148: Chapter 148 Visiting Relatives 3

When Chu Ge's motorcade entered the county town, it drew immense attention even though he didn't step out of the vehicle.

There was no helping it; the motorcade was far too conspicuous. With police lights flashing all the way, the local traffic police had implemented traffic control, allowing the convoy to proceed without any hindrance.

The common people had seen scenes like this before, but such control measures were usually reserved for high-ranking provincial officials passing through.

Private vehicles on the road quickly pulled over to make way upon seeing the sight.

"Is the Governor here?" On both sides of the main street, many shop owners came out to see what was happening.

Why bother with business when watching the spectacle was far more interesting?

"Doesn't look like it. The Mayor and Governor usually ride in those champagne-gold minivans, remember? These are all military vehicles."

Someone nearby replied, standing on their tiptoes to watch even as the motorcade moved further away.

"Right, right, you've got sharp eyes. So that means it's a military leader? But I haven't heard of any military bigwigs from our county."

"Yeah, who could it be?"

Everyone tried to guess who it might be, only to shake their heads in denial.

"I actually recall someone. He has a military background and is worthy of such a display," a middle-aged man in the crowd said, slapping his forehead.

"Who?"

"It's, it's that..."

"Spit it out, Zhao Laosi! Can't you be a bit more direct? You're killing us with the suspense."

"..."

"Chu Ge, Academician Chu. If I remember correctly, his military rank is Senior Colonel, right?"

"Hiss... Zhao Laosi, you might be right. Look at the direction the convoy is heading; it really is that way. I only found out Chu Ge was from our county when he appeared on TV, and I even specifically asked around to find out which neighborhood he lived in!"

"He really brought honor to our county. With this kind of grandeur, even a high-ranking provincial official is only so-so in comparison."

The crowd nodded and stared in that direction, not dispersing for a long time.

The motorcade finally turned into the street where Chu Ge's old home was located. The lead police car turned off its siren, and five military vehicles drove down the street. Captain Gong and his team stopped at Chu Ge's doorstep, while the other four military vehicles parked not far behind.

The special forces soldiers poured out of the vehicles and were currently lining up.

Chu Ge was a bit stunned by the scene. "Uh, Captain Gong, you guys aren't turning this into a training ground, are you? How high is the security level? It won't affect my neighbors' daily lives, will it?"

"No. The security within a 200-meter perimeter is quite strict; strangers are strictly prohibited from approaching. Residents or those visiting relatives here will need to undergo verification. Once cleared, they will be escorted to their destination by guards. We aren't saying they can't go out; they'll just be checked."

"Ha, a military base is basically like this then." Chu Ge turned to look at his familiar old house, which now felt like a fortress.

The two of them stepped out of the car as they spoke. At that moment, the door opened, and Chu Xiaowu was the first to bounce out, throwing her arms around Chu Ge. Chu's father and mother followed closely behind.

As soon as the three of them stepped out, they were stunned by the scene on the street. The guards who had been lining up had already dispersed to their posts, one every few steps, essentially filling the entire street.

"Dad, Mom, your son is back."

Chu Ge's eyes reddened instantly upon seeing his parents, and he didn't bother explaining the somewhat intense scene.

"It's good to have you back, it's good to have you back," Mother Chu replied. Chu Ge stepped forward to hug his parents, then turned to see Chu Xiaowu staring blankly at Captain Gong.

"Uh, Dad, Mom, they are all my... my comrades-in-arms. It's a military requirement, there's no way around it."

Chu Ge thought for a long time but didn't know how to explain the situation, so he simply gave up. His parents should understand.

Father Chu was the quickest to snap out of it and hurried forward to help Captain Gong with the items. The family of four began carrying the holiday gifts. Captain Gong hadn't been lying; when Chu Ge went to the back of the vehicle to help, he saw a car full of gifts—a dazzling array of gift boxes stacked layer upon layer.

