82: Chapter 82 Preparation

"It's so strange..."

"Mm."

"I clearly had so much to say, but now I can't say anything at all."

"Mm."

Fujian was the first to climb out of bed. She didn't answer Li Ming's words, only turning her head to look at the window.

The sun was up.

In other words, the three of them had slept from yesterday afternoon until now.

The Commander hasn't been sleeping well these past few days either, Fujian thought to herself.

Li Ming didn't bother getting straight up; instead, he pulled back the covers, skillfully rolled off the bed, and then stood up.

Laffey is still sleeping... she really can sleep.

Going to wash up in a daze, Li Ming watched Fujian through the corner of the mirror as she straightened her clothes outside the bathroom.

She really slept like a log yesterday.

Suddenly reflecting on it, he realized he'd been quite bold; in the past, he definitely wouldn't have dared to do that.

Who gave me such courage? Was it you, Old Fu?

I really have to blame you for this; all my guts were spent on you.

Li Ming washed up quickly, finishing in a few minutes, and then changed his clothes.

Fujian, on the other hand, needed to take a shower.

Although there were public baths on the ship that she occasionally used, the Captain's lounge was still equipped with a private bathing system.

While he didn't quite understand the intention, Li Ming was more or less happy to see it; after all, he was the only male on the ship, and sharing a bathroom with women would still be very strange, wouldn't it?

Listening to the sound of running water, Li Ming pulled Laffey up. Although she was still drowsy, if she missed breakfast, Javelin would be the one dragging her out of bed next.

Javelin-brand wake-up service, perfect for all sleepy-headed babies (lol).

Digging the hairdryer out of the cabinet, Li Ming felt that Laffey should also take a bath today.

After helping Fujian and then Laffey dry their hair, Li Ming rubbed his waist. Laffey was fine, but Fujian's hair was almost too long—yet that happened to be exactly his type.

What else could he do? He just had to deal with it.

Only then did he open the door for them to go to breakfast together. Looking at Laffey and Fujian, Li Ming suddenly felt like they were mother and daughter.

After all, they both had white hair. Z23 had prepared breakfast as usual. Seeing that Fujian was finally back to normal, she breathed a sigh of relief and secretly gave the Commander a thumbs-up.

Li Ming returned a goofy face, making her unable to resist rolling her eyes.

Every single day, never acting serious.

Li Ming walked over and patted Z23.

"Commander, you really are..."

Then he patted Javelin.

"Waaah—Commander, pat me some more!"

Very good, very cute. Next, he patted Ayanami.

"I like it, yes."

Very energetic. Finally, there was A6.

"Response: consistent with a single male's soothing behavior toward multiple females. (Expressionless)"

Li Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He gave her two more pats before sitting down to eat breakfast.

A6 pulled her hand back; now, every time her superior approached, she would subconsciously raise her hand.

Everyone seemed to have returned to their usual selves, as if the low pressure of the past two days had never existed.

A6 wagged her tail, her vacant gaze sweeping across everyone's faces.

Indeed, everything was as usual. She lowered her head to continue eating; after so much time, she could finally use chopsticks normally.

Although her technique was devoid of grace and not quite standard—just like Li Ming's, as she had likely learned from him—isn't it fine as long as she can eat normally? There was no need to fuss over aesthetics or etiquette.

Though, using chopsticks to pick up a large meat bun did look a bit strange?

After breakfast, it was time for the main topic that had been sidelined for a while.

Considering Li Ming's safety, a Ship Girl would inevitably need to accompany him. While Fujian was very strong, she was still needed for management and guarding the headquarters; she could not leave.

Therefore, they could only choose from the four Destroyers. Obviously, although they all wanted to go, they all maintained restraint.

"I was thinking, should we... move?" Li Ming proposed a nonsensical idea.

Undoubtedly, this proposal was directly rejected. Who would painstakingly build an Industrial Zone and then just move on a whim?

But since they were all good friends, no one was willing to be the first to snatch the spot.

By logic, Laffey was the most senior, Javelin was full of energy and suited for socializing, Z23 was skilled at handling affairs, and Ayanami got along best with Li Ming and A6.

In the end, everyone's gaze fell back on Li Ming.

"Let's do a rotation," Li Ming said. "How about switching after a certain period?"

Well, this method was certainly a versatile fix. Although it sounded somewhat unreliable, it was indeed acceptable for the time being.

Finally, everyone discussed the rotation order. Considering they had to find everyone and would be staying on the mainland for a long time, they eventually settled on a one-month rotation. At the same time...

"Do I have to rotate too?" Fujian was somewhat surprised, but Li Ming's attitude was exceptionally firm.

"Yes."

"Fine... then what about the base?"

"The base's defensive firepower is perfectly sufficient. Besides, if management is really needed, we can just have Golden Deer or Gang Yishawa come back if it comes down to it," Li Ming said, acting bold despite his shaky logic.

"...You really know how to... order people around," Fujian's expression was complicated.

And so, the issue was hastily decided.

Next up for discussion was what Li Ming should take with him.

Regarding this question, everyone had their own opinions.

Everyone's ideas were recorded. Looking at the jam-packed notes, Li Ming suddenly felt there was no difference between this and dragging the entire Port Area along.

Helplessly, he began crossing off options, eventually choosing to start with himself first.

He stubbornly brought along the tang sword and han sword he used for showing off.

Over twenty sets of clothes covering spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as Li Ming's overcoat.

Li Ming's Thompson submachine gun was packed in a separate case. Subsequently, Fujian also stuffed two 5.8mm Type 92 pistols inside, along with sufficient ammunition.

Then came another separate case, in which Fujian packed a Type 191 rifle and a Type 192 rifle. One was for Li Ming's use, and the other was for A6.

For some reason, A6's G36C actually used 7.92mm intermediate rifle cartridges, which were incompatible with the Port Area's equipment or even Fujian's own gear. Therefore, Fujian prepared a new gun for her.

"I suddenly feel, isn't it a bit too early for us to start packing things now?" Li Ming suddenly asked.

"It's not early. Considering you are going to a completely strange country, it is necessary to prepare more things in advance," Fujian replied.

"But Royal Fortune is over there too, she can also..."

The rest of his words were swallowed back under Fujian's glare that looked ready to eat him. Li Ming could only obediently accept it.

Although the pile of things kept growing, there was no doubt that Li Ming's future life was indeed guaranteed.

However, as the first person in the rotation, Z23 was going to be quite busy next.

...

...