135: Chapter 135 Ready to Return! Parting is inevitable, but we embark on the familiar journey with hearts full of warmth (4)

"That's great!" Hearing this news, a heavy stone finally lifted from Mu Li's heart. A relaxed smile appeared on his face, and his tone was filled with relief. "The threat from the 'Dark Web Phantom' has always been my biggest concern. Now that their main members have been arrested and the remnants cleared, we can finally rest easy and devote ourselves fully to the project's wrap-up and equipment commissioning." He paused, then instructed, "If there are any new developments from the Huaguo Public Security General Administration, you must report them to me immediately. Additionally, although the remnants of the 'Dark Web Phantom' have been cleared, we still cannot let our guard down. We must continue to strengthen the project's security, further improve security measures, increase patrol frequency, strictly control personnel and vehicles entering and leaving the project site, conduct comprehensive checks for safety hazards, and ensure the absolute safety of the project and the personal safety of every colleague."

"Understood! Engineer Mu." Lin Wei nodded firmly and said in a rigorous tone, "We have further strengthened security measures, adjusted patrol routes, increased night patrols, and arranged for dedicated personnel to man the monitoring room 24 hours a day. We are conducting all-around surveillance of every area of the project, strictly vetting every person and vehicle entering or leaving. We will absolutely not allow any unauthorized personnel or vehicles to enter the project site, ensuring there are no safety hazards."

Mu Li nodded in satisfaction, his heart filled with relief—with capable assistants like Zhang Hongyuan and Lin Wei, and the perseverance and dedication of all team members, he believed the project would successfully complete its wrap-up work and go into production on schedule.

Just then, Mu Li's phone suddenly rang. The crisp ringtone broke the silence of the Main Control Room. He took out his phone and saw the name "Huaguo Public Security General Administration Person-in-Charge" on the screen. A flash of joy crossed his eyes, and he quickly pressed the answer button, his tone respectful and enthusiastic: "Hello, Leader."

From the other end of the phone came the gentle yet firm voice of the Huaguo Public Security General Administration Person-in-Charge: "Mr. Mu, I have some good news for you. The cases of Chen Tian, Li Mo, and the others have been concluded. Due to solid evidence for multiple charges, including espionage, sabotage of production and operations, and endangering national security, they have been sentenced to life imprisonment in accordance with the law. Their accomplices have also been sentenced accordingly; there are no fugitives left. Additionally, the remnants of the 'Dark Web Phantom' within the country have been completely cleared by us, and all related contact points and communication equipment have been destroyed. In the future, they will no longer pose any threat to the nuclear fusion power station project. You can proceed with the project work with peace of mind."

Hearing this news, Mu Li felt exceptionally relieved. A bright smile appeared on his face, and his tone was filled with gratitude: "That's wonderful! Thank you, Leader, and thank you all for your hard work! During this period, thanks to your protection, our project has been able to proceed smoothly despite numerous threats and has not been affected at all. I am truly grateful to you all!"

"You're welcome, Mr. Mu." The Huaguo Public Security General Administration Person-in-Charge said with a smile, his tone full of sincerity, "Safeguarding the security of key national projects and protecting national security is our duty. In the future, if your project encounters any more security threats or trouble, feel free to contact us at any time. We will intervene immediately and cooperate fully with you to ensure the safety of the project and your personal safety."

"Alright, thank you, Leader, thank you so much." Mu Li said sincerely, "In the future, we will continue to strengthen the project's security, actively cooperate with your work, and together protect the safety of the project and national security."

Hanging up the phone, the smile on Mu Li's face remained bright, and all his concerns had completely dissipated. He turned slowly to Zhang Hongyuan and Lin Wei beside him and said excitedly: "I have some good news for you. Chen Tian and Li Mo have been sentenced to life imprisonment! The remnants of the 'Dark Web Phantom' have also been completely cleared; there are no fugitives left! From now on, we no longer need to be troubled by their threats. We can devote ourselves fully to the project work, go all out, and push for the project to go into production!"

