The passengers on the vehicle were all busy, and as soon as they boarded, the sound of phone calls erupted.
The passengers were all quite considerate, covering their mouths while on the phone and keeping their voices low. Yet, Jiang Ye still caught snippets of conversations.
"That 28 trillion loan, hurry them up a bit more..."
"Today afternoon, we're breaking diplomatic ties with Lingma Star, and we'll start evacuating our citizens tomorrow..."
"Old Qiu, you're really not being a friend. We agreed on multilateral talks, and your mom just decided not to show up?"
"Is the evidence conclusive? If it is, arrest him and throw him in prison for life. Don't report the news yet, I'll discuss it when I get back."
"This matter concerns eighteen cities and thirty-seven million people. Lives are at stake. If you can't handle it, is there any point in you staying alive?"
Jiang Ye secretly clicked his tongue. The atmosphere on Zhigao Star was indeed different; even on a medical vehicle, one could hear such content.
Su Yueming suddenly leaned over from the back seat, lightly tapped Jiang Ye's shoulder, and handed him a phone.
Jiang Ye was taken aback. He saw the caller ID on the phone: "Wheeler Star Command - Commander Liu."
He quickly took the phone and pressed the answer button.
"Old Liu, what's up?" Jiang Ye frowned. He had already issued a notice before coming, stating that unless it was a major issue, no calls were needed, and minor matters could be discussed later.
"The Gunt Army is attacking us again, with 48 divisions and at least nine aviation brigades."
"Are they fighting now?" Jiang Ye's nerves tensed.
"The fighting just ended. The Gunt Army retreated. They brought a new signal weapon that can jam all frequencies, and they've deployed many around our bases. But after fighting for a while, they realized our communications weren't down, so they withdrew without prolonging the engagement."
"Casualty situation?" Jiang Ye asked.
"Our casualties are around a hundred, and the Gunt Army left behind about twenty thousand bodies. None of our bases were lost. Old Zhao has taken his troops in pursuit. We want to see what we can uncover."
"Alright, be careful. The Gunt Army is still very capable in jungle warfare, after all, they were the old overlords of Wheeler Star's tropical regions. Tell Old Zhao to be cautious," Jiang Ye instructed. "Continue gathering intelligence on Gunt's location. Once we confirm where he is, a single nuclear missile strike for decapitation might end this."
"Understood!"
The call ended.
In the seat diagonally in front, a Black man with the temperament of a pianist suddenly turned his head and stared fixedly at Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye felt his demeanor was somewhat strange, as if he had something to say but hesitated. So, he proactively greeted him, "Hello."
"Hello, I am Commander Corker of Black Stone Star," Corker said, extending a hand with a business card. It was pure gold, with his name, planet, and contact information printed on it.
"Commander Jiang Ye of Jiang Ye Star," Jiang Ye replied, taking the card. "I don't have a business card, I apologize."
"I've heard so much about you. It's a bit presumptuous, but I happened to overhear your phone call mentioning Wheeler Star and Gunt, and I guessed your identity," Corker said, appearing somewhat reserved.
"Oh?" Jiang Ye was surprised. "You know Wheeler Star?"
"Gunt... is part of our family," Corker stated.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Jiang Ye's expression turned awkward.
Cen Yemeng and Isabel next to him were stunned. They narrowed their eyes, scrutinizing Corker, and a subtle killing intent emanated from them.
Passengers in the surrounding rows had heard the exchange and looked over in surprise.
The situation became extremely awkward. One person had just spoken on the phone about killing someone, and immediately someone else declared that person was part of their family. The onlookers were dumbfounded. The universe was vast, and there were so many medical institutions. For these two to be on the same medical vehicle, the probability was comparable to winning the lottery jackpot. It was truly a case of enemies meeting.
Fortunately, the vehicle landed at that moment. The staff at the front stood up, "We have arrived. All distinguished guests, please disembark in an orderly fashion! Please proceed to your rooms to rest briefly, and a dedicated person will inform you of your surgery times! We wish you health and happiness!"
All the passengers on the vehicle got up and lined up to disembark.
Corker stood up, nodded at Jiang Ye, and said, "Let's chat again when we have time."
After saying that, Corker got off the vehicle.
...
The room environment was excellent, with entirely wooden furniture, flooring, and walls. They were smooth and polished, exuding an ancient palace-like atmosphere. Opening the east window revealed golden sandy beaches and a azure sea. Opening the west window revealed lush, verdant mountain forests.
Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng shared a room; everyone else had single rooms.
Cen Yemeng rummaged through the coffee table, "There's tea here, so many kinds. Honey, what do you want to drink?"
"Anything is fine," Jiang Ye said, his brow furrowed, as he sank into the sofa.
"Honey, you look troubled. Is it about that Corker fellow?" Cen Yemeng took out a yellow jade teapot and poured hot water into it.
"I don't know what kind of person he is," Jiang Ye said. "Damn it, I never heard of Gunt having a family, did I?"
"I don't think there's any problem. Corker's expression when he saw you wasn't hostile; rather, it was a bit timid and reverent."
"Was it? I thought he seemed quite calm."
"He's hiding it very well. After all, he's the leader of Black Stone Star. He can't truly be scared out of his wits by you, can he?" Cen Yemeng chuckled. "It's just that he assessed your strength as much greater than his, and psychologically, he's involuntarily at a disadvantage. Trust me, I'm good at judging people."
"Wheeler Star is basically pacified. I hope Gunt doesn't suddenly have a powerful family supporting him," Jiang Ye sighed. "I hate variables. I can't sleep soundly. How about I invite Corker out for a chat?"
"Sure, you can call him over. I've just brewed some tea," Cen Yemeng said.
Jiang Ye took out the golden business card from his pocket.
The card was too thin, and when squeezed in his pocket, it bent, but fortunately, the contact information was still clear.
Jiang Ye took out his phone and scanned the QR code to add the other person as a friend.
The other person's profile picture was a photo of himself, and his account name was also Corker. This was standard for planet leaders; they didn't need usernames, their real names were enough.
Looking at his moments, Jiang Ye was surprised.
Corker's moments were filled with refined content.
Book sharing, gourmet food, flower specimens, guitar playing, outings, museum visits, raising cats...
"Unbelievable," Jiang Ye exclaimed. He knew plenty of planet leaders, but this was the first time he had seen such an artistic and fresh style.
The friend request was accepted, and a message immediately came through.
Corker: "Mr. Jiang, hello. I've heard so much about you. Do you have time to meet for a chat?"
Jiang Ye: "Yes, yes. Come to my place, or should I go to yours?"
Corker: "I'll come over. Please don't trouble yourself."
Jiang Ye sent him the room number.
After a minute, there was a knock on the door.
Jiang Ye got up and opened the door. Corker, dressed in formal attire, stood outside with a reserved expression.
For some reason, Jiang Ye felt Corker was overly reserved, like a junior employee visiting a major boss. Jiang Ye himself was a bit surprised. Was it his imagination, or did he really have such a great reputation?
"Please come in, please come in. I've brewed some tea," Jiang Ye said.
"Thank you, thank you. I apologize for the trouble," Corker said as he entered the room.