167: Su Qingying: Wherever you go, I will be with you!

When the terrifying miracle of the expedition's "ten times the speed of light"—enough to drive all of human civilization mad—was clearly presented to everyone in the world through a global live broadcast.

The entire world fell silent.

All the Western media and politicians who had previously mocked the people of Xia as "fools dreaming"!

At this moment, they all looked as if they had been slapped hard across the face by an invisible hand!

Their mouths were open wide enough to swallow a planet!

Their jaws dropped to the floor!

They knew.

From this moment on!

The Warp Engine, which had only existed in myths and legends!

Was truly created by that group of Eastern madmen, whom they regarded as "primitives"!

It had been built!

In stark contrast to this.

Were the billions of ordinary mortals around the world!

When they witnessed through television, internet, and mobile phones.

The terrifying miracle of that silver-white teardrop-shaped craft flying from the Moon to Mars in just a brief moment!

The entire planet exploded!

"Holy cow! What did I just see?! Faster-than-light?! Is this real?!"

"Oh my God! This is simply a miracle! Can we humans really surpass the speed of light?!"

"So awesome! Truly, so awesome! Pangu Technology is awesome! God Lu is awesome! (voice cracking)"

"Wuwuwu, I'm so touched! I can actually witness the day humanity enters the interstellar age with my own eyes!"

"What are you waiting for?! Buy a ticket! Even if it means losing everything! I want to go to space! I want to go to Mars to watch the sunrise!"

All at once!

The entire world's internet was filled with jubilation!

All the ordinary people who had previously felt numb and despairing over their monotonous real lives!

Were all like a group of madmen injected with adrenaline!

Each one of them felt proud and uplifted!

They knew!

From today onwards!

Their human civilization would completely break free from the shackles of the Solar System, this tiny "novice village"!

To embrace the even more vast and boundless starry sea!

And at this moment.

In the Kunlun Mountain Underground Base.

Su Qingying was staringObsessed at the god-like young man standing in the light on the screen.

Her cold, beautiful eyes were filled with an overwhelming fervor and adoration!

She picked up the internal communication phone, her voice filled with uncontrollable trembling and deep affection.

"Lu Chen."

"Hmm?"

"Are you really going to Mars?"

"Of course."

Lu Chen's usual calm voice came from the other end of the line.

"The expedition's first voyage."

"I must be there in person."

"But..."

A deep worry flashed in Su Qingying's beautiful eyes.

"That's the first faster-than-light voyage after all!"

"What if, what if something unexpected happens..."

"Then what will we do?!"

"Don't worry."

Lu Chen's light chuckle came from the other end of the phone.

"In this world..."

"There is nothing that can kill me."

It was that same god-like declaration, filled with absolute confidence and absolute control.

But for some reason.

This time, Su Qingying felt not the slightest bit of reassurance.

Instead, the inexplicable unease and fear in her heart grew even more...

Intense!

She didn't know what she was afraid of.

She only knew.

She didn't want this young man to leave her sight!

Not for a minute, not for a second!

Not at all!

"Lu Chen!"

She took a deep breath, as if she had made some kind of decision!

For the first time, a shy blush appeared on her icy, beautiful face, enough to make all things lose their luster!

Her voice was not loud, but it was like an ultimate vow, full of determination and deep affection!

Clearly echoing in Lu Chen's ears!

And echoing deep within her own soul, which was already filled with love!

"I..."

"I want to go too!"

"Huh?!"

Lu Chen on the other end of the phone was stunned.

"I don't care!"

Su Qingying's usually cold and proud voice, for the first time, carried a hint of a little girl's coquettishness and...

Indisputability!

"You are the chief designer of the expedition project!"

"I am the chief scientist of the expedition project!"

"You are going to Mars for 'technical reconnaissance'!

"I am going to Mars for 'scientific research'!

"This is very reasonable!"

"And very scientific!"

Hearing Su Qingying's "scientific" declaration, which was full of "fallacies" yet irrefutable.

Lu Chen's heart, which had always been as still as an ancient well, couldn't help but ripple with a warm, helpless feeling.

He knew.

This foolish girl, cold on the outside but hotter than anyone on the inside.

Was truly worried about him.

"Alright."

He smiled helplessly, his voice becoming unprecedentedly gentle.

"I promise you."

"However..."

He changed the subject, and a meaningful curve flashed in his dark eyes, as vast as the universe.

"Going is fine."

"But you have to promise me one condition first."

"What condition?!" Su Qingying blurted out without even thinking!

Let alone one!

Even a hundred, a thousand!

She would agree!

"It's very simple."

Lu Chen's lips curled into a smile, full of playfulness and dominance!

"I need someone to watch the sunrise on Mars with me."

"So, Miss Su Qingying."

"Will you be my girlfriend?"