CHAPTER 317: CHAPTER 316: BEING AN ANIMAL IN THE ZOO, UNDERGOING RESEARCH AT THE INSTITUTE (2)

But Dr. Meng Ji collapsed first.

He had been drinking seven or eight bottles of his own concoction each day—a potent mixture akin to a stimulant—which led to severe overexertion. Eventually, he swayed and collapsed during his research.

Thus, Dr. Meng Ji was urgently rushed to the hospital, and Chen Gu suddenly found himself with unexpected free time.

The entire research project ground to a halt due to Dr. Meng Ji’s illness. Dr. Meng Ji had never bothered to train a second-in-command or successor; his researchers were merely tools to him. All that was required of them was to be obedient, diligent, and error-free.

Consequently, with him gone, there was no one to lead. Everyone was at a loss, unsure how to proceed.

Gong Shuxu reported the matter to Aviloya. By this time, most of the data had been collected. Aviloya considered it and, with a resigned shake of her head, said, "It’s time to let him out. Bai Yunpeng has already visited seven or eight times."

If his cooperation was needed, Chen Gu could be summoned back at any time.

After Gong Shuxu left, Aviloya called Qing Ruyan in. "Continue your assignment, and don’t forget your responsibilities."

"Yes!"

Aviloya looked at her intently. "I hope you won’t forget to report something again, using the poor excuse that you believed I should already be aware of it, rendering your report unnecessary."

Qing Ruyan’s heart skipped a beat. She stood at attention and said, "Please rest assured, Director-General, I won’t be negligent again."

Aviloya watched her with a playful gaze. "I really wish your previous mistake was simply due to negligence."

「...」

It was Qing Ruyan, armed with the Director-General’s authorization, who brought Chen Gu out. Aviloya didn’t want to see him again.

When Chen Gu saw her, he smiled warmly, then said with a touch of helplessness, "All those tasty treats I brought for you were unfortunately lost in that star battle. But it doesn’t matter. We can go to Witch Star together in the future. I’ll show you around and make sure you eat your fill."

Qing Ruyan managed a faint smile. "Let’s talk about that later."

Then, she adopted a strictly professional tone. "The Director-General has arranged for you to work at the Bureau. The Bureau will also enroll you in the college entrance exam. Regardless of your results, a university on Capital Star will admit you."

In this era, Capital Star was exceptionally crowded, and its universities had very high admission scores. Qing Ruyan and the others assumed that with Chen Gu frequently skipping classes, his grades wouldn’t be good enough to get into a Capital Star university, so they had arranged everything for him.

Transferring him to the Bureau served two purposes: to keep him under close surveillance and to facilitate Dr. Meng Ji’s research once he recovered.

Chen Gu nodded. There seems to be some distance between Qing Ruyan and me now, he thought, not as close as before my promotion. He was vaguely aware of some underlying reasons and could only sigh inwardly.

"There’s still over half a month until this year’s college entrance exam. You can go back to Empire River Star first to hand over your work."

"Okay."

Before returning to Empire River Star, Chen Gu called Bai Yunpeng. After all, he had emerged from the Bureau of Mystic Security’s laboratory unscathed largely thanks to Marshal Bai’s strong protection.

Bai Yunpeng was overjoyed and immediately arranged to meet Chen Gu, choosing a high-end restaurant and even bringing along his niece, Bai Xianya.

Bai Xianya had no idea she was the bait her unscrupulous uncle was using to lure in Chen Gu, the "big fish." She assumed she was brought along simply because she had always been the liaison with the "Idol Actor" for work purposes.

When the three of them met at the restaurant, Bai Yunpeng immediately let out a hearty laugh and firmly patted Chen Gu on both arms. "Good lad! Tough and audacious—that’s a fine soldier!"

"So, are you willing to join the military? You’re already the head of our 745 Research Institute, so it’s perfectly justifiable to transfer you. I’ll go talk to some of the old-timers; Aviloya will have to give them face."

Chen Gu replied with a wry smile, "It’s not my decision to make. Chen Jixian is also at the Bureau of Mystic Security."

Bai Yunpeng raised an eyebrow. "Then bring Chen Jixian over too."

Could this mean my ’older son’ might have a chance to fulfill his dream? Chen Gu wondered.

He hesitated. "But he only recently transferred his service, and besides... the Bureau of Mystic Security probably won’t let him go so easily."

They just paid such a steep price to prepare for Chen Jixian’s promotion, only to have him poached right away? The Bureau of Mystic Security would never agree to that.

After Chen Gu explained in detail, Bai Yunpeng frowned. "This Aviloya, she really is a handful. She probably foresaw this step when she agreed to your conditions."

Then he waved his hand dismissively. "No matter. The military’s doors are always open to you both. I’ll keep an eye out, and if an opportunity arises, I’ll definitely scoop you both up. I’ve seen Chen Jixian’s resume; he’d make a great general. He’s just been held back by factors unrelated to the battlefield."

They settled down at the table. Bai Yunpeng, in high spirits, slapped the table and boomed, "Bring me four bottles of ’Northwind Inferno’ to start!"

Chen Gu nearly dove under the table.

’Northwind Inferno’ was a famous liquor in the Confederation. It had a smooth yet potent taste, an extremely high alcohol content, and a long-lasting aftereffect.

Bai Xianya frowned and, quite unceremoniously, advised, "Uncle, you don’t handle your liquor well. To leave a good impression on Chen Gu, as both your subordinate and family member, I urge you to... exercise caution."

Bai Yunpeng glared. "Nonsense! Slander! Who says I can’t handle my drink?"

Bai Xianya started counting on her fingers. "Seven years ago, at the celebration banquet for the ’Defensive Battle of Shuobei Star,’ four honored generals from the front lines had to be rushed to emergency care. Five years ago, during the Central Operations Room’s annual dinner, you ended up paying about 960,000 Starshield to repair the enormous sculpture you smashed at the hotel entrance. Four years ago, when the main fleet formation for ’Red Brilliance Sky’ was completed, you hosted a dinner for the key contributors, and subsequently, seven technical military officers started keeping their distance from our family..."

"Enough, enough!" Bai Yunpeng’s face grew awkward. "If they can’t hold their liquor, is that my fault? And as for them keeping their distance, I couldn’t care less about being friends with those lightweights! Hmph!"

Then he looked expectantly at Chen Gu. "A master tactician should be able to drink like a fish, right?"

"Uh..." Marshal Bai, I might just be unqualified to be your friend, Chen Gu thought.

Bai Xianya interjected, her eyebrows raised sternly, "Uncle! Chen Gu hasn’t even finished high school! If you keep this up, I’m calling Auntie."

"Forget it," Bai Yunpeng pouted. "No drinking then. Let’s just eat." He then grumbled, "How boring."

Chen Gu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shot Bai Xianya a grateful look.

While they were eating, Bai Yunpeng discussed the final outcome of the great battle. "...The Insect Race abandoned their ground forces. We dispatched a Close Range Attack Fleet, but a combat queen insect hatched inside the primary hive. We lost four Close Range Attack Ships before we managed to kill it."