The Ultimate War Of The Apocalypse
Chapter 217 - 213: The Base Crew_2

Chapter 217: Chapter 213: The Base Crew_2

Do you understand?

This is the critical question of protecting the major concerns over the minor ones: Yu Shunzhou is essentially Gao Yuan’s own family, meaning that no matter what circumstances arise, Yu Shunzhou’s only choice is to ensure Gao Yuan’s safety over anyone or anything else, no matter how precious or rare they may be.

Yu Shunzhou, Nie Erlong, and Song Qian—these three are the trusted confidants of Gao Yuan, his true iron-core loyalists.

Gao Yuan can call them useless; that’s because he is frustrated they aren’t living up to their potential, and besides, he himself is not above self-criticism. But Zhao Qiang can’t call them useless, not even in a roundabout way.

That’s why Gao Yuan responded to Zhao Qiang with a veiled counterstroke—if Zhao Qiang insisted on replacing Yu Shunzhou, then he would rather replace Zhao Qiang instead, or he might as well not go at all.

What’s the big deal? No home left, girlfriend gone, even life doesn’t matter—traveling thousands of miles to carry out the mission isn’t enough?

Gao Yuan is young, but he isn’t ignorant of worldly ways, and he has his temper, too.

Zhao Qiang was somewhat taken aback as he looked at Gao Yuan’s smile and hesitated for a moment before murmuring softly, "Please don’t overthink it; I didn’t mean anything by it. I just felt that, um, I just hoped for a higher level of safety."

Gao Yuan smiled, but his smile was somewhat forced.

"I know, I understand your concerns. It’s just that this journey will be a long one, and I’d like to have old friends to chat with. Besides, since the entire Fierce Tiger Brigade is participating, it’d be better for future reorganization, right? Haha, please excuse my little selfishness."

The atmosphere was subtly charged; many didn’t perceive it, but no few did, like Liu Muyang, who preferred taking along his old unit guards over nationally selected elites.

It’s not that the elites aren’t good, they’re just not suitable for him.

Clearing his throat, Liu Muyang said, "Now that the personnel have been decided, let’s just leave it at that. There’s no need to change. Let’s talk about Spark Squad’s objectives for this mission."

With a sigh, Liu Muyang looked at Gao Yuan and said, "You’re going to Africa, and it wouldn’t make sense to go without the Revelation; the mission would lose its purpose. Without the protection of the main force, however, you’ll need to change your operational objective from being the primary force to playing a supporting role, assisting our personnel in Africa to locate and secure the Ark of the Covenant, which is the medical pod."

Gao Yuan nodded and said, "I understand."

Liu Muyang continued, "I will provide you with identification documents. In accordance with the Blue Star Alliance’s agreement, you will receive support from the local governments and people wherever you go. These are the proof documents issued by our government, which you must carry with you, along with this command: all refuges and military camps across the country must fulfill all your requests unconditionally."

Liu Muyang took out two official documents, and Gao Yuan glanced at them before saying, "Give them to Boss Zhao; they’re meaningless for me to carry."

Liu Muyang thought for a moment and replied, "It doesn’t matter who holds them. It’s fine to have them or not within the country, but not so once you’re abroad. Mmm, your squad will still be under the command of Gao Yuan, and the final decisions will be made by Gao Yuan. But in any case, you need to discuss matters together, Comrade Zhao Qiang."

Zhao Qiang nodded and said, "I have no objections."

Gao Yuan, however, whispered, "Isn’t that a bit inappropriate? It’s better if Boss Zhao takes command."

Zhao Qiang spoke firmly, "Don’t be modest now. This squad can only be commanded by you. I am here to ensure your safety."

Liu Muyang said sternly, "As for the Revelation, you must protect it well. If the mission truly cannot be completed, you must ensure its safe return. It must not fall into the enemy’s hands."

What enemy, who is the enemy? Anyone who tries to steal the Revelation is an enemy. Liu Muyang’s words had an underlying meaning, and after contemplating, Gao Yuan said, "Please let Boss Zhao take care of the Revelation."

This time, Zhao Qiang did not demur; he immediately nodded and said, "Okay, we’ll take care of it."

Liu Muyang let out a breath and said, "All right, things are quite simple, just waiting to set off. Mmm, you all prepare on your own for a bit, rest for a while, and then you’ll be departing."

There wasn’t much to prepare; everything was ready. After waiting for over two hours, everyone from the Spark Squad along with a few others, including Liu Muyang to see them off, arrived at the cafeteria.

It was time to sample the dishes, to decide on the final choice for cook.

"I’ve cooked four dishes, the staple is steamed buns with big pot stew. Please feel free to try them," said Yang Shichao first, throwing a challenging glance at Cao Zhenjiang, who wiped his hands on his apron and said unabashedly, "I don’t know about the four great cuisines; it’s just big pot stew, braised pork, with steamed buns as the staple. Two hours is a bit short, you’ll have to make do. Meals for a whole company? Just this few people? Don’t waste it."

Yang Shichao had stir-fries, and everyone tried them. Liu Muyang nodded repeatedly while Xinghe seemed very pleased. Then she tasted the braised pork and nearly popped her eyes out in astonishment.

Yang Shichao personally served a bowl of big pot stew to Liu Muyang and said, "Commander, please try this big pot stew."

Cao Zhenjiang’s stew was served in a basin, and Yang’s in a bowl. Liu Muyang tasted a spoonful from the bowl, then from the basin, and he let out a sigh.

With a look of disdain, Cao Zhenjiang said, "Cooking, you see, is about quantity. Cooking for one person is different from cooking for a hundred. I’m not claiming any greatness, but I can ensure that all hundred people get food with the same taste. There’s no such thing as special meals in my kitchen!"

Xinghe lifted her head, wiped her mouth with her sleeve, and pointing at Cao Zhenjiang, said, "This is the best braised pork I have ever eaten—delicious. Thank you."

Liu Muyang let out a sigh and turned to Yang Shichao, "Little Yang, here’s the thing. Have a taste of Chef Cao’s cooking and then... mmm, I don’t think anyone else would object. Chef Cao, gather your personal belongings and whatever else you need, and get ready to depart."

Yang Shichao wasn’t happy, he felt aggrieved, yet as a junior soldier, he could only seethe inwardly. At this point, Liu Muyang spoke to him, "That pair of chopsticks, sit down and taste properly. Chef Cao, joining the Spark Squad is a big responsibility. You must obey orders and are not allowed to make mistakes; otherwise, Commander Zhao has the authority to handle you as he wishes. Just treat him as a military policeman."

Cao Zhenjiang laughed, "What mistake could I possibly make? If it’s to cook, I’ll cook; if it’s to fight, I’ll join the fight. How could I mess up? Rest assured, Commander!"

After speaking, Cao Zhenjiang couldn’t help grinning and said excitedly, "Ah, after so many years, finally a leader with discernment! Assigned to the office just to cook? That’s burying talent! You folks keep eating, I’ll hurry up and get packed. Hooray!"

Cao Zhenjiang turned around and left. Liu Muyang, looking at his retreating figure, mused, "This Chef Cao, he really is... quite a character."