"That's great! This is truly fantastic news!" Upon hearing this, Zhang Hongyuan and Lin Wei cheered excitedly, their faces lit up with joyful smiles, their eyes filled with relief and release. Previously, the threat of the "Dark Web Phantom" had been like a heavy stone weighing on everyone's hearts, preventing them from ever fully relaxing. Now, that stone had finally fallen, and everyone let out a sigh of relief, their hearts filled with fighting spirit and anticipation.

By evening, the cafeteria was filled with a sumptuous meal, the aroma wafting through the entire space. There was tender and delicious steamed fish, bright red braised pork ribs, fragrant spicy chicken, refreshing garlic stir-fried lettuce, and a large pot of steaming hot pork rib soup. Every dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, all meticulously prepared by the cafeteria aunties to celebrate Mu Li's return and the complete elimination of the "Dark Web Phantom."

The core team members, as well as the cafeteria aunties and representatives from the security team, had all arrived. They sat around the tables, happy smiles on their faces, their tones filled with excitement and joy, the air permeated with a warm and lively atmosphere. Mu Li sat at the head of the table, picked up his glass, slowly stood up, and said in a sincere and firm tone: "Colleagues, everyone has worked hard during this time. Today, I have returned, and I also bring you good news—the main members of the 'Dark Web Phantom,' Chen Tian, Li Mo, and others, have been sentenced to life imprisonment, and the remnants have been completely cleared. We no longer need to be threatened by them! With this toast, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone. Thank you for fighting side by side and contributing silently during this time. Thank you for not retreating or giving up under heavy difficulties and threats, for always staying at your posts, and for going all out to push the project forward. I hope that moving forward, we will continue to work together, strive for excellence, and give our all to ensure the project successfully goes into production, living up to the nation's expectations and our own efforts! Come, cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses and beverage cups, clinking them vigorously against Mu Li's. The crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed throughout the cafeteria. "Go all out, push for the project to go into production! Live up to the expectations!" Everyone shouted in unison, their tones filled with fighting spirit and determination, and then they all drank in one go.

The atmosphere at the dining tables became increasingly lively. While eating the sumptuous meal, everyone chatted, discussing the progress of the project and upcoming work arrangements. They also eagerly asked Mu Li about his travel experiences in Qingyu Town, their eyes filled with envy.

Mu Li smiled and patiently recounted what he had seen and heard in Qingyu Town: describing the stunning sunrises and sunsets at Yueya Bay, the joy and surprises of beachcombing, the comfort and coziness of the seaside house, and his original intention for buying the seaside house and the mercedes-benz gle. He also shared the story of reuniting with his old classmate Zhou Ming, and took out his phone to show everyone photos of the beautiful seaside scenery and a picture of himself with Zhou Ming. Everyone listened with great interest, occasionally exclaiming in admiration, their eyes filled with envy. They all said that after the project goes into production, they must follow Mu Li to Qingyu Town to see it for themselves, feel the sea breeze, watch the sunrise, and go beachcombing.

"Engineer Mu, you are just too amazing! To have bought a house and a car by the sea—you're simply a winner in life!" Lin Wei put down her chopsticks and said with envy, a longing smile on her face, "After the project goes into production, we must go to your seaside house to hang out and relax properly."

"Exactly, Engineer Mu!" Zhao Yu also said excitedly, his eyes filled with anticipation, "We've long wanted to see the seaside but never had the chance. Once the project goes into production, you must take us there!"

"Of course!" Mu Li said with a smile, his tone full of sincerity and expectation, "My seaside house is very large, and everyone is welcome to visit anytime. Whether it's during a vacation or on a weekend, as long as you have time, I will accompany you to feel the sea breeze, watch the sunrise, go beachcombing, and eat seafood. Once the project successfully goes into production, we will organize a team vacation to let everyone relax and reward you all for your hard work during this time."

"That's great! Thank you, Engineer Mu!" Everyone cheered excitedly, the smiles on their faces becoming even brighter. The atmosphere at the dining tables became even more lively and warm, as if a family was reuniting, warm and happy.

