Meng Hao felt a warmth in his heart.
In this world, it was a blessing to be remembered by someone.
"Brother Hao, why don't I come find you for a meal sometime?"
Huh?
A meal.
Was it really just a simple meal?
Meng Hao narrowed his eyes.
His face, pressed against the phone receiver, was filled with a knowing smile.
"I'm afraid I can't go out right now."
"You know how strictly I'm being watched by the Americans."
Meng Hao deliberately drew out his words, playing with Luna's anticipation.
"Hmph."
"Brother Hao."
"I know you'll definitely find a way."
A way?
Of course, there was a way!
William was eager to please Meng Hao.
As a great benefactor, Meng Hao naturally had to give him some opportunities.
"Alright."
"I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."
"Remember, just follow them and don't ask too many questions!"
Although, William had explicitly stated that as long as Meng Hao didn't try to escape, he would have the greatest freedom within his jurisdiction.
However, talk was talk.
Meng Hao firmly believed that caution was the mother of safety.
"So, when can I see you?"
Luna, who trusted Meng Hao to an almost superstitious degree, became exceptionally excited upon hearing that she could indeed see him.
"If it's quick, an hour or two... if it's slow, I'll definitely be able to have dinner with you before tonight... anyway, just wait."
After hanging up, Meng Hao immediately informed William about picking up Luna.
The latter readily agreed. After getting Luna's current address, he immediately made arrangements.
...
After several tests, the rigidity and sturdiness of the hull of the Donggui electric submarine had basically met Meng Hao's standards.
Next was the internal installation of the electric submarine, which resembled a car in appearance.
Once that was done, Meng Hao began to rest with his eyes closed, waiting for nightfall.
During this time, Bruce had visited a few times.
His stated reason was to check on Meng Hao's engineering progress.
Regarding this, the soldiers responsible for Meng Hao's safety, stationed at the entrance to Meng Hao's workshop, looked at Bruce as if he were an idiot. They were all William's trusted subordinates, knowing that following their leader would lead to an unlimited future.
Since their leader valued Meng Hao greatly, they naturally showed him utmost respect.
As for Bruce, if it weren't for his rank as a colonel, they wouldn't have bothered with him at all.
"By the way, what is Meng Hao doing?" Bruce asked impatiently.
"Mr. Meng is resting," the gatekeeper replied with a forced smile.
"What?"
"What time is it?"
"Sleeping already?"
"Why didn't you remind him to work properly!"
Damn it.
Did this Bruce have a problem with his brain?
They were only nominally "responsible for supervising" Meng Hao's post.
Not to mention, reminding Meng Hao to work was not part of their duties. Even if it were, William had given clear instructions long ago.
No matter what Meng Hao did, they were to turn a blind eye and never interfere.
In response to Bruce's questioning, the sentry officer retorted unceremoniously.
"Esteemed Colonel,"
"We are just ordinary soldiers; you cannot make things difficult for us."
"Everyone knows that Meng Hao is a distinguished guest of our country, and more importantly, a research expert highly regarded by your brother-in-law, Lieutenant General Tommy."
"We have no right or professional qualification to interfere excessively with Mr. Meng Hao's work. We also have families to support. Colonel, you mustn't make things difficult for us."
It had to be said, the subordinates reflected the leader.
William, a shrewd second-generation dilettante, had subordinates who were all, without exception, sly and evasive. They never confronted directly but used subtle tactics to infuriate you to the point of grinding your teeth.
After stating their stance and bolstering themselves, the sentry officer changed the subject.
"However, given your position, you should be able to remind Meng Hao what he can and cannot do!"
"After all, you are the deputy head of our research base and military."
Good heavens.
Despite his smiling face, his words were like thorns, piercing directly into Bruce's heart.
More precisely, it was as if two ice-cold blades were smilingly and viciously stabbing into Bruce's heart simultaneously.
Everyone in the research base knew that Bruce and William were at odds with each other. Originally, apart from William's confidants, most people either watched from the sidelines or waited for an opportunity to pick a side.
But then, this idiot Bruce, in order to enhance his own prestige and looking down on William's "fawning" over Meng Hao, actually tried to give orders to Meng Hao.
The outcome was evident to all.
It was unclear who first spread the news that Colonel Bruce, who had offended Meng Hao, had been thoroughly berated by his brother-in-law, Lieutenant General Tommy.
In the end, he had to humbly apologize to Meng Hao. Although the massages from the "rabbit boy" nurses, found from some unknown source, had nothing to do with expressing an apology, everyone almost certainly believed that this foolish Bruce could never be an opponent of Colonel William, who had earned Meng Hao's favor.
Let alone William's confidants, even the most peace-loving ordinary soldiers and staff disliked Bruce.
It couldn't be helped.
This guy was simply too annoying.
Pierced in the chest by the sentries' two soft knives, Bruce left with a dark expression.
He seemed to have completely missed the undisguised mocking laughter behind him.
Seeing Bruce off, the sentry officer checked his watch.
"Oh, damn, it's almost nine o'clock. We should wake our dear Mr. Meng."
"I have to say, following Officer William is a great life. Not only do we not have to work night shifts, but every time Mr. Meng goes out to relax, we get extra 'allowances.' Well, I'd call it hush money."
"However, these allowances are much higher than our salaries. If we were following that guy Bruce, we'd probably be starving for three days out of nine!"
To their captain's complaints and gratitude, the ordinary sentries nodded in agreement.
...
Just past half-past nine, the yawning sentries left the entrance to Meng Hao's workshop.
At this moment, all the surveillance cameras from Meng Hao's room to the main entrance had mysteriously disappeared.
Soon, a young man, wrapped from head to toe, left the workshop.
Not far away, a brightly lit pleasure boat was slowly approaching the research center's dock.
Strangely, all the security forces and military guards of the entire research center seemed to have chosen to ignore this cruise ship.