, did you?"

"..."

After a long silence, Elsa's gaze sharpened, staring straight at him. "Do you think we have a chance to leave this place?"

"Who knows? But judging by Kate and Maria's attitudes, I guess you're the same." Li Ming looked into her eyes. "Normally, I wouldn't bother with you, but things have already come to this... I don't want you to be left behind in this godforsaken place, understand?"

Elsa looked at him. This guy, ten years younger than her, really dared to say anything.

She chuckled softly. "Then tell me, what should we do to win?"

"Win? We certainly can't do it alone." Li Ming spread his hands.

"So the problem is unsolvable, isn't it?"

"There is a solution," Li Ming replied. "PLAN has already gathered in Honolulu, and the Latin Alliance has also increased its troops at the border."

"So you want us to contact them?" Elsa shook her head. "No chance. The PLA will only prioritize supporting the West Coast, and the Latin Alliance won't necessarily take action."

Li Ming sighed. "So... Elsa."

This seemed to be the first time he had called her by name during their conversations. "If things really become impossible, survive as best as you can."

"Is there something between us?" Elsa looked at him. "Why do you care so much about me?"

"..." Li Ming looked away. "Just consider me a busybody who likes meddling in other people's business."

Elsa opened her mouth, seemingly never expecting this guy, who appeared heartless and impulsive yet decisive, to say such a thing.

"Li Ming, what... are you talking about?"

"I'm joking." Li Ming waved his hand. "But if you really think that way, it's better to make some things clear early on."

"..."

"About your father, although I don't want to say anything too harsh... first, it's none of my business, and second, if you keep dragging this out, the only ones suffering will be yourselves."

How could she not know?

It was simply a lack of courage to face it.

"Li Ming, what you're saying... well, many people have said it before." Elsa sighed. "Although I really want to say it's quite cliché... thank you."

"The situation is different now, Elsa. If it's not resolved now, there might really be no chance left." Li Ming stood up. "And since... Maria has confirmed her... um, relationship with me, I naturally have to help her with something."

"Didn't you just say you were forced into it?"

"Does that have anything to do with me wanting to help?"

"How does it not?"

"It just doesn't. This time it's my own idea... besides, I owe you a life."

"You've already paid it back..."

"No, if I say I haven't, I haven't."

"Tch, you guy..."

"I plan to go to the Northern Line for reconnaissance. Do you want to come along?"

"Huh?"

——————

"A bunch of useless trash."

Bush Airport.

Colonel Emil frowned, looking at the low-morale soldiers.

An army composed of a few militiamen and girls couldn't be handled, and they were even routed by a bunch of gangs.

It didn't matter anymore; this time he had brought back a newly reorganized combined arms battalion, as well as the "ultimate weapon" given to him by the higher-ups.

"Dr. Moore, is your... that thing, ready?"

"The experimental Linguistic Memetic Virus has already spread in the city." An old man in a white coat appeared behind him. "It only needs to be activated."

"Then our soldiers..."

"Don't worry, these viruses will die within twenty-four hours of leaving the petri dish or the human body environment, and this batch... is not contagious." The old man coughed and spat out some yellow phlegm. "Of course, it's best to... wear a mask."

"Understood. Thank you for your help, Doctor."

——————

"Commander? Never heard of him... Hey, you guys are Japanese, right?"

Bourne wiped his weapon, looking at the two little ones, one in blue and one in pink. Their outfits were far too eye-catching in the city, but he really didn't know anything about the 'Commander' they mentioned.

After all, their description was far too... abstract.

White naval uniform, very tall, explosive combat power, can pilot mechs, and can lift warships with bare hands (this likely refers to Ship Girls, but Bourne doesn't know that).

Scratching his head, "If you're looking for someone, go find the Mediation Force in the city center first. Maybe they know something..."

Watching them leave and vanish in the blink of an eye, Bourne blinked, looked at his brothers, and seeing everyone spread their hands in ignorance, he sighed.

...

...