After dinner, everyone returned to their respective posts and continued their busy work—some went to the construction site to check the progress of the wrap-up work; some went to the equipment commissioning area to re-check the equipment and prepare for the next day's commissioning work; some remained in the Main Control Room to monitor the status of various project areas; and the colleagues in the security team picked up their equipment and began their night patrols, silently guarding the safety of the project.

Mu Li did not rest either and returned to his office. The office remained just as he had left it, neat and orderly. On the desk were relevant materials and technical documents for the project, and on the wall hung the overall project plan, clearly marking the distribution of various areas and construction progress. He walked to the desk, sat down, opened his computer, and began organizing the project materials. He reviewed the latest progress reports and technical documents, conducted a comprehensive review of the overall project situation, and his plan for the upcoming work became even clearer and more defined in his mind.

It was late at night, and the project site had gradually quieted down. The lights in most areas had been turned off, leaving only the Main Control Room, the construction wrap-up area, and the streetlights along the patrol routes still lit, casting a soft glow like loyal stars, silently guarding this land that carried so much hope. Mu Li walked out of the office and came to an open space at the project site. In the night sky, stars twinkled, and the moonlight was bright, casting a silvery sheen on the equipment at the project site, making it appear exceptionally solemn and sacred. He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. The air carried the chill of the night, as well as the unique metallic scent of the project site, familiar and intimate. He looked down, watching the Nuclear Fusion Power Station under construction before him, seeing the equipment that had already been installed, and seeing the figures of his colleagues who were still busy, his heart filled with a sense of achievement and pride.

During this time, he and his team members had gone through countless difficulties and challenges, experienced the threats and harassment of the "Dark Web Phantom," endured countless nights of overtime, and poured in countless efforts and sweat. Finally, they had ushered in the dawn of victory—the project was about to enter the wrap-up stage, the threat of the "Dark Web Phantom" had been completely eliminated, and the goal of the project going into production was getting closer and closer.

He knew this was not the end, but a new beginning. The next month was a critical period for project advancement, a crucial stage that would determine whether the project could go into production on time and smoothly. There was still a lot of work waiting for him and his team members to complete, and many difficulties waiting for them to overcome. The nuclear fusion power station project carried the hope of the nation's energy, the dreams of his team members, and his own responsibility and mission. He would certainly not fail his mission; he would lead his team members, go all out, strive for excellence, overcome all difficulties, and ensure the nuclear fusion power station project was successfully completed and put into production, providing the country with a continuous supply of clean energy and contributing all his strength to the nation's energy cause.

Mu Li took a deep breath, clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determined fighting spirit and the belief in victory. The night wind blew, fluttering his clothes and also stirring the dreams and hopes in his heart. He turned slowly, returned to his office, opened his computer, and began to formulate a detailed work plan for the next steps. Every task, every detail, and every person in charge was arranged clearly, rigorously, and meticulously. Under the lights, his figure appeared exceptionally firm and upright, like a towering mountain, silently guarding this land that carried hope, guarding his team, and guarding his dreams.

Unknowingly, it was already late at night. The moonlight outside the window remained bright, and at the project site, there were still sporadic lights on, and colleagues were still silently working. Mu Li stretched, rubbed his slightly sore eyes, turned off the computer, and walked out of the office. Back in his dormitory, after washing up, he lay in bed but did not fall asleep immediately. In his mind, the happy smiles of everyone at dinner still echoed, as did the firm vows of his team members. He also recalled the leisurely times in Qingyu Town, the Bihai Lantian by the sea, and the long conversations with Zhou Ming. His heart was full of warmth and peace.

But he also clearly knew that now was not the time to relax. The project still needed his leadership, and the team still needed his guidance. The unfinished work, the small problems yet to be conquered, and the goal of the project going into production were all calling to him. He closed his eyes and silently told himself in his heart: "Mu Li, come on! You can do it! You will definitely be able to lead the team, overcome all difficulties, complete the project's successful production, live up to the nation's expectations, live up to the hard work of every colleague on the team, and live up to your own efforts and perseverance!"