"Captain Gong, did you guys empty out a supermarket?" Chu Ge didn't even know where to start and shook his head helplessly.

After finally moving all the gift boxes from the car, Chu Ge looked at his parents, who were both a bit out of breath from the exertion. Father Chu looked at his son, then at Captain Gong behind him.

"Um, Chu Ge, should we invite the comrades inside for some water? It's quite hot today."

"No need, Uncle. The local comrades will handle the arrangements. Don't worry about food or water. You all go ahead and catch up. Academician Chu, I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything. I'll head out now."

Chu Ge knew their discipline and didn't insist, simply nodding. Captain Gong turned and walked out, not forgetting to close the front gate behind him.

"Bro, you get this kind of treatment whenever you go out now? Oh my god, I just took a look, and the street is packed with soldier brothers. They're so handsome!"

"Yeah, they're handsome. Is your Brother Gong the handsomest? I saw you staring blankly just now."

"Oh, stop talking nonsense! Mom, look at my brother, what is he even saying?"

"You're even blushing, haha." Chu Ge patted Chu Xiaowu's head. She was about to start university, and seeing how pretty his sister had become, he couldn't help but feel he needed to keep a close eye on her.

The three of them went inside and sat around the living room. Chu Ge looked at his elderly mother.

"Mom, Xiaowu said your leg trouble is acting up again?"

"Don't listen to her nonsense. It's just an old ailment, nothing serious," Mother Chu said, shooting a glare at Chu Xiaowu. Xiaowu stuck out her tongue, and Chu Ge smiled as he watched the interaction between mother and daughter.

This was the home of his dreams.

"Even a car engine needs maintenance every once in a while. Don't take it lightly. In my opinion, why don't we find a reliable hospital and just have the surgery done?"

Chu Ge asked tentatively and then shot a look at Father Chu. Father Chu understood immediately and nodded.

"We'll see," Mother Chu said, using her ultimate weapon: procrastination.

"What do you mean 'we'll see'? I've heard that phrase so many times my ears have developed calluses. Just let me arrange it."

"Alright, dear, let's listen to our son on this," Father Chu added at the right moment.

"Mhm." Mother Chu finally relented. She felt that her son now possessed an inexplicable aura—one that made it impossible for her to refuse.

"Look at my memory. I'll go wash some fruit. Wait here, son." Mother Chu slapped her thigh and hurriedly got up to leave.

Chu Ge smiled and stood up to look around his familiar home. Mother Chu soon returned with a plate of apples.

"Here, Bro." Chu Xiaowu picked out the largest and reddest apple and handed it to Chu Ge.

"Thanks. Xiaowu, the last phone call was so rushed that I forgot to ask—which university did you apply to?"

"Yanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, of course." Chu Xiaowu blinked her large eyes at Chu Ge, an apple still clamped in her mouth.

"I remember your scores were quite high; you shouldn't have had any problem getting into Tsinghua or Peking University. Why apply for aeronautics and astronautics? As a girl, surely you don't want to go up into space?"

Chu Ge was usually so busy his head was spinning. Even though he knew it was too late to ask now, he couldn't help himself; he needed to understand what was going on in the little girl's head.

"Aeronautics and Astronautics is both a Project 985 and a Project 211 university, subordinate to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It's a national key university. Is it really inferior to Tsinghua or Peking? Bro, your awareness needs some improvement. Besides, my ambition is the sea of stars; I'm waiting to pilot a spaceship for you."

Chu Ge was left stunned by her words. This little girl was actually lecturing him on principles. But that ambition... it was quite interesting. Chu Ge looked at Chu Xiaowu.

"I recall you didn't like these hard-tech subjects?"

"Who said that? I love them now. Who told me to have a brother like you? Hehe."

Chu Xiaowu was speaking from the heart. From the day her brother appeared on TV, she had made up her mind that she would one day become his right hand and share his burdens.

She had carefully selected Yanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; the major was relevant, and it was a university in Yanjing, close to her brother.